***
Calliope silently mused, returning her attention to the conversation at hand only when her grandmother squeezed her hand reassuringly and granted her a small smile.
"I know that this is more of a fated, arranged union. That it may be somewhat political as well but that does not mean that you do not treat my granddaughter with the respect that she deserves. She is a true gem, a radiant star that shines brighter than any other. She is a gift, Lucien Gray, and I trust that you shall cherish her more than anything else. She is the future of Ikraseon and should anything happen to her, believe me, I will rain down hell on you like nothing you have ever seen-all extenuating circumstances be damned. I would die for my family just as much as I live and breathe for them. Do not forget that even as we venture forth towards an amicable discussion on the reclamation of Ikraseon and the benefits we shall both accrue from this partnership."
Elisen's words were clear, firm and with the right inflection of the threat that Lucien did not take lightly. Despite the fact that many feared him and stayed far away from him, knowing that there was nothing they could do to defeat him- he knew well enough that Elisen Rowenys was not a coward like them. She would fight to the death if she had to in the event that it came to it. Her fierce protectiveness over her family was known and famed throughout the realms. She had always been a force to be reckoned with, both on the battlefield and outside of it.
I do wonder whether her granddaughter has received the same tenacity from her...
Lucien mused even as he granted the monarch a slight bow in acquiescence to her words.
"You have my word that Calliope shall have my protection, not only as my wife and my Queen but also as a monarch living in my Kingdom. No one would dare to bring harm to her for as long as I live, and we both know that means that she shall be protected for all the days of Her life."
Elisen seemed satisfied with this response, turning to Ira who seemed to be just as satisfied. Her mother had articulated all that she had wanted to say and more. They truly were somewhat alike even though they fought like cats and dogs.
"I love you so much, baby. Be safe and send word once you arrive and settle down, okay?"
Ira had switched to Elven as she hugged her daughter close, earning a nod from calliope who was too tongue tied to speak after her grandmother and her future husband's words. Her tears threatened to spill as her mother's had, but she kept them at bay and nodded firmly and reassuringly at her.
"I promise, mama. I love you too. Very much. Always."
Calliope responded before turning to thank the gathered witches who equally gave her longing hugs. They had formed a sort of comradery and attachment. Neither wanted to say goodbye but each of them knew that Destiny and Fate could not be questioned. They were the balance keepers, after all.
Lucien silently took all of this in, impressed by the fluent Elven that had come out of his bride's sensual lips. Everything about her had shifted from the night he had met her. He had scented the Elven blood that coursed through her veins and the magic that was keeping it at bay. It was more pronounced due to the full moon night and the significance of the date of their meeting.
But it had been dispelled, let to roman free and her new scent was intoxicating. A mix of Elven magic, a sweetness that he figured was her own and the mind addling scent that he knew belonged to no one else but the woman who was supposed to claim his non-beating heart.
It was the scent of his mate- a revelation that would have floored him if he weren't prepared for that possibility.
He had sensed her the moment he appeared on the mortal plane. Never had he believed that he would have what every single one of his kind has. A mate to call his own. A woman who was made just for him.
She was not a werewolf, yes, and a mating between a werewolf and another supernatural faction was quite uncommon and heard of only with the mortals- but it was not impossible.
He wasn't the quintessential werewolf either so their union wasn't as far-fetched as he thought it could be.
She was no longer the doe eyed, confused and somewhat fired up human woman she had been when they first met.
No, she was now a doe eyed, true Elven Princess not only from her clothes and etiquette but also her truly breathtaking features.
He had been truly taken aback by her transformation, enough for the ever-observant Head of the Reilly Household to see through him as she uncannily could. It was an unsettling quality that only truly powerful witches possessed.
And she was no basic witch.
Her bloodline was among the purest of the Magical Royal Family. Which is why her threats to destroy him were also equally taken just as seriously.
She has many people willing to go to war for her. Both an impressive and troubling quality.
Lucien mused silently, watching as she finally finished her goodbyes and came to stand before him. Her mother and grandmother nodded reassuringly at her for the last time before she turned and fixated her gaze on my own.
There was no fear within as Lucien had expected. Only a calm, assured sense of clarity. She was ready to take a sure step into her future. The King of Natus quickly realized that the three days of training may have wizened the young woman before him more than he anticipated.
Either she is really good at masking her emotions, or she really isn't afraid of me...Either one of those outcomes is an interesting line of information...
Lucien concluded inwardly as he presently outstretched his hand to his bride, his otherworldly eyes never leaving hers.
"Are you ready?"
He inquired; his voice silent but still inflecting enough to reveal the true meaning behind his question. He wanted to know whether she wished to say any more goodbyes.
She was momentarily stunned by this silent revelation before regaining herself and shaking her head. Drawing it out would make it even more painful. She needed to be confident. To step into her path and her mission with confidence. That would reassure all who had spent their time training her and teaching her everything she needed to survive in Natus.
"Yes. I'm ready."
Calliope responded, placing her hand in his. Electricity seemed to spark between them as before, eliciting a silent gasp from the young Princess who looked up instantly to meet his own knowing gaze. He seemed outwardly unperturbed by the connection that had zapped through them but inwardly, he understood and confirmed what he already knew.
She was most definitely his mate. There were no more, non-existent doubts.
After a silent bow from Lucien that was returned by the women present, the King of Natus led his bride away from the backyard of the Wysteria Estate and towards the forest where the portal that would take them straight to his Kingdom was still open.
Ira and Elisen watched as their young girl bravely walked beside a man shielded only by fables and stories. Doubt coursed through them momentarily, but Calliope's confidence stomped it out. They knew she would be okay. The young, Elven Princess had more power and strength to her than even she herself knew.
"Ladies, I believe we just witnessed a shift in the very fabric of history. A future unlike anything we have ever witnessed before is about to dawn. Everything is going to change, and they just might be in the middle of it all. So, we must prepare and ensure that we give them the right support. Oh, what a time it is to be alive!"
Kelsey exclaimed, a wide grin on her lips as she clapped excitedly and signaled for the music to be restored. Like many powerful witches, the Head of the Reilly Household was as cryptic about her silent observations as always. But her excitement gave Elisen and Ira reassurance that her observation was not ominous.
We made the right decision...It will be rocky, but everything is going to be fine in the end...
***