Chapter 48:Eclipse.

Atheline stood at the high stone balcony carved from the inner walls of the third mountain. Wind carried the smell of burnt iron, wet soil, and moss towards him.

Below him, the city was buzzing with movements. Unlike the high elves who were active during the day, dark elves seemed to be completely different.

Dark elf architecture didn’t rise upwards like that of the high elves, but descended downwards.

Cities are layered downwards through the mountain interiors. Along the mountains, rings of homes, training halls, beast enclosures, and a bustling market were built into the stone itself.

Atheline exhaled softly.

"I think I’m starting to understand why nobody has ever successfully invaded this place."

Behind him, he could hear her moving around changing. A day had passed since he had been kidnapped from the kingdom and he still couldn’t believe he had been kidnapped and was now fraternizing with his kidnapper.

’

Stockholm syndrome for sure’

Footsteps approached him from behind then a hand wrapped around his bicep before her weight followed as she leaned on him.

"They’ve tried twice," she said quietly.

Atheline looked at her not understanding.

"What?"

"Invading," she said absentmindedly," it’s actually annoying how they never get it."

"What happened?" He asked curiously.

"We closed the mountain. "

He blinked his gaze going to the large hole at the side of the mountain.

"You.. close them, how?"

She pointed upwards. At the end of the hole was a gate on each cliff of the four mountains, an ancient mechanism made of black stone mixed with hard metal plus Aether.

Closure would seal the valley from the outside world.

"When they shut," she said a hint of pride in her voice," nothing can enter or leave."

Atheline listened to his eyes studying what little mechanism he could see.

"Remind me not to start a war with you."

She chuckled.

"You won’t have to."

Atheline chuckled softly understanding her meaning.

Behind them, servants were preparing crates, mostly her clothes and everything she would need for the wedding.

A servant passed by the balcony their eyes accidentally meeting and bowed, a small sigh of respect he seemed to have started to earn.

Atheline smiled inwardly at that.

’

One step at a time’

He turned his attention to the sky opening between the mountains. The moon outside shone its light into the valley creating a unique contrast with the luminous plants providing lighting.

"So, the Eclipse..." he said," you all treat it like a countdown?"

That had been passing through his mind for a while. The former wedding had been organised a day before the eclipse would happen. The day after the wedding when most of the celebrations were done.

"It really is a countdown, " she responded.

Her nails dug into his skin when her hold tightened around him. Atheline ignored it after noticing she was thinking about something.

"The four mountains were not randomly chosen, " she started.

"Oh."

"They align with the path of the eclipse."

Atheline frowned.

"Meaning?"

"During the Eclipse," she started while pointing at the first mountain, the smaller of the four," the light enters the valley differently. "

She then pointed towards the centre of the valley further away from where they stood.

"The light reaches the Dark chamber."

"And how’s that bad?"

"Most of the time it’s a blessing on its own but right now," she paused as though thinking about something, "...it comes with conditions on it."

Atheline stared at her in confusion the way she said it came out more ominous than he wanted to admit.

Atheline studied her expression.

"You’re worried."

She didn’t answer immediately. Behind them, dark elves moved slowly but their ears were extended to listen to their conversations.

Rumours spread faster in the palace than anywhere else.

"The goddess set a deadline."

Someone at the back tripped on the cardboard but managed to hold themselves before they could make any more noises.

"Yeah... I heard that from my father after the negotiations."

She nodded.

"When the eclipses reaches its peak, the goddess will judge whether the path I choose was correct."

There was a small silence then Atheline pointed to himself.

"Do you mean...Me?"

"Yes."

’

Tsk’

Atheline ran a hand through his hair before rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"Gods really need hobbies."

She burst into laughter after her statement. A small but carefree laugh affected Atheline in the process who also chuckled softly.

The moment faded just as quickly as it had come.

"If she isn’t satisfied," she said quietly, " what I would lose would be more, too much for both me and the kingdom."

She released her hold and walked back into her chamber, most of the servants had already left and only their quiet breath could be heard.

Atheline followed behind her while admiring her. He wasn’t one to prevent himself from enjoying the view that was clearly meant for him.

"You know... everyone calls you terrifying, " he said abruptly cutting through the silence.

She came to a stop on the bed and fell back on it while looking up at Atheline who stopped next to her.

"They should," she answered softly a careless smile on her lips.

Atheline lay down next to her. She moved into his arms their bodies pressing against each other.

Atheline’s hand moved to her waist and held her against him enjoying her softness.

"Do you ever get tired?" He asked her softly.

She met his eyes.

"Of what?"

"Ruling, being queen?"

She was quiet for a moment.

"Do I look tired?"

Atheline shook his head.

"That’s your answer, I enjoy it actually, " she spread her legs and Atheline automatically moved and settled between them," I love the feeling of standing on top of everything."

Atheline kissed her on her exposed shoulder softly.

"Do you wish to rule the world then?" He asked against her skin.

She didn’t answer him, her hands came around his back and held onto him.

"Stop with the questions and kiss me."

He happily took her lips. They had been kissing at every chance they got and now she had mastered the art.

She sucked his lips before prying his mouth open with her tongue. Atheline gave her access.

The sucking of lips and the gliding of tongue against each other ensued. Atheline’s hands moved to her clothed breast and cupped it.

They felt so soft and perfect in his hands. Her body arched into his touch as her moans were swallowed by Atheline.

"Let’s sleep," she whispered after they separated.

Athelines felt the disappointment twist in his stomach and manhood.

He inhaled deeply and fell on the side before pulling her to him.

"You’re edging me," he mumbled against her neck.

She chuckled softly, her hands went into his hair and ran through it.

"Just wait for five days," she pressed herself harder against him," you’ll get your reward. "

"That’s not fair when you’re seducing me like this."

"Go to sleep."