"King Ma'Teo," he says, bowing his head as he addresses me. "It has been a long time since our peoples have spoken. Thank you for an invitation to your wedding."
I nod. "King Arion, it is our pleasure to have you here. This is my council." I gesture to one side, and then turn to my mate. "And this is my human bride, Lady Estela."
King Arion's eyes flicker over Estela for a moment, his lips curving into a small smile. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Estela." His attention flicks back up to me. "I have heard much about her... unorthodox arrival in Enduvida," he says, his voice smooth and cultured.
Estela dips into a shallow curtsy, a pink flush staining her cheeks. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It is an honor to meet you as well."
He ignores her, and turns to Lord Salo, who bows in turn. "I am Lord Salo, leader of Stone Benders and cutters."
He continues down the line to Vann. "Lord Vann, personal advisor to the king."
More nods until he reaches Svanna. She opens her mouth just as he turns to me and says, "Who is this?”
I groan inwardly. Fifty years and things don't change. "Lady Svanna, leader of the mines. Then Lady Fira, one of our elders and leader of the weavers and crafters, Lady Ulla of the singers, healers, and cooks, and Mother Liana. Our Fuegorra reader."
He takes in each woman as I speak, and then twirls around to face me again. "Tomorrow you will be married. Is it true that you are mates?"
I take a deep breath. "Yes." I turn my head to the side and point to the mating mark.
His eyes harden as he inspects my throat.
"Does she have one?" King Arion ask, his gaze shifting to Estela.
"No. But she is unique," I reply, my voice tinged with pride. "And strong. She has proven herself to be a worthy queen."
"Indeed," he says, his attention returning to me. "Do you have any other human women I could meet in this mountain?"
I nod my head. "There is one named Arlet. She has agreed to join your group during the festival tomorrow. She is not mated to anyone in our city, so your men are free to see if she had a spark with any of them."
King Arion nods, his eyes sparkling with a hint of amusement. "Excellent. I look forward to meeting her."
As King Arion and his entourage make their way to the guest quarters, I feel Estela's hand slip into my arm.
Is it normal for him to ignore women?she asks, a frown creasing her forehead.
I look down at her.The elves don't have women in positions of power. Anyone mated to him would be a consort.
She raises an eyebrow.Is he mated?
I shake my head.I don't know. I suppose we will find out more tomorrow night at the party.
She shakes her head. I don't like him. Someone should watch over Arlet during the wedding.
I cast a pointed look at Vann, who looks like he could crush stone with his bare fists.I think that is already taken care of.
“Would you like to eat dinner with the rest of my court?” I ask the elven king as we stand in front of his room. I sense Estela tense as she nears the place where she was whipped.
Don’t worry. This is not the same room. You will never have to go back there,I say through the bond.
The king looks at me and offers a tight smile. “I believe we will get our cultural fill tomorrow. We are happy to eat in our rooms this evening,” he practically sings. “Good night,” he says and closes the door.
The elves he brought with him also shut their door and we are left alone in the hallway.
“That was… unique,” Vann says, and Svanna glares at him.
Lothar lets out a long breath, one that it seems like he has been holding for weeks. “You have no idea.”
I look at my advisor. “Do you think he’ll agree to help us?”