Joslynn had taken the midday rest despite having so much to do and plan. After Sirus’s attentions she’d needed the sleep. She still wasn’t used to the heat of Draga Terra either. Granted it was the middle of summer, but the heat and humidity made her wilt like a delicate flower. It was awful and Joslynn hated it.

Per the schedule she’d received on her arrival to the capitol planet, there were many activities set up for the visiting citizens, guests, and nobles, but none of them interested her. Joslynn rolled over and watched Sirus sleep. He had to leave her the next morning and she didn’t feel ready. Only his eye surgery settled a small part of her worry.

His blond hair was almost white and she couldn’t resist running her fingers through it. Joslynn wondered what their child would look like one day. Would they have her red hair or his blond? Or perhaps some mix of the two with blond hair and green eyes rather than his blue ones. Joslynn secretly hoped the child would look like him. His exotic beauty astonished her.

Despite the harshness of Scyria he’d thrived. The muscles and broad shoulders Sirus had were irresistible. Joslynn kissed his shoulder and a low growl came from him. “You better stop, or I’m going to have to do something about it.”

She couldn’t help the giggle when he cracked an eye and glared at her. “You’re going to kill me,” he muttered, rolling onto his back. “A man can only have sex so much in one day before he dies of pleasure.”

Joslynn laughed. Her barbarian lord was utterly ridiculous. “Well the more sex we have the better.”

“Oh really,” he murmured, leaning over to kiss a trail from the small of her back all the way up her spine. “Why is that?”

Suddenly Joslynn felt nervous. Butterflies flitted around in her stomach and she felt like one wrong word and their small bubble of peace would shatter. “Well,” she hedged. “It would increase our chances for offspring.”

Sirus stilled. Joslynn sighed internally. She should have kept her mouth shut on the matter.

“You want children already?” he asked, pulling back to look into her face.

Joslynn sat up in the bed and wrapped the thin blanket around her, knotting it into place. “Of course I do,” she said. “I’ve always wanted a family.”

That ice blue eye softened and he stroked her hair back from her face. “So I’m not only your stud, only good for creating an heir?” he teased.

She breathed a sigh of relief. Thank the three-faced goddess he wasn’t upset. Occasionally it felt as though their relationship was as fragile as a newborn babe.

“No, Sirus.” Joslynn leaned forward and gave him a peck on the lips. “You’re also quite handsome and good at reaching things on high shelves.” She scurried out of the bed as quickly as she could when that playful growl rattled the windows.

Joslynn shrieked as he came after her, he was completely naked and divine. The thick length of him was on display and her mouth watered. Sirus pinned her against a wall and she practically panted when his cock brushed against her through the blanket, already half-hard.

“I want a family with you, Joslynn,” Sirus said quietly, his expression growing serious. “But it does frighten me to think of having a child at this time. There will be war, one way or another and I fear for any babe born in a world of horror.”

He pressed his forehead to hers and Joslynn knew he was right, but she wouldn’t put life on hold because something awful could happen. “I’m not going to live in fear,” she promised. “I believe in you, Sirus, and I believe in us. We will always find a way.”

Sirus nodded and kissed her gently, lovingly. Joslynn melted against him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I have to ready the ships,” he said against her lips.

“I wish you weren’t leaving.” Joslynn wrapped her legs around his waist and his hands grabbed her ass, holding her up.

Sirus turned and headed for the bed. “I believe I can make some time for you, to show you how I feel,” he said, gently laying her on the bed. In one smooth motion he ripped off the blanket and exposed her completely.

Joslynn gasped and spread her legs for him. “Only if you promise to remind me again after the midnight dinner and before you leave in the morning.”

Sirus grinned as he pressed the head of his cock to her entrance. “I’ll make sure to add it to my schedule.”

Joslynn held on tight, memorizing each line of his face, the scars across his body, and the way he looked in the sunlight as he took her slow and soft. Sirus was the male for her and she couldn’t imagine life without him anymore.

He was her family now.

* * *

“Are you all right, Countess?” Princess Adelina asked.

Joslynn looked up from the box of gems and gold, still lost in thought. Her mind had been on the possibility of pregnancy ever since Sirus had left her sated and naked to make preparations. She smiled and offered the princess the box. It was beautiful on the small balcony overlooking the Notte Mountains. Only a royal invitation allowed one access to the private place.

