The Half-Witch Bride

A Discussion in the Garden

~Celeste's POV~

We walked for what seemed like foever through the endless crowd towards the throne. I was thankful that Elden was taking deliberatly slower steps for me, but I almost wished he didn't. On the inside, I was squirming from attention placed on me, but outwardly I tried my hardest to appear calm, cool, and collected. I kept my eyes ahead of me, my chin lifted up a little to give myself a queenly air, or so I thought. I tried to ignore the hushed whispers and words uttered in secret as I passed, focusing instead on where we were going.

Next to Elden's throne was placed a smaller, beautiful chair. It wasn't as magestic as the throne itself, but it was still something far nicer than what I was used to. I could only assume that this was a temporary fix for an unexpected guest. I wondered if I, too, would get a throne that matched. I noted that down mentally as one of the questions I would ask Thallan.

We took our final few steps before reaching the short stairs that led to up to the platform where the throne was placed. Elden held my hand as I lifted my dress, stepping up and sitting down in my chair as soon as Elden made a move to sit in his. I watched as everyone closed the gap, ushering themselves forward, a sea of green, gold, and silver coming closer.

I swept my eyes across the cowd. Everyone was impeccably dressed, not a single thread or strand of hair out of place. Everyone seemed impossibly perfect with such little effort on their part. Another thing to add to my growing lists of concerns. Elden sat on his throne, absolutely comfortable and in his element. His expression was even, nuetral, even a little ice-cold as he observed his subjects. This, I had come to realize quickly, was his 'King Elden' mode, no emotions, no silly expressions, no betrayal of his true feelings. It scared and enticed me at the same time.

"Members of the court, noble families and loyal subjects. I present to you my betrothed, my fated mate, and your future queen, Celeste McNeely of the Twin Moon Pack of the Old World." Elden announced me, his voice booming as it carried out over the crowd, boucing off the high ceilings. I even felt the vibrations within my own body. Whoever built the throne room knew exactly what they were doing. While I saw many exchange glances among themselves, everyone politely clapped at my introduction. Without another word, everyone arranged themselves into one long line, and one by one, families came up to the thrones to bow to us and offer their congradulations. I was given a mixture of curious looks or expressionless faces as everyone proceeded through their necessary duties.

A decent portion of families had passed through already, but when I glanced at the remainder of the line, there were still many, many more to go. I sighed and hunkered down.

~Later in the Day~

I dismissed Mythra and Evelyn when I entered the room, not ready to be doted on all over again. The two introductions of the day drained my social battery, and all I wanted was to be left alone for the time being. I stared out of my window, finding solace and peace on the calm horizon. I knew I would have to get used to big events, large crowds, and putting on a face when I had no clue what to do or how to act. That wasn't that big of a deal, and it would become easier with time, especially with Thallan's help in explaining what exactly I needed to do and how to act. I didn't know how long it would take for me to get used to the fact that no one liked me and barely accepted me as Elden's mate. Both Ruvaen and Thallan warned me about, but actually facing it was a whole different ball game. I came from a family and pack who wholeheartedly accepted me despite my differences, but now my differences were what hindered me the most.

I remembered the suggestion that Thallan made. Perhaps there was a way to expand my powers to become more powerful than I was now. Perhaps if they saw me as a powerful half-witch, they could accept me as a Queen worthy to be by Elden's side. I leaned my head against the window pane, my mood renewed at the thought of bettering myself. There really was no other way around it. The Goddess destined me to be a queen. I couldn't go against her wishes, not that I wanted to do so anyway. Although we had spent barely any time together, I knew my affection was strong for him, and I would do anything in my power to make him proud and uphold him. Leaving wasn't really an option, and even if I did want to leave, I would have no clue where to even go. Was I home sick on the first day? A little, but I had to be an adult about this. No use in pouting like a child at the gift of being given a mate.

My interest was piqued when, out of the corner of my eye, I spied what looked like a large pond or a small lake. Since this was the back of the castle, I was sure there was a way to get there. At home, I would always sit next to the lake on our property to recharge my battery and clear my mind. I would do the same and hopefully see any new creatures and plants. I headed out of my room and walked through the halls towards what I thought would be the correct direction. I wasn't sure if I was allowed to be walking alone or if it was proper for me to be doing so. So, I made sure to stay out of anyone's way.

