Page 90 of A Serenade To The Elf Queen
“What are we without rules and traditions? Savages like the fae?” Eamon interrupts before he can finish.
Rainer’s scowl deepens over his words.
“This is not some barbaric flogging. The punishment will not even break skin,” Eamon says, his voice sounds like a feline purr. It must be a different Elder using his body now. “It’s only meant to teach a lesson.”
In other words, I will be made an example of.
“You’d be a fool if you think I’ll allow my niece to be humiliated.” Rainer’s voice lowers. The words are spoken casually, but I hear the threat laced in them. My uncle is most dangerous when he is calm.
Shade is already stepping behind the Mhlaryan elves. The rest of his Grimsbane are poised to strike.
“Step aside, Rainer. Before your exile extends to all of Aelfheim,” Eamon says, his voice tight. “The safety of the kingdom is in jeopardy because of your personal grudge.”
The Aeonians chilling gaze meets mine. “You have put us all in danger, young queen.”
“I accept the punishment.”
The tent grows silent over my words. I don’t dare look at my uncle or my knights.
Eamon’s lips move in a cruel, sadistic smile. “It is settled. We will give you time to prepare yourself.”
The atmosphere is terse when we leave the Aeonians’ tent.
“I won’t allow this to stand,” Rainer says, his lips pressed into a hard line. The unpredictable dark tone of his voice squeezes my heart.
“What would you have us do?” I exhale.
“It’s high time we renounce Aelfheim like the Kashrans did,” he mutters, his expression hard as granite. “Völundr was once a proud kingdom before the Great Conquest. The Antler Crown of our ancestors shall rest upon your head.”
I shudder at the mere suggestion. “We can’t afford to be divided from Aelfheim. Blaire needs us.”
“The maiden?” Rainer narrows his eyes.
Yes, the maiden. My best friend. Imprisoned somewhere in an orc dungeon. The one everyone conveniently wants to forget about.
Understanding dawns on my uncle’s harsh features. “Then I’ll send word to Völundr and arrange for a rescue mission.”
“They won’t make it in time.” I shake my head. It will take nearly a month for the cavalry in the Far East to reach Tavan without enough Noctrals. “I need the support from the Lords in the west.”
He gives me a heavy look. If intimidation was a person, Rainer would be it. But I am a Wiolant too, just as stubborn as he is.
There’s a long pause as he studies me, his expression impassive.
“I’ll respect your decision, Niece. But do not expect me to watch.” He departs without another word.
Aelfric notices Garrett is leaving too. “Where are you going?”
“To kill Eamon,” he says simply, checking his bandoliers of knives and weapons.
“You can’t!” I say, panic surging in my veins.
Aelfric quickly side steps him. “You were fine with her marrying the vampire last night. What’s wrong with you?”
“You know that was different,” he replies.
“Garrett, I forbid you to harm the Aeonian’s messenger.” I order.
Cold rage simmers in the knight’s eyes. “A public punishment? Nobody does that anymore. Not human, not fae. These silly traditions must end.”
