Their Bonds of Love

She adjusted the golden bracelet she wore and slightly hissed as it rubbed against the fresh mark on her arm. She looked down at it; a nicely drawn small crown sat just below her wrist. Efa had burned the seal on her and Caerwyn’s arms so it would last forever. It was only a little sore and red, and Eleri smiled as she skimmed a finger over it.

It was all becoming so real. Conri would be crowned that night, and she would be announced as his future bride and queen. She had no doubts in her love for him or that she wanted to be with him forever. She only hoped she proved worthy of him and the position he came with. As the servant finished trying her back, she looked in the mirror. She wore a dress that once belonged to her mother and had been altered for her.

It was red and gold, a good combination of her family’s and Conri’s colors. It came off her shoulder and finished in half sleeves. A servant lightly powdered her neck, mostly covering up the faded bruise found there. She moved her head over and looked at it. It didn’t bother her much anymore, for the most part. She still felt the urge to be near Conri, but it didn’t pulse as it did at the beginning. Only at night when the nightmares came of the palace and Lord Fellen did she wake up feeling it ache.

She didn’t think she had gotten a full night of good sleep since returning to Cadwin Manor. It, along with the fading effects of the poison, made her feel tired and weak. It caused her to retire early to bed, and though she and Conri had shared many kisses and touches, it had gone no farther. She usually fell asleep in his arms too early in the night for them to truly show their love for one another.

She knew he was probably growing frustrated with her though he wouldn’t say it. She was very ready to be with him as it had been too long. She made sure to rest plenty that day so that she could feel strong for the evening. She did not want to wait one more night to be with him, and she had a feeling after the night’s activities, they would both be very ready.

The door to her room opened, and her aunt and Grace stepped in. Eleri dismissed the servants with her thanks as Efa and Grace walked up to her, both smiling.

“You look so beautiful, Eleri,” said Grace as she walked around her. “So much like your mother.”

“Elen wore this dress for her first ball as Lady Cadwin in Argenta House,” said Efa. “It looks as if it were made for you.”

“Luckily, we have a skilled seamstress here. I am a bit taller than mother was, I believe.”

“You are,” confirmed Efa. “And a bit more filled out in certain areas.” She laughed quietly. “You are lovely, Eleri, and your mother would be so proud of you, not just because of your beauty.”

“I believe it is times like this when I miss her the most.”

“You must know she is here,” said Grace. “She is always with you. I can hear her in your laugh, and you have her smile.”

Efa took Eleri’s hand as Grace adjusted her skirt. “I have something here you should wear. I made sure it is completely cleansed, and I believe it will help you feel your mother’s presence tonight.”

Eleri noticed her aunt was carrying a box. She opened it and held it out to Eleri. Inside was her mother’s crown. Efa took the crown out of the box, laying the box on the nearby vanity. “Let me place it on you, my dear.”

Eleri bent down, and Efa carefully placed the crown over Eleri’s swept-up curls. It laid perfectly on her forehead, feeling secure, but not too tight as before.”

She straightened up and looked in the mirror. “You already look like a queen, Eleri,” said Grace.

“But I am not one. I fear what kind of queen I will be if it comes to it.”

“You do not doubt that you wish to marry Conri, do you?” asked Efa. “I hope you are not feeling forced into this.”

“I have no doubt that I love Conri more than any other. I cannot imagine loving anyone after him. I want to be his wife. I just fear disappointing him and the land.”

“You have been through much, Eleri,” said Grace as she took her hand. “You have lived in fear and been ill. It has made you forget who you are.” She led Eleri a little closer to the mirror. “You do look like your mother, who was one of if not the most powerful magic user this land has ever seen. You are a Moss, one of the last ones in this land.”

“You are the future of our family,” said Efa. “But you are also the future of the Cadwins. You have the Cadwin eyes and intelligence. If you are not qualified to be our queen, who is? If this is about the prophecy…”

“It isn’t,” said Eleri quickly. “I decided not to let it dictate my life in any way. I think it is just because everything has happened so fast, but it does not feel wrong. Thank you both for reminding me who I am. When I was in the palace, I told myself the same things over and over. It helped me get through that awful time.”

“We must go,” said Efa. “Your father is waiting to escort you down to the ballroom, and I am sure your prince is anxious to see you, and you must be him. I know it is hard to be away from him at this time.”

“I am ready,” said Eleri. “In every way.”