While I was figuring out a pathway, I ducked behind a corner as two men walked past, speaking in hushed tones, yet loud enough for me to understand what they were saying.

"All that effort to travel to the Old World, and the King came back with a nasty wolf?" One of them scoffed.

"Well, apparently, she's not even a wolf," the other remarked.

"What? Then what is she?" the first one asked, bewildered.

"Aparently, she even more useless than a wolf. A witch with no powers who is also half human, or so they say."

"Half human? Half witch? There is no way the Goddess intended for her to be the king's mate! She must have bewitched him, cast a spell on him!"

The two men walked away, far enough that I no longer could hear their conversation, thankful that I didn't have to listen to whatever else they had to say about me. I fought the tears that threatened to spill, closing my eyes and taking in a few deep breaths. I had to remind myself that the more I dedicated myself to this role, the more they would learn to accept me. I repeated that phrase over and over to myself until I was confident enough to resume my current mission. I stepped out of the corner, running into a solid object.

"My Lady!" someone exlaimed in surprise.

I looked up to see that I had run into Thallan, who looked down at me with an expression of true shock.

"So sorry about that," I apologized. "Mom always said look both ways before running out into the street. I guess that applies to hallways, too."

Thallan cast me a confused look but shook it off, returning back to his usual, warm demeanor.

"My lady, what are you doing wandering alone? Where are your maids? Or gaurds?"

"Actually, I wanted some time to myself. I wasn't really sure if that was okay with everyone, so I decided to sneak out and try not to get caught. Mission failed, I guess."

"Well, it certainly would be looked at strangely if the newly announced future Queen was wandering around the castle alone without an escort. Where were you heading?"

"I thought I saw a pond or a small lake from my window. It reminded me of home, and I wanted to go see it. Today took a bit out of me, honestly. I just wanted to reset and relax." I confessed to Thallan honestly. He looked at me with a questioning gaze but nodded in the end.

"So you wish to see the Castle Gardens? I am not surprised since your magic is so closely connected to nature, and nature would be the element needed to restore your energy. Allow me to escort you to the gardens then." He outstretched his arm, and I graciously took it. It was a far better option to be taken straight there, instead of wandering around aimlessly and potentially being caught by someone less understanding. Thallan walked through the castle, showing me the easiest way to access the gardens in case of future instances of me needing a break.

We eventually reached a beautiful glass door that sparkled in the sunlight. Thallan opened it for me, allowing me to step outside and into the sunlight. The warmth enveloped me immediately, heating up my skin, penetrating even my bones. Although it wasn't cold in the castle, it felt cold with all the white stone and marble. My eyes were immediately blessed with an expanse of greenery and beautiful colors that left me speechless. All sort of birds fluttered about, with feathers that shimmered and glimmered with all the colors of the rainbow and more. It was truly the most beautiful thing I had ever laid my eyes on, second to Elden, of course. Not even the prettiest flower in all of the Vale would ever usurp his first place position.

I took a few eager steps ahead, touching and feeling all the plants and flowers, smelling as many as I could. I could feel myself becoming more at ease, forgetting my worries for now.

"You truly are in your element among the flora," Thallan remarked, observing me with a careful eye.

"It's always been that way for me," I replied, straighting up and facing him with a content smile on my face. I thought I spied a flush of color on his cheeks, but I chalked it up to my eyes, adjusting to the sun. He stepped closer, carefully carressing one of the flowers.

"What do you know about your origins?" He asked, his tone curious.

"Not much, really. Mom told me that they found me on their doorstop one night, I was wrapped in a nice cloth, and I was holding this pendant thing in my hands."

"Pendant?"

"Yea, well, I guess it's more of an amulet, maybe? It's made out of wood, carved into a circle that has this tree in the middle. It always feels warm when you touch it. Sometimes, I just hold it in my hands or rub it with my fingers, and it gives me this sense of peace, like someone is there with me. Dad says it smells like a forest after it's been raining."

Thallan furrowed his brow in thought, staying silent for a few moments.

"Do you have it with you?"

"Yes, it's in my room in a safe spot that Mythra showed me."

"Wonderful. I assume that tomorrow we will begin our lessons. Please bring it, as I believe that amulet may be a huge clue as to who your parents might actually be."

"Of course," I said excitedly. I had always wondered who my parents were, but never bothered when I had a family that loved me. "Could I ask you something else?"

