Her Worthless Husband Is the Elven Prince

Serion gave up his wings and his title as Elven Prince for Adeline. They married and had a son, Elliott. During a trip to the border forest, beastfolk attacked and demanded 100,000 magic crystals for Adeline and Elliott. Serion brought what he had, but it was enough for only two. Winslow was still bound. Adeline asked Serion to take Winslow’s place because he was an elf and would not die, and promised to come back for him. Elliott called him selfish. Serion was handed over. Three years of torture followed. Adeline never came.

Ellisar paid Serion's ransom. Serion returned to the castle scarred and unrecognized. A maid told him the castle's only master was Lord Winslow, and that Winslow was dining with the countess and Elliott like a family. At dinner, Adeline and Elliott defended Winslow and blamed Serion. Elliott refused to call him father and wished he had not inherited elven blood. Winslow admitted he told Adeline not to pay the beastfolk. Serion realized he was not expected to survive.

Serion sent word: "Tell Ellisar that I'm ready to reclaim my place as the elven prince." Ellisar explained he must destroy the bond stone, sever his bond with Adeline, and cut all emotional ties with humans. If he broke that vow, he would suffer the heart-devouring punishment. In three days, beneath the sacred tree, his awakening ceremony would restore his place. His wings and face would heal.

Before that, Serion returned to the castle one last time. Winslow was drunk, and Adeline brought him into their home and bed. Serion saw Winslow about to kiss her. Adeline called herself innocent and told Serion to sleep elsewhere. Winslow taunted Serion: Adeline took care of him, stripped him, wiped him down, and gave him the 20,000 crystals that were meant for Serion’s ransom. Winslow had paid the beastfolk to give Serion special treatment. Serion confronted him. Winslow stabbed himself with a knife and shouted for help, accusing Serion of trying to kill him. Adeline ignored Serion's denial, struck him with a candlestick, and knocked him off the balcony.

By then, Adeline and Elliott had already discarded the man who was the Elven Prince. Their regret came too late. Serion's awakening was three days away.