Fate Calls the Elf Queen (The Elf Queen, #3)

by J.M. Kearl

“Where did a pretty elf like you learn to do that?” A chill ran down Layala’s spine at that voice, those words. He’d said that once before. She bit down on her lower lip to keep herself from smiling. She wiped the black blood off on the moss of a fallen log before she turned around. Thane, her beautiful Elf King, stood casually against the tree she’d previously hidden behind, arms folded, ankles crossed as if he didn’t have a care in the world. He hadn’t cut his hair in the last few months, and it now grew down past his chest to his upper rib cage. He kept it tied back tonight and wore plain clothes, not appearing as the king he was.

“I sure hope not. You don’t think he’d want me, do you? I’m afraid if he heard my yodeling, he’d want me as some sort of court jester to entertain him while he’s having people tortured and maimed. And I simply cannot yodel while such things are happening. If you see him, make sure to tell him I’m not useful at all and dreadfully annoying. Both of which are obvious lies but he don’t need to know that.”

I wish we had more Tif moments!!

“Did he say anything to you?” “He just winked at me.” She tapped a finger against her chin. “It was dark so I can’t say for sure, but I feel like he’s not too hard on the eyes.” “We need to find you a gnome boyfriend, so you stop pinning after dangerous elves.”

Vesstan cleared his throat and tapped his staff once on the stone. “Perhaps we should get back to magic. Layala, will you do something simple for me? Grow a blossom in your palm.” “Did I say you could speak?” Hel glared at Vesstan. “We’ll get to magic when I say so.”

“Lady, the High King asked us not to let you go off the property without an escort.” “I said, I’ll be fine.” She nudged Midnight’s sides and rode past them. They argued behind her, “We can’t let her go.” “Are you going to stop her? She’s called Fightbringer for a reason.” “Do you fear her or the king more?” “Her.” “Coward.” “I don’t see you chasing after her either.”

Gasping, she whirled around. Hel stood not three feet from her. And although his eyes were wild with dangerous hostility, he wasn’t looking at her. “You dare touch your queen?”

“Why are you following me? Just leave me be. I had it handled.” “Aren’t you looking for me? That’s why you come out here every night, isn’t it? You want to get me alone and take advantage of me, don’t you?” He put a hand to his chest. “I’m not that kind of elf, Val. You’ll have to at least buy me dinner first.”

“I did that to prove a point. And you know with the old mage and War around, excuse me, Thane, you can’t say how you truly feel about me. I’ve always wondered—who’s a better roll in the sack, me or him?” He rubbed the thin white scar across his chin, and the action reminded her of how Thane often had the same habit. It made her shudder. “It must be me. He’s so—formal. Translate that to boring.” “A better—ugh. Considering I wouldn’t touch you even if my life depended on it, we’ll never know.” “Oh, you know. And one day you’ll remember.” Layala narrowed her eyes. “You know what, something’s coming to me.” His scarred eyebrow raised ever so slightly, and he leaned a little closer. “Thane’s is bigger, a lot bigger, and he knows how to use it better. No wonder I left you.”

“Haven’t you ever wondered why they’re drawn to you?” Yes, she thought but only clenched her teeth tighter together. Although lately the use of her magic hadn’t brought them to her. She wondered if it was because they weren’t close or if he’d commanded them not to. “Because they are mine.” She watched him skeptically, thinking there was more to that statement. There wasn’t. “Well, I’m not you.” “Clearly.” He smiled slowly, reminding her of a wolf ready to pounce. A very beautiful wolf. “You’ll get it one day.” He took a deep pull of the smoke and blew a puff into the night.

His smile widened making the dimple on his cheek deepen, and Layala’s breath hitched. For all his wickedness making him ugly on the inside, he truly was beautiful, like gazing up at the vast starry night and the wonder that came with heavens. Hel’s voice whispered in her mind, Careful staring like that, little rabbit, you might give the wrong impression.

“Looks like I’ll be keeping a closer eye on you then. Real close. I may even sleep in here and warm your bed since he doesn’t. Nights must get lonely, love.”

“He’s just being an ass, his true talent.” She glanced over at him. “Besides, if his lovemaking was as grand as he claims, I wouldn’t have forgotten all about it.”

