Chapter 63
King Harvey sits beside me at a round table as he and the kings continue to speak of war. Eventually, King Harvey breaks down in laughter at some funny tale that I don’t get to understand. Meanwhile, the wives and I are still taking notes on what exactly to teach humans about werewolves, but werewolves about humans as well. A mutual understanding will bring both sides to an equal group.
I wish I had the courage to ask about half-breed children, but I don’t. I have mentioned hospitals for innocent people and they like that idea, those that have been hurt in battle or otherwise will have a free place to go for help.
“Elena,” The King of the East’s wife says. “We do need to see some of your luna powers…”
“Why?”
King Harvey tenses beside me and I hear the quiet click of his talons. The King of the East catches the sound and makes eye-contact with King Harvey.
“My wife will not harm yours, Harvey.” The King of the East comments icily.
“Very well.” King Harvey places both hands on the table and I see he has shrunk his talons, but I know it is a mocking gesture.
I see why he trusts no one. He is as tense as I am.
Even as pleasant as our talks are, I know they are false. We have had lulls in the conversation and the wives have spoken to themselves in that language I don’t know. King Harvey had frozen with every word.
King Harvey places his hand on my lower back and stares at me. “Elena, make a flame.”
Holding out my shaking right hand, my face reddens with embarrassment at the trembling of it. Regardless, I focus on the warmth of my husband’s hand on my back, I create a steady stream of flame that glows for several minutes.
Thankfully, the wives gasp with joy and are satisfied. So are the kings, that sternly look at me.
King Harvey begins to talk of war, and they liven up again, and the wives add me in now, more warmly in their conversations.
King Harvey’s hand holding mine under the table the rest of the night is the only comfort I have. We will be pleasantly cordial with them. That is all we need to be doing, we don’t need to be best friends. I know there is a respect between us both and I know that is real.
“Where is the King of the North?” King Harvey asks the other kings as they begin to stand, leaving for the night.
The King of the South looks at us both. “He does not approve of Elena. There are rumblings that he is ill too, but as far as we know, he doesn’t approve of humans, King Harvey.”
My husband harshly swallows. “Very well, he will approve rather shortly. Elena, say goodnight to everyone.”
I bow respectfully to the kings and their wives. “Goodnight, everyone, thank you for my welcoming luna party! I really enjoyed it!” I lie with a kind grin.
We wave goodnight to one another and with a final bow, King Harvey sweeps me off my feet and marches me out of the ballroom.
In a flash, he has us standing in front of our castle. Beta Tom waits in full silver armor that is less extensive than King Harvey’s armor. The wolf head on his chest is plain and smaller. When he bows to King Harvey, a row five deep of other armored men appear behind him.
“King Harvey?” I breathe in awe.
“We are going to visit the King of the North, Elena. You must be accepted by all to solidify peace and your life.” King Harvey lifts my hand to his lips delicately and kisses it. “I love you dearly, Elena.”
“…thank you, King Harvey. I love you too, dearly.” I look down to stop the clattering of my heart, but he places two fingers under my chin and makes me look up at him.
King Harvey’s werewolf silver eyes shimmer at me but are not feral. They are warm and kind.
“Would you like to come with us?”
“Oh, yes!”
King Harvey smiles down at me lovingly. I think our argument yesterday was worth something. King Harvey picks me up once again and begins to run. The sound of the scuffling and clanking armor behind me startles me, until it synchronizes into a shuffling harmony.
About five minutes later, King Harvey sweetly places me down in front of a white endless oval door. He pulls off his cloak and wraps it around me tightly from behind.
“Elena, are you well?” King Harvey pats my ass as he stands behind me and I turn to him with a fierce blush.
“Yes! What the hell was that?!” I whisper as he laughs.
“You are my mate. Why not a tap?”
“Shh!” Blushing, I throw my face in my hands as he laughs heartily.
With a smile on his face, King Harvey opens the door to the King of the North’s kingdom. A violent blast of cold air assaults us as King Harvey guides us through the walkway. An icicle bridge greets us and King Harvey sighs.
“Quick steps, gentlemen!” He calls over his shoulder as he picks me up and cradles me to his chest.
In one white blur, King Harvey places me down in front of the King of the North’s white velvet chair. A glance around, I see this the crowning room. Golden walls glisten and shine down at us. An elderly man with a massive white beard and pointed ears stares down at us.
He points a crooked white taloned finger at me. “Human.”
“This is my wife, King of the North.” King Harvey growls firmly. “If you do not accept her as the Luna Queen, I will take you to war!”
I freeze at the aggression of his words but say nothing.
King Harvey lifts a hand and the echoing sound of his army’s getting in formation drops my heart.
The King of the North leans forward, his white velvet outfit folding and moving as he does. He wears a decorated white jacket and long pants.
“King Harvey,” he wheezes, pausing to cough heavily into his hand. He shows us all a bloodied hand. “I am unwell. I am severely ill. I am sorry I couldn’t attend. Please, both of you, forgive me.”
“And what does that have to do with my wife?”
“What sympathy you have, for the ill.” The King of the North looks at me, his blood red eyes leaking blood. “Human woman. Show me your power.”
With my shaking right hand, I produce a flame that burns and sings upward. Unaware of what to with the power in my hand, I bow and place it on his foot. When he gasps, I look up.
The blood from his eyes is gone, and he seems to be sitting straighter.
The King of the North nods. “Welcome, Luna Queen.”
“My wife has healed you. I am certain you can give her a greater thanks.” King Harvey glowers from beside me.
The King of the North nods as he descends from his chair and bows. “Thank you, Luna Queen Elena.” He places his weathered hand over his heart, and I smile.
