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He held his hand out to his woman and she took it, drawing close. “I do.” He smiled at her, his heart full of love, then turned to Kaden. “If you can take everyone to the Com Center and turn the trolls over to Harris, he’ll know what to do.”

He felt the elf-lord power begin to rumble, which meant a vision was coming. Both Ian and Zane, still cradling their trolls, glanced at Stone.

Ian shook his head. “What’s going on? Why is the earth shaking?”

He explained in brief terms all that had happened with the power that originated in Ferrenden Peace. He also had Kaden explain who he was. Each of the ruling mastyrs appeared dumbfounded, as they should be.

When the vision drew close, Rosamunde squeezed his fingers. Shall we let it roll?

He nodded and the moment she began channeling the elf-lord power, he let it flow through him. It was a milder version of the onslaught Margetta had delivered, almost tempered as though Rosamunde was a necessary filter. Maybe she was. Maybe her blood rose gift was the means by which he’d never fall victim to the seductive side of the elf-lord power.

Whatever the case, the vision began to move through his mind. He spelled it out for Ian and Zane. “In an hour’s time, Margetta will bring her full army to the Plains of Tannisford, at the southern end near the Sea of Vermed.”

Zane whistled.

Ian nodded solemnly. “What are your orders, Commander?”

Stone felt humbled by the appellation, a very different experience in contrast to the out-of-control ambitions that Margetta had delivered through the elf-lord power.

First, he shifted slightly to address Kaden. “Will you serve with us this time? We’ll need help moving the full complement of the Combined Forces to the plains.”

Kaden nodded. “I will.”

He turned to Ian and Zane. “Go with Kaden to my Com Center and prepare each of the mastyrs, along with their Vampire Guards and Shifter and Troll Brigades for a final battle here in Tannisford. Kaden will help teleport the various units onto the field of battle.”

He turned to Rosamunde. “Does this agree with what you’re getting?”

She smiled. “One hundred percent.”

Stone had one more act to perform before he dismissed the mastyrs. “And you, Kaden.”

“Yes, son?”

Stone released Rosamunde’s hand and embraced the tall elf. He hugged his father hard. “Thank you.”

After a long moment, and a serious tightening of his throat, he drew back. Kaden smiled at him, his eyes brimming with tears. “Proud of you.”

“And I’m proud that you’re my father.” He nodded briskly, then shifted his attention to the mastyrs. “This is it, men. Margetta will come at us full-bore. Let’s get ready to take the bitch down.”

Ian and Zane gave a shout. Even the trolls each added their whoops and raised fists. Kaden picked up the female troll that Stone had carried to the cottage.

Then just like that, Kaden spirited them back to Tannisford and he was alone once more with Rosamunde.

Chapter Fifteen

Rosamunde turned to face Stone. He extended his other hand to her and she took it so that now he held both. The elf-lord power still flowed, but it seemed to be a steadier, softer version than before. The bond of their mating frequencies was in place and more powerful than she could have believed possible. But more needed to be accomplished to cement the full Blood Rose bond.

Her fae instincts told her they would need to join physically and he would need to drink her blood. She knew it wasn’t the same for every couple, but these elements had to be in place for the rest to happen for her and Stone. The forged bond would make it impossible for Margetta to ever get that close to Stone again.

“I’m glad we’re here, in Aralynn’s cottage. For me, my path to you began in this place.”

“I’m sorry Margetta destroyed your castle.”

She shook her head slowly “It was never mine. Not truly. I was a place holder as you know. From this night forward, you’re my future. I served Ferrenden Peace to the best of my ability and now all I want is to be your woman, your blood rose, and to work alongside you to make the Nine Realms safe.”

He nodded, releasing her hands but only so he could pull her into his arms. “I’m so sorry, Rosamunde. I used you badly because I was caught up in my grief. I know you’ve said you forgive me, but I want to be clear on this. I was at fault.”

She put her hand on his lips. “All is forgiven, now and forever. You’re the man who saved that busload of troll kids, remember? Everything else pales, including how you viewed me.”

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