Page 19 of The Shadow Fae Rhapsody (Elven Fantasy Romance #3)

Chapter 18 Svenn

M ate.

Balthazar’s stupid necklace translates it as a friend.

Despair mounts in my chest.

I’m a fucking friend?

Then slowly, as lazy as the demon himself, the magical pendant slips another meaning into my head.

Soulmate.

The thought never occurred me. As if an infernal thing like me is worthy of having something so divine. It doesn’t make sense.

I take a moment to breathe and look at the girl in my arms. Her chest heaves with emotions at the enormity of her revelation.

“You’re my mate,” she repeats, her voice breathless. She blinks up at me. “I’m sorry I don’t know what it is myself. The mating bond is rare among elves.”

Yes, I’ve read it in their little books. Unlike the dwarves, fae, and orcs, these elves are driven by logic than instinct.

Rhianelle begins to panic when I don’t say a word. “I promise when we get to the capital, I’ll go to the emporium to find out more.Darstan and Siofra are mates. We can ask them all about it tomorrow. Aelfric has contacts with the fae. I’m—I’m sure he’d be willing to reach out to them for us—”

“Hey, whatever it is, we’ll figure it out together,” I interrupt her so she can catch air into her lungs.

Her eyes narrow at first, but then her expression softens. She buries her head on my chest and softly nods. “Together…”

There is a moment of perfect silence when she suddenly says, “I should have just told you sooner.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“I was afraid you’d go away and never come back.”

I feel like I’ve gone to war and returned from hell with that one simple line from her. It shatters me and pieces me back together at the same time. I realize all of Rhianelle’s fears are the same as mine.

I pull her face up so she can see my eyes. “I’m not going away, Nel.”

That earns me a small smile from her. It penetrates the darkest part of my heart.

“I know that now.” She grins and I want to kiss her again.

The girl suddenly feigns a pout and looks away.

“What’s wrong?”

“Mates… it’s supposed to be a big, meaningful declaration.” She shrugs a little. “I just thought they would be special sparks like fireworks or something.”

“Would you like that?” I ask her.

The fiery beast Cyntefin stirs from his slumber, ready to fulfill her wish. The air crackles and pulses around us.

“No, stop it. I’m just being silly,” she says, laughing. She pushes my chest playfully and shakes her head. “It’ll reveal our camp to the enemy.”

I want to tell her that it’s not silly, that there will be nothing but charred remains of her enemy if they try to touch her.

Instead, I just stroke her hair and hold her tight, letting her know I will never let her go. “From now on, if you have doubts, ask me. No more misunderstandings. Only truths.”

She merely nods.

“So, tell me what’s on your mind right now.”

“You.”

“Anything else?”

There is a long pause before she finally confesses.

“Tomorrow.”

There is fear in her eyes that wasn’t there a second ago.

“It gets easier once you’re in the heat of it,” I tell her.

She tilts her head up to look at me, her brows plunging in confusion.

“The killing.”

Stilted silence falls between us, crushing and heavy. Her smile dims and her lilac eyes cease sparkling. “I’m not that na?ve. I’m the Queen of Aelfheim. Just because I haven’t dirtied my hand doesn’t mean that life has not been taken in my name.”

“But tomorrow you’ll be taking a life with this,” I say, squeezing her small hand. “You have a tendency to overthink. Just stab.”

She nods quietly and picks up a battle piece on the table.

“Don’t worry. I went to the same Eldrovvar Arcanum as Aelfric and Garrett,” she quickly says, beaming proudly.

If those two are the benchmark, then I am not impressed with whatever training school they have, but I manage a smile to boost her confidence.

“I’ll be watching you the entire time.” I gently rest my forehead against hers.

“I’m sorry you were thrown into this. It’s not your fight,” she says, nuzzling her head to my chest. “You’re my mate, but you still have a choice to walk away from the battle.”

Not my fight? Is she fucking kidding me?

I’m actually livid she would even say that.

“I won’t allow anyone to hurt you.” My voice comes out gravelly and gruff.

“Same here. I don’t want you to get hurt either,” she says, her fingers curling into my vest.

Rhianelle cares for me…

I see the clear contrition in her face. Even her long elven ears droop a little.

This female truly has no idea what she’s doing to me. I take her hand and kiss her knuckles. “I will serve you, queen.”

I will raise hell for you.

“I’m embarrassed, but I won’t refuse your offer,” she says, her shoulders slumping with resignation. “I need all the support I can get. Thank you, Svenn.”