“I’m scared,” she whispered. And he wished he could take her into his arms and carry her away from all this. “What if we never find each other?” “I promise I will find you. I’ll always find you.”

Layala forced herself to keep a straight face but some sick part of her deep down relished in the fact that Hel killed them. Someone stood up for her and with how many people hated her and wished her dead, it struck a chord. It wasn’t that Thane wouldn’t, but being High King came with responsibilities and consequences Hel didn’t have to think about. For Thane, people had to cross a line before he’d take life. Hel wasn’t burdened with such misgivings.

She gripped the lapels of his suit jacket, turning him to face her again. “Talk to me about it. It’s alright.” Staring down at her with agony he said, “That is the dress you wore the day you married Hel. You know what this is? Him reminding me yet again, you loved him first, you married him first. So, wear something else, anything else.”

Layala shuddered at his touch and brought her arms around his neck. “Your teasing is the sweetest torment,” she said. “I like this side of you much better. I don’t like broody Thane. You’re supposed to be my bright sun, and I the moody, temperamental night.

“Certainly, it was to make him jealous, but I also wanted to talk to you. I like talking with you.” “Stay away from me. I can find my memories on my own.” His hand brushed hers and she jerked away. “I’m going to Thane because I love him. I’ve always loved him. And I will always choose him.” Hel grabbed a passing maiden and snapped her neck so fast Layala barely heard the pop before he shoved her limp body into Layala’s arms.

“There was another story. Did you see it?” His breath on her skin made her shudder. “No,” Layala whispered, afraid to hear it. “Telvian Botsberry found half-dead, unable to speak because his tongue was cut out, unable to write because his hands were cut off. I suppose he shouldn’t have been telling and writing lies about a certain someone. He won’t anymore.” Her eyes widened. “You did that?” “You’re still my wife, and I won’t allow it any longer.”

YES

Hel appeared fully dressed and dry in his usual black suit right next to her in the chariot, shifting the weight. “If you don’t want to give a kiss, I won’t ask for it. It must be special to you and I’m not yet. I’d never want to make you feel uncomfortable with me.” He smiled trying to turn the conversation lighter. “But I would accept a replacement price for getting me into the water. Would you go on another date with me? I’ll plan this one.”

“The day on the cliffs of Amonlee. I remembered it like I was there now. It’s how I knew you had wings.” “So that’s why you pushed me.” The corner of his mouth curved up. “And here I was thinking you thought you finally had your chance to take me out and took it.” “It wasn’t my intention. I just wanted a little payback for all the torture you’ve inflicted on me.” “It scared you, didn’t it? My impending death.” She hated to admit it but relented, “Yes.” “I saw the safety net you created for me, and heard you scream my name. It did make me sort of miss you screaming my name in other ways.” “I thought I didn’t do it for you anymore?” she countered. “I think we both know that was a lie. I’m ready to take a roll in the sack if you are.”

“I can’t stop thinking about you.” He moved a step closer. “You’re all I think about. I can’t even sleep.”

A pebble caught her toe, and she stumbled off balance and the only thing that kept her from falling was Hel’s grip. She started laughing and said, “Can we go back and get more of that dragon ale?” “Shhh.” Hel held a finger to his lips. “You might as well be screaming ‘Come and get dinner’.” “Oh, and I make a delicious snack.” She lifted her shoulder to her chin and grinned at him then giggled, putting her hand to her mouth. He deadpanned.

He looked at her knowingly but only said, “Better slow down on the ale. I don’t want to have to carry you back.” “Don’t tell me what to do. Or maybe I’ll obliterate your mind. Then all my problems would go away. You wouldn’t be dead but not alive either.” “Gods, you’re mean. I wouldn’t even do that to my worst enemy.”

“You tried to kill me in the tower before ever even speaking to me. You’re not Miss Innocent.” “Oh, I wonder why? And you cut open my wrist and drank my blood without permission.” “I’d say it was necessary, but I wanted to know what you tasted like, too.” He smirked. “I’m surprised War put up with your attitude for so long. He needs a sweet girl, and you’re far from that.”

He poured milk in, then sugar, and with a wooden spoon began to mix it all. More spilled over the sides. Apparently he was rusty. She smiled, and he looked up at her through thick dark lashes. “What?” “Nothing.” “You’re laughing at me.” “No,” she said and then burst out in laughter. It wasn’t even that funny, but he looked so out of place with flour all over his shirt, mixing a bowl of ingredients to make scones. He was the Black Mage, the god of mischief, a killer, and a novice baker.

