by Donald White
The youth bowed his head. “Yes, father.”
Queen Melanie stared sorrowfully at the elf.
Lady Persephone finished her meal.
***
After dinner, Prince Hayden waited anxiously in the sitting room. Is this necessary, father? To make me wait like some commoner until you are ready to see me? Part of him wanted this to be over, while another part was content to tarry a bit longer. He was still shocked at the audacity of Lady Persephone. Is she trying to vex me? But he realized she was just answering the question she had been asked. Thank you, mother.
The door opened and a servant entered the room, announcing, “King Thaddeus will see you now.”
Frowning and nodding, the prince walked over to the door and opened it. He stepped through quickly.
His father was seated on a throne staring at him from across the room.
Prince Hayden gave sigh. He managed to hold his head up as he approached the throne. “You wished to see me, father?”
A few moments passed in awkward silence as the king observed his son. Then, the man spoke. “Hayden, tell me what you have done.”
“Father, I believe Lady Persephone has told you already.”
King Thaddeus growled, “I wish to hear it from your mouth.”
Hayden managed to retain his composure. “I found the elves bathing. Overcome with desire, I sought to take one. Lady Persephone offered herself in the place of her little ones.”
A look of sadness passed over the king’s face. “Why, Hayden? Why would you do such a thing?”
“Father, I…”
“Why?!!” King Thaddeus pounded his fist against the armrest.
Prince Hayden became silent, and bowed his head.
His father spoke. “You are heir to the throne of Androtopia. When I am gone, you will be king! You will rule this land. Yet, you cannot even rule yourself!”
The youth winced, but did not speak.
King Thaddeus continued, “Because of your actions, our relations with the dark elves will become strained. Such incidents can lead to outright war! And all for the sake of your lust…”
“I am sorry, father.”
“And you should be!” The king pondered for a moment and then instructed, “Tomorrow, you will ride out to the border and return the elf to her people. You will apologize and offer to recompense them for the trouble you have caused. Whatever they demand shall be done, save for the taking of your life.”
Prince Hayden did not raise his head. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Hayden.” The harshness in the man’s tone had abated.
The youth looked at his father.
King Thaddeus gazed at his son. “You are a boy no longer. One day the weight of the entire kingdom will rest on your shoulders. A good king is above reproach. You have been given much, and thus, much will be required of you. Do what is right, and you will rule well. Do ill, and it shall come back upon your head.”
“I will do my best, father.”
“You must do better, my son.”
The prince nodded.
King Thaddeus gave a gesture of dismissal.
His son bowed, turned around and left the room.
***
He found Lady Persephone in his chambers, kneeling on the floor. Prince Hayden bowed his head. “Tomorrow, I will return you to your people.”
The elf looked up at him. “Do you think it will be so easy, human?”
He stared at her, confused.
She continued, “The Queen’s elves do not bear shame. I have given myself to you. Did you think you could just take me back?”
Prince Hayden tried to speak, but no words came out. Had he really thought it would be so easy?
Lady Persephone studied him as a feline does its prey. “To return is to bear shame. Thus, I shall not return. I have given myself to you. I will not take back what was given for the sake of others.”
The youth grew irate. “This is not my bidding but that of my father! He has commanded me to do this. I must obey.”
“Very well. Then, you will speak to him. Tell him of my wishes.”
“I cannot do that!”
“You must.”
The young man grew flustered. “Father is concerned about the relations between your people and mine. He fears that my indiscretion could lead to war!”
She smirked. “An indiscretion? Is that what I am to you? A mistake you made; or perhaps a wrong to be made right?” She crept towards him on her hands and knees, slowly and steadily. “No, little prince. You cannot so easily be done with me. We made a covenant. I offered myself for my little ones. And it is done.” She grinned, “I am your prize. You now have that which you desired.”
The look in her eyes was chilling and he struggled to remain upright. He had made a mistake. He let himself be taken in by his desires. And he took what he desired. But surely, he could make it right…
Lady Persephone wrapped her arms around his waist. “There will be no war over me. Give your father this assurance. Offer him my thanks for his concern. But I shall remain here with you.”
Her willowy arms reminded him of snake coils wrapped around him. He could not escape this living nightmare. Once more, he wondered who the real captive was…
***
Days went by. Lady Persephone remained with Hayden. King Thaddeus did not dispute her desire to stay. Secretly, the prince wished he had.
One afternoon, he and his friend Ernest were out riding. They galloped through the fields, uphill and down.
Ernest smirked as they neared a wooden fence. He urged his horse forward, building up speed. The creature leaped up into the air, clearing the obstacle and landing just beyond it, stumbling slightly. Ernest gestured back at his friend.
Hayden galloped towards the fence, holding the reins just tight enough to control his mount. The horse leapt up and over just as the other one had, yet with a smoother landing on the other side.
The prince’s friend shook his head. “You make it look easy, Your Highness.”
Hayden chuckled, walking his horse up beside Ernest and his mount. “It is as difficult as you make it.”
