Chapter 7
AUREN
It was difficult, but I managed to get Vivienne to pack only the true essentials she will need for our journey into one satchel. At first, she tried to convince me to hitch a cart to Vaelen, but when I told her he absolutely would not agree to that, she relented.
We’ll be traveling on the open road for several days. And while the route is considered safe, it’s better if we’re able to maneuver quickly in case of any trouble.
Vivienne hugs her father and brother goodbye. When I shake their hands, they each give me a subtle nod, offering once more their approval of our plan.
“We should leave now,” I murmur, already guiding her toward Vaelen.
“What about your king and the rest of your fellow soldiers?” she asks. “Are they not traveling with us?”
“I asked them to ride ahead.”
Her small brow furrows. “Why would you do that?”
“I figured you would not wish for an audience as you said your farewells.”
It’s not a complete lie. My men are already riding a few hours ahead—far enough that no one will slip and call me by my title. I want some time alone with my wife before she learns the truth.
Her eyes search mine a moment before she nods.
Preparing to help her onto Vaelen, I settle my hands around her waist. “Alright.” I start to lift her. “You just need to swing your leg over his back.”
“Wait!” She writhes in my arms, twisting until I have no choice but to release her or risk holding her in a way that might get me slapped.
“What’s wrong?”
“Are you mad? I cannot ride astride.”
I blink, confused. “Why not?”
“It would be highly improper to show my calves and my ankles,” she declares, as if I’ve just suggested she ride naked into battle. She lifts her chin, her expression set in imperious defiance. “A noble lady only rides side-saddle.”
I stare at her, certain I must have misheard. My gaze shifts past her, settling on Vaelen, who watches the exchange with unnerving intelligence, ears flicking forward as if he, too, is baffled by this development. “You want to ride side-saddle?”
She lifts her chin higher. “Yes.”
“Are you serious?” I ask incredulously. “If you fall, you could break your neck.”
“Then be a good husband and don’t let me fall,” she replies primly.
I snort in disbelief. “Vivienne. That’s not how this works.”
“I won’t ride astride, Auren. It’s not becoming. My dress would bunch up, my legs and ankles would be showing—”
“I won’t risk your safety over some obscure point of etiquette.”
She folds her arms, her mouth set in a stubborn slash. “I refuse.”
With a heavy sigh, I pinch the bridge of my nose and exhale. Gods above, I’ve just married a storm given human form, but I refuse to risk her safety.
I glance at one of the servants standing nearby. “Would you please fetch a tunic, a pair of pants, and some travel boots for the princess?”
The servant bows swiftly before hurrying off.
Vivienne gasps, her hands clutching the folds of her gown as if I’ve just ordered them to be burned. “I can’t wear pants and boots! I’m a lady.”
“Dark Elf women wear them all the time,” I point out.
“I’m not a Dark Elf,” she huffs.
“No,” I agree, stepping closer, lowering my voice. “But you are a Dark Elf’s mate. And I won’t have you breaking your neck over some ridiculous human tradition.”
Her nostrils flare, and she looks very much like she’d like to throttle me.
Before she can argue further, the servant returns with boots, and a neatly folded pair of black trousers, along with a simple tunic, far more suited for travel than the cascading silks she currently wears.
I hold out the bundle to her. “Change quickly. I’ll wait here.”
Instead of moving, she glares at me.
I lift a teasing brow. “Would you like me to help you?”
“Give me that,” she practically growls, snatching the clothing from my hands. She whirls on her heels with a violent sweep of her skirts, but halts when she sees her father and brother watching the exchange with barely concealed amusement.
Their expressions falter as she gives them a withering look.
“He’s only thinking of your safety, my darling girl,” King Edric says gently. “Like any good man would do for his wife.”
“Says the man who’s marrying his daughter off to a stranger,” she mutters under her breath as she stomps off.
I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.
The moment she’s gone, her brother, Aldric, chuckles and claps a hand on my shoulder. “Are you sure you know what you’re in for?”
A smile crests my lips. “Absolutely.”
Edric elbows his son. “Do not speak of your sister that way.” He looks at me. “I know we agreed to this plan, but I don’t want her to be ruled by a strong hand. Do you understand me?”
I straighten, meeting his gaze evenly. “I would never do that.”
Edric studies me carefully.
“Dark Elves cherish their mates. I would sooner end my own life than ever harm her. I had planned to tell her who I am when we reached the edge of the city, but now… perhaps it might be best to wait until we’re closer to my home.
Maybe traveling as a soldier’s wife, instead of a queen, will give her some perspective—a gentle lesson in humility.
It’s important for a ruler to understand how others live. ”
Edric nods. “I think you may be right.”
“Humility?” Aldric barks a laugh. “Good luck.” Her brother smirks, lowering his voice. “By the way, she asked me to rescue her when you reach the edge of the city.”
“Is that so?”
Apparently, human hearing is not nearly as sharp as an Elf’s. I heard her whispered plea, and I already knew he wouldn’t agree to her scheme. It wouldn’t work anyway. Bargains made with Goblins are nearly impossible to break. Still, I appreciate his honesty.
Aldric claps a hand on my shoulder. “When she realizes I’m not there, she’s going to be really upset. Put in a good word for me later, will you?” He winks. “Family visits are going to be rather awkward if she doesn’t forgive me.”
I nod just as Vivienne returns, dressed in her travel gear. I smile at my lovely, scowling bride. “Are you ready to leave, me'lira?”
She huffs, her lips pressing into a thin, furious line. Which I take to mean yes.
Despite her anger, she hugs her father and brother once more, whispering in Aldric’s ear. “Have my trunks sent to the summer home.”
When she turns back to me, I wrap my hands around her waist, to help her into the saddle. Holding her like this, the desire to pull her closer is difficult to ignore, but I force myself to lift her onto Vaelen’s back and relinquish my hold.
I swing up behind her, and when she shifts forward, I tighten my grip, tugging her against me.
She stiffens. “I can sit perfectly upright.”
I lean close, my lips near her ear. “I’m not risking you tumbling off Vaelen’s back.”
A blush stains her cheeks as she shivers against me. My nostrils flare as her delicate scent deepens into something rich and heady. Gods above, I relish the way she already responds to me.
My grip tightens around her waist before I can stop it. She fits there too easily. As though she was made to be in my arms. Notes of jasmine and vanilla cling to her skin, soft and warm, and I inhale slowly, drawing it deep into my lungs, committing it to memory.
The scent of my mate.
A soft huff escapes her, but she doesn’t argue, nor does she tell me not to call her the word for ‘beloved.’ She merely glares back at me, frustration radiating off her in waves as we bid farewell to her father and brother and head toward the city gates.
As we draw closer to the edge of town, she grows quiet.
She’s looking for her brother.
I force my expression to remain neutral, so as to appear unaware as she searches the crowd, trying to be discreet, but doing an awful job of it.
She still thinks she’s going to somehow escape the Goblin bargain, but it’s not that simple.
As we pass through the gates, her head whips side to side, subtlety abandoned entirely.
I lean in. “Is something wrong, my dear wife?”
She freezes for half a second, then straightens. “No.”
“Are you sure?”
Her eyes narrow as she scans the people around us, and mutters under her breath, “That traitor to end all traitors.”
I cover my laugh with a cough. Her brother was right. He’ll pay dearly for this, I think to myself as we pass through the city gates, heading toward her new life.