After the King's somewhat apology, dinner continues where it left off. A few times, the King makes jokes, lightening the mood. Miranna joins in, smiling and laughing along with us. While the servants clear our plates and remove the leftovers from the table, I look around the room, then settle on a silver trident with two extra points, sitting on a mantle piece.

"Your Majesty, what is that?" I ask, nodding towards the mysterious weapon in an attempt to change the subject.

"Ah, that is the quindent of the first ruler of Delmaris: Eydis Delmarath. It is called Thalass, which means 'of the sea'." he explains proudly. "I, myself have not wielded it, but I hope you will someday, Miranna."

Miranna gives her godfather a tight smile and wipes her lips with a napkin in silence. After dinner follows dessert, which consists of a frozen cream, sprinkled with sea salt from Delmaris's shores. Although the combination was odd at first, I began to enjoy the odd clash.

Miranna, on the other hand, finishes first and asks for more.

"Thank you, godfather." Miranna smiles, putting a hand on her godfather's shoulder.

"Anything for family." He answers kindly, placing a pale, wrinkled hand on top of Miranna's. "You two may rest now, I presume you've had a tiring day, yes?"

Miranna nods and stands up from the table. "Time flies when you've been fighting Orcs all day."

I nod in agreement and stand up from the table. "Yes, tiring indeed."

"You two go rest. May I interest you two in a tour of Delmaris tomorrow?"

Miranna nods. "That would be very kind of you, godfather."

We leave the dining hall, walking to our rooms in comfortable silence. I turn to look at Miranna, who was busy staring out of the window. I look away before she notices.

"Your godfather is very kind." I speak, breaking the always present silence between us.

Miranna nods slowly. "He is, I suppose. I don't really know him as well as I should, though I would like to."

We stop in front of her room, but she does not go inside. Instead, we stand awkwardly, unsure of what to do or say.

"Goodnight, Legolas. I will see you in the morning." Miranna says hurriedly as if she were hiding something. In her eyes, there was a flicker as if she wanted to tell me something else, but could not.

"Goodnight, Miranna." I nod. "I shall see you in the morning as well."

I turn and leave, walking alone through the corridors. The moon was hidden behind the clouds, providing me with very little source of light. The portraits on the walls seemed to watch my every move, silently judging me. I press on, ignoring their watchful stare.

I eventually reach my room, which was not too far from Miranna's. I prepare for bed and surrender to sleep. Slowly but surely it came, bringing my father back into my dreams.

"Good evening, Legolas." He greets, bowing his head.

I bow my head in return. "Good evening father. May I ask why you return to my dreams?"

"I would ask the same of you, son." He sighs. "Tell me, have you made any progress with Miranna?"

"Why does she matter to you?"

"Why does she matter to you?"

"I like Miranna just fine, if you must know." It was the truth. I like Miranna just fine. Yet why does Father press on?

"Never mind. Have you forgotten about Tauriel?"

"I have not." I say curtly. "What are you insinuating, Father?"

"I am not trying to fool you, son. What I mean is, Tauriel and Miranna are not so different."

My own head begins to ache. Why must my Father be so confusing? "Whatever do you mean?"

"While she may appreciate your protection and care, she may just find solace somewhere else."

"While I appreciate your protection and care, I gave found somewhere else too: sleep."

"I hope that that is not sarcasm in your tone, son. You do not understand me."

I laugh bitterly as I turn my thoughts over in my head. "You were always one to play games, Father."

"Games?" My father's eyes darken as he looms over me. "Which one of us is playing a game? You had every chance to bid farewell to Miranna, but you did not. You should have split with her before reaching Cerules like any logical being, but you did not. Tell me, Legolas, now who is playing a game?"

"You are impossible, Father."

"I am merely your father, Legolas. You can listen to me or not, but I cannot control what you do, only watch over you. And give you praise or reprimanding when needed."

I can only lie on my back later that night. My head hurts from my father and all that thinking.

Tell me elf prince, why do you care so much about my looks? Tell me future queen, where does your happiness lie?