SEVENTEEN: Elrond.

As I reclined into my chair, going through the kingdom's paperwork and bills which required my careful attention.

The door to my study swung open and I fixed my gaze on Lord Zephyr, my trusted advisor, as he approached. "What news do you bring me, Zephyr?" I ask, my voice firm but weary.

Zephyr bowed. "Your Highness, I come with word from the northern borders. Alpha Ryker of the Lunalith Pack has sent an envoy, seeking an alliance against the growing threat from the east."

I raise an eyebrow, my skepticism evident. "An alliance? How could humans possibly be of help to the Wolves?"

"Forgive my impulsive conjecture, but I believe they are specifically requesting Him."

In a moment of reflection, I swiftly dismissed the notion, stating, "He shall not be manipulated for such purposes. Inform them that I decline their proposition."

"I anticipated your refusal," a voice interjected. Zephyr and I turned to see a portal closing behind a man clad in kingly robes, with an Elf standing beside him, visibly shaken.

Fixing a stern gaze on the Elf, I admonished, "What have I told you about opening portals to my private chambers, Squib?"

"I beg your pardon, Your Highness, but he coerced me," Squib replied, hiding behind Alpha Ryker.

"Is that any way to welcome me, Elrond?" Alpha Ryker said, stepping forward with a taunting smirk, his tone laced with confidence.

I regarded him with a cool demeanor, unfazed by his presence. "Alpha Ryker, you appear uninvited and unannounced. Such audacity warrants no warm welcome."

He chuckled, his arrogance palpable. "Ah, but where's the fun in a predictable reception? I come bearing news of mutual interest."

I remained guarded, not swayed by his attempt at charm. "Speak then, but choose your words wisely."

"I heard you've found yourself a partner; do extend an invitation to her coronation should she pass the test," he remarked, settling into one of the chairs in my study. "But that aside, the Vampires have declared war against us, and they've gained more powers than before. While my army can handle a significant number of them due to our population advantage, their newfound abilities demand a secret weapon."

"That does not explain why you want him, Ryker," I replied, holding back my frustration.

"The Vampires can be easily vanquished by targeting their origin, and he is the closest thing to what created them," he explained, giving me a solemn look. "An offspring of Death."

His last statement sent a shiver down my spine, but I maintained my composure. "I'm sorry, but I can't simply hand him over to you; he is not a weapon of war to be used."

"I've heard you're still facing issues with the rebels; their forces seem to be increasing substantially, wouldn't you agree? It's becoming a threat to your empire," he said, flexing his claws. "I could assist you by locating and eliminating them discreetly. However, in return, All I ask is a small favor: lend me the Demon, give me your brother, Cirdan."

—

High King Elrond, King of the Nedor Kingdom, Ruler of the Real of Eldoria. That is who I am.

At a young age I was given the responsibility to take care of the affairs of my people and others and by others I mean including the affairs of the neighboring realms.

Did I enjoy this task? No, Did I ever complain about it to anyone, the answer to that question is obviously negative.

The Alpha King had departed, leaving me with my own thoughts and my advisor, Zephyr, who observed me silently.

"You're not considering sending Prince Cirdan to them, are you?" Zephyr inquired. I shook my head firmly.

"Absolutely not. He's only experienced combat among humans, and when he became agitated, you witnessed the result – it took considerable effort to calm his blood lust. He hardly exerted himself then. Just imagine him in battle alongside these formidable creatures; his excitement would surely escalate, and we have yet to comprehend the full extent of his abilities. He might indeed unleash his demonic form, and I cannot allow that."

Zephyr sighed and replied, "Your Highness, nobody desires that outcome. However, with his assistance, we might have a chance to permanently quell the rebellion."

"I trust we can address our challenges independently, Zephyr. I refuse to allow my brother transform into a monster."

Zephyr nodded, "I respect your decision, Your Highness. We will find another solution to deal with the rebels."

"I must excuse myself now; tea with my wife awaits, and I can't keep her waiting," I said as I rose from my seat. Walking over to Zephyr, I gently tapped him on the shoulder. "You see, Zephyr, if Cirdan reaches his Demon state, it could spell disaster for us. I don't want to endanger lives. Yes, we eliminate the rebels, but at what price?"

"I understand, Your Highness," he replied with a nod. With one final tap on his shoulder, I exited the room and made my way to the garden.

Taking a brief detour to the lake to skip some rocks, I noticed two figures sitting on the gazebo by the lake's edge. One was unmistakably Cirdan, and the other I identified as Sephora.

I was taken aback, as Cirdan typically kept his distance from others and rarely allowed anyone into his private spaces. Yet here he was, with Sephora sitting mere feet away from him, apparently feeding ducks.

"Could it be?" I chuckled to myself. "She's your mate, isn't she? You grim bastard." I grinned as I watched him gaze at her while she was preoccupied with the ducks.

I lingered for a moment, observing the scene before quietly making my way towards them, not wanting to disturb their moment. As I approached, Sephora noticed me first, her eyes lighting up with surprise and then quickly settling into a warm smile.

"Your Highness," she greeted respectfully, giving a small nod.

"Cirdan," I acknowledged with a nod of my own, noting the slight tensing of his posture.

"Elrond," he replied curtly, his gaze flickering briefly towards Sephora before returning to the lake.

"Enjoying the tranquility of the lake, I see," I remarked, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Sephora replied softly, her gaze drifting back to the ducks.

Cirdan remained silent, his expression unreadable as he continued to stare out across the water. Sensing the tension, I could tell he was fighting the urge to get up and leave so I decided to bid them farewell and continued on my way to the garden, leaving the two of them to their quiet moment by the lake.