Enchantments

Chapter Four

Callon sat scanning the room to see if he could sense any threats.

This may be a joyous occasion, but to enemies it would be the perfect time to attack.

Iston was introduced and made his way down the aisle, he wore a pale tunic and pants to match. He bowed his head towards the King before placing himself on the side of the Throne.

Iston was his Chamberlain. His right hand. Iston was raised from birth to become Callon's closest confidant, and while Iston enjoyed his drink, he took his duty as Chamberlain very seriously.

The people seemed to be respectful and eager to see their king finally bond with another. He had been putting it off. The concept of the Event had never sat well with Callon, but Iston would remind him, that this is how King's find Mates. This was how King's made heirs.

So, with the Winter Solstice approaching, Callon gave in, and the announcements were sent out. The Royal Bonding Ceremony would begin.

"The contestants look fine." Iston whispered pulling out the word fine over more than one syllable.

"And Nessa?" Callon asked tilting his head slightly towards Iston.

Iston just let out an annoyed sigh and grunted.

Music started and Callon stood up, a sign of respect to the ladies who would walk forward to present themselves.

Probably a rather chivalrous.

"Princess Nala, daughter of the Prince of Lightsbane."

A beautiful young girl with white hair that fell to her waist walked down the aisle wearing a light flowing white dress.

She had full lips that smiled as she reached the King. But her eyes, those were her sharpest features. A delightful violet that brought colour to her face.

He bowed his head at her respectfully. "Princess." He said with a smooth voice that he knew made her excited. He could sense it.

"My King." She whispered gently as she bowed her head.

He lifted his head as she turned away slowly as she made her way to her table.

She was pretty, but weak, she wouldn't make a decent queen, and he wanted someone closer to his age.

Unien, the lady of the Mermaids came out next, with beautiful blonde hair and blue eyes. Closer to Callon's age, but still she looked fragile.

Callon continued to stand to greet the beautiful woman who presented themselves to him, all the while feeling more and more frustrated.

There was something pricking at his skin and he believed it be Nessa, he wanted her to come out, to reveal herself.

He looked over at the ambassadors, a bunch of boring old sods who believed they knew better than their own leaders. They had probably already started to make their bets on who they thought the King would pick.

He noticed a girl among them. Callon's eyes narrowed. Since when were girls sent as Ambassadors?

Her hair was a beautiful pitch black that was tied up tightly, exposing her dazzling emerald eyes. Her face was painted in dark make up that exaggerated the brightness of those enticing eyes.

She yawned, which caused Callon to shift in annoyance. Did it bore her to be here? Why attend then?

"Iston." Callon whispered over to his right-hand man, "Who is that?"

Iston followed Callon's gaze as he didn't want to bring to much attention to whom he was asking about. Especially not at a Greeting.

"Ambassador for the Underground." Iston answered sternly. "Daughter of the Emperor."

Callon narrowed his eyes at her. "I thought the Emperor only had male heirs?"

She began stretching her neck, she clearly seemed uncomfortable and wasn't doing much to hide that. She continued to pull and tug at the black corset that lined her waist.

"He does, she is a half-breed, tainted."

Callon eyes widened in interest. Impossible, he thought.

Breeding was simple, strongest partner won with genetics. If a Fae and an Elf mated, and the Elf was stronger, they would produce an Elf. Tainted blood meant she was a half-breed. This didn't usually happen, when it did, the child usually died due to the different genes attacking each other.

She was definitely not a child.

The fact that the Emperor would send a half-breed instead of his rightful Heirs was odd, Callon didn't know if he should be offended or impressed.

She yawned again, not even taking the curtesy to cover her mouth.

He should be offended definitely offended.

"Lady Nessa, Warrior of the Alps, Champion of Acastia"

Callon brought his attention back to the entrance.

The doors swung open to reveal the beautiful Nessa sway into the room. Her brown locks fell over her face, and curled above her breasts.

Her pale-yellow eyes were narrow and strong, and her entire outfit was designed to emphasize that power. She wore a red dress that was covered in a golden corset that spread up her back and flared out behind her. Braces made out of the same metals clung to her upper arms.

She was just as beautiful as he imagined.

Usually, a female this strong might be worrying when mating, but she was an Elf. Which meant mating would still result in the Elves ruling over Dalustra. A perfect match in the eyes of many.

"Your Majesty." She purred out as she bowed her head.

"Lady Nessa." He responded with a similar bow.

No other mate presented here compared to Nessa. There was no doubt in his mind who he would choose, but unfortunately a few more events still needed to take place before he could choose his favorites. Otherwise, he would declare Lady Nessa here and now as he Queen.

But the Ambassadors would ensure he followed every protocol to the book. So would Iston.

His eyes darted to the Half-Breed; she was yawning again. What was wrong with this girl?