She walked out the door with and Efa and Grace behind her. Her father stood on the other side of the hall, looking like the head of a great family that he was. He gave her a small, sad smile as she approached him.

“Is something wrong?”

He shook his head. “You look perfect. I know this is a night the land will long remember, and I am glad you are going to be joined with a man you love. Only when you walked out of that room, it made me miss your mother very much. She should have been here to help you through this time.”

“Grace and Efa reminded me that she is here.” Eleri looked at her aunt and grace. “She is always here with us, father.”

“I can see her in you. You are a testament to her and her family’s legacy,” said her father as he took her hand.

“She is, and yours as well, Ewan,” said Efa. “We must be going. All your guests await.”

Eleri took her father’s arm as Efa and Grace walked together ahead. He escorted her down the stairs and to the ballroom at the back of the house. Eleri had never seen the room so full. Lords and Ladies lined the walls, and some stood closer to the middle of the floor. Many turned as she and her father walked in. She recognized a few, including Lady Cecil and Lady Rees, who curtsied and smiled as she walked by. She nodded at them and then looked towards the dais on the other side.

Conri stood in front of it with Aron and Caerwyn at his side. Once she made eye contact with him, she could not look away. He was dressed in all black with gold accents, including his house standard of a golden wolf with a crown over its head on his chest. He wore a long black robe edged in gold. She had a quick thought of the work that must have gone into his outfit for the night, but it quickly fled her head as Conri grinned at her.

She released her father’s arm as she stood in front of Conri. She sank into a deep curtsey and said, “Your highness.”

He held out his hand to her and helped her stand. “You are beautiful,” he softly said as he brought her hand to his lips. He kissed the back of it before turning it over and kissing his symbol on her skin.

“You will give up the surprise if you act so,” she said with a slight laugh.

“I don’t plan for it to be much of a surprise by the end of the night. I don’t want you away from my side for one moment.”

“You will have to dance with a few others, Conri, as will I,” said Eleri as she looked at Caerwyn. She offered him her hand, and he kissed it softly. “Good evening, Bright One.”

He gave her a lopsided smile that once would have melted her heart. “Lady Eleri, you look well this evening.”

“You do as well,” she said as she looked him up and down. “He was dressed in all black with the golden wolf of the Gildan’s on his sleeves. “You look very settled in your position tonight.”

“And you look like the great lady of the house,” said Aron making her turn to shake her head at him.

“I suppose to you I looked like I am playing dress-up, Aron,” she said as she moved to stand between him and Conri.

“Not at all,” said Aron. “I only meant you look like the strong woman you are. I know what you are facing tonight, and I am sure you can withstand it.”

She glanced at Conri. “Nothing happening tonight fills me with dread, only expectation. I hope we all feel the same.”

Conri grabbed her hand and squeezed it, pulling her a little closer. “If I can get past the crowning, I will look forward to whatever else the evening holds with great expectation.”

“Your crowing will go well as you were meant to be king. You will see when that crown sits on your head.”

Her father walked up with an older man and woman, both dressed in black robes. “Prince Conri, this is Priestess Deidre and Priest Arlan, both of the Silver Palace temple.”

They both bowed to Conri. “We have longed to see you again, Prince Conri,” said the priestess. “We were the ones who blessed you after your birth.”

“We have refused to acknowledge anyone else as king, and we both know you alone can truly wear the crown,” said the priest.

“And we will now put it on your head,” finished the priestess.

“Are you ready, your highness?” asked Lord Cadwin.

Conri nodded and looked at Eleri and then Caerwyn. “My court and I await your instructions.”

“All of you come onto the dais,” said Lord Cadwin. “I will call the room to order, and then the priest and priestess can do the ceremony.”

Conri took Eleri’s hand as he passed her. She squeezed it, and he held on to it as she and Caerwyn followed him up the stairs. When they got to the top, she leaned towards him. “You were born for this. I know you will be a wonderful king, and you won’t have to do it alone.”

He stared at her for a moment, and she began to wonder if he was going to kiss her. He leaned towards her but was called away by the priest. He gave her one small smile before he turned.

“My lords and ladies,” said Lord Cadwin loudly. “I thank you all for coming to celebrate the Winter Moon Festival tonight. It has been too long since many of us have been together, and it does my heart good to see this room so full. No longer will we hide away, afraid of what is happening in our beloved city and palace, because tonight we will crown our true king. Tonight is the night we truly start preparing to take back what was stolen years ago. We will avenge our king and queen’s death and support their son, our new king.

