Page 7 of A Serenade To The Elf Queen
Pride and satisfaction enter his eyes the moment he registers the dress. Rainer erases every trace of irritation on his face, replacing it with the cold, calculating look only a High Elf can muster. “But it won’t be long now. We will finally get what we want.”
I force a smile for him. “We’ll see what the court decides, Uncle.” My version of don’t get your hopes up. I don’t dare meet his gaze as I take my bow to leave.
Aelfric strides a little closer to me after the brief encounter.
The portrait of the past rulers of Aelfheim from every age and era line the long passage to the High Council. From the legendary King Casimir to Haruman the Just, and my mother, Rhianelle the First. Even the brief reign of Theign the Bane is on display.
Skulking over seven feet tall at the end of the walkway is my other royal guard. There won’t be any giggling girls around him. Unlike Aelfric, Darstan has every look of a seasoned warrior with his short dark-hair and battle scars lining his golden-brown skin.
“Your Highness.” He lowers his head in greeting.
Aelfric holds my gaze a moment longer. “Are you ready?”
I nod to him.
Pity gleams in the eyes of both my royal knights as they stare down at me. Rainer, Lady Deirdre, and the two of them are the only people who know I have not ascended as a High Elf. I’m just an elfling, no different from the young maidens, Talulla and Lenna.
There’s nothing wrong with those who have not achieved the Grace of a High Elf. Nothing wrong at all, unless you’re the Queen presiding over the High Elven Council of Aldarelfs.
I swallow nervously as the council door opens.
Well, this kitten will have to give it her best. I slip into my High Elf mask the moment we enter the wide ceremonial hall. I’ve worn it so well the past fifty years.
It’s a full house today. All thirty-three Alderalfs are here for the Merafall celebration, even those from far reaches of the land. Dressed in fine, fitted clothing representing their regions, their faces are as cold and hard as the marble beneath my feet. I try not to make any eye contact with them as I move past the occupied cabinet benches.
As per customs, I pause by the Flame of the Gods at the center of the hall and bow my head before the veiled balcony above to our elders, the Aeonians. The ancient elves have been here since the Golden Age of Monthor, their status near godly and divine.
Aelfric and Darstan cease their stride to stand guard at the dais.
You can do this,Aerin’s voice coaches me as I continue my climb. I banish any timid emotion that might surface the moment I settle on the crystal throne.
My lessons with Lady Deirdre did not go to waste. Everyone in this Holy Chamber believes I’m a High Elf. Guilt slowly registers in my heart. I don’t deserve this pedestal they put me on. I’m a fraud. But the fate of my family depends on this facade. Even if what’s left of that family is only Rainer and me.
Seneschal Kearne rises from his seat to convene the meeting. He wears a blazer emblazoned with the stag regalia of Völundr. His dark hair is impeccably styled to frame his slender face. I wait patiently for his speech to end until he finally turns his richbrown eyes to me. “Our queen has a proposal for the High Elven Council.”
I can feel the weight of their eyes boring straight through me. I rub the rowan berries for luck and strength.
“Members of the High Elven Council,” I address them, my voice echoing in the wide hall. “Once again, I urge that we end the tradition of sending Maidens of Arawynn to secure the allegiance of foreign lords.”
The elven marriage bond is a powerful spell that binds two people until their vows are fulfilled. It has been misused for generations for political arrangements to ensure loyalty to Aelfheim. A dull ache forms in my heart as I recall Blaire’s words three days ago, before she left.
‘Let me be the last one.’
Silence falls in the chamber.
Tierra of Elwood turns her bandage-wrapped eyes towards me. I wonder if she can see through the thick cloth. “The ruling has always been a desecration to the Goddess of Love,” she says, breaking the silence.
“They are rarely useful, unlike in ancient times when we had true monsters to bind.” Halburt of Eldan’s weathered face tightens in agreement.
“It’s an unnecessary sacrifice that comes with the abuse of our young maidens.” Lord Clayborne nods, running a hand over the dark stubble that shadows the perfect line of his jaw.
“All in favor of removing this legislation?”
He is the first to raise his hand. I offer him a smile for his support. The Aldarelf glares right back with a coldness I have never glimpsed before. I try not to think about it too much.
My heart stutters with relief when one by one their hands rise in the air. I almost crumble to my feet when all thirty-three of them concur that the old law will be abolished. Seneschal Kearne’s deep voice announces the final tally, and I feel likedoing the victory dance Blaire taught me in front of the court. Their applause feels like a dream, and I have to pinch myself a little. Years and years of fighting against this and it’s finally broken.
“The pending bargain by the last maiden must go on.”
