Page 66 of A Serenade To The Elf Queen
And yet here I am.
Chapter 16 Rhianelle
I’m marrying a vampire.
So much has happened that it’s hard to wrap my mind around all of it. Lady Deirdre keeps her face devoid of emotion as she dabs my face lightly for the finishing touch. I know deep down sorrow fills her heart.
“Your mother would have loved to see you today,” she says, twirling the side of my hair into perfect ringlets.
Even my handmaidens are solemn as they carry on their task. The girls had fantasized an extravagant wedding for me. I heard them in conversation several times, pairing me with Kahedin Kashran or even the Underground Prince of Tiamat, Ywain.
Rainer appears at the tent’s entry clad in his formal black, emerald regalia and stygian mask.
“Girls,” Lady Deirdre summons the two elflings. They hustle to leave the tent with her. She pauses beside my uncle on her way out.
Without warning, she raises her hand to Rainer and slaps him across the face. The Silver Stag of the East saw the hit coming, but he made no move to evade it. I do my best to pretend I don’t see their interaction. The healer andmy handmaidens depart from the tent, granting Rainer and I privacy.
My uncle pulls a chair next to mine. Silence prevails for a long while until he says in his calm tone. “You look lovely, Rhianelle.”
I feel a flicker of warmth in my chest at the compliment. His voice has not sounded this genuine in years.
“I don’t have a ring. Kheirall said I need to give him one,” I say softly. It must be a human thing. Fae and dwarves have the same ritual. Elves however, are more practical. We have no use for tiny trinkets as proof of loyalty to our partner.
Rainer is in deep thought for a moment before fishing a small velvet box from his pocket. “It belonged to your father. It never did fit me.”
I take it into my hand carefully.
“I was certain you were going to refuse,” he suddenly says.
“I’ve come to see the wisdom behind this union,” I say, praying my voice won’t betray any distress. He thinks I’m doing this for the sake of our revenge. I pray no one tells him of the Aeonians’ secret meeting with me earlier. The vampire will be loyal to the Elders instead of our house.
He places a garland of roses on my head, a traditional blessing from Völundr. “I’m glad you understand this might be our only chance to claim our justice for Aerin.”
I just nod silently.
A shadow of concern passes through my uncle’s uncovered face. He reaches out and places a hand over mine. “Fret not, Rhianelle. Once the Nightwalker has fulfilled his end of the bargain, I will destroy him.”
Cold fear snakes into my veins at those words.
“Promise me you will do no such thing,” I say urgently, gripping his hand. It’s silly to assume the vampire needs me to protect him but I still feel the urge to do it. “Please, Uncle.”
Rainer seems amused. “As you wish. You know I’ve always done what’s best for you and our family,” he says after a long beat.
“I know.” I rearrange my features to a more neutral expression. “They’re waiting for me.”
He gives me a nod of dismissal and takes his leave. I close my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath before I get up from my chair. I meet Aelfric’s calm gaze the moment I step out of the tent.
“Ready?” He arches an eyebrow.
“Yes,” I say quickly before he can read the fear in my face. The journey to the clearing with my knights is muted. I know my sudden decision surprised them, but they can’t question it. For once, I am glad for the rule set upon the royal guard.
Against all odds, the Tluryan elves manage to organize a ceremony with a stage and simple chairs for the audience. A gathered crowd is already seated with the Aldarelfs and my uncle in the front row. The dim elvenlight from the crystals illuminates the twinkle in their eyes as they turn to me. I keep my gaze ahead to the male standing on the raised platform.
The vampire, my future husband.
I can feel his unbridled power humming from where I stand. It’s uneasy. I’m sure the others sense the rumbling too. His hair is properly tamed and bound, though he remains shirtless with a heavy furred robe draped over his shoulders. Thankfully, they’ve somehow found him a pair of black breeches.
His gaze leaps to me. The intensity of that stare pierces straight through my chest. A jolt of fear races in my heart, something that goes through every prey when cornered by a predator. It is an effort not to flinch or run away. I need to keep my emotionless High Elf mask intact. This is no different from the walk to the council chamber.