The sun had disappeared and the twinkling night sky was a glory to behold. The remaining streaks of pinks and purples over the ocean were a desperate attempt of the Kala sun to stay before the lover gave way to his wives – the three moons.

Joslynn had been flattered at the invitation and it gave her a rare opportunity to talk to Adelina alone without the recorders constantly on them. “I appreciate your concern, Princess. I apologize for being a bit distracted.”

Adelina took the heavy black-wood box and set it on the table before them. The shade from the palms instantly cooled Joslynn and the iced tea helped even more. There were a few small cakes on the table, but it was a business transaction. She was not naïve enough to think Princess Adelina would ever have sought out her private company if she did not have a reason to.

The creak of the hinges settled some of the nerves in Joslynn’s stomach.

“Do not worry, Joslynn. I understand how difficult it must be to have someone you love leave on a dangerous mission for the border.”

She looked up sharply, but there was a bored smile on Adelina’s face. “You don’t have to play that game with me,” Joslynn snapped. She instantly regretted her temper.

Instead of a punishment though, the princess laughed hard enough the courtesan, Nadyah came from inside the palace to check on them. There were secret touches and a look of understanding before she refilled both of the iced tea glasses and then disappeared again.

“I appreciate your honesty, Joslynn. It is a difficult mask to remove after so many cycles.”

Joslynn’s eyes widened and she was shocked the princess would even admit to such a thing.

Adelina shrugged as she took out the gems and gently set them on a velvet cloth. “Nadyah has secured the balcony against spies as well as any recorders in the area. I like you and you’ve been forward with me which I appreciate.” The ingots of gold in various colors came out next and the princess lovingly traced a finger over every piece. “What is it you want to ask me?”

Joslynn stared. How had she known Joslynn had a question to ask?

Nothing on the livestream had prepared her for this side of Adelina. Not even the visits on her planet had revealed much of a serious mind behind the vapid smile. It was only recently she’d noticed something had changed.

“Sirus has accepted my proposal,” she said, getting to the point. Something about the princess’s confession eased her nerves. Joslynn took the rough diamond from her pocket and the folded, handwritten note. “If you would honor me, I would love nothing more than for your skill to be the one to grace a piece I will wear for the rest of my life.”

Tears rimmed Adelina’s eyes when she took in the diamond and the note on the table, but true to the rumors of royal emotions she didn’t let them fall. Adelina blinked them back and carefully picked up the massive rock, still rough and uncut. “Is it a love match?” she asked.

Joslynn blushed and rubbed the fabric of her dress between her fingers. “Yes, Princess.”

“Oh, Joslynn,” Adelina breathed. “I’m so happy for you.” The princess threw her arms around Joslynn’s neck and hugged her.

At first she was too shocked to respond, but then she relaxed and hugged the girl in return. “Thank you, Adelina.” It was strange, but Joslynn felt as though the two of them could easily be friends.

“Is this from Sirus?” Adelina asked, fingernail tapping the note.

She nodded. “He has described what he would like done with the stone and a rough design. The rest is up to you, if you’ll take the job.” Joslynn knew it was looked down upon for a princess to have such a mundane trade, but nothing about gems and jewels was mundane in Joslynn’s eyes.

“Of course I’ll take the job. Making engagement rings for love matches is my favorite part of this work. It’s so romantic,” she sighed, rolling the diamond between her fingers as she squinted at it.

There was a professionalism to that squint, and Joslynn shook her head with a smile. The universe was missing out on the real princess and she felt sorry for them. “What do you think of the jewels and gold for the coronation necklace?”

Instantly Adelina’s face shut down and there was a blank look in her eyes Joslynn didn’t like. “I will no longer be crafting a necklace for the coronation. It will still be done, but I plan to hold on to it for now.” Adelina took a small box out of the bigger one and set the diamond in it gently before slamming the lid closed.

Joslynn flinched at the rage she could feel, the strange scent of jasmine she’d never come across before twined around her and she dropped her eyes to the table. Strange, she knew she was more dominant than the princess.

