FOREVER KNIGHTS: #17 Marked As Mine

Netherwood, Netherlands

TEVERIUS

Never Been to a Ball

Serdephe was following Teverius into the Elven Tunnels. He took her into his Throne Room and sat in the large seat.

Immediately the elven women began to cluster on the stones around his feet. As one reached to lovingly caress his leg.

Serdephe, standing next to him, leaned over and slapped the woman’s hand. “No.”

The woman looked startled and looked from Ser to Tev.

He shook his head to let her know not to touch him.

“What is this place.”

“My dominion.” He half-smiled.

“Are they always down here.”

“Yes. Unless they’re going to the surface to go to a ball or some other festivity.”

“Do people know they’re here?” Serdephe was watching them filing in to ask him questions.

Business of the elven realm.

“Some do. But most of the time when they’re seen, they’re mistaken for Dreads.”

“That could be dangerous for them!” She gave Tev a quick look.

“It can be. But they’re dangerous people themselves. They hold their own.”

She looked at the ground thoughtfully.

“What’s on your mind?” He reached over the armrest to squeeze her hand.

“I’d like to go to a ball someday.”

“You’ve never been to one?” He sat straighter and twisted to look at her next to him. Balanced on a jumble of stones.

She shook her head.

“Why have you not gone to any of the village dances?”

“They don’t typically like me. They like when I dance in the tavern. But any other time I’m outcast.”

Because they’re either envious of her beauty or lusting for her, no doubt. He’d seen it on their faces the last time he’d been there watching how they reacted to her.

“We must take you to one. I’ll find one. I’m sure the children down here are long overdue going to one as well.”

“We’d take them?”

“Would you like to?” He queried. Unable to tell if she was eager or disappointed.

“That’d be glorious.” She linked her hands before her and nearly shook with enthusiasm.

“It would be fun. Let me see what I can do.”