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Chris thought it odd that having spent the best part of two thousand years doing nothing, he now couldn’t sit still. They were in a holding room while the judges deliberated. From his perspective, the hearing had gone as well as could be expected. Jack had been marvellous as his counsel and Chris understood why so many people thought so highly of him. But the reality was they would need to prepare for the worst because the fae were capricious creatures and he had no idea which way their decision would land. Even having Simon there didn’t give him the level of comfort it might have.

“Whatever happens, remember I love you,” Jack said, coming to stand in front of him and taking his hands.

“You are not to do something silly if they send me to a new jar. I want you to live and thrive, understand?”

Jack kissed Chris’s knuckles. “They won’t send you back, and if they come to the wrong conclusion, our first step is to lodge an appeal.”

They both jumped at the sound of the bolt being drawn back. The hinge creaked, which Chris was sure was for effect as the fae could easily fix a bit of rust. The guard who had escorted them here was back. “Their Excellencies are ready for you to return to the chamber.”

Jack kissed his forehead. “It will all be fine, trust me.”

The guard moved out of the way to let Jack leave, and Chris stood so the guard could reattach his ankle cuffs. He shuffled along behind the guard back to the chamber and back into his box where he was instructed to remain standing. He trusted Jack, knew he had a lot of experience, but Chris didn’t trust the fae.

The seven judges filed back in, including Simon. Chris tried to glean something from his expression but he was neutral and even seemed to be dampening his magic, as there was no way he was only as powerful as his peers, and they must’ve had a sniff of that when he’d cast his containment charm.

Quint followed the judges and once they were seated he took his place back at the lectern. Chris tried to sit but a jolt to his arse from the guard told him he was meant to remain standing. Jack arrived along with Counsel Marqu, and they took their places at the respective lecterns.

“The court convenes after the deliberation,” Quint said and then spoke to Jack. “Counsel Webb, please acknowledge that your client is ready to hear his judgement.”

Jack stood. “He is.”

Jack sat. Quint spoke to Counsel Marqu. “Counsel Marqu, are you satisfied with the proceedings and you are willing to swear that a true and fair deliberation had been conducted.”

She stood. “I do so swear.”

She sat. Chris thought all the sitting and standing were very silly and that it shouldn’t matter whether they were sitting, standing or floating, but it wasn’t his place to say.

Quint turned to Chris, and he realised that Counsel Marqu had done her job and it must be all down to Quint from here on in. “You have been brought before us to answer to two charges. First, you are the elf known as Christopholous, a war criminal who exerted untold damage and destruction against the fae. Second, that the punishment handed down has not been served and that you should be further sanctioned for your actions.”

Chris thought Adjudicator Quint liked the sound of his own voice a bit too much. He tried to read Simon’s expression but he was giving nothing away and neither were the other six judges. The fae were odd, the elves would be an excitable mess by now, whichever way the decision fell.

“On the first charge, you are found guilty, the court finds without doubt that you are Christopholous. The evidence is overwhelming and sound.”

They’d expected the result since it was true and Chris had admitted as much, although he had been quite vocal that he had been Christopholous and wasn’t him any longer. It was the second charge they’d not been able to call and Jack had warned him not to be surprised if the court’s findings weren’t black and white. As far as he could tell he had three options. First, back in the jar; second, nothing or third, bonded to someone to make sure he wasn’t a baddie-in-waiting.

“On the second charge the prisoner is found guilty but with covenant. The court acknowledges Christopholous has repented and is now a light elf who goes by the name of Chris, but there is an element of the original punishment that has not been completed.”

Chris risked a glance in Jack’s direction, he didn’t look worried so Chris wouldn’t be either, and he reckoned option three was about to be served.

“To that end,” Quint continued, “you will need to be bound to an individual who is deemed of sufficient power and skill to contain you. His Highness, Prince Simon, is capable of performing the bonding ritual and has suggested Counsel Webb be the individual responsible for your future behaviour.”

Chris bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from whooping but he didn't think he’d been able to hide his general positive reaction. He couldn’t believe the thing they thought might be a punishment would make him so happy.

Quint turned to Jack. “Counsel Webb, do you confirm the verdict and acquiesce to your role in the sentence or do you wish to lodge an appeal?"