As her arms wrapped around the spike his voice entered her mind, It wouldn’t stop with one kiss, love. She faced forward, unable to look at him. I know. I would want more. I know. Her throat thickened and tears came unbidden. All those things you said you hate about me… A long pause. Are what I love about you. And I can’t have you. That’s why I hate them.

With a gust of wind, her clothing began to transform into an evening dress. Layala brushed her hands over the empire-waisted champagne dress hugging her curves. The long sleeves were sheer and wide, tightening in silk cuffs at her wrists. Moments before it had been on the mannequin in the window across the street. She narrowed her eyes at Hel who wore a black suit much like Presco’s. “That’s stealing, you know,” Layala said. “Add it to my list of offenses, love.”

The line between hate and love was becoming increasingly thin.

Layala chuckled and rubbed her thumb over the top of the massive diamond on her finger. She had a feeling it was hers from before. “I’m a great actress. If either of us is going to expose the truth of our marriage and we’re not the happy couple we claim, it’s you. You even hate the curve of my lips, remember?” “Oh, and you’re so fond of me?” He rolled his eyes. Pressing her lips together, she didn’t know what to say. His stare seemed to heat her from within. Several beats passed in silence until he finally said, “Are you?” His brows furrowed and his garnet eyes sparkled in the sunlight filtering in from the window.

“Don’t tempt me with that unless you mean it. If you think I’ll let you go back to him after I’ve been inside you, you’re fucking wrong.” One hand slid to her throat and his gentle touch was almost enough to make her lose it. “Once you give yourself to me, you’re fucking mine. There won’t be a choice.”

She and Hel locked eyes, Only if you want to, he said in her mind. But kissing on the mouth is special to you… You’re special to me, love. You’ll want more. I will always want more.

So, I presume if you’re Valeen then Mr. Black is the god of war.” “Mr. Black is not the god of war.” Hel’s deep voice cut in. The door closed quietly behind him. “Mr. Black is someone much more ruthless and sinister.”

MWAHAHHA

Valeen shot to her feet, her bedroom darkening with storm clouds of fury. Layala was gone, the girl who would have mercy, the girl who would forgive. The goddess turned to shadow and dropped through the floor into the center of the main room. Presco closed his book and stood from his chair, concern lining his eyes. “Is something wrong?” “Where is he?” she snapped, voice harsh and full of shadows. “You remember.” “Everything.”

AHHH

Not only did she remember the betrayal with Varlett, his betrayal of their sham of a marriage, and his lies trying to cover it all, but she knew everything that she ever was, the thousands of years old goddess born of darkness in the remnants of a fallen star at the birth of Runevale. The goddess who ruled House of Night, who became the greatest weapon in all the realms to avenge her sister. The goddess who foolishly fell in love and then fought against her powerful husband, and the brutal council of Runevale and nearly won.

When you remember you’ll hate me even more, he’d once said. He had the fucking balls to ask for forgiveness for this? Maybe he felt guilty for what he’d done but in this case time did not heal wounds.

“Let’s get this over with, love. Let me have it.” “Don’t you ‘love’ me!” She picked up a vase and threw it. It crashed into the wall just beside his head. “You selfish, lying, manipulative fucking bastard!” She was shadow and moved faster than light. Her fist crashed into his jaw and knocked him through the wall, opening up a Hel-size hole to the outside.

“How dare you try to turn this all around on me and War. You act like you’re the one who got burned. Then you have the fucking nerve to come into this life and threaten me, and try to convince me that I am just a whore who left you for his cousin?” Soulender was in her trembling hand. “If I could kill you with this I would. Who knows, maybe I can.” She slashed at him, but he vanished as it sliced through the air.

