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Chapter 15: Reasons To Stay
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The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 16: Storm Battered
Someone's fist banged against Violet's door. One eye peeked open. Gray light filtered into her room. Whoever was out there clearly didn't know she was armed and grumpy.The knocks came again. Louder."Go away!""Open up, Violet," Eden whispered from the other side.She grabbed her pillow and tossed it at the door. Royalty or not, sleep was sacred."No!" she grumbled."Get out here."She groaned and pulled herself out of bed, curls tangled and squashed. She swung the door open and faced Eden."What?"He leaned against the door frame, looking exquisite. His long frame draped in pale blue trousers and a tunic loosely tied together, letting her catch sight of his chest and abdominal muscles. She fought the urge to reach up and ruffle his immaculate hair just to even things out a little. "Did you throw a pillow at me?""Sort of.""I'm your king."Her tongue sucked against her teeth. "Right now, you're a pain in my a*s. What do you want?"Eden pushed his way into her room. He scraped a pile
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 17: The Past Catches Up
The hour-long horseback ride to the palace took Violet to new heights of discomfort. The more they shared magic, the easier she sensed Eden. His steady breathing, his focused gaze, his stiff posture, all determined to stay away from her.She'd just trampled his heart, but at least he understood now. She couldn't remain in the city, maybe not even in Basharr. This was the best thing for both of them—Eden would be free to focus on Chione while Violet could move on from the Monarch."I have no idea how to do that," she muttered to herself, watching the king from behind.His hair was still drying under the cloudy sky. His linen clothes clung in wet patches to his skin. She could almost imagine him as another elf, not the Storm King, with no reason to marry someone he didn't want to. She smiled sadly at the thought. If there was one thing Eden could never be, it was ordinary.He pulled on the reins of his horse to slow down next to her. "I've been thinking where you can serve until the wedd
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 18: One Is All You Need
Violet tightened the straps on her quiver. The gold-tipped arrows seemed bland beneath the cloud cover. A storm loomed on the horizon—it had been there, threatening to drench the capital, since Chione pulled Eden into her wedding planning. But the dreary day matched Violet's feelings about sharing duties with Florian.They were in a cleared-out, three-story market, waiting for the royal procession to pass by. King Eden and Queen Chione were making their way through the capital so the people had a chance to see the couple firsthand. Violet and Florian were on hawk-eye duty, sequestering themselves on the roof while the streets below teemed with eager citizens.Violet watched Florian slip his bow into the sheath on his back. She hated sharing anything with him, but she couldn't deny his archery skills."So, you're really going to do this?" she asked.He ran his fingers through his hair as he turned to her, reaching down to lace his boots. "Get dressed? Yeah, I think I will.""I mean serv
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 19: A New Post
Queen Chione summoned Violet to her rooms the next morning. Violet's wrist was still hurting after the clocktower stunt but the swelling was down and she refused to leave her bow and quiver behind, especially when heading inside the palace. Each hallway felt jeweled with memories, waiting to blindside her with their brightness. She wanted to be armed against whatever she met.Thankfully, Jasmine was the first familiar face she crossed."Even when you move out of the palace, you're all this place talks about," Jasmine beamed, wrapping her arms around Violet."You heard about yesterday?" Violet guessed."You rescued the Queen! All the attendants think you're going to be promoted. Some of the courtiers think you'll move back in. I'm hoping you'll show me how you flew across the royal parade."They kept walking, Violet catching sight of some of the Lords. She gave a slight nod. They completely ignored her. Staying in the barracks did have some perks."The Queen summoned me," Violet whisper
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 20: Shots Fired
A crescent moon stood watch over the archery range. Violet looked up at the stars. Wispy clouds drifted across their light. A cool breeze rustled the trees. Her thumb ran over the arrow fletching in her hand.This was the one place where peace reigned supreme. Queens and kings met their match in Violet when she carried a bow. She hummed softly. The songs of Eloy marched through her mind, lending their melodies to the vowels her lips formed. She stomped her feet to keep time, letting the music slip between her heart and her wounds.Dried blood stuck to her uniform. A nasty cut on her forehead still stung. But her song took her away from the pain and anger. She kept humming, stringing an arrow.The target was small in the dark distance.She anchored her right hand to the corner of her mouth and let the shaft fly.Bullseye.Another arrow.Another perfect shot.She nocked one after the other, humming the whole time. The quiet cut by sharp arrowheads whizzing through the air. She strolled
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 21: A Visit To The Tailor
Only two days remained until the wedding.Basharr Palace hung heavy with blooms strung from the ceilings of every room. Creamy roses, buttery peonies, and blood-red poppies filtered through seeded eucalyptus, saturating the court in their floral scent. Matching ribbons wrapped around the musical statues, chair legs, the stems of glasses, and the wrists of every courtier. The garden didn't escape the streaming fabric, either. Everywhere Violet turned ribbons seemed to be on a conquest, symbolizing the tying together of two souls. Chione had brought the tradition from Parvara and the entire capital was lapping it up, letting the ribbons spill from the palace into the streets.For Violet, they felt like funerary wrappings to entomb her heart. Eden had kept his distance, as requested. She hadn't seen more of the king than the swish of a cloak around a corner in a week and a half. Even if he hadn't been in the middle of getting married, he'd be busy with news pouring in from Petros and o
