King Aelfric lolled on his throne with a studied air of nonchalance. It would never do for a long-reigning monarch renowned for his wisdom, poise, and social graces to display the lovelorn yearnings of a youthful elf. Since he was wise, the king understood that the effect Ethel Wyther had on him was beyond the usual logic of relationships. After all, he scarcely knew the woman, having set eyes on her so little. Without a doubt in his mind, he realised that the predestined entanglement had taken on an impetus not governed by the sentiments of either, but determined by superior forces. It would appear that love was an emotion out of his control. Situations practically unknown to him, who held sway over everything that happened in Aelfheim. The bubbly elf maiden, Hyssith, who had befriended h
