Chapter 25 Rhianelle
Warm rays of sunlight greet me as soon as I step out of the tent. I am immediately met with stares. They’re all gawking as if waiting for me to grow a horn. Rainer and my knights are the first to approach me.
My uncle searches my face. “Is it done?”
I meet his metallic gaze and nod.
He marvels at the markings on my hand. Etched in the old language of the elves.
Kill the Fae King.
Rainer immediately wraps me in his embrace.
“Thank you,” he says repeatedly, kissing my head. “Well done, Niece.”
This is the first emotional hug I’ve received from him since Aerin’s death.
“Although this vow does seem a little reckless.” The logical, calculating part of him slowly returning. “There’s no way of telling if he’s loyal to us until then.”
The vampire’s own request circles around mine in strange letterings. I do not know the language, but my soul understands what it means.
It’s not freedom that Svenn craves for. He wishes to be human again. My heart warms at the sincerity of his demand.
“I saw his face when he left the tent. Will he be a danger to you?” Aelfric suddenly asks, his face grim.
“He will not harm anyone.”
“How can you be certain?” he asks again.
“I just am.”
Darstan and Garrett say nothing, but I know they echo the same worry.
We have absolute control over him. One of the heirs whispers. Another glimpse of what they did to him decimates me.
None of them can know. Not my uncle, not even Aelfric. The Arawynn bond doesn’t matter anymore. I need to see Svenn again. I need to tell him—
“Forgive me, Your Highness.” Cedwynn suddenly says, interrupting our reunion. “The Aeonians are ready for you.”
A noose constricts around my throat. There’s no avoiding this now.
“I am no longer in their good graces,” I say to my uncle in a low voice. I have no choice but to tell Rainer and my knights about the bargain the Elders wanted. A heavy silence descends in the wake of my revelation.
“They will find a way to make her pay,” Garrett says, his brows pulling together. There’s a clear certainty in his voice.
“I won’t let that happen,” Rainer promises calmly.
I hold my uncle’s arm tightly for support as we aim towards the Aeonian’s holy tent.
Four of his Grimsbane trail behind us. I’m surprised to see Shade walking up and about.
The gray-haired male nods at me, a silent gratitude in his eyes.
Now that I see his demonic mask in the daylight, it doesn’t look so scary anymore.
“You’re no good to us dead. Go back and rest,” Rainer says a little too harshly.
“I’ll live,” the male replies. But my uncle is right. He doesn’t look well enough to stand.
My heart pounds harder at the sight of the golden banner sewn with six stars encircling a moon flapping at the apex of the tent. A group of Eamon’s soldiers suddenly block us from entering.
“They will not see her again without my presence,” Rainer says, his voice low with warning.
Ctibor arrives with Tierra, dismissing the guards.
“The Ancient Ones will be displeased with your presence,” he says to my uncle, pursing his lips. “But today is an exception.”
The two Aldarelfs are looking at me with pride gleaming in their eyes. Tierra raises her hands in prayer. “We saw the blessing of the Holy light from the heaven shining to your tent.”
Holy light? Was it when I came again and again and nearly lost my mind last night? The memory brings a small smile to my face.
But my guts immediately roil the moment we step into the nefarious air in the tent. Eamon is lounging on a ceremonial chaise at the very center surrounded by five Mhlaryan elves.
“Bow before your Elders.”
I do as they bid, wishing my uncle and his men will do the same. I truly do not want a confrontation.
“Is it true the Bloodsucker was capable of tearing down our shield?” The Aeonians ask without a formal greeting. Their voice is distinctly different from Eamon’s, more sinister.
“Yes, Wise Ones,” Ctibor says politely.
“Then it’s a good thing we have his loyalty. Let me see the bond,” he says, directing me to come forward.
I hold out my hand for him, shifting uncomfortably under his scrutiny.
“What is this?” His mouth twists at the vows on my hand. “Kill the Fae King?”
I draw in a deep breath, trying to calm my pounding heart. “It was out of my control.”
“Our demands were clear and specific!” Eamon seethes, nostrils flaring. Or rather it is the ancient beings behind him that are angry.
“It is a strong Arawynn bond,” Tierra comes to my defense. “I give you my word as a servant of Astraea.”
They ignore her completely. “You were supposed to bind the vampire to Aelfheim!”
More like bind him to them.
“I will take responsibility for this,” I say quietly.
“The way you took responsibility with our order?” Eamon scoffs. His voice drops low and vicious. “You do understand the consequence of this dishonor?”
I nod silently.
Seventy-Seven lashes for each god that I disrespected.
