Page 196 of Night Meets the Elf Queen

“Right on time.” Valeen smiled at him. “And dragon muscle is always appreciated, Ronan.”

Piper looked to Hel. “Remember when you offered to give me magic to be a better bodyguard for her?”

He chuckled. “Yeah, Red but she doesn’t really need one anymore.”

“Well, you never know. And I want to learn magic. What else am I going to do now that there are no pale ones to fight.”

“If you start offering magic to the elves again, there may end up being pale ones once more,” Valeen said and that was the last thing anyone wanted.

“No there won’t because I will destroy that mate spell.” Hel shifted in his saddle. “That’s the one that started it.”

“Do you want to learn potions, Piper? I could use an apprentice,” Presco offered. “I’ll need help with my new shop as well.” Bottles clinked in his bag as he walked closer.

Her freckled smile broadened. “I would love that actually. I can’t wait to start.”

“I don’t need a job. I’m just looking forward to seeing the beautiful goddesses and nymphs,” Leif said, wiggling his brows. “Maybe I’ll get at least a half goddess to fall for me. Fightbringer, you can vouch for me, right?”

Everyone laughed.

“I will certainly vouch for you, Leif,” Valeen answered. “I shall introduce you as the mighty elf warrior, Leif, the goddess of night’s favorite Raven.”

“Oh, I like that,” Leif slapped his leg and laughed.

“Hey, you can’t pick a favorite Raven!” Piper scowled. “If you had one it should be me.”

“It’s just to help with the ladies, Pipe,” Leif added.

“Thane’s actually my favorite Raven,” Valeen said with a wink.

“He doesn’t count,” Piper said.

All this talk of favorites is making me a little jealous, love.

Valeen laughed.You are my number one, Hel.

“Of course I count. I am the reason the Ravens exist,” Thane said, smirking. “Are we missing anyone else?”

“Just one,” Valeen answered.

Tif popped out of Hel’s leather saddle bag, shoving the flap against Midnight. “Because I’m in here.” She raised her hand. “Otherwise, we’d be missing two. Wherever my lady Queen goes, I go.”

“Of course you do, Tif.”

On a chestnut horse Aunt Evalyn rode up the hillside along the trail from the city.

Leif leaned over toward Thane and said, “I hope she packed some of that good whisky.”

Cursing under her breath and wearing a broad-brimmed straw hat, and a colorful shall, Aunt Evalyn stopped her mount. “I’m really not meant for the wilderness and tent living. Are you sure you can’t just come get me when the castle is done?”

Valeen laughed and shook her head. “No, I want you with me. Besides, we’ll be staying in a few small cottages near the grounds. Some of the rebuilding has already begun thanks to Hel’s mother.”

She adjusted her hat and grumbled. “Fine, if you insist, but I’m opening a Nerium Oleander in this new place as soon as possible.”

“I wouldn’t expect any different from an old gambler.”

Katana cleared her throat. “Now that everyone is here, I have an announcement.” She pulled off her tan gloves and held up her left hand where a rose-gold diamond ring sparkled. “We have another wedding to plan!” She giggled and turned her hand so everyone could see it.

Her heart jumped in excitement. “When did this happen?”

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