Page 91 of Enchanting the Elf
“It got even stronger when I spent time outside, in the forest—the place woodland elves are meant to charge their magic.
“For too long, we have been locked inside stone castles, suppressing our magic. For too long, we have forced arranged marriages for status and prestige, instead of allowing the free choice to love. For too long, we have ignored our basest natures, denied our instincts, and suppressed our innate beings to surrender to a fabricated image of what elves should be.”
Nithard opens his mouth to interrupt but Adelbert coolly holds up a hand, indicating he’s not done.
“Mate bonds are relevant. Mage hands are relevant. Nature is relevant. Favoring emotions over book knowledge is relevant. If you remember these elements, there is so much you can do. So many you can help.”
This time, Nithard can’t help himself. He stands up and steps in front of Adelbert with a murderous look in his eyes, then calms his features before turning to the scholars.
Through clenched teeth, Nithard says, “I must apologize for my errant son. I am not sure what has preceded today’s presentation to cause this tomfoolery. An appropriate reprimand shall be meted out.”
Monika shakes her head and my shoulders sag that no one is hearing him out.
Surprising me, Monika scolds, “Sit down, Nithard. This isn’t your presentation. We came to hear Adelbert speak. Let him.”
I do a little wiggle and quietly high-five the closest leaf. We’ve got one elf on our side.
Nithard’s jaw drops to an almost comical degree, but he quickly rights himself and wordlessly stalks back to his seat.
“Go ahead, Adelbert,” Monika encourages gently. “We’re listening. They won’t say another word until you invite us to.” She shoots a look at the other elves and a couple sink down in their seats, while others give her nods of approval.
Adelbert’s chest rises on a deep inhale and he rolls his shoulders back. Clasping his hands in front of his body, his thumb strokes his glamour ring.
“I am a woodland elf,” Adelbert announces. “I have been chosen as the elvish representative for the Black Forest. The forest is alive and wants to help elves connect with nature again. They want to help us strengthen our magic. In turn, we can help them too in the ways of old. The way it was always meant to be.”
Adelbert removes his ring and gasps echo through the semicircle. Deciding to hit them with a one-two punch, Adelbert gives me the sign, and the thicket opens up to let me through. I graze a finger along one of the leaves in thanks and glide over to my mate.
Reaching out his hand for me, I place mine in Adelbert’s and he envelops me in a warm embrace.
“I’m so proud of you,” I whisper into his neck, feeling everyone’s eyes on us. “You’re doing great.”
A muttering of voices starts up as the elves talk amongst themselves, sharing theories, while Adelbert and I hold each other. Eventually, a throat clears and we untangle our arms to lace our fingers, ready to face them together.
Monika asks, “Is this the summer love you spoke of?”
Adelbert nods and has the most serene smile I’ve yet seen.
“Everyone, I would like you to meet Florence Everly. My mate.”
Nithard nearly loses his balance as he jumps to his feet.
“Mate? No. No, no, no, no, no. Now that you have given your presentation, you will take a mate approved byme. And she will definitely not be a human. I already have contenders in mind that will be befitting of the Alberad name. It is my legacy at stake here. Your legacy,” Nithard thunders, voice ripe with indignation.
Monika tuts disapprovingly and rolls her eyes at Nithard’s outburst. “Oh, shut it, Nithard,” she scolds. “Can’t you see how happy the boy is? And he’s already mated. You can’t break them up.” She shrugs, making me like her more by the second.
“I certainly can,” Nithard counters.
Not able to stay quiet any longer, I lift my chin and infuse all the sass I’ve been saving over the years into my voice when I say, “I’d like to see you try, Nithard.”
Adelbert chuckles as Nithard’s mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water. My heart pounds at having all the attention on me, but with Adelbert at my side, I steel my spine and let them look their fill as they discuss us.
When everyone has calmed enough again, Adelbert addresses the group.
“We wondered which would shock you more, sprouting horns or announcing our mating. Interesting to see where your priorities lie.” Adelbert laughs but there’s censure in his tone.
“Now, to sum up what has happened. Florence and I discovered that we had a fated bond and had to remain close. Fated bonds occur once every thousand years or so, depending on if the fates deem it necessary. We developed genuine feelings for each other and decided to pursue a relationship. Once we made the choice to be together, we became fatedmates. A concept that has not been heard of in many years but is nowrelevant to us, along with nine other couples around the world. Each couple consists of a human woman and a male of a different species, and in some situations have an addition of one or more mates.
“Our matings see our species return to our most intrinsic forms, and in my case— as a woodland elf—I have features that have not been seen in hundreds of years. Horns, bark on my skin, hazel eyes, and some other, um, features too.” Adelbert avoids telling them directly about his new cock, and I don’t blame him one bit. To those that it concerns, he’ll probably reveal more later.