Garrett looks like he is primed for murder. I can almost feel his anger from where he stands. My other two stalwart knights are better at containing their emotions, but I notice the subtle change in their stance.
“Abandon this ruling,” Rainer says tersely. His cold silver eyes are fixed on Eamon.
“I quite agree, Wise Ones,” Tierra says, bowing her head.
“The punishment is customary. Not even the queen is exempt,” the commissioner says, smoothing his expression.
Ctibor clasps his hands nervously. “Perhaps this rule is a little too—”
“What are we without rules and traditions? Savages like the fae?” Eamon interrupts before he can finish.
Rainer’s scowl deepens over his words.
“This is not some barbaric flogging. The punishment will not even break skin,” Eamon says, his voice sounds like a feline purr. It must be a different Elder using his body now. “It’s only meant to teach a lesson.”
In other words, I will be made an example of.
“You’d be a fool if you think I’ll allow my niece to be humiliated.” Rainer’s voice lowers. The words are spoken casually, but I hear the threat laced in them. My uncle is most dangerous when he is calm.
Shade is already stepping behind the Mhlaryan elves. The rest of his Grimsbane are poised to strike.
“Step aside, Rainer. Before your exile extends to all of Aelfheim,” Eamon says, his voice tight. “The safety of the kingdom is in jeopardy because of your personal grudge.”
The Aeonians chilling gaze meets mine. “You have put us all in danger, young queen.”
“I accept the punishment.”
The tent grows silent over my words. I don’t dare look at my uncle or my knights.
Eamon’s lips move in a cruel, sadistic smile. “It is settled. We will give you time to prepare yourself.”
The atmosphere is terse when we leave the Aeonians’ tent.
“I won’t allow this to stand,” Rainer says, his lips pressed into a hard line. The unpredictable dark tone of his voice squeezes my heart.
“What would you have us do?” I exhale.
“It’s high time we renounce Aelfheim like the Kashrans did,” he mutters, his expression hard as granite. “Volundr was once a proud kingdom before the Great Conquest. The Antler Crown of our ancestors shall rest upon your head.”
I shudder at the mere suggestion. “We can’t afford to be divided from Aelfheim. Blaire needs us.”
“The maiden?” Rainer narrows his eyes.
Yes, the maiden. My best friend. Imprisoned somewhere in an orc dungeon. The one everyone conveniently wants to forget about.
Understanding dawns on my uncle’s harsh features. “Then I’ll send word to Volundr and arrange for a rescue mission.”
“They won’t make it in time.” I shake my head. It will take nearly a month for the cavalry in the Far East to reach Tavan without enough Noctrals. “I need the support from the Lords in the west.”
He gives me a heavy look. If intimidation was a person, Rainer would be it. But I am a Wiolant too, just as stubborn as he is.
There’s a long pause as he studies me, his expression impassive.
“I’ll respect your decision, Niece. But do not expect me to watch.” He departs without another word.
Aelfric notices Garrett is leaving too. “Where are you going?”
“To kill Eamon,” he says simply, checking his bandoliers of knives and weapons.
“You can’t!” I say, panic surging in my veins.
Aelfric quickly side steps him. “You were fine with her marrying the vampire last night. What’s wrong with you?”
“You know that was different,” he replies.
“Garrett, I forbid you to harm the Aeonian’s messenger.” I order.
Cold rage simmers in the knight’s eyes. “A public punishment? Nobody does that anymore. Not human, not fae. These silly traditions must end.”
“You’re way out of line,” Darstan says, closing a hand on his shoulder. “Stand down, brother.”
“You’re not my brother if you allow this.” Garrett turns on him.
“You swore an oath to her,” Aelfric reminds him steadily.
My newest knight ignores us.
Before I can say another word, Darstan captures him in a chokehold. “She may let us call her by name, but remember she is our Queen. Her will is our will.”
Garrett is not the least bit fazed by the grip. His jade eyes flick to me, trying to read what’s in my mind. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“It’s just caning. I’ll be alright.” I sound so convincing; I almost believe my own lie.
The knight gives me a final long look of understanding. He shrugs himself from Darstan’s iron grip and leaves.
“Garrett, wait!” I almost chase him before Aelfric pulls me.
“He will cool down.”
I heave a shaky breath.
No one knows this turmoil in my chest. There is something else far more important than the Aeonians and my stupid punishment. I feel terrible for Garrett, but I need to find Svenn quickly. The binding spell has transferred something horrible. I touch the tattoo on my belly underneath my dress.
I have to speak to the Demon Lord urgently.
The moment I think of Kheirall Bathalzar, the devil himself appears in front of me.