"Of course, ask away while we walk to the water." Thallan began walking down the path that winded through the gardens, taking slow steps so that I could spend as much time as I wanted out here.

"You mentioned something about my powers, and maybe seeing if I could expand them. Do you think it's possible?"

"Much is possible in the Vale, my lady, since the Vale is the center of all magic. Do you, yourself, wish to grow your own power?"

"I do, I want to be a strong Queen, worthy of being by Elden's side. I'm hoping it would help others accept me as their queen."

"So you are doing this not for yourself, but for others?" Thallan asked as we reached the edge of the water. The pond was large, easily mistaken for a small lake. Large dragonflies and beautiful butterflies flittered about, and silvery fish-like creatures, with armored scales, lazily swan in the crystal blue waters. I looked down at the water, my reflection staring back at the undisturbed surface.

"I overheard some people speaking while I was wandering in the hall, they don't like me, and they think that I bewitched Elden because why would the Goddess want someone like me to be Elden's mate?"

"Ah, so that is why you jumped out of that corner." Thallan mused softly, staying silent for some time while the two of us stared out at the pond. A fish leaped into the air, trying to snatch a speedy dragonfly for lunch.

"Magic," he began. "works only when the user truly wishes to yeild it, whether it be for good or bad. Without that will, you will be stuck simply growing flowers at a faster rate than normal. Although your thoughts of wanting to show others that you are worthy, worthy of being by the King's side are admirable, I will not let you torture yourself because of others. If you fail, it will inadvertently hurt your image even more in the end. Tell me, my lady, have you ever wanted to grow your powers before you met the King?"

"Yes, I was always curious, but I didn't know how."

"Then you must use that curiosity, and that want to see more of what you could do to assist you. Only then will you be able to flourish just like the flowers you hold so near and dear."

I stayed silent, processing his words. I did always want to do more for the pack, exhibit more power, and be more useful. But I wanted to do so for them, not soley for me. Although I was curious to see what I could do with more power, It was never for the sole selfish reason of growing my magic. I always thought I couldn't be so selfish, not when the Pack did so much for me, an outsider. Was that why, whenever I attempted to focus more on the feeling in my fingertips, I could never manifest more than I could? Because I wasn't doing it for me? I furrowed my brow as thoughts ran through my head.

"What is your conclusion?" Thallan asked after letting me process things in my head for a bit.

"That I want to grow my magic, to know what I am really capable of, in addition to showing everyone that I'm worthy."

"Well, I guess that is a step forward." he chuckled. "We will work on it. I will consult my books to see what I can learn, but our first priority is to get you ready for the wedding and to teach you our history and as much of our customs and traditions as I can."

"Of course, I'm a willing student. I want nothing more than to understand and do things right. You told me yourself that the more I try, the better I'll be looked at."

"Ah, I see you're good at paying attention. Good, that skill will help you in the time to come. I am afraid I will have to end our lovely stroll through the garden for today. I have some business to attend to, and I am sure your maids would appreciate having you back in your room."

Ah, I forgot that I told absolutely no one that I was leaving my room. I nodded, and Thallan escorted me back into the castle and back up to my room. We stayed in a comfortable silence the entire time, parting simply with a bow before I turned to enter my room. Mythra was pacing back and forth with Evylene sitting with her head in her hands. Both of them snapped their attention to me when I entered.

"My Lady!" Mythra exclaimed, rushing towards me and pulling me inside. Evylene jumped up out of her seat and rushed towards me as well, both of them pulling each of my arms.

"I'm alright! Thallan escorted me to the castle gardens, I'm sorry I didn't mention anything to you or leave a note."

"And here we thought perhaps you had gone wandering off on your own! Imagine the King's mate the future queen, walking around without an escort in sight, a scandal!" Mythra exclaimed. I stayed silent, hoping the embarrassed flush wouldn't give away the truth of me indeed wandering around alone.

"Did you enjoy the gardens?" Evylene asked.

"Oh yes, I think it's my favorite part of the castle. I hope you two will come with me the next time I go out there?"

"Of course, we will accompany you wherever you wish to go." Mythra nodded in agreement.

"I will start my training tomorrow with Thallan," I informed the ladies, who nodded excitedly. "He said he would help me with my magic as well, and even trying to see who my parents really are."

The two stayed silent, glancing at each other. Mythra spoke first.

"We are happy that you're happy, and we wish you good luck in your endeavors. But..." she trailed off. "Do be careful."

