Bound to His Fate

by Lisa Kumar

  Thoughts of some of the antics of her otherwise serious bondmate filled her head, and she grinned. “That they do, no matter the species. Get a group of them together, throw in a little drink, and they commune with the immature child inside.”

  Vana snorted. “Elvin males have even less excuse than their human brethren. They have so much longer to outgrow it, and so many don’t.”

  Arianne glanced at the wine bottles littering the table. “I don’t think we can say too much right now, though admittedly we’ve not participating in a dangerous sport that could leave someone crippled if an arrow goes astray.”

  “We’re playing it safe.”

  Arianne hoisted herself up and wobbled on her legs.

  “Well, maybe we aren’t. Are you going to fall?”

  “No, I don’t think so.” She placed a hand on Vana’s shoulder as she swayed. When her equilibrium returned, she carefully backed away, not wanting to trip over her own feet.

  “I’m coming with you,” Vana said.

  “You don’t have to.”

  Vana stood up and slipped her arm through Arianne’s. “I want to. Besides, Calathion would never let me forget if something happened to you. He treats you like a fragile flower at times.”

  “He treats me like a human who might break, you mean.”

  “That, too. It’s adorable to watch. Who would’ve ever thought he’d fall furiously in love with a mortal?”

  Arianne flinched. “I’m not so mortal anymore,” she reminded her friend softly. Sometimes, she believed she’d never get used to the idea of sharing her bondmate’s near immortality.

  Vana pulled them to a stop. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.”

  Arianne cocked her head to the side. “In what way?”

  “As if mortals were somehow below elves.”

  “I know you didn’t. If only all your kinsmen shared your opinion.”

  “Give it time. People will accept you.”

  “Me—maybe at some point. But how about the rest of humanity? I know you’ve heard the unsettling rumors about how all the elvin realms may retreat where humans cannot tread.”

  Vana shifted from one foot to the other, a look of discomfort on her lovely face. “I have, but nothing has been decided. I’d wager much of the talk is hearsay.”

  Lord Baltor’s words rushed back to Arianne. “I don’t know about that.”

  Her friend froze and speared her with her sharp gaze. “You found something out?”

  “Please, not tonight,” Arianne said, not wanting to broach the difficult subject during a night that was supposed to be joyous.

  “Of course. Let us find your husband.”

  As they meandered through the crowds of elves, with the odd human interspersed, tiredness gripped Arianne even tighter. Part of her flamed with embarrassment over her stumbling gait next to Vana’s gliding one, while the exhausted portion barely gave a care. In fact, that part of her wouldn’t mind being carried by strong, comforting arms. Maybe Calathion would indulge her. He always did.

  Her toe caught on a pesky stone on the path, and she stumbled. Vana’s arm, still linked through hers, yanked her back. With a hop, Arianne righted herself and mumbled, “Thank you for not allowing me to fall flat on my face.”

  Vana’s light laughter filled the air and mixed with the music in a pleasing symphony. “You are very tired, my friend.”

  Arianne snorted. “There’s no denying that. The evidence speaks for itself.”

  “Miss Vana, how are you on this fine night?” a male voice called out from their left.

  He was elvin by the sound of it, and someone Vana liked immensely, if the glow on her cheeks was anything to go by. Was her friend being courted and not deigned to tell her about it? If so, she’d get a scolding.

  Vana dipped her head in greeting. “Master Etaneth, I’m enjoying this wonderful celebration. And you?”

  “It seems we’re in accord about the night.” He beamed at her as if he’d found all the treasures in the kingdom. Maybe, for him, he had. “Would you care to join me for a stroll and mayhap a dance later?”

  As if not noticing they were still attached to each other, her friend gravitated toward the black-haired elf. It was like Vana was in a trance, and Arianne was drug along for the trip.

  Arianne sent Etaneth an assessing glance. Something about him tugged at her mind. Then recognition dawned—he was an archivist in the main library. Her friend could certainly do worse. Like most of his kind, Etaneth was handsome and lean. But most importantly, he was kind and had always treated her and the other humans fondly.

