Page 10 of Wed to the Dark Elf

I master my face to careful neutrality. There is no hiding it now. “Yes. But fear not, you will be well protected here.”

“Of course.” She steps closer, and I see her throat work as she swallows hard. “But my place is at your side, husband. Through all that comes.”

Her determined gaze spears me. She already knows the difficult road ahead, yet declares her loyalty plainly. I read no hesitation in her eyes, only quiet courage. Perhaps more than I myself can claim.

I close the distance between us and clasp her shoulders firmly. “You honor me, wife. Whatever fate befalls, we face as one.”

Iris lays her hands over mine, her ring a point of warmth against my skin. In that moment any doubt falls away. She is meant to walk this path with me, into darkness or light unforeseen. Our fates are now woven together, unbreakable. Let come what may.

CHAPTER6

The fortress transforms overnight into a bristling armory preparing for siege. Everywhere I look, soldiers march past carrying timber and stone to shore up walls, push loaded carts toward the barracks, or sharpen weapons ringing the training yards with the shrill kiss of grinding stone. The very air feels charged with tension, pressing down like an invisible hand.

My own misgivings fade into insignificance beside the tangible fear hanging over the Northlands. These people, now my people, face invasion by ravenous enemies who will show no mercy if they breach these strongholds. And Vamen leads the coming fight, bearing the full weight of responsibility on his shoulders alone. I cannot add my own petty worries to his burdens.

So I explore where I can, helping prepare medicines, checking armor straps, and cooking in the steamy kitchens, trying to make myself useful. The servants eye me curiously but accept my aid once they realize I pull my share. Hard work keeps my mind steady amidst the dread.

At meals in the great hall, I listen to Vamen and Althir recount troop numbers, supplies, and defense plans, committing their words to memory. If evil times come, I will need to know every detail to help bear my new clan through. One evening after supper, Vamen requests my company on an inspection of the inner keep. I take his arm gratefully, heartened he still desires my partnership in this.

We stroll the parapets encircling the courtyard, breath fogging the night air. Soldiers on watch nod respectfully as we pass. Vamen's face appears carved from stone in the flickering torchlight, only the clench of his jaw belying the anxiety I know simmers beneath. But his voice remains steady, pointing out the well house, smithy, and granary that will sustain us in a prolonged siege.

At last we halt atop the north tower, staring out at the icy mountains fading into darkness. Vamen braces both hands on the icy merlons. “If the outer walls fall, we retreat here to the inner keep. It will not fail.” His tone brooks no doubt, yet I hear the silent fear. If the wolves break through, there will be nowhere left to run, only a final desperate stand in these very stones.

Before I can think better of it, I step close beside Vamen, mimicking his posture with my hands on the chilled stone. “You underestimate the courage of your people, husband. And your own strength.” I turn my head to meet his shadowed gaze. “Have faith.”

Vamen searches my face in silence. Then his expression softens by the barest degree. “You have wisdom, wife, despite your youth.” His fingers brush tentative over my knuckles. “Thank you.”

I feel absurdly warmed by his gratitude. I know he still thinks of me as a girl playing with wisdom. But if I can help steady him even a fraction through the coming storm, it is enough for now. My heart pounds for the dark elf, sparks of love bubbling from the depths of my soul.

Too soon we are called back inside by the deepening cold. As we walk, Vamen’s strides seem less heavy. By the time we return to our chambers, some of the creases around his eyes have smoothed. I consider it a small victory.

We collapse onto the soft bed, our clothes falling away as we draw together. Vamen's deep chuckle resounds through his thick muscles, making my body come alive.

Vamen kisses my cheek and neck.

I wrap my arms around his strong neck. Lovemaking comes easily for us now, and after such a long day, it's a welcome reprieve. Vamen kisses down my chest, licking my breasts and taking one into his mouth. His strong tongue swirls around the tip and his sharp eyes flash up at me.

He kisses my breasts and ribs. I squirm and giggle while my middle melts with the heat flooding into my pelvis.

Vamen kisses down further, his long tongue lapping up the line of my belly. I bite my finger, rolling my hips to try and find him.

Smirking and rising up he meets my gaze. He kisses me, pushing me down into the pillows and opening my thighs. The grin stretches wickedly across his face. "Hold still."

"Then stop teasing!" I fuss at him.

Vamen chuckles, kissing my thighs and mound. "I just want to enjoy you." He kisses my vulva, his sharp eyes cast back up to me. I lick my lips, biting my finger again as Vamen opens me with his fingers. His tongue laps me up and Vamen moans against me.

He lifts up and places my legs over his shoulders. He kisses my rear and bites it. "Delicious."

"Vamen!" I fuss again.

Another chuckle rumbles through his chest and nuzzles to my thighs. "So impatient." He rises up, kissing me and placing himself inside. I gasp and Vamen grunts.

He moves slowly and deep, watching me closely and studying my expressions. His powerful arms cage around me while his tail wags happily behind him. Vamen kisses me, breathing labored and heavy.

I claw down his arms and back, mewling and sighing to him. He kisses me again as my voice begins to rise.

"Quiet wife," he pants. "Someone will hear."

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