Ernest rubbed his stubbly cheek with a gloved hand. “What I want to know is just how hard Lady Persephone makes it for you.”
Hayden scowled. “I am not a beast to be ridden.”
“But the elf does it so well, Your Highness!” Ernest was laughing.
The prince grew silent.
His friend noticed. “What troubles you?”
Hayden turned away. “She vexes me, Ernest. She vexes me and I cannot be free of her.”
The other youth mumbled, “Yeah, being with a beautiful elf must be so hard.” Then, he looked at his friend. “If she displeases you, why not send her home?”
“I tried that. She said we made a covenant, and that she will remain with me.”
“Well Your Highness, if you desire, you could cast her out.”
Hayden pondered for a moment. “I cannot force her to leave. The people would frown upon it. You know they have taken a liking to her?”
“You must face the truth. She is yours now.”
The prince nodded slowly. “There is something about her that unsettles me.” He paused and continued, “She is like a great cat. And I am her prey. I can always feel her stalking gaze.”
His friend held up a hand. “Your Highness, there are worse fates than being pursued by a lovely nymph.”
“You do not understand. Her beauty haunts me. Those eerie green eyes can peer into my very depths! There is no place to hide.” Hayden started to tremble. “She vexes me constantly, reminding me of my failings, spouting her wisdom. She has my parents fawning over her. Think about that! The king and queen of Androtopia catering to this creature! It is enough to drive one mad.”
Ernest thought for a moment. “There is something overwhelming about her. She gets into your mind, without even trying. One look and you are ensnared.”
Hayden agreed, “I cannot rid my thoughts of h
er. Lady Persephone’s pleasure is all I seek.”
The other youth shrugged. “Then, if you cannot be rid of her, why not enjoy her presence?”
His friend shook his head, “Because I know what I am; not a lover, but her quarry.”
Ernest pointed at him. “You took her and now she is yours.”
The prince gave a weary sigh. “It was a mistake.”
“Yes, a very big one. And now, you are stuck with a beautiful elf. Oh, unfortunate wretch!” Ernest grinned.
Hayden frowned. “If she were after you, then it would not be so amusing.”
His friend reminded, “I am not the one who got us into this.”
Hayden admitted, “This is my fault. I brought it all on myself. But at least you could show a little concern.”
Ernest replied mechanically, “Yes Your Highness, things are so hard for you. A lovely elf desires your pleasure. What an ill fate…”
The prince protested, “She stalks me. I cannot get away. She pounces and devours me!”
Ernest perked up at that. “Devours?”
Hayden quickly changed the subject. “We should head back.”
“Why, Your Highness? Is it feeding time?”
The prince scowled at his friend.
Ernest chuckled. “Your elf must have quite the appetite.”
Hayden ignored him, pulling slightly on the reins. His horse took off at a trot.
His friend laughed, calling from behind. “So, how often do you feed her?”
The prince grew irritated, hearing his friend following after him asking more impertinent questions.
Chapter 4: “A Regal Affair”
Queen Melanie was seated in the parlor, staring out the window. Thoughts filled her weary mind. Why did the elf decide to stay? After everything that Hayden did to her? She thought about her son. He is stubborn and strong-willed like his father. But Thaddeus would never have done such a thing. To take a person, to fulfill his lusts! I thought we raised our child better.
Hayden got everything he needed, and nearly everything he wanted. But he is a prince! Royalty brings great privilege. Still they had taught him to respect others, even his inferiors. And Lady Persephone is by no means inferior! She felt nervous in the presence of the elf. The creature carried herself with poise and grace. And her manner was compelling. Even Queen Melanie found it hard to resist Lady Persephone’s desires. She realized, I want to please her. What a strange feeling this is! Now, I know how the citizens of Androtopia feel in my presence.
But did she really know? There was something different about the elf. She did not command respect, and yet, she was respected. She did not demand obedience, but people were moved to do her will. Queen Melanie had met a few of the bigger elves before, during diplomatic functions. They effortlessly wielded their influence. She and Thaddeus were often required to enforce their will. However, the elves known as greater fay ruled by their own inner strength, along with a deep wisdom.
What will Lady Persephone do with Hayden? The elf had stayed, but for what purpose? She said she gave herself to Hayden for sake of her little ones. My, what dedication! Does she truly mean to give her life to him? Queen Melanie gave a frown. Hayden meant to take one of her little ones. She remembered the sprites, and how keen and lively they were. What a wicked thing to even attempt to take one of them. She decided that the elf was giving her son what he deserved. If he had been a child, she would have had him punished. But he was grown now, and his actions had real consequences for himself and for the kingdom.
Lady Persephone has assured us there will be no war on her account. Maybe we can relax a bit. But what did it say about how Hayden would rule? If he was merely a prisoner of his own lusts, it would bode only ill.
She gave a sigh. The elf’s presence is a reminder of his indiscretion. Will he learn his lesson? Only time would tell. He is not a bad person. Lady Persephone might even come to like him! Hayden does have a certain charm…
Queen Melanie perked up at that. Maybe there was hope. Her son might woo the greater fay. It would be a difficult task, but not impossible. He could have the one thing that a lady cannot give. Something that must be earned, not taken… Hayden could have her heart.