I was shocked at her sudden care and concern. "What do you mean?"

"Unfortunately, there are those who wish to see you fail. They can not do much directly since you are the king's fated mate, but they will do whatever they can to see you consistently fail. The walls of the castle have eyes and ears. I know you are eager, but do not go into things with a blind faith. That is all I will say upon this matter. It wasn't even proper for me to say something like this to you. But I see that you care, and you are kind, and you love our King."

"Mythra...I...thank you." I sputtered out, overwhelmed by her words. While I did understand that there were those who didn't like me, I would have never believed that someone would deliberatly do something to me.

"Unfortuantly," Evylene chimed in. "Court is full of twists and turns. While on the outside, everyone tries to maintain an air of perfection and unbotheredness, but deep down, one wrong step of their peers means they could advance in position and status. Councilman Lucien, Master of Titles, has made sure to instill a policy of strict conformity, and slip-ups are heavily punished."

"I can see that this information puzzles you. Perhaps ask Councilman Thallan to explain to you our history and how King Elden came to the throne. Perhaps it will help you understand why we do things they way we do." Mythra suggested.

Before I could respond, a knock sounded at the door.

"Delivery for Lady Celeste." A male voice sounded from the other side.

Mythra went to answer the door, grabbing a large vase of flowers and a card from the man before turning around. Evylene quickly moved to help her with the massive vase overflowing with all sorts of flowers. They placed it on the round table next to my bed before handing me the card. It was made from a thick stock of parchement-like paper, soft and smooth to the touch. The outside of the letter, in the most beautiful script imaginable, was scrawled my name. I opened the letter and read the contents.

My Bride,

I know how much you like flowers, and since the inside of the castle doesn't boast much greenery, I sent the groundskeeper on a mission to gather one of each flower located in the garden to decorate your room. Please join me for dinner tonight in my quarters at moonrise.

Elden

As I finished reading, the girls stood patiently waiting for any news. Smiling to myself, I closed the card, placing it down on the nearby vanity.

"The King has invited me for dinner at moonrise." I informed them. Mythra turned her head to the window, noting that sunset would come much sooner rather than later.

"Oh dear, we had better get started now. Evylene draw a bath immediately while I undress her."

~Moonrise~

~Elden's POV~

I stood in front of a tall window located in the dining chamber located in my private quarters, despite this dinner being far from private. I would have a slew of maids and servers present in the room to make sure that we were not left alone for any potential premature actions.

I glanced at the sturdy oak table, my mind racing at the thought of having her for dinner instead, and even perhaps having her again for dessert. I would have to tame those urges for a later time, after the wedding, when I could truly have her all to myself in private. I would have to wait a week, but what is one more week after waiting 900 years. At least, that was what I told myself constantly when all I could think of was her, especially after today.

Seeing her in our full regalia made me fall in love with her all over again. It suited her so well, as if she was a natural elf and had worn such clothes all her life. I was proud of her after today, how she spoke and how she carried herself as best as she could despite being thrust into something extremely foreign to her. Although I wondered why the Goddess chose her, I was affirmed in her decision that Celeste was more than worthy to stand by my side, a true queen through and through.

As the moon rose higher, I grew a bit more impatient, waiting for her to arrive, straining my hearing until I finally heard a multitude of footsteps. A knock at the door announced her arrival.

"Enter."

The door swung open, and she entered, escorted by her two maids who bowed and left, walking back out and closing the door behind them. She was dressed in a simpler, forest green dress that had gold patterns embroidered along the hem of the skirt only. She wore no jewelry except for the ring I gave her and a simple gold circlet around her head. Her hair was worn down, and a few simple braids were entwined together behind the head. Tonight, it would certainly be difficult to keep my hands to myself, especially when she looked like a forest goddess that graced him with her presence.

I took a deep breath and approached her, taking her hand and placing a soft kiss upon it, an appropriate gesture for courting couples.

"My flower, you look as beautiful as you always do." I watched as she smiled and curtsied in response. The action prompted a smile. She was already learning how to be a proper lady, no doubt her maids helping her with the task.

"Thank you, my lord, for the compliment and the invitation to dinner." She said, her tone even and formal. It was curious to see this side to her when I had become already so used to her refreshing, fluid manner of thinking and speaking.

"I saw you visit the gardens with Thallan. Has he already begun to teach you some things?" I asked. I watched as her cheeks blushed, something I would never get tired of, surely.