She places the stray piece she toyed with on the strategy board again and I take a quick glance at it.

I don’t believe that her knights, the fucking bastards they may be, agreed to leave her in this exposed position. This must be her idea.

“Do you really have to be on the front lines?” I ask her.

“The bandits will never fall for the trick if I’m not there.” I catch the worry in her tone. But I know better than to persuade her to stay behind.

“Fine. But you’re not going to battle in that, are you?” I ask, jerking my head to the side.

At the corner of the room lies the most absurd looking armor I have ever seen in my existence. The frilly turquoise sheer gossamer is restrictive and impractical. Her abdomen and thighs will be completely exposed to the elements. This thing is not only detrimental to my wife’s health but to the entire elven infantry. I may have to kill all of them tomorrow just for looking at her in this fuckery.

“That one is ceremonial for the morning blessing tomorrow,” she says, smiling a little. Even the girl knows the shit their temple is making her wear is ridiculous.

I am still contemplating murder when Rhianelle struts towards a large golden container bedecked with emerald stones. The girl taps it proudly. “Don’t worry. My uncle gave me proper ones.”

The fancy box alone makes me lose my faith with the elven equipment inside. My eyes fall at the blunt swords on the table next to me. “Have you had this one oiled and sharpened?”

“Cedwynn said he’d done it,” she replies swiftly.

I can’t believe she entrusted her blades to some random squire. “It’s your responsibility to check your own weapons.”

“I’ll do it tomorrow,” she promises with a smile. The girl runs back into my arms for a hug. I will excuse her indiscipline this one time because it’s her first battle. My mate aspires to be a baker, not a warrior.

I return her smile and kiss her head. “Good. Now go to bed and rest.”

“I can’t sleep…” she mutters, seeking comfort in my embrace. “Let’s just talk until morning comes.”

Rhianelle may have said that but she doesn’t speak. We hold on to each other in comfortable silence. I know she’s beyond terrified for tomorrow. I can almost hear her mind whirring as she stays in my cradle, absently pulling a loose thread on her dress as if it’s the most interesting thing she has ever encountered.

“I have another truth to tell you.” Her voice echoes in the dimness of the tent. “When you were asleep—”

“I know about the soft kisses you stole,” I say to ease her conscience. “Vampires do not sleep, Nel. It’s part of the curse. We enter a low awareness state, but we never—”

I stop when I see the look on her face. She’s probably recounting every little thing she did to me whenever she thought I was asleep.

“It’s fine, Nel,” I say in complete dismissal.

“You’re not angry?” I can hear the surprise in her voice.

“Not really.” I hold her gaze for a moment longer. “But I will punish you for it.”

Her eyes widen a fraction when I scoop her into my arms. I’m surprised and slightly disappointed that Nel doesn’t struggle against me at all, resigning to her fate. Little fawn has become too trusting.

I place her on the bed, lying on her back.

“Svenn, what are you doing?” Her bottom lip starts to tremble.

I don’t bother answering her.

My girl has so much shit to deal with. This will help her take the edge off. A distraction.

Who am I kidding? I’m doing this for me.

I claim her lips lightly, intending to give one of those sweet, soft kisses she usually enjoys. The plan goes to shit when she pulls on my tunic, desperate for more. She sucks on my tongue and a low groan escapes me. I can’t get enough of this girl.

I break the kiss just to look at her.

“Svenn…” she murmurs with gentleness. “My mate.”

There is something in the way she says it that sends a wave of pleasure coursing through me. I can’t give a fuck about the bond or whatever strange thing that ties us. I already know what I feel for her is real. But this ‘mate’ thing is important to her.

So, I’ll make tonight special for my little fawn.

I trail open mouth kisses from her neck down to her breast, slowly unraveling her nightgown.

“Only truths between us from now on,” I whisper to her skin.

She nods, not knowing what she has just got herself into. I take her taut nipple in my mouth, swirling my tongue over it in slow strokes. Rhianelle arches her back, and a gentle sound leaves her throat.

“Show me how you touch yourself every morning in the bathtub,” I say in a quiet command.

She shakes her head frantically, a horrified look on her face. Perhaps that was too much for my soft girl.

“Did you wish that I was touching you?” I ask.

A brief silence.

Then she nods.

That simple gesture from her thrills a dark part in me. A devilish grin tugs my lips. I pull away from her, sliding off the bed. She whimpers from the loss of warmth.

“Where are you going?” she asks, alarm coating her voice.

