Page 63 of Plaything of the Dark Elf

Etheron

In the great hall of my manor, I stand in front of Archduke Kral Ishiraya. His platinum hair stands in stark contrast to any others in the room, and his robes are of a superior quality. Behind me, my two best friends, Baron Zilan and General Dizen, stand in fine suits. On the other side of the altar, Dalia’s mother and brothers wait like the rest of us for the woman of my dreams.

The harpist strums her cords and Dalia appears at the archway with her father.

Her golden hair drapes over bare shoulder and down to her shimmering white gown. The tailor assured me that it would sparkle like the stars and he was right. The neckline swoops low to show off a moon stone dangling from a string of pearls that rests between her breasts. Her emerald eyes capture mine and we hold that gaze the whole length of her entrance.

Her father kisses her cheek and steps back.

I offer my hand and she takes it with hers. She stands in front of me and I drag air into my lungs for the first time since I laid eyes on her.

“General Etheron,” Kral says next to us. “Three months ago you came to me asking for my help. You said, ‘Archduke, I’m in trouble.’”

Laughter spreads through the small gathering.

“You said, ‘There’s this human woman, and I can’t be without her.’” The archduke smiles, something soft and warm. The understanding of my plight in his eyes. “And I said, ‘Then you must be together.’ Oftentimes, the union of a dark elf and a human is looked down upon. It is shamed, shunned and relationships are shorn. There is a price to pay for such a union, but pay it we must, and pay it we shall. For love is not to be denied for any reason.

“Etheron, speak your vows.”

“Dalia, you tamed the storm of my heart and of my life. Before you, my life was digging me an early grave. Violence and debauchery were the only depth of soul I saw in myself. But then you came.”

Dalia’s eyes waver behind a sheen of tears as her smile quivers.

“Dalia, I take you as my mate, as the mother of my future children, as my lady wife.”

The archduke nods and turns to Dalia. “Dalia, speak your vows.”

Dalia chokes a laugh as her tears fall. “I swear to you, Etheron, I will serve you for the rest of my days. You pulled me out of the gutter. You swept me up, turning my life upside down. I can’t wait to have your children, to be Lady Etheron.”

“Then, by my power, granted by King Grymlok Ishiraya, I bind you as mates.” Kral announces.

I pull Dalia to me, wrapping my arms around her. My lips crash over hers as her hands pull my jaw. I step back beaming down at my mate. My mate.

The room erupts in applause and Kral says, “Ladies and gentlemen, Lord and Lady Etheron.” He offers his hand to me and I shake it. “Congratulations, Etheron. I’m glad you’ve found your peace.”

I shake his hand with a wide smile on my face. “Thank you, Archduke. You’ve helped so much. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

He chuckles. “Don’t mention it. Today is your day. Revel in it. Take your mate and enjoy her.”

We head into the dinning hall and begin to feast. Archduke’s Kral’s mate, Amelie, sits next to Dalia while Kral sits next to me at the head of the table. My friends sit across from me with wide smiles.

“Who would have guessed this mad bastard would get married before me?” Dizen laughs.

Zilen runs his fingers through his short black hair. “Etheron should consider himself lucky given he’s ripped all the others apart. Like Kral said, I’m very happy that you’ve found peace. I prayed many nights to the Thirteen that they’d solve your affliction.” He glances around me at Dalia. “Wouldn’t have guessed it would come in the form of a human.”

Dizen roars with laughter while Kral chuckles.

I beam a smile as I glance over at Dalia. Even with Dizen laughing louder than thunder, I manage to pick up Dalia and Amelie’s conversation.

“I’m so happy for you.” Amelie’s grin plumps her pristine cheeks. “I’m so glad we’re getting more and more sisters. I’ll make sure to introduce you to others like us.”

“Thank you. I can’t wait to meet others.” Dalia peers over her shoulder at me and I give her a wink. She laughs and continues on with Amelie.

“You don’t have any plans for your family?” Kral asks.

My own grin stretches my face. “Not exactly. I assume we’ll have some soon, though if it takes a little time I’m sure I’ll enjoy myself.”

The men laugh and after Kral sips his wine he leans in. “Take it from me, enjoy your time alone together, but don’t let that slow you down from having children. It will be good to have more mixed children running around.”

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