Page 6 of The Dark Elf's Surprise Baby

Once I’m done, I head back and finish cleaning the Master’s office before I go up and tidy his bathroom. If he’s picky about his office, he’s even more touchy about who he allows to clean his privy.

My shift is nearly done for the day and I’m about to get ready to go down for dinner with the other servants when Ivrir pops his head around the corner.

“Master Demethys would like you to dine with him tonight,” he tells me. My heart soars at the news. I want to jump up and down but I compose myself and nod at Ivrir.

“Very good, thank you Ivrir,” I curtsy and the old butler takes his leave. I didn’t expect to have dinner with Master Demethys tonight, since he was called away for a meeting for work.

But if I’m going to dine with him, I need to look my best. I scramble around, rushing to my room so I can change and look better.

What dress? What dress should I wear? I rifle through my meager selection and come across a long dress with short, puffed sleeves and a square neckline. The row of buttons down the front are mother-of-pearl and perfectly match the dress, which is a soft rirzed purple with the flowers printed in repeating patterns all across its length.

I haven’t worn this in ages and I smile as I pull it out, fingering the soft fabric gently. Pulling off my work dress, I toss it on the bed and stand in my undergarments and corset,undoing the buttons carefully. I can’t wait for Demethys to see me tonight. I want to knock his socks right off!

I pull the soft dress over my head and button it up before sitting down to brush my hair out of its braid. Once it’s all brushed out, I start pinning it up in a chignon.

Taking a quick look at myself in the mirror, I frown for a moment before I quickly pinch my cheeks and bite my lip to give myself a little color. There. I look much better now.

Rushing out of the room, I smooth my hands down over my dress and stand at the top of the stairs while I calm myself before descending them to meet Ivrir at the bottom.

He leads me away from the dining room though and I stop him, hand on his ancient arm. “Wait. Where are we going?” I ask.

“Follow me,” he says simply and continues walking towards the back of the manor, into the gardens. I’m confused but I don’t question it, though I do wonder what in the world we’re doing out here.

Suddenly, as though by magic, the garden lights up as lumiolas begin to light up all around me. I gasp, eyes lighting up and my hand flying to my mouth to cover it.

Before I can even utter a word though, the lumiolas begin to form a pathway for me. My eyes are all but bulging out of my head now and they begin to guide me along the path, directing me towards the end, where Demethys stands, waiting for me with an outstretched hand.

I’m in awe of this surprise. I’m glad I dressed up because I gaze at him and his navy blue eyes are shining as he waits for me to take his hand.

I smile at him and our hands join together and he pulls me close. “What is this?” I ask, looking around and giggling. It’s so very sweet and easily one of the most romantic things that I’ve ever experienced in my life.

He kisses me lightly. “Do you like it?” he asks.

I lean into him and gaze into his eyes, nodding.

4

DEMETHYS

The magic was complicated. Fireflies are living things and taking control of a living thing is never easy.

But it is worth it for Harper.

I love her. My heart blooms for her. How could I not do it?

I would practice the most difficult magic for her if it would make her happy.

With a wave of my hand, the garden grows dark. The fireflies dance in the air, twisting and curling around one another.

The air becomes more richly fragranced in the dark. The sweet scents of the flowers and blossoming fruit trees melds with the tart, sharp scents of the herbs.

The light of the fireflies seems to burn holes in the dark sky, leaving traces of golden light shimmering behind them.

I keep them moving with magic and willpower, and it is a strain. But when I look at Harper’s wide, bright eyes, again I feel a sense of satisfaction.

Satisfaction that I do not think I will ever feel for anyone else.

I have found her. I have found the one for me.

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