“He is here tonight with the beginnings of his court. He traveled to the Northern Temple and was granted the moon crown by our goddess. This can be attested to by his First advisor, Lady Eleri Cadwin, and the Bright One.”

Both Eelri and Caerwyn nodded.

“The grand priest and priestess from the Silver Temple have come to crown him. We have the crown, and now we will place it on our king’s head.”

Lord Cadwin moved back as the priest and priestess moved forward with Conri between them.

“Creations of the goddess and gods, we are here tonight to witness the dawn of a new era. We come to crown a Gildan king as we have done for thousands of years,” said the priestess.

“He has been proven worthy by our goddess and already crowned by her. He has been granted the greatest crown, and tonight we acknowledge it by putting on his head a crown made by human hands but blessed by the gods and goddess,” said the priest.

“Prince Conri of the Gildan kings, please come forward,” said the priestess.

Conri glanced back at Eleri before he moved to the very front of the dais.

“Do you pledge your life to the goddess and gods, doing as they will?” asked the priest.

“I do,” answered Conri.

“Will you give your whole life to the land, seeing to all its people, doing all you can to lead them into prosperity?”

“With the goddess and gods’ help, I will,” replied Conri.

“Does your court approve your rule and pledge their lives to you?” asked the priest.

Caerwyn and Eleri answered in unison. “We do. Our king is worthy and shall come before all others.”

“Prince Conri, kneel before the gods, goddess, and your people,” said the priestess.

Conri slowly kneeled, keeping his robe behind him as the priest took the Silver Crown off a pedestal.

“In the name of our Great Goddess, the mother of all, we name you King Conri of the Gildan kings,” said the priest.

“May your rule long and well, protecting your land and your people. Depend on the wisdom of your court that comes from the goddess and gods,” said the priestess. She nodded at the priest, and he placed the crown on Conri’s head.

Conri closed his eyes for a brief moment, and Eleri could sense a change in the air. She stared at Conri as she could not take her eyes off of him if she wished. She was always drawn to him, and after he marked her, she felt tied to him in a new way. Now, it felt as if that tie was made out of something unbreakable

Conri slowly stood up and looked around the room. Eleri took Caerwyn’s hand, and together they kneeled on the dais. Next, the priest and priestess did the same as well as her father. Before long, every person in the ballroom was on their knees before Conri. Eleri was sure they could all feel as she did that there was no doubt he was their king.

She kept her head bowed until she saw Conri had walked over to her. He held out his hand, and she took it as she lifted her head. She looked up at him and felt as though all her breath had left her body. If there were any doubts about being with him, they were completely gone. Every part of her loved him and knew they were meant to be together. She stood up slowly with his help. He next went to Caerwyn and asked him to rise before turning to the room.

“Please rise, all of you. As your king, I serve the goddess and all of you. I promise to go to the Silver Place and dispose of those who have harmed our land. Then I will work with all of you to heal Elathia and lead into this new era in which we will all be guided by our goddess and gods. With my court’s help, I will strive to be a good and wise king.”

Servants came out and quickly handed out goblets filled with wine. One was handed to Eleri and Caerwyn as her father stepped forward. “To King Conri, may he rule as the great Gildan Kings before him.”

“To King Conri,” everyone answered before they drank deeply.

“And now it is time to celebrate this festival,” said Conri loudly. “Let us take a night and day to remember the goddess’s goodness before we prepare to take back our land.”

There were shouts of agreement as Eleri’s father nodded to some musicians on the side.

Conri looked at Eleri. “You will dance the first with me, won’t you? There is no one else I will accept.”

“Yes, my king. It is an honor,” said Eleri. She handed her goblet to a servant as she held on to Conri’s hand while they walked off the dais. He led her to the center of the dance floor with every eye on them.

“We shall open all balls like this, my love,” he quietly said as she moved into his arms. “And finish them together as well.”

“It is a pity we can’t dance them all as there is no one I want to be with other than you,” she said.

“We will have many years together, and every night you will end it in my bed. Even if you decide you can’t be my queen, I don’t think I can love another, Eleri.”

“I will be your queen, Conri, because I know I could never go through this life without you. I have no doubts tonight. When you announce our betrothal, I will only respond with joy.”

Others joined them on the floor, and if they were trying to keep their relationship any kind of secret, it would be ruined by how close they were dancing and how they looked at each other. She didn’t care, and it seemed neither did Conri. His hand moved gently against her waist as he moved his other hand down with hers until it was next to her throat. He stroked his mark with his thumb, and she closed her eyes in pleasure.