Nel was always nervous whenever I left. I blame myself for her anxiety. I went away the morning after the wedding, came and went whenever I pleased, took off right after killing the sewer rats.

The worry in her face drains away when she sees me kneeling at the foot of the bed.

That’s right, Nel. I’m never leaving you again.

“This is a punishment, remember?” I grab her ankle and pull her to the edge of the mattress.

Nel gasps, staring at me with trepidation. She tries putting on a brave face.

“Do you really intend to punish me?” The tremble in her voice gives away her nerves.

“Yes. But first I’ll reward you for your honesty,” I say to ease the erratic beating of her heart. “I’ll take good care of you, Nel.”

The fear diminishes and her eyes light up with anticipation.

Her nightgown is bunched up to her waist from the pull, revealing the bare skin of her thighs. I lift it further slowly, making sure my fingertips graze against her skin as I do it.

“Now spread your legs,” I tell her.

Her jaw falls open at the wicked demand. Nel takes too long to obey, so I do it for her.

“Oh… don’t look. Please,” she begs. Little Fawn is adorable when she’s flustered, but is she fucking kidding me?

Of course I’m going to look. I could look at her forever.

“What a view.” I exhale in a breath. Her undergarments are so pale and innocent, they make my mouth go dry.

“Svenn…” she murmurs.

It’s not even my fucking name, but I’ve come to love it, especially hearing it from her lips.

I leave a trail of kisses on the inside of her thigh, inhaling her sweet scent deep into my lungs.

“Is this—is this the punishment?” Nel trembles nervously. “Are you going to bite my thigh?”

Well, she’s giving me ideas… fuck.

I shake my head to focus.

“Now let’s move this to the side,” I mutter more to myself as I rip her frilly undergarments off in one tug.

She takes a shuddering breath.

Fuck, she’s so wet, she’s glistening.

My fingers softly brush against her folds. “I barely touched you but you’re drenched. You were expecting this, weren’t you?”

The moan that falls from her mouth is the sweetest fucking thing I’ve ever heard. I glance at the silent plea on her face.

So, I answer it.

I seal my lips on her clit and her hips jolt in response.

“Oh gods,” she gasps breathlessly.

The moment I start licking and sucking on the hood, she makes soft little whimpering sounds, her legs trembling on my shoulders.

“You taste like nectar, Nel.” I close my eyes, savoring her on my tongue. “So fucking sweet, so fucking divine.”

I can’t get enough of it.

Her moans turn into soft, keening little cries. “Heavens above… Svenn!”

Her head falls back against the mattress, her eyes fluttering shut. I feel the gentle tremor traveling through her body. Nel’s release comes in hard and fast.

Good.

This will take the edge off. I patiently wait for her to recover from the little burst of pleasure. Patience has never really been my thing, but I’d do anything for Nel.

“Tell me how you feel,” I ask her, my voice hoarse.

“It feels good,” she confesses. Her lilac eyes filling with heat so tangible, I can almost feel it burning on my skin.

“Can you be more specific?” I request like an asshole.

The girl is already beyond embarrassed. I don’t want to push Nel too far.

“It feels good when you touch me,” she confesses.

I feel a swell of pride over hearing her being more vocal about the things she wants.

“Do you want me to do it again?” I ask.

A nod.

And we’re back to that.

I seal my lips on her again and resume teasing her, just enough to pull her to the edge but nowhere near enough to tip her over.

It’s cruel, but damn me if I don’t I love her reactions. The little moans and gasps, the jittery twitch of her legs, the curling of her toes. I can tell it’s becoming unbearable for her.

She is so desperate she starts grasping on my hair to bring me closer. I silently thank the bear shifter for shearing them short on the sides that she can barely get a firm grip.

Rhianelle props her hand on the bed to gaze down at me. She blinks innocently, watching me with wide, confused eyes.

Like a bastard, I can’t resist the urge to tease her. “If you need something from me, fucking ask for it.”

A scarlet blush stains her cheeks.

“I need to come,” she says quickly.

I can’t fight the crooked smile creeping up my lips.

“Please,” she adds, because she’s polite.

“That’s a start,” I mutter before I grip her thighs and feast on her like a starved man.

A strangled sound leaves her. I quit teasing her because teasing her is teasing me. My cock aches, dying to be plunged into her sweet heat. I insert a finger in, testing her response.

She inhales a sharp breath. “Oh god!”

I feel her inner muscles clenching—fuck, she’s tight. So tight. I add another finger, thrusting in hard and fast.

Her mouth falls open as I suck on her clit eagerly. “Oh Gods, oh gods, oh gods… Svenn!”

