Page 68 of Entangled

“I understand that,” answered Sebastian. “But can’t you ask your gods if they can use their powers to let Merrow be able to marry me but stay an undine?”

“Can you? Can you do that, Elric?” Merrow looked to the elf with wide eyes.

“Nope. I can’t bother them with silly nonsense like that. Sorry. Time for you all to leave now.”

“Father!” scolded Lira. “These people came here seeking your help since you are the wise sage of Mura.”

“Wise ass is more like it,” said Sebastian, covering his words with a fake cough.

“You can’t turn these people away,” Lira continued. “Besides, you know as well as I that you can so ask the gods. So, ask them to do this small favor.”

“So you…lied to us? Really, Elric?” Sebastian raised a brow, not at all surprised to hear this. He said it only to point the finger at someone besides himself or Merrow.

“You don’t want to help me.” Merrow blinked away a few tears.

“Please, help my daughter, Elric,” begged Dee. “I lived for years being so unhappy and will not let that happen to my daughter as well. Merrow doesn’t deserve to be sad just because she fell in love with a human.”

“Elric?” Medea stared at him.

“Father?” said Lira, glaring at him as well.

The elf crossed his arms over his chest and scrunched up his nose. Then he lowered his head and looked up at them, showing the whites of his eyes. “Fine,” he muttered. “I’ll do it. However, I can’t promise they’ll want to help someone from beyond the portal, so don’t get your hopes up. The gods are not known to be gracious or even fair.”

“Merrow is one of us now, Father,” Lira reminded him. “She’s going to stay in Mura, so this is not a request for someone beyond the portal. This is her home now. Why wouldn’t they want to help her?”

“Especially since Sebastian has made an alliance with the rest of the kingdoms, and queendoms,” Medea pointed out.

“I said fine,” the elf answered through his clenched teeth. “What else do you want from me? Now everyone, out! Leave me alone. Gooooo!” He ripped open the door. Hitch was right outside with his ear pressed up against the door. He had fallen asleep in a standing position. He immediately began to fall.

“Arrrgh!” yelled Elric, just managing to dash out of the way before Hitch hit the floor with a loud thump. The squire’s eyes popped open and he sprang to his feet.

“My king, I heard something you should know about,” said Hitch, looking only at Sebastian. “They’re going to send Elric to the gods to ask them…something.” He scratched his head. “I might have missed part of it since I was soooo tired. Wait a minute. You’re here.” He seemed to be trying to make sense of everything and where he was.

Everyone laughed, and Hitch spun around in surprise, his hand going to his heart.

“It’s all right, squire, I already know all that,” said Sebastian. “Now, let’s get you back to the castle and off to bed before you fall right off this mountain.”