Page 89 of A Serenade To The Elf Queen
“You’re no good to us dead. Go back and rest,” Rainer says a little too harshly.
“I’ll live,” the male replies. But my uncle is right. He doesn’t look well enough to stand.
My heart pounds harder at the sight of the golden banner sewn with six stars encircling a moon flapping at the apex of the tent. A group of Eamon’s soldiers suddenly block us from entering.
“They will not see her again without my presence,” Rainer says, his voice low with warning.
Ctibor arrives with Tierra, dismissing the guards.
“The Ancient Ones will be displeased with your presence,” he says to my uncle, pursing his lips. “But today is an exception.”
The two Aldarelfs are looking at me with pride gleaming in their eyes. Tierra raises her hands in prayer. “We saw the blessing of the Holy light from the heaven shining to your tent.”
Holy light?Was it when I came again and again and nearly lost my mind last night? The memory brings a small smile to my face.
But my guts immediately roil the moment we step into the nefarious air in the tent. Eamon is lounging on a ceremonial chaise at the very center surrounded by five Mhlaryan elves.
“Bow before your Elders.”
I do as they bid, wishing my uncle and his men will do the same. I truly do not want a confrontation.
“Is it true the Bloodsucker was capable of tearing down our shield?” The Aeonians ask without a formal greeting. Their voice is distinctly different from Eamon’s, more sinister.
“Yes, Wise Ones,” Ctibor says politely.
“Then it’s a good thing we have his loyalty. Let me see the bond,” he says, directing me to come forward.
I hold out my hand for him, shifting uncomfortably under his scrutiny.
“What is this?” His mouth twists at the vows on my hand. “Kill the Fae King?”
I draw in a deep breath, trying to calm my pounding heart. “It was out of my control.”
“Our demands were clear and specific!” Eamon seethes, nostrils flaring. Or rather it is the ancient beings behind him that are angry.
“It is a strong Arawynn bond,” Tierra comes to my defense. “I give you my word as a servant of Astraea.”
They ignore her completely. “You were supposed to bind the vampire to Aelfheim!”
More like bind him to them.
“I will take responsibility for this,” I say quietly.
“The way you took responsibility with our order?” Eamon scoffs. His voice drops low and vicious. “You do understand the consequence of this dishonor?”
I nod silently.
Seventy-Seven lashes for each god that I disrespected.
Garrett looks like he is primed for murder. I can almost feel his anger from where he stands. My other two stalwart knights are better at containing their emotions, but I notice the subtle change in their stance.
“Abandon this ruling,” Rainer says tersely. His cold silver eyes are fixed on Eamon.
“I quite agree, Wise Ones,” Tierra says, bowing her head.
“The punishment is customary. Not even the queen is exempt,” the commissioner says, smoothing his expression.
Ctibor clasps his hands nervously. “Perhaps this rule is a little too—”
