Seemingly out of nowhere, a small, cheerful voice echoed through the Throne Room.
"You! Human!"
All eyes turned, and there she was—the Elf King's youngest daughter, her face lit up with a radiant smile.
Without waiting for decorum or permission, she dashed forward, her tiny feet pattering against the floor.
The Elf King opened his mouth to greet his second daughter, but before a single word escaped his lips, the little elf girl barreled into the human like a missile.
"Whoa!" Luka exclaimed, instinctively catching her as he stumbled backward, landing squarely on his backside. He chuckled, holding her steady.
"Hey there. Looks like you've recovered nicely."
"Yep!" she chirped, bouncing back up and taking a step away.
"I'm back to being strong!"
She struck a pose, flexing her tiny arms with all the might she could muster.
Luka burst into genuine laughter.
Her enthusiasm was infectious, and for a moment, even the guards softened their stoic expressions.
But not the Elf King.
