Page 55 of His Impossible Elf Mate
“Yes. Once Teárlach has had his year with you, he is to return to Abrocaelum and will produce an heir.”
I looked at my love. His color was worsening. Nothing we seemed to do made any difference. Ívarr was working on him with the numerous potions we had been given. There really was no choice.
“Are you sure you can help him?” I wanted to ensure none of this was in vain. I’d only agree if it would work.
“Yes. I am the only one who can.”
“Then I agree to your terms. One year for your help getting him back.”
“I will be there shortly. The portal is up ahead.”
Ívarr looked at me with almost dismay. “You did not need to agree to those terms. You know Teárlach will be angry when he finds out.”
“He has to wake up to be angry with me. I’ll deal with it then. I’d rather live without him knowing he’s happy somewhere than let him die.”
“We do not know it is so dire.”
“Look at him!” I pointed to the sleeping form on the bed. “He’s fading. Nothing we’ve done has helped. I feel him pulling away from me.” I grasped the front of my shirt. “Argh! I… I just feel so helpless.”
The elf stared at me. “What is done, is done. I suggest you put on some clothes. The queen does not need to see your undergarments.”
I scoffed at him, but did dress. Just in time, as Chase came racing inside. “Fuck! She’s scary! We’ll find a way around this deal, okay? I’m not letting her take T from you.”
Teárlach’s mother swept into the room behind Teagan and ahead of two guards. “Take me to my son,” she ordered, wasting no time.
She perched on the edge of the bed and placed a pale fingered hand on his graying forehead. Her eyes, the same startling shade of turquoise as Teárlach’s, closed. She let out a hum and just sort of sagged.
A guard, clearly prepared, held her steady, sitting behind her on the bed. She was so pliant in his arms; it spoke of a connection there. The guard wore richer clothing than the other. Maybe he was important to her.
We waited. I barely breathed as I watched them. Chase’s eyes flickered over the bed and over to me.
What’s going on?
Shh! She’s trying to speak to their goddess.
Slowly, the color drained from the queen as it seemed to seep into Teárlach. She didn’t quite meet the shade he had been, though it was close.
Queen Alyalsha, leaned more heavily on her guard as her eyes opened. “He will be well. Unfortunately, I must return to Abrocaelum to recuperate from the exchange of energy. My goddess demands it.”
“I… thank you.”
“It comes at an unfortunate price. Enjoy your time together, as short as it is. Please, tell him I fought for longer.”
At that moment, I saw her true self. She was just a mother trying to do a difficult job in extraordinary circumstances.
“I will.”
“Do you want me to stay?” Chase asked as the elves all left. Ívarr and Teagan escorted their queen back to the portal with her guard.
“Could I just be alone for a bit? Just half an hour or something. I just need to process.”
I’d need him when this was over. It could be sooner than a year when T found out what I’d agreed to in order to save his life.
I just hoped he would forgive me.
Bargaining
Teárlach
