Page 82 of The Shadow Fae Rhapsody
A soft music flows in the court chamber, though no one is dancing. This cavernous hall is the largest in the keep, but with thirty-three delegations from all of Aelfheim, along with the local nobles and their respectable knights, moving through the crowd becomes quite a challenge.
Several guests cast terrified glances at me but most of them have their attention glued to the centre of the hall. My eyes are immediately drawn to the girl they are celebrating today.
“As King Casimir the brave once said, only through peace and stability can we grow.” The sweet sound of Rhianelle’s voice fills the air. She has practiced that speech over and over in front of the mirror.
I hate that I have missed half of it.
I feel my body unclenching with ease as I drink at the sight of the Elf Queen. Her silky dark emerald dress highlights every delectable curve I’ve memorized since our wedding night. A black stag horn tiara rests on top of her head, along with sparkling jewelry on her neck and ears, accentuating her soft lilac eyes.
Rhianelle is the forbidden fruit, and I want to devour her.
My gaze falls on the wedding band on her finger, so out of place with the rest of her attire. A simple rattan twig from the forest floor that I twirled into a ring. Still, Rhianelle wears it with pride. She deserves so much better. Far more than I can give.
“The benefits of a possible trade with Avalon, Darvan, and Myrkheim outweigh the spoils of war. Let us let go of the past and forge a new future together,” she finishes with a soft smile to her courtiers.
The hall erupts in cheers and applause. These warmongering idiots only care for one thing more than glory.
Gold.
My smart girl has them figured out. I marvel at this strict calm side of her, standing tall among these commanders and war generals.
Maybe I’m a sick fuck because I’m torn between trapping that beautiful girl for my own or showing her off to the rest of the world until every soul bows at her feet.
Vlad and Bas would feel right at home in this court, but I feel painfully out of place amongst these nobles and politicians.
Shade starts pulling at his collar, clearly uncomfortable in his fine attire.
“Cut that out,” Red hisses at him. “It’s just a few more hours.”
The thought that these two are just as miserable as me in the occasion brings me a small amount of solace.
“You look beautiful.”
A voice catches my ears. I filter most of the distant conversations in the hall, but this one seizes my hearing instantly because it’s directed to my wife. Rhianelle smiles demurely at the elven lord who gave her that compliment.
The feral beast in my chest stirs from its slumber.
Mine.
“Excellent speech earlier, Your Highness. It was truly moving and inspiring,” the male adds, drawing closer to her.
A fierce flame rages in my chest, and I begin thinking of ways of ending the elf. Their discussion is innocuous, something about merchandise and dealings. They can talk about the weather and I’d still want to kill him. She lets out a small laugh at his jest. Not quite genuine, but still melodic to me.
I hate the way his words fill her ears,Coinneach whispers.
Fucking stop, I snap at him.Nel is trying to win allies in the council.
But she’s ours, he whines, retreating into the shadows.You’re losing her.
My gaze collides with hers.
I didn’t think it would be possible, but Rhianelle’s face seems to shine brighter when she sees me.
I hate that Shade was right. She wants me here. For whatever reason.
The girl almost runs to me, but another council member halts her march, vying for her attention desperately. It’s a good thing the old guy is proclaiming his loyalty to her because otherwise I would have snapped his spine.
One by one, the lords, the ladies, and the nobles of Aelfheim declare their fealty to her, promising their swords. Somethingstirs in her sparkling eyes at their pledge. I recognize it for what it is because this is something she has given me.
