Page 61 of Elf Shot

"I still appreciate you taking the chance." Arne kissed the tip of her nose. "Now, let's get you some breakfast."

Layla's stomach growled with uncanny timing. "Sounds like the perfect plan."

* * *

Alfheimstod was a large village spread out around a lake. It wasn't on any maps because the borders were impossible for humans to find without the leave of one of the residents.

According to Arne, Ulfheim, the Ulfheðnar village, was ten kilometers away and guarded the main road leading into Alfheimstod.

Layla and Arne had walked together down to a café for breakfast on the lake. They received a lot of curious looks from other elves, but no one seemed to look disgusted that their prince was seen hand in hand with a human. It made Layla relax a little more.

In many ways, it was like many of the other villages Layla had seen in Norway, with picturesque houses and pretty gardens, but with a strong Viking village flair with triangular houses made of wood that had heavily carved decorative beams and awnings. One of things that surprised her the most was that everyone was on foot.

"There are only a few roads, that’s why. Everything is so central that most of us walk everywhere,” Arne explained. They stopped in front of a blacksmith’s workshop. “I need to go in here and check on an order.”

“I haven’t forgotten that you promised me a bow either,” Layla said with a cheeky wink.

“Then you are going to love this.” Arne opened the door to the workshop and called out in Elvish. Seconds later, a tall, fair-haired and ash-smudged elf appeared.

"My prince, it's good to have you back. Though now I understand why you have been away for so long," the blacksmith said, giving Layla a smile. "Looks like your measurements for her are going to be spot on."

Layla's eyes narrowed. "What measurements?"

"For the armor," the blacksmith said and waved them through. "Come, I'll show you how it's coming together."

Layla's heart squeezed. "You…you are having elvish armor made for me?"

"Of course I am." Arne smiled bashfully. "It was going to be a courting present, but now it might be getting used sooner than expected. I wanted to give you something that you might want, and you don't strike me as a jewelry person. I want my mate as safe as possible. What's the matter? Why are your eyes filling?"

"Happy tears." Layla threw her arms around him, squeezing him tight. "I honestly think you're the only person who has ever understood me in my entire life."

Arne's arms tightened around her. "You keep saying nice things like that, and I’m going to have to get him to throw in some daggers as well."

Layla laughed and then hurried to follow the blacksmith. It was hot in the forge, Layla's skin pricking with sweat in seconds.

"Now this is your breastplate," the blacksmith said, holding up the piece. "It'll be shiny when it's done, but right now it's still in process. Now that I can get final sizing, it should be finished in the next day or so."

Layla's excitement overpowered her sappy feelings as she touched each piece, admiring the craftsmanship even with unfinished items. Arne watched her chatting, a small indulgent smile on his face that made her insides happy.

I love you, the words had almost escaped her mouth more than once. She hung onto them despite her joy. Arne's steady golden gaze could probably read it anyway.

"Thank you, Arne. Really. I've never had anyone give me such a thoughtful gift," she said once they were back outside in the cool air.

Arne kissed her hand. "I told you I'm going to do everything I can to make you happy, Layla. You only have to give me the chance."

* * *

Hours later, Layla sat beside Arne and Alruna in a brightly lit conference room. Tor came in just as they were dialing in Kian and Kenna.

"I'm not late, am I?" he asked, slipping into the chair beside Layla. He looked windswept and a little sweaty.

"Did you run here?" she whispered.

Tor nodded. "Was faster than driving. Ciara didn't message me back, but she's seen it."

"Then it's up to her," Layla replied and patted his arm. Her stomach tightened when Kenna's face appeared on screen with Imogen beside her.

"Layla, I see you're well despite not knowing how to pick up a phone or obey orders," she said coolly.

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