Page 77 of A Serenade To The Elf Queen
“I promise.” I brace myself for her deepest and darkest secret.
“I want to open a bakery,” she finally says in a small voice.
A what?
There is a hint of insecurity and fear as she utters her dream out loud, as if it might bite. Thank the devils my face remains calm, so I don’t spook her. She looks a lot like a cowering deer in the forest. It’s hard not to make that comparison when the creature is depicted on every piece of fabric and object in the tent.
“Why a bakery?” I manage.
“When I was young, I had nothing to eat for days. It hurts trying to sleep with an empty stomach,” she says quietly.
Something in my chest cracks over her revelation. She was starved as a child? Despite Balthazar’s mistranslations, he did mentioned Rhianelle was a queen. Perhaps her elven kingdom is poor. I went through the same thing in my early human years.
“We will give bread to everyone who passes by our store,” she continues spilling her pure thoughts.
Wait, it’s free now? I don’t know how they do transaction in this new world, so I don’t question the girl.
“My friend Blaire will open her shop next to mine and sell her fragrances.” Her eyes light up with every passing word. I love the way she ardently describes every detail of the bakery as if she can see it with her own eyes. There is hope in her bright, lovely voice despite knowing that this dream is somehow impossible for her.
“You don’t think it’s weird?” she finally asks uncertainly.
“It’s a sweet dream, Rhianelle,” I say, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. “But if I have to choose which dream to fulfill a bargain with you, taking out the Fae King might be easier.”
She smacks my chest playfully, her laughter shaking her small figure. “You said you wouldn’t make fun of me.”
“I’m not. You’ll make it happen,” I say, turning so I can look her straight in the eyes. “Tell me, what else do you have in your bakery?”
She continues whispering her dreams to me. I can tell she’s been dying to share this with someone. I’m honored to be that person. Rhianelle’s peculiar stories will carry me through the next dreaded years in the dungeon. I study her exquisite face, framed by clouds of silver hair. There is no way the darkness of the labyrinth can craft an illusion this perfect.
I kiss the nape of her neck, inhaling the sweet scent of water lilies in her hair. “I was afraid you’d turn into tendrils of shadows and dust.”
“I’m real, Svenn. I’m sorry I failed to help you.” Her eyes start to pool again. No one has ever mourned for me before, not my first death or the next. I tilt her chin to look at me.
Tears stream down her face. I wipe her soft cheek with a swipe of my thumb. “Don’t cry, Nel. It’s not worth it.”
Not for me.
She launches herself into me. I feel her body trembling against mine. Her gaze falls on the discarded gown and the fancy elven accessories. “Everything has been for nothing.”
“It’s not for nothing,” I tell her. “I got to meet you.”
A smile tugs her perfect lips as her head tilts up to look at me, “You’re right.”
She stares at me with her wide, mesmerizing lilac eyes. I like seeing my reflection in them when she focuses on me. For a moment, it feels as if I have escaped from the Rhunhraefn as I stay in them. I wish she could keep me in there forever.
Heat sparks between us and my blood stirs in response. I lean in to kiss her, but Rhianelle shakes her head. My heart cracks a little over the rejection but I understand. She underwent this strange ordeal for a bargain with the demon to kill the Fae King. There’s no need for her to continue this.
The girl suddenly leaps on top of me. I stare up at her with a look of surprise. “Rhianelle?”
“This time I’m not doing this to appease the gods or for whatever bonds,” she says, her cheeks flushed with arousal. “I want you.”
Thank fuck.
“Then give me a night to remember, Rhianelle.”
Chapter 20 Svenn
The heat of her body sears through me once again as her passion renews. I savor every inch of her as she straddles me. She’s so goddamn perfect. Her hands travel down my chest, giving me a taste of heaven. Every dark despairing thought vanishes with her touch.
