“Your Majesty,” Eial tried hard to hide the ever so slight tremor that developed in his voice. “As you may have been informed already, I am Drok— the newly appointed Demon King’s bonded mate. I am aware you reject his position, so if I could seek forgiveness on his behalf…”

“Why is the demon not here to beg for forgiveness, himself?”

“He is… too busy with his new duties. I thought I could come to fix this sooner rather than later.”

The queen hmm-ed before inquiring about another question. “Eial, it is odd itself that you are bonded to a demon, and yet a demon who has harmed us. Not to mention you also devised a way out of the elven prison with your unusual magic, which is due for punishment, itself. Why should we forgive either of you?”

Biting his bottom lip, his downcast gaze lowered even further. “I am truly so sorry. I hope- I hope I didn’t harm anyone. I tried to make sure of it. Y-you don’t have to forgive me for what I did, but if you could forgive Drokn. He didn’t trespass willingly, it was because of me… And although his methods were not nice, all he wanted was to leave. Besides, he has changed— or rather, he has started to show his kindness more. If you could have the graciousness to forgive his mistakes of the past, I know he will prove to you he means no harm in the future. If you could give him another chance.”

Gazing downward at the shrunken figure, the queen tapped her nails on the marble arm piece to her right. She then gestured to someone on the side, calling out, “Glolieh, what are your thoughts?”

Forward stepped a tall, elven guard, suited in silver, magic resistant armor with golden embellishments of spirals and leaves. Her light, blonde hair was cut short and it was as if her eyes knew nothing but confidence and sternness. Eial wasn’t sure how and when they would have met, but the stranger looked of vague familiarity.

“He speaks with sincerity, Your Majesty,” the guard spoke. Her voice was deep, unwavering, with a slight huskiness. “We have found evidence of him as a light user, as well. I can attest to his morals.”

The queen hmm-ed again, resting her chin on her fingers, before heaving a deep sigh. “I am put in a difficult position, Eial. I trust your words, but actions should have repercussions, especially when laws have been broken.”

Looking up at the queen and then quickly back down, Eial’s eyes danced, searching the floor for words. Finally, he said, “I understand, Your Majesty. If there are any punishments, I will welcome them. For myself and for the place of my bond…”

Leaning to her left, the queen stretched out and gently picked up the fingers of the one sitting next to her, bringing it close. “My love, do you have any ideas for this case?”

The other elf in the king’s seat gazed gently at the queen, blinking softly before responding, “No, love. You have voiced all my thoughts so far, and I have faith in your judgment.”

Gazing up again, Eial’s stare lingered on the two as he became sure of two things. One, that the king gave all power and command to his queen. Two, that the two were bonded.

It was such a lovely sight to the elf, to any elves. There was an air of lightness and ease between them and a sense of connection that felt full. There was no doubt in the eyes that laid upon each other and one could even say their breaths and heartbeats were in sync. It was truly a sight of fairy tales, something of awe.

Yet as beautiful as it was, it stirred a deep confliction within Eial’s chest. He had once wished to the moon that stood as his only company to have a bond as such. Had eagerly waited the many years. However, destiny chose to snicker in the face of the odd elf. He wasn’t worthy of such love.

He then was reminded of his demon yet again, the way he stood tall, smiling teasingly. The way he called, “Eial,” with a flick of his tongue. The elf’s heart stirred of longing, but he quickly whisked away the thoughts and reminded himself, his happiness is my happiness. With that, he banished all other wishes as his gaze darted away from the scene in front of him.

Just then, a voice spoke, “Your Majesty, if I may.” The voice was the guard’s, Glolieh, and after a slight nod from the queen, the guard walked over to the platform where the royals sat and whispered into the queen’s ear.

Rhythmically tapping the pads of her fingers on her chin, the queen seemed to ponder, looking up at Glolieh before turning her attention back to Eial. “Very well,” she said as she straightened her posture, laying one hand atop the other on her lap. “Everyone but the guards, leave,” she called out and only within a few moments, all the waiting staff, the fanners, the maids, all of them left, leaving only those who stood in plated armor stay.

“Eial,” the queen called, reestablishing the shackled elf’s attention. “We have been observing a secret case of late within the elven territory. If you aid us in this mission, we can regain our trust and grant forgiveness, for you and the newly appointed king, both. “