Page 7 of The Dark Elf's Surprise Baby

It is clear that my surprise has pleased her. I love doing these little surprises, and some of my human servants call me romantic.

“This is all so beautiful.” Her voice is bright and soft and as sweet as her smile.

“It is almost as beautiful as you are.” I reply, smiling. I am conscious then that the other servants have come to look at the fireflies.

I don’t mind them enjoying it too. Harper loves all of them,I think to myself.

“Thank you.” Harper replies, her voice hushed.

“You never have to thank me darling.”

The truth is that I have not seen Harper for several weeks now. My work has required intensive attention.

Leading my squad has not been easy lately. There have been constant squabbles among my soldiers.

Some of the soldiers underneath my command have also bungled several strategic maneuvers.

It is infuriating to say the least. But I do what I can and what I must.

I only hate that it takes me away from Harper.

Harper comes over to me then, smiling her shy smile. She pushes a few stray strands of hair away from her face.

“I know this magic is a strain for you,” she whispers. She places a soft hand on my arm. “You can stop now.”

Her words make something snap inside me.

And with that, the magic stops and the fireflies disperse. The garden becomes lighter. But, surprisingly, I see that nighttime has fallen.

I gesture to the butler, and he nods. With that, the servants jump into action.

Harper is looking up at the sky, barely noticing the movement around her. Her bright hazel eyes are, for a second,a kaleidoscope of color. Then she looks at me, and then around her, her expression slightly dazed.

“What is happening?” She gasps with delight when she sees what the servants have set up.

“We’ll be having dinner outside tonight.” I murmur, sliding an arm around her waist. I plant a soft kiss on the top of her head.

A table is set out at the side of the garden, and it is straining underneath various bowls and baskets of food and bread.

But we will not be sitting at the table. Instead, the servants spread three large blankets out on the grass. Plates, glasses, and the best silver cutlery are stacked on the blankets.

Harper turns to me, her sweet smile still lingering, though her eyes are glassy with tears. I reach my hand to her face instinctively.

“What is it? Why are you crying?”

Have I upset her?I think to myself.

She shakes her head and wipes away her tears.

“You really didn’t have to do all of this. I’m just crying because of how much I missed you.”

“Well,” I lean down and kiss the tip of her nose. “I am here now. And that is all that matters.”

The evening is warm and sweet and as balmy as it could possibly be.

Around us, some night time flowers are blooming bright and wide. Their petals are silvery blue and are bright in the darkening night.

The flowers are so bright that we do not really need light. But the servants go ahead and light torches anyway.

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