That’s right. I want her to renounce all seventy-seven gods and make me her one and only. Her body starts to tremble, but I keep her pinned in place.

“Don’t stop,” she breathes out.

Her husky command nearly makes me come right then and there. Nel arches her hips, her legs wrapping around my head as she pushes against my mouth. I love the way she’s moving her hips on her own to match my rhythm.

“That’s it… take what you need from me,” I mutter against her core. I feel her pulsing on my tongue as she rides my face.

To keep playing around would only make her suffer. I shove my fingers deep, curling them while sucking her clit. She comes in a shattering orgasm that vibrates against me.

I quickly kiss my way up her body before I straddle her waist. A deep male satisfaction washes over me as I glimpse the glazed eyes and sheer bliss in them. The same Rhianelle who never lost her composure is unfolding right in front of me.

It’s like witnessing an angel falling from the heavens.

I watch her exquisite face in awe as she comes down from her high. Little fawn is beautiful in every single way imaginable.

“I need you…” she murmurs softly, raising her hand to touch me. But I’m seated on her waist, too far for her to reach. “Svenn, please…”

Listening to her calling for me in that agonized voice utterly destroys me. Her first two orgasms were for her. This one is for me.

I hover over her body, slamming one hand on the bed right beside her head to support my weight.

Panic colors her face when she feels my fingers slipping inside her once again. Nel exhales slowly as her eyes drift close. “If we do that again, I might scream.”

“Do your best not to,” I say.

I drive my fingers mercilessly, loving every anguished noise that escapes her. She whimpers and trembles every time I stroke that sweet secret spot inside her.

“Is this the… punishment?” she finally asks.

I nod, my thumb teasing her bundle of nerves in a lazy swirl. Her delicate lips part as she let out a raspy cry.

Nel’s eyelashes are moist with tears, and I almost feel sorry for her. Too bad they only make my cock harder. Her hands move instinctively to my arm, as if she can stop the savage thrusts.

“People in the camp will hear us…” she whines.

“People will hear you,” I correct her.

She tries to stifle her sounds; her knuckles turning white from gripping the sheets.

“Svenn!” she screams desperately.

“Keep at that, Nel,” I murmur, my voice rough with need. “It’s like you want to be caught.”

She gasps my name once again. Her moans of pleasure are driving me to the edge of insanity. I lean forward to whisper into her ear, “It’s like you want the whole camp to know you’re mine.”

I run my thumb idly over her clit while pushing my fingers to hit that perfect spot. Her inside muscles clench and her eyelashes flutter, the telltale of her imminent orgasm.

Rhianelle is close.

Gently, she nudges on my hand close to her head. Her eyes pleading, begging me to help her muffle her screams.

It’s fucking adorable.

This time I decide to be kind to little fawn. I clamp her mouth with my free hand. The rhythm of my thrusts turns erratic. I plunge my fingers deep while pressing my thumb on her core to bring her to a release.

With a muffled high-pitched moan, her body trembles and her hips buck against me. I love watching her shatter for me, the way her eyes shutter and her toes curl when she is in the heights of her pleasure.

Rhianelle is fucking stunning.

A Goddess.

Her body is still shaking up with the small tremors of her orgasm when she opens up her eyes and gazes up at me with adoration. “You’re mine, Svenn.”

The words shudder through my entire being. I feel like I can’t catch enough breath.

Her trembling hands tangle in my hair, pulling me down to her level. I clench my jaw, relishing in the burn her fingers leave in their wake. She latches her lips on mine desperately. Her tongue delves into my mouth, claiming my heart, my soul, whatever that is left for her to take.

Rhianelle pulls away from the kiss. Taking my jaw in her hand, she stares deeply into my eyes. “I’m ready for you to claim me.”

Fuck me.

All my best intentions earlier be damned, I just want to feel her clench around my cock.

“Are you sure about this?” I ask, my breathing ragged. “There is no going back if we do this.”

She thinks for a moment before she answers. I appreciate it because I need to know she’s certain about this. Certain about us.

“I need you, please,” she says. Fuck, she sounds as desperate as I feel.

The pleasure swimming on her face brings me dangerously close to the edge. But tonight is not about me. “If we do this, you won’t be able to walk right tomorrow, let alone lead an army.”

“I want you. Now please,” she begs, gazing up at me wantonly.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“Your bond told me we need to do this as soon as possible,” she coaxes me again.

The mention of the goddamn bond manages to snap me from losing it.