  She gazed back and forth between the two elves. Should she attempt to sneak away and allow the couple time to themselves?

  Etaneth startled, apparently noticing Arianne for the first time. “Oh, how do you do, mistress?”

  “I’m doing quite well, Master Ethanth. Thank you.”

  A gentle smile turned up the corners of his lips. “You are Calathion’s mate, are you not?”

  “Yes.”

  He nodded. “I remember you and Calathion coming frequently to the library for a space of time about a year ago.”

  “I was trying to learn Elvish.” She laughed a little self-consciously and smothered a yawn. “Still am. I’m surprised you remembered us.” But then, a human-elvin couple was conspicuous. There weren’t more than a handful working in the palace.

  Etaneth, bless his heart, didn’t make that observation. “Calathion and I were tutored together when we were elfings. I could never forget such a dear friend—even one of old.” He turned back to Vana. “Miss Vana, I don’t want to intrude. May I call upon you tomorrow?”

  “Of course.” Vana was all graciousness, but the disappointment of Etaneth’s leave-taking was painted on her face.

  Arianne slipped her arm free of Vana’s and made an effort to look like she wasn’t falling asleep on her feet. “Please, both of you stay. I’m going to find Calathion and then retire.”

  Indecision played over Vana’s face. “Are you sure?”

  She grasped Vana’s hands in hers. “I’ll be fine.” Making a shooing motion with her hands, she said, “Go with him.”

  Her friend leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Yes, before the sun’s out,” Arianne said forlornly, already mourning the loss of her warm and comfy bed.

  “No, you silly, everyone sleeps in, remember?”

  Arianne slapped a hand to her forehead. How could she forget? “There’s more than enough prepared foods in the kitchens, so you’re right. And you won’t have to be up early to clean any of the guest bedchambers?”

  Vana shook her head. “Nearly every servant has the morning off. Some even have the day to themselves.”

  “But not us,” Arianne said and then sighed, thinking of all the activities she and Calathion could engage in—most of which involved remaining in bed.

  “Our regular day and a half off is coming up.”

  “That’s true.” Guilt hit Arianne. She had no right to complain. The elvin king was more than generous about giving his servants time off—much more so than most human employers or even other elvin ones.

  After saying a quick goodbye, Arianne took her leave. The impromptu archery range should be in the clearing that rested beyond the gardens and orchard. Trying to force some energy into her limbs, she took a path that veered off to the right.

  She’d grab Calathion, and they’d head home to bed, where she’d snuggle the night away with him. That thought kept her feet moving even though the rest of her body wanted to lie down on the soft grass beside the path and rest.

  A few minutes later, she stumbled to a halt, her mind cleared of all thoughts of Calathion. Some of the haze fuzzing up her head disappeared, and she gazed around in trepidation. She wasn’t in the orchard or the gardens that were open to the town’s residents—she was in the royal gardens. Oh, no.

  All tiredness drained from her, only to be replaced by the flight instinct. As
she started to retreat back the way she’d come, the sound of approaching voices caused her to dart behind some tall bushes. Who could be entering the garden this time of night? The obvious answer was horrifying.

  When one of the voices became more distinct, her fear flared higher. That deep, smooth voice...she’d know it from anywhere. The king—why did it have to be the king? Her only hope was that he wouldn’t stay long.

  God saw fit to ignore her prayers because it seemed the king and his companion were settling in for a long conversation. She pressed her lips together to stifle the moan working its way up her throat.

  The two shrubs in front of her created a leafy cover, but there were a few spaces where she might be able to peer through. But she didn’t dare to do so. That infraction would only damn her more. She squeezed her eyes shut to ward off temptation.

  The rustle of robes signaled that at least one of the elves paced. Silence ruled the garden for a few minutes. Tension wound the area around her spine tighter and tighter until the column of bone felt like it would crumble. Why didn’t the king and his companion talk or do something?

