Page 84 of A Brat's Tale
“Say that to his mother and see what she says.”
“I do not have to ask her permission.” His eyes harden.
Aldagir is quiet as they talk about him as if he’s not there, which I can relate to; it reminds me of home. It was like that with my parents, the three of them bickering over what’s right for Tristan until Father told them what would be.
She seems to remember her place, which to Elves is not gender-dependent, even for humans; it is based on your designation, which is dependent on how you are wired within. Aldagir is clearly dominant, especially if he can handle forty-seven spouses. Seven of them must be men. I remember he’s likely lived a very long time to have so many. I have a lot of questions for him not covered in my study books. I hope he’s prepared to talk.
It’s fascinating. I do love Elven culture even if I think the lot of them are arrogant.
She nods stiffly, her chest out and lips pursed. “Forgive me, Jagar.”
“I understand your worry, my dear, but Aldagir came to me. I would dishonor him by leaving him here.” Placing a hand on the side of her face, his small boy still hanging onto him, he tilts her chin up to kiss her lips.
“I will tell Suki. Come here, boy,” she fondly says to Aldagir. “Now.” This woman is no wallflower.
Aldagir blushes but suffers her affections as she pulls him into a hug. “EmCilrilda,” he complains. It’s entertaining watching the large stoic Elf, embarrassed by the small woman.
“Never mind.” She kisses his head.
Even though Cilrilda isn’t his mother, she’s due a particular amount of respect similar to that of a mother. Em is used to designatea category of mother in Elvish, Om is the prefix he’d use for his father’s husbands. Jagarbendir kisses the boy. “All right, to your mother with yah.” Cilrilda takes him. “We’ll be back before you know it.”
I’m not sure if she believes him, but she has no choice but to have faith. “Thank you again, Highness. I know you’ll help keep them safe.”
It means a lot to me that she believes I can. “The Kanes family are descendants of dragons, we are bred to keep people safe. I will look out for them both.”
“I’m glad you will become King-Consort one day. You are good for our people,” she says. I know she’s being respectful; I understand that currently, my status is only a notch below Crown Prince, but it’s not a label I want, and I hope this journey ends with me absolving that title.
“Thank you, my lady. I will always do my best no matter which title I serve under.’
We set out for the second realm, and I am glad to have them with me. And while I still think locking me in a room was way overboard, I start to see why Corrik was paranoid. These landsaredangerous. They may have been banned for humans, but the Elves cannot keep all magical creatures out. If not for Aldagir and Jagar, I would not have made it far. I once threatened Corrik that I would find a way to leave if need be. That he believed I could tells me he always did think I was fierce and I begin to feel more sympathy for his prophetic vision.
There are also the patrols. We have to stay off the main roads, which means a harder ride through the thick forest and the land heading into the third realm filled with obstacles my army of two know how to traverse well.
It’s not all bad. I get to know my travel companions. They are impressed with my skill with a sword and a bow. “You don’t have any spouses yet?” I ask Aldagir.
“Father will not allow it. He’s a bit old-fashioned,” he leans in to explain.
“I heard that,” Jagar says, smiling. “A proper Male Elf should reach his three-hundredth year before choosing a mate.”
That’s what the royal family believes too, usually. They made an exception for me because I’m a regular human—not the kind residing in Mortouge, who live a lot longer—and Corrik was permitted to marry early.
I can’t help the contentedness I feel hearing the firmness from Jagar. Aldagir doesn’t harbor any true resentment over it, he respects his father’s word, deeply. I relax missing my father and his firmness. Never thought that would happen. “Of course, Father,” Aldagir says.
“I suppose I’ve married quite young and look at me, on my way to a second husband,” I say.
Something in my tone causes Jagar to frown. “You do not wish to marry our crown prince.”
It’s not a question, but I answer anyway. I shake my head. “We’re not suited. I know that doesn’t negate my duties, but I would prefer the husband I had.”
“You love him.”
“Very much.”
“If he’s out there, we’ll find him,” Jagar says and I appreciate his fatherly tone.
I need to change the subject from Corrik and marriages. “How did Salamir go missing?”
Both Elves get serious. “Many of the halfling children began disappearing last spring. It took me some time before I could get the attention of the Crown Prince and then, nothing for a long while. We never found the first four children to go missing, but then it stopped until a couple of months before Alrik put Corrik on the case. My Salamir went missing after Uric and Stemnary.”