“I hope you are feeling rested tonight, Eleri, because I don’t think I can keep from showing you my love.”

“I feel very well, my king. There is nothing I want more than you,” she answered.

They were forced to part at the start of the next dance. Conri was swept away by some lady as an older man came up to Eleri with her aunt.

“Lady Eleri, it is a great honor to meet you as you are one of the last Moss’s alive,” said the man.

“This is Lord Caydran. He lives close to our home estate,” said Efa. “He helps lead the magical community in my absence.”

“I do what I can. Will you dance with me, my lady?”

Eleri nodded, and he led her to the dance floor. She found him an interesting man. He was kind with his words, but there was something about him that Eleri could sense was a bit dangerous. She did not feel like he would hurt her, but she knew he could be fierce in battle.

“I am glad I am here to see the king crowned,” he said as they turned. “And if the other rumor I hear is true, then I think our community will be very ready to fight for his throne.”

“If it is the rumor I suspect you have heard, then I do not think you will be disappointed,” said Eleri.

The man smiled. “It is long overdue that our kind had some representation on the council, and to think one may help rule over us. I hope you will not forget where your mother came from. Many of us feel as if we have been overlooked. We were given powers from the gods and goddess just like those blessed. We wish to serve our land as much as shifters.”

“I will not forget it, my lord, and neither will our king. He is very ready to see that Elathia is a place for all, not just those blessed by the goddess.”

After a few more dances with a lord she didn’t know, and then Lord Rees, Eleri was ready to rest. She grabbed some wine from a servant and looked for Conri. Not finding him, she saw Lady Farrow standing close by. Thinking she wished to improve her relationship with the woman, she made her way over.

“Lady Eleri,” said Lady Farrow with a small nod. “I’m glad to see you looking well tonight. I hope you are almost completely recovered.”

“I am. I feel better tonight than I have in a while, though I am a little tired from dancing. I hope you don’t mind my company.”

“Of course not. I have wanted to speak with you for a while.” She looked behind her. “Would you find it too cold if we stepped out into the courtyard?”

Eleri shook her head, and she finished her wine. They walked together just outside, keeping under the cover that extended over the first part of the courtyard. Eleri turned to Lady Farrow and waited for her to speak.

“I’ve wanted to apologize and thank you.”

“What do you need to apologize for?” asked Eleri.

“I knew how Caerwyn felt about you, and I knew you had feelings for him as well. Still, I let him into my bed. I let him love me.”

“I do not feel as if you need to apologize for it, and I hope you don’t really feel the need. I hope you are just trying to be kind. I rather hope you love Caerwyn as much as I believe you do.”

Lady Farrow looked confused as Eleri took her hand. “Lady Farrow, Emilia, if you will allow.”

Emilia nodded.

“Emilia, I will always love Caerwyn in some way. After what we shared, I cannot help it, but I know now we never would have worked together. There would have always been Conri, and I can tell you for certain he is my match. All I want now is for Caerwyn to be happy and well-loved. I believe you could be the woman to see that he is both.”

“He will not allow it. He says I do not deserve to share a place in his heart with you, but I feel differently. I know you will always be some dream he cannot give up. He loves you, and I don’t think that will change. I don’t care. I am happy to have what he will give me. I want to share his burdens and help where I can. If that makes you think I am pathetic, so be it. I have long been happy with whatever I could get.”

“I do not think you are pathetic,” said Eleri. “I think you are a woman very much in love, and that I can understand. I like to think I am a strong woman who can take care of myself, but I don’t want to now that I have Conri. I want to share everything with him. I believe you are even stronger than me. You helped me remember who I was on the Havens Estate when I had forgotten. It is not a weakness to want to love someone and have them love you. I hope you will not give up on Caerwyn.”

“I could never give up on him, not now.”

“Then give him time. He thinks he needs to punish himself and be alone, but I think you can change his mind.”

“I hope you are right, my lady,” said Emilia.

“Eleri, please. I hope we are friends and will grow even closer. I have great hopes of you being a big part of my life.”

“Can I thank you then, Eleri, for what you did that day you gave yourself up. I know it wasn’t just for me, but you saved my life. I will never forget it.”

“I think you would do the same for me or anyone.”

“You think too well of me, but I believe that is just who you are. I hope we will grow to be good friends. I would never ask Caerwyn to give you up completely. You are too important to him.”

