Page 49 of Plaything of the Dark Elf

I struggle to keep my smile. “For safety reasons, why don’t you write them letting them know that you’re safe. Leave out our relationship. If a thief stole the letter, or if another human heard that I favor you, they might think they could extort either myself or your family. It would be best to focus on alleviating their fears, not giving them a full account of your time apart.”

Her eyes cast down to the bed sheets as a shadow of a frown mars her lips. “I suppose you’re right.”

“Dalia.” I turn and lift her chin so her eyes meet mine. “I’m always right. No matter what we are now, what we become in the future, you must trust me. You must always trust that I know what’s best for you and everyone you know. Do you understand?”

She turns her cheek into my hand and nods. “I trust you.”

“Good. I’ll be back soon.”

We kiss, she sighs with a smile, and I leave the room as if it’s on fire.

I’m not sure what to do about her. She’s undeniable, yet if I want to keep her as safe as possible, I’ll have to deny her what she truly wants, what she deserves, me.

I need her, but needing something, or someone, doesn’t mean I can just have it without repercussions. I need to think about this. I need to plan. If I’m seriously going to mate or marry her, I’ll need to do it in the safest way possible.

As I walk through the halls of my manor, I can’t help but wonder, Do I even need to put us in that type of risk? What more would I gain by having her as a mate or bride? I already own her. She’s mine. If sex is necessary to keep the fog at bay, I can have her every night. It’s not like she can deny me. Yet… “What if it can be better?” I whisper.

I leave the manor, climbing into my flying chariot. There’s no meeting I need to be at, but there’s always something to be done. I can contemplate what to do with Dalia while reading over scouting reports and planning my forces’ next attack. We have a week or more before a planned raid. That should be plenty of time to decide if I’m willing to risk all the worst possibilities imaginable for all the best possibilities imaginable.

---