“Don’t act like you conveniently forgot that but remember everything else. And here I was falling for your poor, pitiful, ‘no one cares for me’ act yet again. The sad orphan who was abandoned by his mother and doesn’t even know who his father is. With your deceit, I’m more than certain you’re half demon. You are my greatest mistake. I gave you my whole heart and you deceived me.” Tears of fury and anguish slid down her cheeks. “I was ashamed I ever trusted you. So much so that I couldn’t even face you.”

got his ass

At her hesitation, he dropped to his knees. Broken. Shattered. Never had she seen him this desperate, not even last time. Before he’d been angry. Now he was groveling. A tear slipped down his cheek; his fingertips clasped his thighs indenting the fabric. His face was a beautiful mess of anguish. “I will beg. I will do anything you ask. After everything I’ve done, how I treated you, I know you shouldn’t trust me, but I swear I didn’t betray you. I have only ever loved you. I love you still.” “Stop.” Her chin quivered. “I’ll drink any serum. I’ll let you into my mind to hear my every thought. I will do anything to prove that never happened. Fuck, Valeen, if you won’t believe me, then just kill me. End me right now.”

….

Hel was in front of her, gripping her face between his palms. Longing and fear warred on his striking features. “I don’t care about anything that happened anymore. If this life has shown me anything at all, it’s that you are the reason I breathe. I live in an eternal midnight, and you are my moon giving me light in darkness. I have no heart unless it’s in your hands, Valeen.”

“I live in an eternal midnight and you are my moon giving me light in darkness.” you’re kidding

“Let me finish. I am desperately sorry for everything I did to you in Adalon and before. I was wrong. And the truth is you shouldn’t forgive me. You should despise me for the rest of forever, and I would rather burn in the agony of your hatred than feel nothing at all but love me or hate me, I can never let you go. I won’t. I will always fight for you. I never told you this, but the one time I prayed to the All Mother for mercy, ...

“You’re right. I wouldn’t have. Not in a million fucking years would I have sent you away with him if the situation was reversed. I would have found a way to protect you myself, not give you up and risk losing you forever. I would have never stopped touching you and loving you or pushed you away while waiting to see if you still wanted me once you remembered. I would have fought for you. I may not be selfless or noble, but I do love you and I’d do anything for you but give you up.”

His fingers brushed her hair behind her pointed ear and his touch sent goosebumps down her spine. Darkness built in his face, storms of jealousy and anger, and then it faded away to understanding. Valeen closed her eyes, letting a tear slide down her cheek, and his thumb swiped it away. “I don’t blame you for falling for him. He’s easy to love. So, I will wait for you to find that he was best for Layala Lightbringer, but I am the only one for you, Valeen, goddess of night.”

Despite all his faults, he was the love she couldn’t give up. He was the first and should have been the only, and even though it would hurt War, he would have to understand. Hel was right. Thane was the love and mate of Layala’s life, but Hel was Valeen’s. He was the only one who could match her fire, and she could embrace his darkness because she was part of it. With a deep breath she met Hel’s stare. His body froze, terror and anticipation written all over his face, fighting for dominance. Until she said, “My home is in Villhara.”

But even as Layala she fell in love with Hel too.

“If he followed us here then he’ll follow us back. If he’s still there then we’ll take care of him. I have Darkbringer and Soulender now. Without his ring, he’s nothing.” “I wouldn’t say nothing, love. You’re not an immortal at the moment. He can kill you and we’d be doing this all over again.” “He could kill Layala. He won’t touch me.”

“I will forgive you for things in the past, given what you thought happened between me and War, and how you felt betrayed. I understand it. But, remember who you are talking to now, Hel. I am not a young naive elf anymore. You will not speak to me like I am.” He peered down at her; she’d seen that look before. It was one of admiration and longing, desire. “Allow me to rephrase, goddess. Please, don’t take her on yourself. She betrayed me and used me as much as you. I could argue I’ve been slighted the most.” “That’s better. We’ll do it together.”

Valeen watched in horror as the horses bolted through the pasture, trying to escape one of them. She spotted Midnight and Phantom among them. “Oh, you better not touch my horse!”

Valeen protecting Midnight always>>>

The corner of her mouth tugged up; Hel and War were back fighting again and this time, not in opposition.

“He can’t fight them both alone!” They rose higher, the wind whistling in her ears, ruffling her hair. War charged, driving his boots into the grass, and let out a warrior’s cry. Morv whirled around on him, and the hound barreled ahead of his master. Its terrible snarling cry made her shudder. “He’s not alone, and my priority is you.” Over Hel’s shoulder, she spotted Leif, Fennan, and Piper charging in. Presco dropped in from the sky shaking the ground with his heavy weight.

“He’s not alone” 😭