Page 54 of His Impossible Elf Mate
“The queen will not make things easy,” Ívarr warned as he continued to watch T for changes.
“I know she won’t approve of us, but I need to do something. It feels like he’s slipping away from me.”
“Just be prepared to fight for him as he would for you.”
Chase and Teagan made great time getting to the castle. My brother shifted and ran alongside Teagan’s horse for the journey to the queen. It was an easier pace for him to keep up with than if she had run the entire way there.
“We’re just waiting for parliament to end before we can speak to her.” Chase’s concerned face filled the screen. “Ax, I’m not sure how helpful they’re going to be.”
“He’s their prince. They want him alive.”
My twin looked uncomfortable. “Not if it means helping you. Just be wary,okay?”
The call ended, and another hour passed before Chase video called again.
A face so similar to Teárlach’s was in the place where Chase should be. “Hello Axel, beloved of my son. I am Alyalsha, Queen to the elves of Abrocaelum.”
“Hello Your Majesty. Thank you for speaking with me.”
“We are on our way to Sweetwater to help my son with one condition.” It was only then I noticed she was in a carriage.
“Why? T is fine.”
“Look again, shifter. Can you see the change in him?”
I’d barely taken my eyes off him, but I looked again and my stomach dropped as I understood what she meant.
“Something has gone wrong,” his mother continued. “His energy should have recovered without more intervention. I have been told to come and share my energy with him. It is the only way. Unfortunately, my assistance comes with a condition.”
“A condition?”
“Believe me when I say I am unhappy with the constraints of this bargain. Aid should be offered freely, however, as I am the only elf who can speak to the goddess, and my heir is the reason for this visit, I am sure you can appreciate my parliament’s caution.”
“I guess. It depends on the condition.”
“They—“
“Just them, or you too? I apologize for interrupting. I just need to know.”
“In this matter, we agree.”
“Okay.” I sighed, feeling trapped. T was slipping further from me. “What do you want?”
“We would like you to end your relationship with my son.”
“But—“
“Understand this. No matter what he has told you, the court will not accept a shifter as consort.”
I’d always known this, ever since T confessed his identity, I knew we wouldn’t have a happy ending. I just hoped for more time.
“Your time together is limited. Once my son has the answers we seek, he has agreed to come home.”
It hit like a punch in the gut.
“However, I am not completely unfeeling. I know he loves you, so I sought a bargain with parliament. They have agreed to a year.”
“A year?” I’d take any time with him that I could.
