Page 27 of Till Kingdom Come

Killian sighed and looked away. “Why do you want their kingdom saved anyway?”

“My father wants it.”

“And do you always do whatever he wants you to do?”

“Yes.”

He sighed. “How will it benefit your father if I take over?”

“My father is already High King, but not of the Elves. He would take over that role for them and it would give him immense power.”

“But I’m the one who would be king. The throne wantsme, according to what you said.”

“He’d be the high king, and you’d defer to him.”

“How do you intend to make me do that?”

“You’ll name me as your Regent.”

“Why would I need one of those?”

“Because you’re young and have been raised as a mortal, and you know nothing about ruling a kingdom.”

“So you expect me to betray my own kind and just hand the kingdom over to your father?”

“You didn’t even know they wereyour kinduntil just now. My father will make an excellent High King.”

“Will he?”

“Yes,” I growled at him.

“And you honestly think I’m the true-blood Elven king?”

“I do. My father’s sources are good. The Dark Elven

kingdom is dying a little more every day, so there might be a bit of a rush. The kingdom would be strengthened with your blood and eventually that of your child.”

“What if the people rebel?”

“The people will back whatever their new king wants—if he’s the true-blood. And I actually don’t think Hendris will fight you all that much, considering the kingdom is dying, though how he’ll respond remains to be seen. He may challenge you.”

“I thought you didn’t think much of my skills with a sword. Do you honestly think I could fight a Dark Elf for the throne?”

“No, of course not. Even if I believed it, I wouldn’t allow it. I’d do the fighting if it comes to that.” I pulled him into my arms and fought for a kiss for a few seconds. He hadn’t liked that last statement, what with him being such a hero knight and all—in his mind, anyway. But he didn’t fight too hard, and I was pretty determined.

“We need to marry at once if you agree. I believe my father and his council will bring this up at dinner tonight. I wanted you to be prepared.”

“But you don’t love me.”

I sighed and rolled my eyes before I could stop it. “Love is a human emotion, Killian. I have plenty of other reasons for wanting this.”

He closed his eyes at my words and then said the most shocking thing of all.

“If love is a human emotion, and you say I’m not really human, then why do I feel it when I look at you?”

I groaned and took hold of his shoulders. “Listen to me, a chuisle. Love is nothing you need. It only causes pain. I’ll take care of you. I’ll be by your side and help you rule the Dokkalfar kingdom. I’ll make sure you have a child to carry on your line, and that will be enough. Enough for both of us.”

“And if it isn’t?”

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