“Why does it matter what the fucking bond wants?” I kiss each of her heavy-lidded eyes. “I’m going to take my time to worship every inch of you.”

She traps the corner of her lower lip under her teeth, pouting.

Great, now all I can think of is how I want to fuck that pretty mouth.

“We’ll have time after,” I reassure her. “And who says I have to claim you? Maybe you’ll claim me.”

Flames dance in her eyes. She gives my arm a soft bite. It’s her way of marking me as hers, of making it known who I belong to.

“I can’t wait to make you mine.” Her voice drops low to an intimate whisper.

I’m already yours.

I kiss the fuck out of her, leaving her breathless and dazed. This sweet, sweet girl. I can’t wait to brand her with my darkness. But first I’m going to bask in her light.

“Rest, little fawn. You will need your strength.”

“I’m not a fawn… I’m Nel,” she mumbles sleepily.

“Try to get some sleep, little snail,” I tell her.

Her brows furrow into a deep frown, but she slowly nods. I tuck her into bed and wait for her to fall asleep.

Rhianelle has embraced the bond as part of her being. Perhaps I shouldn’t have sealed mine. That deranged, obsessive fucker who wants Nel more than anything in this world is a part of me—is me. But if I leave him be, he’ll fuck the fire right out of her. I’ve come to love the light too much to let him erase it.

The shape of her is curved against mine so perfectly I don’t ever want to move. I need to stay alert tonight, but Rhianelle is so goddamn distracting.

I smile at the possessiveness of her grip as I peel her hand from my arm carefully. The girl holds me like she never wants to let go. I press a hard kiss on her forehead before I slide off the bed.

Her strategy for tomorrow is brilliant and flawless. I take a quick glance at the battle arrangement on the table. I am to join Eyepatch and Red in the support line.

Pass.

I will take the entire fortress on my own.

I imagine the smile on Rhianelle’s face when I bring her the key to the fortress. Her soft hand wouldn’t have to lift a single weapon.

A killing calm settles over me as I stare at the stones of Tavan fortress. I will burn the world to fucking ashes before I let those drug-crazed orcs hurt her. Let the queen deliver her terms to the enemies tomorrow. If they’re foolish enough to refuse, they’re in for a slaughter.

I drag a hand through my hair, loathing at the sight of the flimsy thing she is supposed to wear tomorrow.

This one is ceremonial, she said.

If we have more time, I can find a talented dwarven smith to smelt the Grimsbane’s armor I scavenged in the forest and forge a new one for Rhianelle.

I don’t hold high hopes when I open the ornamented crate her uncle gave her. A wave of relief washes over me at the sight of the full set battle suit inside, sturdy, lightweight, and proper. At least the guy has the sense to arm his niece with decent gears.

The front of the armor is delicately carved into overlapping angelic feathers. Paired with the broad emerald cape, it will make Rhianelle’s petite body look fearsome and menacing.

Ice floods my veins each time I imagine her in the face of danger tomorrow. This refined armor is impressive, but it is still not tailored to her. The smallest thing can make a big difference in the field.

I pick up the whetstone to sharpen her sword when another smaller crate snags my attention.

It has dwarven letterings carved on top of the lid.

A gift for the Queen of Elves.

I unlock the box to find two wicked daggers staring back at me. It feels like an eternity has passed when I release the heavy breath I’ve been holding. Few things in this world can enchant me to that point other than my sweet Nel.

Both blades are made of a metal as dark as night itself. And yet, they glow with the iridescent light of the moon. Dwarven made objects always have a remarkable quality to them. They possess rare abilities, some becoming the stuff of legends and myths.

I can feel their strange pull beckoning me to pick them up. The hilts are fashioned into the shape of a serpent, one black and the other one white. I select the darker one, rotating the weapon in my hand.

Raw power flows into me the moment I wield it, rumbling and crackling. It’s heavier than my best war hammer. How is little fawn going to carry this thing? A shiver slithers down my spine when it starts to sing.

“Svenn…” Rhianelle suddenly stirs on the bed. The girl is having nightmares again.

It snaps me out of the dagger’s charm. Nothing deserves my attention more than little fawn, not even an otherworldly dagger. I should hold Nel and comfort her until morning.

Darkness plunges over the inside of the tent. My senses go into full alert at the sudden threat.

Nel?

She’s the last thought on my mind before a sharp pain shoots down my spine. I slowly look down at the source of pain. Something dark and cold pierces through my abdomen.

It’s the shadow spear of the Rhunhraefn.

“Rhianelle?”