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Chapter 34: Gilded And Magnificent
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 35: A Little Darkness
"Do you want to see what she can do?" Curzon cried.The great hall resounded with cheers. Queen Dalyla and King Caiphas looked uneasy but clapped along with the rest of the guests. Violet wondered where the two of them fit into Curzon's grand plans for just him and Violet to rule the elven kingdoms. He didn't seem the kind to share.Curzon pulled off a glove. "Let us see what The Eye is capable of."More cheering, but Violet hesitated to touch him. Curzon noticed and snatched her hand. Magic poured into Violet. She gasped, Curzon resting her palm against his chest. Violet became a vessel. The magic of death swirled within her, darkening her vision.She stared into Curzon. His soul was bleeding out."What have you become?" she murmured, her free hand passing through the mist invisible to the rest of the hall.It was a breach in the magic she should've found there; a sickened vortex of all the Monarchs' magic he'd consumed. In those charred cracks death seeped in, sending its worst back
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 36: The Blood-letting
For the first time that night, Violet managed to fade into the background, despite still being in front of the entire great hall. The nobles were getting eager for the night's next event—something Curzon hadn't mentioned to Violet—and no longer required her.The Blood King addressed the room, his voice booming. "Monarchs and nobles, let the Blood-letting begin! The moment you've been waiting all month for! Here are my gifts for your devoted service."The doors to the great hall opened again and two rows of elves walked in single file, each one bearing a different noble family's crest on the right side of their necks. Several more had the wolf of Ipsit stamped on their flesh. All marched to Curzon's red quartz throne.He looked them over, threading through the ranks with an exacting eye. Curzon tipped up the chin of one elf then pushed up the sleeve of another. Violet realized he was checking their veins. Dread filled her."My reserves supply the best as always!" Curzon declared. "Let u
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 37: These Desperate Moments
The moon disappeared behind walls of thunderclouds. Wind tore through the capital, clawing at The Bastion's stone walls. But it couldn't reach beyond. Ipsit was still the seat of Curzon's power and the Storm King had no jurisdiction there. "I have to go to him," Violet whispered, hanging out her window.Eden was somewhere inside that storm. They'd shared magic enough times now that his presence cried out for hers. She needed to be near him."Hurry!" Hestia called from the servant's door. "They're going to notice you're missing soon."Her voice barely registered—Violet was awash with relief. If Eden was here that meant everything would be fine. He would know what to do to stop Curzon.Hestia left the shadows and took Violet by the arm. "Mistress, are you alright?"Violet's focus finally left the sky. "Go back to the great hall, Hestia, keep Olivia safe. We're all going to get out of this nightmare tonight."Hestia glanced out the window. "A storm?" she muttered. "What's going on? How a
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 38: Heart Of The Maze
Violet ran to him. He scooped her up, twirling Violet before setting her down. He nestled his face into the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply."I missed you," he said.She pulled away just enough to meet his gaze, hungering for the safety he always gave. "I can't believe you're really here. I've been so worried about you. I saw you fall at Toreva, then the dead carried me off and I—"He pressed a finger against my lips. "I'm fine, Violet. I wanted to come after you right away but Curzon has been keeping us busy, swarming every border passage with the dead. This is the first time I've been able to make it across.""It's the Blood-letting," Violet replied. "He's called all his nobles here to feed.""I don't care why," he said, lifting her off the ground again, letting her fur robe drop on the path, "I just needed to get you back."She laughed as he planted tickling kisses along her jaw and ear. When he returned her to the earth, she noticed the structure behind him."What is this?" she
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 39: Little For The Imagination
The Bastion received Violet once more. As the gate closed and the chill air took hold of her, she stepped onto the white carpet—now speckled with blood—trying to clear her head.She needed to think.But Eden's hands felt like they were still on her, his mouth still tasting every inch of her skin, his body overtaking hers. Her cheeks burned. She craved him all over. Violet turned up the collar of her fur robe, trying to hide away in its softness, but he was there too, stroking her cheek, telling her how beautiful she was. Without thinking, her fingers went to the love-bites on her chest now covered by silk instead of the Storm King's tongue.She had always thought of need as a great cavity in a person's soul—it had scared her to need someone, especially when her parents cast her off. But this kind of need filled Violet to overflowing, sending thrills of delight through her when she thought of how Eden shared her desires.The guards brought her to the great hall. The doors opened. Madnes
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 40: A Better Offer
Violet and Curzon stared each other down. Blades crossed, arrows pierced flesh, an entire battle took place in the valleys of their silence. Violet realized the Blood King had been right about one thing: he taught her new things about her powers. But in his desire to chain her to himself, he had set her free.Violet reached for the ring, but pushed past, gripping Curzon's forearm instead. Her warm touch embraced his chilled skin. Death bubbled to the surface; spirits gnawed at their back of both their minds. He might have more than enough power to defeat the Monarchs but she saw the pinnacles her powers could take Curzon to.So did he.His blue eyes rounded, drinking in the potential."Admit it," Violet whispered, "you're nothing without me.""I'm going to give you one more chance to reconsider," Curzon replied, rage clawing at his features, retracting from her clutch. "I'd prefer a beautiful wife, but I'll settle for whatever you are after my dead are through with you.""I'm not one o
The Elf King and His Bodyguard Chapter 41: New Land, New Leader
It took Violet more than a full day to get across Ipsit to its border with Basharr. As dawn rose over the pass to Toreva, with smoke still hanging in the air, she rode her horse into her homeland. Hestia and Olivia were with her. They'd found her outside the gates of The Bastion, brought her to the stables, and their friend had given them three horses. Fatigued by the war and rejected by Curzon, the animals were just as despondent as Violet.Neither the dead nor the living had hindered their progress after that. The dead were too occupied with Curzon's orders and the living were too busy fleeing.Violet let the maids guide her, needing to be alone with her thoughts and tears. They rested during the afternoon then kept going, riding through the night.Violet could hardly believe it'd only been five days since she'd last been at Toreva. The town smoldered but the dead ones had moved on. No doubt to other towns, perhaps even the capital. She prayed Eloy might be spared, her family safe, b
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,
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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,