  As if taking pity on her, the king’s strong voice broke the quiet. “So now that you have my undivided attention, tell me why you’re sure this is the best course of action.”

  The king’s companion spoke. “Unrest is growing in different parts of the kingdom. Many of our lords and ladies support a removal. Even a large percentage of the common people do. Each time the veil is seen, it further cements the idea into their hearts.”

  The voice wrenched at her memory until recognition socked her in the gut, and her eyelids sprang open. Lord Baltor. Her fears seemed to be coming to life before her. The elves were to leave? Before she realized she was doing it, she was gazing through the peephole in the bushes.

  The golden-haired king leaned indolently against a pillar, the overhead torchlight revealing that he looked every inch the handsome monarch that he was. He cocked his head to the side as he spoke. “Yet many do not support the idea.”

  Baltor halted his pacing in front of the king. “The tide is turning, though, Your Majesty. You know it,” Baltor said boldly, taking a step toward their monarch. “Why remain in a land where the humans encroach ever further upon us? They start wars over what is not theirs. They’ve forgotten their friendship with us, just as they’d forgotten their ties with others of their race.”

  King Talion didn’t move a muscle except to shrug one shoulder in a nonchalant motion. “Even the oldest amongst them are young.”

  Baltor snorted derisively. “They never have time to grow, but how is that our fault? Why must we suffer because their wants are never ceasing like a child’s?”

  “Your dislike of mankind is known to all.”

  “And your unexplainable fondness for mortals is just as well known.”

  “I wouldn’t say it is unexplainable,” the king drawled, a sight bite filling his voice. “Some of them are quite delightful, especially those in my employ.”

  His gaze seemed to zero in on her spot, and she froze. The wild beat of her heart was all she heard for a moment, but she managed to focus on his words once again. “Not all hunger for war. I think it is you who forgets who is king.”

  “I beg your pardon, Your Majesty. In my passion about the subject, I spoke out of turn,” Baltor said, his posture stiff with faux apology.

  “So I see. Do try to contain...your excitement next time before it leads you in a direction contrary to my will.”

  Arianne’s lips twitched against her will. Though she’d only met the king a handful of times, she respected him more than ever. He was apparently wise to Lord Baltor’s machinations and prideful nature.

  Baltor sputtered. “I would never....”

  The king waved a hand. “Save it for some fool who’d believe it.”

  “Your majesty, I know we often aren’t in agreement, but please heed my—”

  “Be aware that I will not allow myself to be unduly swayed by the council of one lord.”

  “Of course not, Your Majesty.” Baltor’s displeasure was as clear as the stars twinkling above her.

  “I believe that will be all. You may go back to whatever it is you do during festivities.”

  Lord Baltor bowed with a ramrod-straight back. “As you wish.” Then he spun on his heel and stalked down the path in front of her shrubs. As he passed her, Arianne swore she felt a chill breeze. Whether it came from his billowing robes or his cold personality, she didn’t know.

  King Talion gazed at Lord Baltor’s retreating back with a faraway look in his eyes. During that moment, with the light of the moon and lantern falling on his hair and face, he appeared so otherworldly—and contemplative. Lonely even. It all served to make him incredibly attractive.

  She drew in a startled breath. If she weren’t absurdly in love with her handsome Calathion, she could easily see herself being smitten with the king, at least from a distance. But no one could rival her mate, and her heart belonged to him solely.

  “I feel like part of my destiny lies here, but I must go where my people will be safe and content.”

  His softly murmured words ripped Arianne from her thoughts, returning her to the current moment.

  He pushed himself away from the pillar and shook his head as if clearing long-settled cobwebs from his mind. Looking straight at her little hideaway spot, he said, “Come out, little one.”

  She jumped and stumbled into the bush, breaking some of the branches. Though the small limbs bit into her skin, fear had encased her body in iron vices.

  The king chuckled. “Come, child, I know you’re there.”