“He is important to me, as you well know, and the king as well. Now, it is freezing out here, and I do not wish either of us to get sick. We will have much to do in the coming days.”

Emilia squeezed her hand before they walked in together. As they entered, Caerwyn walked over to them.

“Is everything well?” he asked, eyeing them both.

“Very well,” said Emilia. “But you have not danced with the First Advisor, Caerwyn, and people will expect it.”

“It might be better if you danced with him, Emilia,” said Eleri.

“I already have danced with him, and he promised me the last dance, so go do your duty, Eleri.”

“I’m not sure it’s very flattering that neither of you wishes to stand up with me,” said Caerwyn. “Perhaps I better find another.”

“I will dance with you, Caerwyn,” said Eleri. “Since it is expected.”

He smiled at her as she took his hand and walked with him on the dance floor. After they started dancing, Caerwyn looked at her. “Is everything truly well?”

“Of course, I only wished to chat with my friend and get some fresh air. She is a remarkable woman, you know.”

“I do know,” said Caerwyn. “Her life has not been easy.”

“No, but it has made her strong. It is something to gain the love of a woman like her. It would be a shame to waste it.”

“Are you going to play matchmaker for me now? I am not sure I am ready for it,” said Caerwyn.

“I will not as there are other things we need to take care of in the land. I will only remind you that you do not need to punish yourself by being alone. You deserve to be happy, and if you found someone who could help you with that, then you are a fool to let it go.”

“It is not as easy as that.”

“It is. You know it is. You, like me, have a hard time trusting what is easy, but love is supposed to be simple. I think maybe it was so hard for us because it wasn’t meant to be.”

“Loving you was not the hard part, Eleri.”

“Accepting it as the truth was,” she said. “Caerwyn, there are few in my life who I care for as much as you. Please find a way to be happy and at peace.”

The music stopped, and she walked with Caerwyn off the dance floor. She looked around for Conri and spotted him talking with Lord Cecil, Aella, and the most beautiful woman she had ever seen.

“Who is that?” she asked as she felt a slight pain in her neck.

“Lord Cecil’s youngest daughter. He picked her up on his way here. Since they have declared their allegiance to our king, they will have to hide away from the city for a time.”

Eleri watched as the woman placed her hand on Conri’s arm and laughed with him. The wolf inside of Eleri growled as Eleri huffed out loud. She started to walk that way before Caerwyn took her hand.

“You know you don’t need to worry,” he whispered. “She is not you, and you are all our king sees.”

She turned and looked at Caerwyn before nodding. She walked up to Conri, who was smiling at the young lady when he noticed Eleri. He moved a little ahead and took Eleri’s hand.

“Lady Eleri, I’ve been looking for you.”

“It seems you found someone else to entertain you,” said Eleri trying to keep the edge out of her voice.

Conri looked at her with raised eyebrows as he took a sip of his wine before Lord Cecil spoke. “Can I please introduce you to my youngest daughter, my lady? This is Riona.”

Eleri curtsied to the blonde woman, who looked her up and down with bright blue eyes before returning her curtsey. “It is an honor, Lady Eleri.” She bent behind her and picked up a cup of wine from many on the table. “Have a drink with us, my lady.”

Eleri took it and took a long sip as Conri looked at her questionably, and Lady Riona beamed at Conri.

The music started again, and Lady Riona turned to Conri. “Here is our chance at a dance, your majesty. You did promise me one.”

Conri looked at Eleri. “Go do your duty, my king.”

He hesitated before offering his arm to Riona. Eleri watched them dance while Lord Cecil chatted by her side, and she drank her wine. She answered when she had to, but she hardly knew what he was saying. She kept her eyes on Conri with Riona as they moved across the floor. They looked magnificent together. A small voice within Eleir spoke in a whisper. This is why you wished him to experience more and meet more people. She pressed the spot of her neck as it started to throb.

“Riona wasn’t ready to leave Lord Mivens yet, but it was a necessity. He said she had learned enough as is. He called her one of the most talented shifters he had ever met.”

Eleri smiled at Lord Cecil as her feelings of jealousy and inadequacy deepened. “She trained with Lord Mivens? That is quite an honor. You must be very proud.”

Lord Cecil nodded. “She has always been an excellent daughter, so sweet and light-hearted. Who knew she could be so vicious as well.”

Eleri smiled again as her heart ached to watch Conri dance with the beautiful young woman. Any minute her father would announce their betrothal, and as sure as she had been moments ago, now she feared she was trapping him into an unfulfilling life.