***
Tristan was reading when he came to call. “Your Highness,” the blond-haired youth bowed.
“Hello, my friend.”
“Greetings, Prince Hayden.” The noble youth rang a bell and a servant appeared. “Prepare some tea for our distinguished guest.”
The servant bowed and left to do his master’s wishes.
Tristan turned, “We can take our refreshment in the study.”
The prince nodded and followed his friend down a passage and into a large room. Books lined the walls and a few volumes were laid out on the table. Hayden glanced at one of the open ones. “So, you are reading about astronomy?”
His friend grinned, “As you know, it is an interest of mine. Do you not have certain subjects which interest you?”
Hayden shrugged. “I read what I must.”
Tristan stated, “I read what I like. Just think about all those stars up in the sky. The heavens are full of lights!”
Prince Hayden rolled his eyes. “I will never understand why you delight in such things.”
“Highness, to know your world is to have a better understanding of your place in it.”
The prince chagrined. “My place?”
Tristan peered over at him. “Your Highness, is something troubling you?”
Hayden stared at his friend. “Have you ever done something that you regretted, and yet there was no escape from the shame, and the guilt remained with you?”
“Is this about the elf, Your Highness?”
The prince took a seat at the table. “I am vexed by her presence, yet I would be distraught if she left.”
“I can only imagine how difficult that would be.”
Hayden shook his head. “At least you understand. Ernest made light of my troubles, saying that I should be grateful for what I have.”
Tristan smiled. “He is envious of you.”
“Do you envy me?”
His friend trembled slightly. “The elf is beautiful, but she overwhelms me. I can barely even speak in her presence.”
The prince gave an understanding nod. “Even my parents are moved by her. What manner of creature can hold sway over the royal family?”
“Apparently, Lady Persephone can.” He gestured towards a few books off to the side. “I have been doing some reading about elves. At least what we know about them. Lady Persephone is a greater fay. The little ones we saw are lesser fay, or sprites. And there are smaller ones known as pixies. The vast majority of elves are sprites, and a good portion are pixies. There are comparably few greater fay. But they carry themselves with a grandeur the others do not possess.”
Hayden sat there silently, listening.
Tristan continued. “Lady Persephone is known as a dark elf. They call themselves the Queen’s Elves, referring to the elf known as Queen Nicnivin the Blue whom they believe to be the rightful ruler of all Elfland.”
Prince Hayden nodded. “Following their recent war, they were exiled to the land of Umbra which has been renamed Fayumbra. We had unknowingly crossed the border when we discovered the nymphs bathing.”
Tristan’s countenance darkened. “We have done a terrible thing, Your Highness.”
“I know. My father ordered me to return the elf to her people. But she wished to stay.” Hayden stood up and began to wander around the room. “Part of me wishes she had left.”
The blonde-haired noble looked up at his friend. “And the other part?”
Hayden shook his head in frustration. “That is what vexes me. I want her to go, and yet, I wish for her to stay.”
“Do you like her?”
The prince pondered for a moment. “I want her, more than I have ever wanted anything in my life.” He self-consciously fingered his ruby necklace.
Tristan noticed, but said noth
ing.
Hayden asked, “What can I do?”
His friend gave a sigh. “Your Highness is a prisoner of his own desires. Maybe you should just accept your fate.”
The prince scowled. “Accept her insolence? Accept the constant vexation?”
Tristan replied, “She will not leave and you will not force her. So, you remain together. You must come to accept this, or you will continue to be frustrated.”
Prince Hayden bowed his head. “I am not happy about this.”
“Then, you must learn to be content. It is your heart that wars against you, Your Highness. If you cannot overcome the desire, then you must succumb to it.”
The prince grimaced. “Is that what you meant by my place in the world?”
“There are worse fates than this.” Tristan turned to see the servant enter with a tray. “Ah, here is our tea!”
***
Lady Persephone was meditating when he entered the room. She sat with her legs crossed, hands clasped and eyes closed.
Hayden gave a sigh and sat down to wait. The elf would not be rushed, and so he must be patient if he truly wished to speak with her. The youth wondered, Do I wish to speak with her? Take more abuse from this creature? Will she shame or impugn me? His eyes drifted over to the door. Perhaps he should dine early this evening…
Her eyes opened and she saw him. Lady Persephone smiled, “Hello, little prince.”
The youth scowled, but said nothing.
Smirking, the elf asked, “Do you seek to threaten me with your silence, human? Of a surety, I find peace in the stillness of your tongue.”
He reddened at that. “Were you remembering again?”
“Yes.”
Hayden turned away. “If you would rather be with your little ones, then why are you still here?”
“We made a covenant. To break it, would be to bear shame.” She stared right at him. “The Queen’s Elves do not bear shame.”
“What if I released you?”
The great elf giggled. “The covenant must be fulfilled, human. I have given myself to you. Now, I am yours.”