"Ah, no. I had to ask the girls for some pointers. Thallan was simply being kind enough to show me the gardens and discuss what we would be going over starting tomorrow." She confessed, her honest words making me chuckle.

"Well I assumed that you would be quite busy, and we would not be able to see much of eachother until the wedding, so I thought this dinner, in commemoration of your announcement as my bride, would allow us to hold onto something until then."

I watched as her face went through a few emotions, perhaps a bit of surprise at first, then a hint of disspointment, and then resolved understanding.

"That's very nice of you, I guess I didn't consider how busy I would be with trying to cram everything and you with preparations and running your kingdom and all that. Also, thank you for the flowers. They are very beautiful, as well as the card you sent me. I'm almost afraid to handwrite anything when everyone has such nice handwriting and script." She chuckled nervously.

"That is nothing to be afraid of. I don't think you'll be doing much writing anyway." I moved closer to the table, pulling out a heavy chair for her to sit. She took the cue and sat down gently as I pulled the chair in for her. I went to take my seat next to her, at the head of the table. The servants began moving, pouring refreshments into our goblets, filling the table with various dishes of fruits, vegetables, and fine-cooked meats. But my eyes were trained on her as I watched her look at the table with wide eyes, delighted each time a new, silvered plate would be placed down. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but with the servants around, I dared not show it outwardly.

"Oh, what is this?" She asked after taking a sip from her cup.

"It is our version of the wine you have on Earth."

"This tastes way better than any wine I've ever had," she said, taking a hefty drink from her cup. "So fruity and light. Do you make it from grapes?"

"I guess you could call them grapes," I mused, watching a servant pour her another full glass.

"Well, whatever they are, it's great," she said, beginning to eat, a soft 'mmm' muttered after each bite. It spiked a raging fire inside of me as I watched her lift the fork and wrap her lips around it, her sounds of delight driving me quite nearly mad. I gripped the arm of my chair as I took a hefty swig from my cup, my eyes never leaving her.

"This is all so good!" she said, turning to me with a smile. "Are you not eating?"

"I've developed a hunger for something else. Please enjoy yourself." She took a hesitant next bite of her food, her eyes fluttering to me a few times. Perhaps she caught on to what I was implying. Perhaps she was still trying to decipher it. I didn't care. Her flustered state of uncertainty only made me ache for her even more, to feel those lips wrapped around me, to taste me with the same delight as the food before her. The urge to have her was monstrous, threatening to break loose at any second.

"So um, you mentioned that I wouldn't have to be writing anything as a queen. What exactly am I going to be doing?" She asked, breaking the silence and thankfully my stream of thoughts.

"Well, I will leave the exact details to Thallan when your lessons begin, but in general, you are the face of the ruling family. Your main duty is not only to bear me heirs, but to also provide the people an example of being the perfect wife, the perfect queen. As I am an example to the people, so too are you."

"Oh, I see." She said, waiting as her cup was refilled once more. She took an eager drink, swallowing nervously. "I'll do my very best." She turned to me and smiled, but I could tell her smile was fearful, doubtful. I leaned over, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering along the skin of her neck.

"I know you will, I have full faith that you will be the perfect queen, as you are the most perfect mate." Her cheeks burned red, as her eyes, merely a few inches away, looked up into mine. I could stare into those emerald gems for an eternity if given the chance. The proximity didn't help the fire inside me, only stroked it higher and hotter. Yet I felt every servants eyes upon us, making me hesitate, and pull back, leaning back into my seat. She downed the wine immediately, a little hiccup escaping from her lips.

"I guess this is stronger than I thought," She giggled a bit, and her words slurred. I blinked at her, a bit surprised. Was she tipsy already? She had but just three cups full, and yet it was already affecting her. It seems that our wine might be a bit strong for her human portion.

"Another one, please!" She held her cup out for more. She then looked at me in a curious way, and for once, I wasn't quite sure what to do. She stood up and took a step towards me, falling into my lap. In surprise, I grabbed around her waist and pulled her to me, not wanting her to tumble to the floor.

"It feels so nice when you hold me so close," she said in a whisper, her breath hot against me. I quickly waved away all the servants, not caring a single bit in the moment. Whatever consequence would come from this, I would handle it another time, but now all I had on my mind was her, and perhaps finally getting a taste of that forbidden apple that had fallen into my lap.