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 22: Clouds of Gold Dust
Aveline and Juno had been a landslide of information. Violet still felt like the earth teetered beneath her. She carried a receipt in her pocket with Chione's original and current measurements written on it from her fittings at Darrow's Tailor Shop. They'd directed her to a physician down the street who had seen to Leander's burns. He refused to admit to more than treating Leander, but Violet could tell by his fear Chione had been there. Violet had listened silently as the designer and assistant made all sorts of conjectures about Eden and his obsession with Chione since childhood. She knew they were lusting for more gossip from her own lips, but Violet refused to indulge them. Now, she was on horseback, leading the queen and her maids back to the palace after the fitting.They had left the city behind, climbing the steep road carved into the mountainside. This was the only place free of prying eyes. Violet wouldn't get another chance like this.She turned her horse, blocking the road
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 23: Finally An Equal
Basharr's prison was carved directly into the sheer sides of Blackwood Mountain. It was known as the Forbidden Wing of the palace. It anchored the brilliant glass of the palace to the stone the capital was built on. Violet had never been before and now her first time was as a resident, with shackles around her wrists. She stumbled over the uneven rock floor."Keep walking," Dana growled.The captain had decided to personally escort her."I really don't deserve such special attention," Violet said flatly. "I would hope you had better things to do than put innocent people in cells.""You expect me to believe Queen Chione buried herself in a pile of gold. I'm not kind-hearted like the king—I have no tolerance for your stories.""I was defending myself. Don't I have that right, even if my attacker is royal?"Dana scoffed. "Even a borderlander like you knows assaulting a member of any royal house is forbidden. The fact you did it as The Eye lets me toss you in the deepest, darkest cell we h
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The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 50: The Coronation Vows
All of Basharr and Ipsit seemed to have packed into the capital. And all the other kingdoms had sent representatives to the coronation, turning the city into a rainbow of celebration. As many of those people as possible now crowded into the palace and grounds, packing the corridors and throne room.Violet stood next to Eden. He wore matching white silk trousers and tunic. The robe over them was edged with the same colorful streams of fabric Violet wore on her gown. His white hair hung loose over his shoulders, slightly brushed back from his face, leaving a few wisps of short hair dangling in his eyes. He was gorgeous, as always. But the crowd captivated Violet even more. Every face looked up at her. Without meaning to, she realized this was the life she'd been reaching for the moment she entered the capital. To find acceptance, love, and power. She'd fought hard, putting everything she had into the search and now—as she looked out at her people and looked across at her love—she realiz
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 49: One Last Thing
***One Month LaterGarlands of olive branches and daisies swept through Basharr's palace. The animated statues played music constantly. Courtiers and attendants hustled to brush gold leaf across the palms of every visitor. It was meant to show the prosperity all elves would share under Eden and Violet's reign.The grounds were filled with eager eyes, ready to glimpse the coronation of the new Monarchs of Basharr and Ipsit. The other elven realms like Eilon, Neve, and Kash had already signed treaties to join their lands to Basharr as allies. The throne room sat waiting, draped in swathes of white lace and linen, with orange and olive trees as a backdrop to the two thrones now on the dais.Violet could hardly believe one was to be hers. But she'd watched the workers bring it in herself. After they left Eden had shown her the secret release on the side where her bow and quiver could be kept."I know my queen can't be without her favorite toys," he teased."You know me well, my king," Viol
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 48: Dispelling the Dead
It was time to head home. Basharr was waiting.Eden and Violet set out with Chione, Hestia, Olivia, and Raegan in tow. They took the southern bridge, devoid of life and burnt, to honor the four soldiers that fell before the resurrected Monarchs.A few moments of silence reminded Violet how many more had been sacrificed by Curzon on the altar of his pride. The elven kingdoms wouldn't heal overnight from so many losses. She looked over at Eden—it was their job now to make sure those who remained felt safe in their homes whether they were blood or high elf."There are dead ones at the end of the bridge," Eden said quietly, nodding toward the gathered pale figures. They blocked the end of the bridge and filled the streets into Ipsit's capital. Some were spirits; others were living blood elves hosting a spirit. They were armed but all of their swords hung loose from their hands. They looked weary."They want to go home," Violet said, getting off her horse.She walked up to the waiting spir
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 47: To Be Loved