  Her knees quaking, Arianne crept out from behind the shrubbery. Her heart fluttered in her chest like a hummingbird’s wings. What punishment would she face? Though the king may be fair, he wasn’t known to ignore grievous trespasses. He didn’t sound angry, but elves could hide their true emotions better than humans could.

  With her shoulders quaking and her knees trembling, she stood a respectable distance from King Talion with her head bent. She didn’t want to see his face as he rained his wrath down on her.

  “Chin up.”

  She jerked her head up. A small smile played about the king’s mouth, and the corners of his gray eyes crinkled. He strode a few steps toward her. She moved backward automatically.

  “You need not retreat. I’m not going to hurt you.”

  Her startled gaze flew to his face. No hint of insincerity lined his features.

  “I knew you were there all along. You heard nothing I didn’t allow you to hear. This is my sanctuary. Do you think I do not have the power to know who enters?”

  She flushed at the gentle rebuke and ran her tongue over her dry lips. “Please forgive me. It was not my intent to—”

  “Neither I or my wards sensed any mischief in you. I suspect you became lost looking for a loved one.” He stared at her for a moment. “A bondmate?”

  She nodded, not sure where the conversation was going. “My husband, Calathion.” Though she hesitated to give her husband’s name, the king would easily be able to find out that information. She hoped her forthrightness would save her mate from any possible reprisals.

  “I know him. He’s a hardworking elf and will go far in the guard. And that must make you Arianne? I was briefly present at your bonding, and your lovely name remained with me.”

  Pride for her mate—and that the king actually remembered her name—kicked aside some of her fear. “I am Arianne. Thank you, Your Majesty.”

  He waved off her gratitude. “I speak only the truth about your mate. Why don’t you find young Calathion now? I’m sure he must be searching for you by now.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.” She dipped into her best curtsey, nearly dizzy with relief. So that was it?

  “Let us have none of that. I don’t stand on ceremony with my servants when we’re in private.”

  Arianne righted herself and bowed her head in deference. “Of course, Your Majesty. May I go now?”


  “Yes.”

  As she turned around to leave, he called out, “Arianne.”

  She faltered to a stop and closed her eyes. Had he changed his mind about letting her go without any repercussions?

  “Humor me for a moment and tell me something. You bear a vague resemblance to someone in my dreams. By any chance, do you have a family member named...Margaret?” His accented voice made the syllables sound like a caress. Then his brow creased, and he appeared to be calling forth an unfamiliar name. “Or Maggie?”

  She shook her head. Why was he asking such peculiar questions? “No, I’m afraid not. My baby niece is called Marguerite. It’s a family name that’s been handed down on my father’s side for...well, since forever, it seems.”

  The blue pupils of his gray eyes glowed with an iridescent light. “What is your maiden name?”

  “DeAngelo.”

  The king’s lips parted as if they wanted to release a gasp, but he quickly wiped away any sign of emotion. Still, he cocked his head to the side and seemed to be talking to himself. “So similar, but it might not mean anything.”

  After King Talion stared into space for indeterminable minutes, Arianne’s nerves were dancing a jig. She forced herself to ask through numb lips, “Your Majesty, is something the matter?”

  He jerked slightly, but then smiled and shook his head. “Please overlook the mutterings of an old elf. They don’t make sense even to me. All will be revealed in its own time, I guess.”

  How did she respond to that? She settled on a nod before asking, “May I leave now, Your Majesty?”

  “Indeed. And for your troubles, let me accompany you. I know these gardens better than most anyone else.”

  Her stomach clenched in a most unpleasant way. “Oh, please don’t bother—”

  He shrugged lightly. “It’s no inconvenience.” A dark expression, so swift she wondered if she imaged it, crossed his face. “I have to find the queen, so we can search for our spouses together.”

  “Oh, well, if that’s the case...”

  The king offered his arm, and with a surreal feeling buzzing around in her head, she took it. The cloth under her hand was soft and silky, but the strong muscles underneath it told of the power this elf contained. More than ever, she longed for Calathion’s embrace.