The Shadow Elf's Mission (Elves of Eldarlan Book 5) by Elisa Rae

Author:Elisa Rae [Rae, Elisa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-02T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Favian

“No.” I straightened and met Cersei’s wide lavender eyes. They appeared huge in her pale features. “I do not have a wife.”

“But you said—” She pressed her lips together before trying again. “You said the knife is for your wife.”

“I purchased it four years ago, intending to give it to my future wife when I met her.” To you, my mind added, but I suppressed it. “It is customary for a couple speaking their binding oaths to exchange a gift as a sign of their binding. Traditionally, that item is a ring, but—” I hesitated.

All of me wished to tell her the whole truth, but I couldn’t. She wasn’t ready. Explaining fated mates would cause her to run from me at this point. The very fact she thought I could flirt with someone while being married to another proved she didn’t know me well enough.

“The shadows are thickening in the corners.”

“My apologies.” I closed my eyes and tried to calm my emotions. When I opened them, she was studying my features.

“Were you married before?”

I shook my head.

“Then why the strong response?”

“Gargoyle wedding traditions include the offering of a weapon.”

“You wished to merge your two cultures? That’s a lovely idea.” Her words and tone didn’t match, though. We both knew the mixing of the cultures wasn’t the cause of the excess shadow magic.

My elven hearing detected my men’s approaching footfalls. We were out of time.

Apparently, she heard it too because she was already standing and clearing away the meal. “I will take the tray back to the kitchen.” She efficiently wiped the knife clean and rested it on the table between us. “You best take this back, considering the significance.”

“We should skip working with magic this evening to give you a break, but I have some other things I wish for you to learn.”

“Oh?” Cersei picked up the laden tray and held it in front of her like a shield. “What would that be?”

“Some self-defense.”

“My father taught me to handle a knife.”

I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my mouth. “So I recall. However, I wish to make sure you are fully prepared. We are leaving in a week or so. While traveling, I can’t guarantee you will be completely protected.”

Her gaze narrowed as she frowned at me. “You mean you can’t guarantee Minerva’s safety?”

“Isn’t that what I said?” I tried to replay my words in my head.

“No, that isn’t exactly what you said.” A teasing smile lit her eyes. “Perhaps your age is catching up with you?”

“Regardless, I wish to see a demonstration of your skills this evening. Meet me in the practice yard after Lady Minerva retires.”

A knock on the door signaled the end of our conversation.

“Come,” I called. The door was slightly ajar, so the men entered without hesitation.

Cersei bobbed a slight curtsey to me before slipping out into the corridor after they entered. I was pleased to see all of them showed her the deference due her station. Apparently, I had chosen my leaders well.

“Is Lady Cersei well?” Sirius asked as Ragnarr and Marius claimed the chairs.

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