Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Distance of Hearts

“You gave her medicine? Did you show her around our home? She visited you here, unattended. This sounds like treason, Elduine. You know these attacks are one step away from war!”

“It sounds like two kingdoms trying to forge a new friendship, and stop a war!”

Salinias threw the letters into the fire, “The letters say more than just an alliance is forming! I told you to stay away from her, Elduine.”

He came closer to his brother but stayed out of Elduine’s reach. “I saw you in the forge. I saw the look in your eyes. There are so many noble Elven daughters you can choose from, and father will never let you pursue her. You are endangering the Elven culture by pursuing a human woman who will die years before you ever grow old.”

Elduine glared as the letters burst into flames. He swallowed several times before asking, “How can I be endangering Elven culture? I am your brother! Can you hear yourself?”

“What?”