Curzon's death was quiet.The Bastion didn't crumble. The dead didn't disappear. No one knew the war was over. Violet, Eden, and their allies weren't free of Curzon's deeds yet.But in that still moment with the sun streaming on her face and Eden beside her, Violet let the victory wash over her. Every muscle, each bone, deserved to know that he would never touch her again. He could never harm her or the people she cared about. She approached Eden who still stood near Curzon's body. He hadn't stopped staring since he bit the Blood King.She touched his arm. "Eden?"He startled at her voice and backed away from her, his expression dark. There was blood all over him—his hands, his tunic, even specks on his trousers. He looked like he'd been dragged through carnage. "Don't get close to me," he said."What do you mean? Why?""I—I'm a Blood Monarch. I fed on him.""You saved Hestia and Olivia—you saved all of us," Violet answered.He searched her face, confusion etched on his brow. "You do
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 46: Having It All
The great chamber filled with black storm clouds. Wind picked up, blowing out the candles and tearing at the wooden paneled room. Lightning danced from cloud to cloud. Eden stood beneath it all, robed in mist. His gold gaze pierced through the tumult.He brought down lightning strike after strike down on Curzon. The Blood King smoked. His body thrashed under the electrical current and Violet heard him gasp for air. Eden brought down the fifth strike and Curzon lay still. His eyes were closed and he didn't seem to be breathing.Eden descended the dais, aiming for Violet, but Curzon's eyes flared open and he jumped to his feet. "I'm the King of the Dead," he crowed. "You cannot kill me."He stood between Eden and Violet while Violet faded away. Reigniting Eden's magic had been too much for her. The little bit of strength she possessed was with him now. Eden saw her struggling."Step aside," he commanded Curzon, lightning twisting around his arms up to his shoulders.The gold never left
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 45: Not What We Planned
Smoke filled Violet's lungs.Fire lashed The Bastion, leaving behind charred shadows.Violet felt empty. Magic had left carefully carved basins inside of her since she left Eloy, etched by pieces of royal souls. Eden had excavated her the deepest, but Raegan opened entirely new possibilities. Scratches of Chione, Dalyla, Caiphas, and Rabiah would soon wear away. Curzon had tried to forge her in his own image but failed.As Violet lay in a pool of her own spent power, she wished for one more chance to feel Eden's ancient storm power. To feel the rain beat against her skin and the thunder rumbling in his voice. It was the only resurrection she needed.But she was alone and her heart struggled against the rest of her body's desire to finally sleep.Her mind wandered as metal creaked behind her. The thought that someone might be there occurred to her but she was too weak to care. Too far gone to notice the sun rising on her left."Violet Bellerose, you waited for me."Curzon appeared befor
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 44: Unfinished Business
Raegan shifted into her falcon form with a flash of golden light. Her screech sent shivers through the dead horde. The moment of distraction gave Violet the chance to draw two arrows and fire them into the spirits. At the same time Raegan flew through the dead ones, her razor-sharp gold wings slicing at their faces.A sliver of a path cleared through the dead ones and Violet took it. She dodged two blades. Tucked and rolled between the legs of one spirit. Dalyla was ahead of Violet, overseeing her fellow dead from The Bastion's gates amid the flames Rabiah had left behind.A soul stepped between Violet and her goal."You," Violet fumed, recognizing the same enormous brute who kidnapped her at Toreva. "We have unfinished business."The hollow eyes remained unresponsive, but he raised his sword and tried to strike Violet. She jumped to the side, colliding with another dead one. She tried to stab Violet, too. Three more joined in, surrounding Violet.The moment of distraction was over. V
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 43: Meet The Shifter
Violet tipped two of her arrows into the fire burning out at her feet. "You four keep them distracted," she commanded the soldiers across the bridge. She turned to Hestia, Olivia, and Sky, "You three with me."The eight attacked. Violet launched her arrows at Rabiah. They turned to ash when they got close to the Queen. The four soldiers went down with terror at Caiphas' hand, writhing on the bridge.Dalyla's hands were covered in familiar cobalt powder with her gaze riveted to Violet."Don't let her touch you!" Violet declared."The powder will turn you manic," Sky said before Violet could.The boy picked two small knives from his waist and flung them at the queens. Rabiah melted the blades with a blast. Hestia and Olivia charged the queens, their daggers flashing.Sky was about to join when Violet pulled him back. She was about to ask how he knew about the powder but her hand brushed the bare skin of his collarbone and Violet felt magic rumbling beneath the surface. Something was diff
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 42: Fighting On All Fronts
Toreva had become the headquarters for what remained of Basharr's fighting force. The western edge of the plundered town swelled with tents, horses, and soldiers all under Captain Augustus' command. Despite the devastation, it was still the easiest pass between Ipsit and Basharr and had to be defended. Florian brought Violet, Hestia, and Olivia to Augustus."He's the senior officer," Florian explained. "You've convinced my men, but we can't abandon Augustus. If he gives his permission, then we'll follow you into Ipsit.""I understand," Violet replied, searching Florian's steady gaze. "It doesn't seem I've convinced you, though."He shook his head and sighed. "I said I would go with you. Let that be enough."Florian moved to guide her up the hill to Augustus' tent but Violet stopped him, done with the game they kept playing with each other. "You're angry with me. Why won't you just say it?""How can I be mad? We don't owe each other anything," he answered."I'm aware of that," she said,
