Elara's expression was resolute.
"What of their simplicity and brawn? Far preferable to the humans, with their deep-laid schemes and manifold treacheries. Mother, my heart is set; I shall wed no other than the Beast King!"
Before the Empress could levy further rebuke, Elara deftly extracted a betrothal scroll from her sleeve.
In a panic, the Empress exclaimed, "Elara! Cease this folly at once!"
Yet before she could intervene, Elara had already signed her name; the scroll transformed into a beam of golden light, dispatched to the Beast King.
Overcome with fury, the Empress struck me sharply across the face.
"Villainous child! Why did you not intervene? Surely, you must have incited her, did you not?"
"You too shall not marry the human prince. Upon your coming of age, you will join Elara in the beast tribes' domain!"
Historically, whenever Elara erred, I endured the consequences.
Though Elara delighted in witnessing my punishment, the prospect of me joining her in the beast tribe swiftly altered her tune, leading her to plead coyly.
"Mother, surely not all of the Phoenix Clan should marry into the beast tribe? Perhaps let my sister wed the prince, would that suffice?"