“On behalf of myself and my client, I accept the findings of the court. As to the binding of myself to the elf acknowledged by these proceedings as Chris, I agree on the strict condition that it is conducted by Prince Simon of the Calanti tribe.”

Chris thought that was what Quint had said but he supposed Jack wasn’t going to risk the fae using a loophole and changing something. He saw Simon school a wry smile and Quint’s eyelid twitch.

“The stipulation is agreed,” Quint said. “The bonding is to take place before Chris leaves the confines of the court.”

He saw Jack glower at Quint, and he guessed that the timing had been unexpected. “A bonding is usually an event to be witnessed by the couple’s choice of attendees,” Jack said. “I would expect to at least have a representative from my own side.”

“Then call for one,” Quint said. “The court would not have an objection, but Counsel Webb is reminded that the bonding in this instance is part of Christopholous’s original reparation and should not be confused with ceremonies for other reasons.”

Chris didn’t care what Quint said, bonding to Jack would be wonderful. He would arrange with Alex to have a little gathering at Crofton Hall to celebrate the occasion, and he would ask Ben to help him find a way to make money so he could buy Jack a ring to wear. He liked the idea of Jack being marked as his.

“Understood, Adjudicator Quint. I suggest a recess in order for me to contact a colleague from the Warlock Ruling Committee.”

Quint’s answering smile was cold. “You have the time it takes for the chamber to be prepared and Prince Simon to be ready to cast. As His Highness said, he does not need any specific preparation.”

Simon cleared his throat. “I do not perform to order. But I do realise that this court will not be satisfied until the bond is complete, so it is in all our best interests to do this quickly.”

Chris knew Jack was talking about Ashley, and he couldn’t imagine Ashley would say no or not be waiting to hear the outcome of the trial.

“Very well,” Jack drawled. He waved his hand. “I have sent my request to Senior Warlock Niven, please ensure he can access the chamber.”

Quint clicked his fingers. “The chamber is ready to receive him when he arrives.”

Several clerks levitated the benches and desks to the side of the room, while another brought in a lectern. The other judges moved to sit out of the way, and Counsel Marqu and the other clerks now stood at the back. Simon remained where he was. Chris was still in his box and he’d been not instructed to move.

A portal opened and Ashley stepped through. Chris had never seen him in official Warlock Ruling Committee robes, but he looked great in a black floor-length gown with a purple sash around his middle.

“Senior Warlock Niven?” Quint asked.

“Yes, I am answering the request of Counsel Webb.”

“You are requested to bear witness to a bonding of Counsel Webb to the elf now known as Chris, are you happy to accept your role?”

Chris didn’t think Jack would have had enough time to give Ashley an in-depth explanation, but he also thought Jack might have thought this would be the outcome so would have pre-warned Ashley.

“I am, as representative of the Warlock Ruling Committee, and as a personal friend of Counsel Webb.”

“Very well, your magical signature will be recorded by the court as part of the proceedings.”

Ashley took one of the empty seats and Jack walked to the centre of the room. “You’re going to have to let Chris out of the box, and drop all the spells limiting him in any way for there to be no interference with the bond.”

Quint raised an eyebrow. “I am aware, Counsel Webb.”

Chris felt a frisson in the air and the cuffs around his wrists and ankles clattered to the floor. His magic stirred within him and he noticed his masking was stronger than ever. Jack had been one of the few he’d allowed to experience his full gifts. Even Simon hadn’t got the full measure, and the reveal spell he’d done earlier had only shown them his type of magic, not the magnitude. He might have to allow Simon full access now as he wouldn’t want any harm coming to Jack if Simon wasn’t ready to balance things correctly.

The front of the witness box swung open and he took that as his cue to walk forwards.

Quint bowed to Prince Simon. “At your discretion, Your Highness.”

Chris had read about bonds, and usually, they weren’t one-sided and he didn’t think his magic would allow Jack to be bound to him if there wasn’t some level of reciprocation. Jack must know that too, and it made Chris love him even more to know he would do this for him.

Simon came to stand with them. “Counsel Webb, if you would stand opposite Chris. Are you already aware of the spell and nature of the bond it will confer?”

