It was strange being back in the palace after…everything. Ian still felt a ringing in his ears from the battle on Khara Prime.

That they were still alive was hard for him to believe.

Nadyah was alive and well and in his rooms. She looked out of place among all his clutter.

“I’ll have them redone, or…perhaps we could move to a different suite,” Ian muttered, scratching the back of his neck as he looked around.

He’d shared this space with P’draic for so long it was probably for the best to move.

“Well I assume Adelina’s consort’s room will be taken by Varan and she…” Nadyah trailed off and shrugged her shoulders with a shy smile. “There’s a lot to be done and sorted I suppose. I’m not even sure she’ll be staying in those rooms.”

Ian looked up and considered the space a floor above where his father had lived all their lives. Would she even want to live in those rooms? Perhaps it was time for a remodel. There were too many memories and ghosts living in the palace.

Their lives were different now. It was a different time. And a bit of change would be good for everyone.

“I’ll speak with Adelina about the situation after the coronation. But until then you can stay with me, if you wish,” Ian said, reaching out for her.

Her hand fit easily in his and he marveled at that mate bond once more.

There had been a hole in his heart that he’d always tried to fill – with science, with lovers, with work…but he’d never been able to feel complete. Something had always been missing.

But no longer.

Nadyah was that missing piece.

Ian pulled her in close and pressed a kiss to her golden hair. She was his mate – and soon he would make her his wife.

“What about the Drakesthai?” Nadyah asked, cheek resting on his chest. “Will we go back there so you can complete their treatments?”

Ian nodded. It had filled his thoughts since they’d left Khara Prime. There were some basics that needed to be done first like Adelina’s official coronation. Her rule could not be questioned. Then she wanted an official wedding to the Corinthian and the Drakesthai princes.

The Drakesthai wanted their own official wedding on Anarr so Adelina would be returning to the Hai System soon.

“I will go when Adelina does. And you will come with me,” Ian told her.

Nadyah pulled back and smiled up at him. “You truly want me to?”

He nodded and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I want you with me for the rest of my life. Just because we both have a taste for the same sex doesn’t mean I want you anywhere other than at my side.”

“Good,” she said, kissing him on the cheek before releasing him. “Make sure you’re ready for the coronation. I don’t want my mate looking shabby next to me. My gown is that spectacular even if it’s nothing compared to hers.”

He chuckled. “Just remember you’re going to be a princess, mate. Wear a tiara or something to remind them all of that.”

Nadyah blushed and shook her head. “I’m never going to get used to hearing that.”

Ian smirked. “Well…princess. Are you going to wait on my sister one last time before you are officially signed on as an advisor?”

“It’s the least I can do,” Nadyah murmured. “After the coronation though…what then?”

Ian grinned and went down on one knee.

Nadyah felt her jaw drop at the sight of Ian kneeling before her. Something like excitement ran through her, but she was so nervous. She really hadn’t thought she would ever be wed – and certainly not to her mate.

Mates were that rare.

And to have someone as sweet and kind as Ian to be paired with – tears pricked her eyes and her hand covered her mouth as she tried to sort out her thoughts. Had she really missed the signs?

Nadyah supposed she’d been distracted by everything. Ian had been completely committed to her from the moment he found out they were mates. She really should have seen it coming.

Ian looked up into her eyes and pulled out something shiny. “Nadyah d’Lara, will you accept my proposal?”

The diamond in his hand was one she recognized. She’d seen Adelina working on it at some point. “You asked your sister to make a ring?”

Ian just smiled up at her. “No. She’d made it after you told her we were mates apparently. Then she gave it to me when we started our journey back home. Are you going to accept, or leave me kneeling for a while longer yet?”

Despite their mate bond being permanent, Nadyah hadn’t expected a proposal. Not for a long while. There were still so many things she had to take care of.

But seeing him on one knee before her – those tears spilled down her cheeks and Nadyah smiled. “You want this despite my contract to the House of Kismet, and my debt?” she asked.

Nadyah wanted to be sure. She wanted there to be no reason for Ian to resent her later.

“Adelina and I have already settled your debt with Mistress Jael,” Ian told her. “I’ve had the receipt sent to your simulcast.”

She fell to her knees before him and took his hands, overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. “Truly?”

Ian took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger with a small smile. “Truly.”

Nadyah threw her arms around his neck. “Then I accept.”

They’d been friends since her first day in the palace. Then they’d found out they were mates. Ever since then Ian had courted her with an unshakeable focus – like he was with everything he did. That attention and caring had won her over and Nadyah was so happy she’d decided to take him as her mate.

But he wasn’t just asking her to be his mate.

Ian was asking her to be his wife and princess.

Nadyah pulled back and kissed him, slow and sweet. Ian had a gentle soul but it was reinforced with steel. Once he decided something…that was it. She would be his, and he hers, from now until the end of their days.

From the moment she’d discovered courtesans had mates – which it didn’t always end well – Nadyah had been terrified of finding hers. But Amora had truly chosen well. Even if Nadyah never would have guessed Ian would be her mate – she truly felt he complemented her in ways no one ever had or ever could. His sweet temper and never-ending patience were exactly what she needed.

“I love you, Ian,” she whispered against his lips. “And I want everyone to know that.”

He stood and pulled her with him. “Good, now go tell my sister. She’s been pestering me about it all day. How she even knew when I planned to ask is beyond me.”

Nadyah laughed and kissed his cheek. “She’s a true Draga royal and a courtesan. I doubt there’s much she doesn’t see.”

Ian pulled her in for another kiss and held her face with a tenderness that made her want to melt against him. “I love you, Nadyah.”

As she turned to leave – Nadyah felt a lightness in her heart and soul. This truly was a glorious day – a day where they would start their future. And thanks to Adelina and everything she had done…they would have one.