“I apologize,” Joslynn said softly, treating her like she would any of the other royals. Draga blood made them all dangerous.

Adelina sighed. “No, I should be the one to apologize. My sister has been…problematic – and rude.”

She tried her best, but still a snort of laughter escaped her.

The princess looked up in surprise, but amusement danced in those Draga eyes.

“So the rumors are true,” Joslynn said, risking everything for a possible friendship. What she’d heard about the real reason behind Prince Nash’s sanctuary disturbed her.

Slowly Adelina nodded. “Unfortunately, but Raena will be Queen. I must serve the Crown.”

Joslynn let out a slow breath as a few pieces fell into place. The Crown Princess had been throwing her power around from what she’d gleaned from the gossip and rumors. She was young and untried, and it seemed Raena felt threatened at every turn. Until her reign was secure the palace was a dangerous place to be.

As the youngest princess was the most submissive…

But was she?

Joslynn studied her as she rearranged the jewels on the velvet, muttering to herself. There was something strange about her scent, and Joslynn’s senses were confused. One moment she felt the need to bow and expose her throat like she did around Prince Asher, but now she felt nothing. There was no threat and she knew if commanded the princess would obey.

What sorcery was this?

“When will the wedding take place?” Adelina asked, changing the subject.

“As soon as possible,” Joslynn answered, still watching her closely. “But he has already signed binding contracts. Sirus is mine.” She wanted to growl her claim, but managed to resist. Adelina was no competition.

“Yes, he is,” Adelina agreed and it settled Joslynn to hear it. “You should marry him before war begins,” she said softly.

The words were like a slap of ice on her soul. Joslynn looked out at the dark, looming mountains. They cast a shadow that felt deep and oppressive, but they were also beautiful – snow-capped even in the height of summer.

“If he manages to come back from the border alive and well I will push for a wedding, but it will have to be done on Pedranus.”

“You can have a small ceremony in a temple here before he leaves,” Adelina said, carefully putting each ingot back into the box. Her eyes lingered on a few gems. “Take what you can while it is still possible, Joslynn. I have a feeling war will strip much from us before it is through.” A few more clinks and only one gem remained.

Joslynn watched the princess trace the shape of the black opal. It was deep and dark, a true black with flecks of opalescent shimmer in all the colors of the rainbow, but the purple and the red were the most prevalent. It suited the princess somehow and she wondered what else might be stripped from Adelina before the end.

If Joslynn had to bet gold, she’d say it would be that mask of hers. The humanity that hid what was underneath the surface. There was something about Adelina, a trait of a true Draga that didn’t always breed true. They were all designed after the sacred wolf, but some had more than others.

And when Adelina looked up at her she saw it there, flickering in those amethyst eyes. Joslynn swallowed, but she reached out to take Adelina’s hand despite that tiny bit of fear. “When he returns I will, because Giselle and Sirus will make it home safely and we will celebrate with a tiny ceremony that I hope you will attend.”

Adelina squeezed her hand and those silver tears were back. “I’d like nothing more, Joslynn. Thank you for including me.”

Joslynn nodded and silently swore to keep Adelina company. No one deserved to be alone in these times, isolated as the princess was. She didn’t have to know what secrets she kept to see that they were there. It was a difficult burden to bear.

“That opal is a coming-of-age gift from me to you,” Joslynn said, tapping the egg-sized gem. “The rest you can pay me for.”

It was obscene and taboo if one gave away an age of maturity gift. Adelina smiled, knowing exactly what Joslynn wanted. Such a rare specimen was not for Raena. She hadn’t earned it yet, and Joslynn had a feeling love wouldn’t be the only thing Adelina would have to sacrifice in the coming months.

“Nadyah has what I owe you,” Adelina explained. “Will you spend some time with me yet, and tell me more about Pedranus?”

Joslynn nodded. She’d been right. The young princess needed friends, she needed a pack. “What do you want to know about Pedranus?”

“Everything.”

Joslynn smiled and started weaving intricate stories about her people, their myths, and the endless rain. Goddess, she missed home. It wouldn’t be long before she could return, and Sirus would be there with her. She prayed their family would grow and they would have cycles together as she ignored the building sense of dread.

Joslynn would not give up what was hers.