Page 122 of A Brat's Tale
My eyes widen. “You sure that’s a good idea.” It’s one thing for me to be stupid, horny, but Corrik will be an animal by then.
“You are Elf and a menacing one at that, you can handle me.”
“It will be savage.”
“You live for danger, much to my dismay. It will practically be a wedding gift.”
I laugh. “You know me—no more boats though.”
He rubs noses with me. “No more boats.”
Life as an Elf gets better, which surprises me. Halflings have always been part Elf, I was a full human,turnedElf. But one does not simply become Elf, it must be permitted by the king and the Gods. Getting both permissions is enough for most Elves to accept that you always were an Elf in terms of spirit, you just had the ‘misfortune’ of being born in a human’s body.
That’s how they see it.
I think it’s a load of shite. I still feel like a Markaytian, I’m Tristan in every way, I’m just more badass. Yes, I’m an Elf, I’m bigger and have unimaginable strength, I have the ability to harness magical energy, but I determine what I will do with these gifts, not the gifts themselves.
Zelphar the Elven Warlord is about the only one in my immediate circle of concern who doesn’t believe I deserve full Elf status, but unfortunately for him, I have more status than he does, even if I have no jurisdiction on the field. The only thing he had was that he could have me beat daily and have it look like it was just my frail human form to blame. Now, I can keep up and sink some of his warriors to the ground. Bayaden was right, I still have a lot to learn, but now I have hope of learning it.
The king commissions a new sword for me as a gift. All of the swordsmiths in Mortouge fight over who gets to make it for me. It will be given to me at the ceremony, the one that should have happened long ago to officially introduce me to Mortouge, though Corrik claims I need no introduction with all the trouble I’ve caused.
He’s probably right about that.
But we do have a gathering to honor all the children we lost to the witch wyrms with the royal family’s solemn vow not to allow another child to go missing.
With the wedding approaching, I need to speak with Alrik. He hasn’t made the necessary arrangements to end of our engagement and that’s concerning.
He never returned my cuff. I knew not to ask about it. If heplanned on giving it back, he would have by now. I’ve already gone to Strobavik. His vivid blue eyes turned down in time with his ears when he saw me without it. “The prince has withdrawn his permission,” I said. My lip wobbled.
He knew which one. Somehow and in some way, I’m beholden to Alrik. My eyes filled with tears.
Strobavik wiped them away with his thumb. I almost meet his height now, about half a foot shorter but close. “Don’t fret, sweetheart. Come. I promised you would meet my children. D’ayawin has a new kitten she’d like to show you.”
“They know of me?”
“Of course, they do. You’re quite famous with having been turned Elf and all. Heads up, she’s called the damn thing Tristan. It’s as stubborn as you are.”
Iknow where to find Alrik, he’s so bloody predictable and no I don’t have a guard bring me down like I’m supposed to. That was meant to end once I became an Elf but to my dismay, Corrik relayed to me that Alrik insisted the rule remain in place. Bet Alrik was too chicken to tell me himself.
“How long were you planning to ignore me?” I say taking a seat preparing to watch him polish his sword for a bit.
“What did I say would happen next time you came here without a guard?”
“We need to talk Alrik, and you’re avoiding me.”
He sets his sword down. “Come here.”
“No.”
“What did you say to me?”
“I said no. We need to talk, Alrik.” I keep my body hard, not giving an inch.
“If you’ve come to plead your case about the engagement, you’ve wasted your time. I’m planning to make the official announcement that we are no longer engaged at the ceremony. Happy?”
Of all the…! Elves are frustrating, especially this one. I vow never to be so frustrating. “I’m not happy. You’re not being honest with me.” Corrik’s right and I feel the truth of it in my Elven body—there’s an energy between us and denying it isn’t good for either of us. I want to, for me, nothing to do with Aldrien wars. Besides, Alrik is Alrik. I doubt very much he would be swayed even by love if that were to happen between us. If we don’t handle this thing between us, we’ll both explode—especially if he’s restraining half as much as I am.
“I’m not being dishonest either. I just don’t want to chat further. Now get your arse over here. I promised you a spanking if you disobeyed me again and I mean what I say.”
