Page 97 of His Impossible Elf Mate
Parliament showed restraint in their greeting. Ellgar was still imprisoned, awaiting trial, which would take many months, if not years, to come to its conclusion. There was too much to investigate, the charges having taken place over centuries.
It took some time to get everyone to their seats and for the ceremony to begin. Rieka needed to be fed. Axel’s cheeks heated as he found the fastening which would allow him to feed discreetly. I aided him with a spell, hiding what he was doing to the casual observer.
“Thanks,” he whispered as Mother took to the small stage.
“People of Abrocaelum, the Northarbor coven and our allies in the Sweetwater pack, thank you for being with us on this most auspicious day. This wedding marks a new era for elves and shifters alike, since wefinally know the truth. We are you. You are us. One day, the elves here may have their animal soul. As I have.”
With those words, Mother let her pale green robe fall, showing a cream slip underneath for just a second as she shifted into a snowy owl before our eyes.
“Holy fuck!” Chase exclaimed.
“Fuck!” Felix repeated.
Kade glared at his brother-in-law for teaching his omega son foul language as Greyson, Elliotte and his Kade’s brother, Hayden, all repeated, “fuck!”
“Indeed,” I said, hiding my laugh.
It took some time to get the crowd to calm down after my mother’s shift. She looked glorious as she flew above me.
Flying is so freeing!
Isn’t it?
Oh, you can hear me?Mother’s voice was slightly breathless. She was not used to the exertion of flying.
We will have a family link. If you think a thought to Axel, he should be able to hear it as my mate.
Dear Axel, I hope you do not mind me shifting on your special day. I just knew I could finally do it after wanting it since Teárlach gained his owl.
Hopefully Mother had not suffered for long with the changing sickness, as some had come to refer to mybrief illness. Changing form for the first time came with a cost as our bodies adjusted to the weight of an animal soul.
I don’t mind at all. Everyone is going to talk about this for years. They might even forget there is a wedding and leave so we can get married in peace.
Axel’s wish would not make it so.
Unlikely,I remarked dryly.
Unfortunately, Teárlach is correct. I shall shift back and join you on the stage.
I got to my feet, holding out a hand for my mate. He had finished seeing to Rieka, who was now dozing in her uncle Chase’s arms. He followed us up onto the dais.
Once the crowd was quiet, Mother began the ceremony.
“As Queen of the elves of Abrocaelum, I am blessed with the powers to tie these two souls in matrimony. As they have a shifter mate bond, we will forgo the formal vows. My sons, please state your pledges before these witnesses.”
I gestured for Axel to go first, earning myself a grimace.
“Teárlach, you came into my life when my hope was at an all-time low. You returned my faith to me and taught me that love is its own reward. I was ready to give up on my dream to keep you by my side, but you told me, proved to me, I could have everything I ever wanted with my true love by my side. I promise toalways travel the path alongside you. To love you until the last of my days and honor you as the alpha of my heart.”
My eyes had filled with tears. I hastily brushed them away before I spoke. I clasped Axel’s hands in mine.
“Dear one, I came to Sweetwater to find hope for my people and found you, the person who makes me feel complete. You have taught me to fight for love, for our dreams, because they are worth it. You have made me more patient, hopefully wiser,” someone chuckled. “With you, I have learned to truly love. I promise to always guide you on the path, to be your safe space and to love you until the stars all burn out.”
Axel was openly crying while Chase hid his tears in Rieka’s hair.
Mother wrapped our hands in red ribbon. “As your queen and the representative of The Luna, it is my honor to bless this union. You are now husbands in Abrocaelum. Elves of this land, raise your voices for Prince Teárlach and Prince Consort Axel.”
The cheering was surprisingly loud and unrestrained, helped along by our friends and family.
