As the trio stood before their chosen partners, the air in the chamber shifted, crackling with a blend of anticipation and uncertainty. The audience whispered in hushed tones, casting curious glances at the newcomers who had just been elevated into the heart of elven nobility.
Legolas clapped his hands once more, signaling the end of the formal gathering. “This meeting is adjourned. Prepare for the ceremonies that will bind these unions,” he commanded, his eyes glancing over Iris, Eryndor, and Lyrisa one last time. “We expect nothing but loyalty and obedience from all of you. Now young one each of you take your new brides to be home and show them around.”
Taking heed the three young men bowed and led their brides away.
Iris soon found herself in a private garden within the Aranthilis estate, a space filled with meticulously cultivated plants and magical flora. The air shimmered with enchantment, and the scent of rare flowers mingled with the subtle hum of magic coursing through the environment. It was beautiful, yet somehow sterile, as though every element had been meticulously controlled to perfection. Just like its heir, Eldrin.
Eldrin stood near a stone bench, his golden hair catching the sunlight as he watched her approach. He didn’t bother to hide the arrogance in his gaze or the slight smirk that tugged at the corner of his lips. Iris, dressed in flowing elven robes that had been given to her upon her arrival, met his eyes with a composed expression.
“So, your name was Iris correct? Tell me why you chose me,” Eldrin began, the amusement in his voice unmistakable. He gestured for her to sit on the bench across from him. “Did you pick me because you recognized greatness, or was it a stroke of luck?”
Iris resisted the urge to roll her eyes. His overconfidence was both a hindrance and an advantage—it meant he would underestimate her. She sat down gracefully, folding her hands in her lap. “I chose you because I recognize potential, and you are the head of your family’s future,” she said smoothly, allowing just enough flattery to show she knew how to play this game.
Eldrin’s eyes narrowed slightly, studying her. He was clearly trying to gauge her sincerity, and Iris knew she had to keep him guessing. A moment passed, and then he chuckled, the sound deep and melodic. “Clever. I like that,” he admitted, leaning back with a relaxed posture. “But understand, Iris, that being my wife won’t be as simple as standing beside me and smiling at council meetings. The Aranthilis family has expectations—high ones.”
Iris tilted her head, the faintest hint of a smile playing on her lips. “Good. I wouldn’t want it to be easy. I like a challenge.” He was like a child both wanting to be praised while simultaneously being challenged. Her eyes held his for a beat longer than necessary, letting him know that she wouldn’t be a passive player in this arrangement.
Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!
Eldrin’s smirk grew, but there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes. It was clear he hadn’t expected her to be so direct. “Interesting. Most people would be intimidated by such words. You’re different.”
“Isn’t different exactly what you wanted?” Iris replied, turning her attention to the vibrant, enchanted roses lining the path. Their petals seemed to pulse with an inner light, a testament to the powerful enchantment magic of the Aranthilis family. “Your family’s magic is impressive,” she commented, reaching out to touch one of the blossoms, which glowed brighter under her fingers.
Eldrin’s prideful expression softened as he watched her. “It is,” he agreed, his tone carrying a note of genuine pride. “These roses were crafted by my mother. They hold protective enchantments and respond to the presence of danger. Our lineage has always been at the forefront of enchantment magic. All the trees here have a somewhat lesser enchantment placed by myself.”
Iris felt a pang of curiosity. Despite his arrogance, Eldrin’s love for his family’s craft and nature was real. It was a vulnerability she could use, but it was also a reminder that he wasn’t just a figure of power; he was a person molded by tradition and experiences. “Your mother must have been powerful,” she said, allowing a note of admiration to seep into her voice.
“She was,” Eldrin confirmed, a shadow crossing his expression. “She passed when I was still young. The responsibility of learning our family’s craft fell to me earlier than expected. It wasn’t easy, but it shaped me.”
The glimpse of vulnerability was fleeting, but Iris saw it. She filed it away, knowing that understanding Eldrin’s motivations could be crucial in navigating their partnership. “I’m sure she’d be proud of what you’ve accomplished,” she said, her tone slightly softer than before.
Eldrin’s gaze met hers, and for a moment, the mask of arrogance slipped. “Perhaps,” he said quietly before he straightened, the confident smirk returning as quickly as it had disappeared. “But enough about the past. We have a future to build, and it won’t be done by dwelling on old stories.”
Iris nodded, understanding that this was as much of an opening as she would get for now. “Agreed. What do you expect from me in this future we’re supposed to be building?” she asked, leaning forward slightly, her eyes locked on his.
Eldrin’s smirk turned into a genuine smile, one that spoke of challenge and intrigue. “I expect loyalty, ambition, and the willingness to stand by my side as we elevate the Aranthilis name to even greater heights. You’ll be my partner, Iris, not just my wife. Someone I can see as an equal who will hold as much authority as I hold. Can you handle that?”
Iris smiled as this was an opportunity to be more than just an observer—but to be a force that could steer the future of Eldrilia from within. “I wouldn’t have chosen you if I couldn’t,” she replied confidently.
Eldrin chuckled, his golden hair gleaming in the light. “Good. Then we understand each other.” He reached out, surprising her by gently taking her hand. The contact was warm, tinged with the faint hum of his magic. “Let this be the beginning of a partnership unlike any other.”
The sincerity in his touch and tone surprised Iris. She had anticipated manipulation and distance, but Eldrin was showing a side of himself that suggested he valued strength and cunning in those closest to him. It was a promising start.
As they sat in the garden, surrounded by the magic of the Aranthilis estate, Iris felt a shift in the dynamic between them. Eldrin wasn’t just a tool or an obstacle—he could be seen as a good mate, albeit one that would require careful handling.
“Tell me, Iris,” Eldrin said after a pause, his eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and something else she couldn’t quite place. “What are your thoughts on power? On the lengths one should go to secure it?”
She met his gaze, unflinching. “Power is necessary, but it is nothing without purpose. To secure it, one must be willing to go as far as needed and no further. Otherwise, it would simply consume you.”
Eldrin’s smile turned contemplative, and he nodded slowly. “Wise words. Perhaps we will make a formidable team after all.”
“Perhaps,” Iris echoed, the faintest of smiles touching her lips.