Page 94 of His Impossible Elf Mate
“What a charming name!” His mother beamed, momentarily distracted, like the proud grandmother she was. “I adore it. As for a paternity test, that is not necessary.”
“I must insist there is a need for one.” Ellgar’s face was very red. I feared for his blood pressure, if that was something elves suffered from.
“You will desist before—“ Queen Alyalsha roared in a rare display of anger. She was cut off when The Luna took her over.
“You have more secrets to hide than all of those assembled. Axel has been true to his mate and the child, Rieka, is blessed by me, your goddess. She will rule when it is time.”
“Secrets, I have no secrets!” Ellgar stuttered.
“You are the reason Prince Teárlach has no father. The reason all the other matches failed to provide a sibling. You are a traitor to the crown and to all elves.”
The Luna left the queen in a rush. I was grateful she was sitting on her throne, otherwise I think she would have collapsed.
“Take him into custody!” an elf cried while the queen wept silent tears. The rest of the court and some of parliament all stood still, shocked at what had been revealed.
“Mother, will you be alright? Do you need us to come?” Teárlach looked ready to shift and fly directly there.
“No!” She looked alarmed. She straightened and spoke with authority. “Do not bring her here right now. We will arrange something proper for her naming day, but you must not come here without the proper security needed for my precious heir. I fear for her safety. Please, I beg you.”
Teárlach looked torn. He really loved his mother and this was a dangerous situation for her.
“I am worried for you, Mother.”
“Me too.” I cradled Rieka in my arms to soothe us both.
“You are precious, all of you.” She smiled gratefully as Ellgar was led from the room in chains. The knight I’d noticed before took up his place at her shoulder.
“My safety is of no concern.” T scoffed and she gave a tiny, muted laugh. “I have many more allies than Ellgarcould have guessed. I would just prefer not to take a risk with my heir.” The queen sobered. “You do not mind she will rule over you?” she asked my mate.
“No,” he said honestly. “I would prefer it. Rieka marks the start of a new era for shifters and Abrocaelum and should lead them into that new chapter.”
“On this, we agree. I would love to spend more time with her, however, I must deal with this new crisis. May I visit in the next few days? We can discuss the naming ceremony.”
“I’d like that,” I said, grateful to get off the call. Rieka was getting fussy, and I didn’t want to feed her while we were in front of the court.
We said our goodbyes after another round of congratulations from those who remained.
“Well, that was a shit show.”
“Should you really talk like that in front of our daughter?” T raised an eyebrow at me mockingly.
“She’s a newborn. We have time before I really have to worry about that.”
“Best break the habit soon. You will be a Prince Consort before long.”
“Ugh, don’t remind me.”
T stole Rieka from my arms. “Darling Rieka, Papa does not want to marry me. Should we convince him?”
They made such a cute pair. She was back in her human form, completely naked. So, of course, that was when she chose to pee.
All down my mate.
Such princess-like behavior.
A clean up, feeding, burping… this baby stuff was never ending. I loved every moment of it. It was exactly what I’d wished for.
We discovered Rieka settled better in her wolf form the first night, so I shifted with her and we curled up for some much needed rest together for a brief nap.