“I am.” Jack had said that any bond shouldn’t be too arduous as he would be consenting but he wasn’t sure how compatible their magic would be at first, and there might be a bit of fighting before the spell settled.

“Please hold hands.”

Chris had seen pictures of couples and their bonding where pretty ribbons were used, or rings, but there was nothing of that nature here. He would do something about that and conjured a strip of teal-coloured silk. “I thought this would be nice.”

Quint scowled. “There is no need for frippery.”

Simon plucked the ribbon out of the air. “Not a need but a desire, and I am happy to incorporate it.”

Chris took Jack’s hand and threaded their fingers together then Simon weaved the ribbon in between their fingers and began to mutter. Chris couldn’t hear the words, and probably wouldn’t have understood even if he could.

A gold mist descended—it was pretty and he liked the way it sparkled. A fizzing sensation danced across his skin, his magic happy at the contact of Jack’s and he sighed as a wave like warm honey flowed through him.

Jack’s breath hitched and Chris saw a tightness around his eyes, part of his magic was rebelling, and a tang of salt hit Chris’s tongue. Jack whimpered and from under his collar a rash of scales appeared, racing over his throat and jaw and up the left side of his face. He swayed on his feet and Chris could feel Jack’s magic struggling to fight the undercurrent from his siren heritage.

“The bond is nearly complete,” Simon said. “Just a little longer, Counsel Webb. Keep it together.”

From the centre of his chest, a vine began to unfurl—a tendril of magic worked its way between them and it wormed its way into Jack. The scales were spreading further and Jack dropped his head, refusing to look at him. Chris was having none of that. He cupped Jack’s jaw and tipped his head back, the scales almost covered his face, they were iridescent and a lovely teal green.

“Please don’t look at me,” Jack said with a pained whisper.

Jack shouldn’t be ashamed, Chris would love him whatever. “You are beautiful. You are mine.”

The bond sent a pulse through him and Chris felt the absolute knowledge they would never be parted, and he couldn’t have asked for anything more.

“Jack Webb and the light elf known as Chris are bonded,” Simon said.

The ribbon tying their fingers together disintegrated and Chris cupped the other side of Jack’s face. His magic purred like a cat and he sent out a healing charm. Jack’s scales began to recede. He leaned in and placed a kiss to each of Jack’s cheeks and the scales melted away.

Quint’s breath hitched. “What are you doing?”

“No bond works in one direction,” Simon said. “Chris’s magic will affect Jack’s as much as the other way around.”

The way Simon spoke made Chris pause, and Simon’s stare seemed to penetrate deep inside him, his eyes widening for a moment and then he was back to normal.

Jack traced his cheek with his fingers. “They’ve gone.”

“Yes, and I’ll keep chasing them away for as long as you let me.”

If this had been a different type of bonding, Chris would have gathered Jack into his arms and kissed him silly, but that would have to wait.

Quint recovered from his surprise. “We will need to verify the bond. Prince Simon has done so as the caster, I will do so on behalf of the fae court, and I would ask Senior Warlock Niven to be the final guarantor.”

Ashley hurried forwards, he appeared worried and keen to be able to check Jack hadn’t suffered. “I am willing.”

Quint went first, laying a hand on Jack’s arm and Chris’s shoulder. He was still for several seconds. Chris couldn’t say he felt much, a bit of a tickle, but his own magic wasn’t interested in Quint, it was still giddy from playing with Jack’s. “The bond is formed and is as required.”

Ashley had more of a reaction, but Chris thought it likely his magic recognised him as a warlock, like Jack, and so more worthy of his magic’s attention. A few moments passed again, and Ashley let out a chuckle. “The bond is formed and is as required.”

Chris didn’t understand but Ashley winked at Jack, and Jack rolled his eyes in response.

“Then with the bond verified, I bring this session of the court to a close. The elf now known as Chris is free to leave.”

Chris knew he would have a home at Crofton Hall, and he would stay there as long as Jack was there, which might be a while as Ashley would want to monitor the effect of the bond since Jack wasn’t fully healed. All he knew was he had a future, no longer a thing in a jar, and with a man who loved him. A man he would do anything for.