Varan could hardly believe he was Adelina’s mate – and somehow she was his…it was so ludicrous, but at the same time he could feel the rightness of it deep in his chest. It was as though his soul was bound to hers. Varan was constantly aware of her – her presence, her smell, her emotions, and her needs.

It was insane, but he supposed he’d heard of crazier things. Such as Alpha traveling all the way to the Hai Galaxy to deliver a bloody message. Why in all the hells would Prince Asher send him through such dangerous space when he could have simply sent a cast?

The possible answers to his question put him on edge and he had to calm down so he could focus – so Varan could be whatever Adelina needed him to be. The thief who plucked eyes as punishment, the royal prince, or perhaps maybe a new game…

“Nadyah,” Varan shouted, pacing the length of the living space in their suite. “It’s a blasted dress. Get out here now.”

She snapped something in that seductive language of Ilashyan and despite the lovely sounds – it was probably not pleasant.

He glanced at Kaiden and the winged male shrugged. “We don’t know that one.”

“That’s a shame, mate, but I doubt you’d have wanted to understand whatever she’d said.” Varan continued pacing, aware of the way both Kaiden and Roxy watched him.

“I’m not going down,” Roxy told him. “I need to check on the ships and I can do that from right here.”

Varan waved his hand. “That’s fine, whatever you think is best.”

He personally didn’t think Adelina needed to change clothes, but whatever gave her the strength to face the reason Alpha was on Hai Delta. He’d never personally liked Adelina’s royal guard, had even been jealous of him for a brief moment when his jewel thief had brought him to his tavern. The way Alpha had treated her…it was worth at least one eye, but he’d refrained. Barely.

“I apologize,” Adelina said as she came out of their room. “But I needed to wash the ash from my skin.”

Varan’s jaw dropped when he took in her new black, velvet dress and the way her hair had been swept up in an elegant knot, curls framing her face with a diamond tiara tucked in among the blacker-than-night hair. He stepped forward and rubbed a thumb over the rose embroidered in silky black thread along her lapel.

The same embroidery was along the sleeve cuffs and the pockets. He smiled and trailed a finger over the roses that went around the collar and down either side of the deep ‘V’ that didn’t end until it hit her navel.

“I am the one who should apologize,” Varan murmured, still hardly able to believe she was his. “You are worth the wait.” He kissed her cheek and offered her his arm. “Whatever comes next, we will face it together.”

Her expression remained serious, but she nodded. Varan knew Adelina could handle it, but she no longer had to do it alone.

Kaiden led the way and Adelina followed, slightly ahead of him as her rank dictated, but she kept her hand on his. Varan admired the long skirts that fell to the floor, covering her feet and whatever footwear she wore. He had a sneaking suspicion it was her comfortable, flat boots.

The dress was really magnificent and gave her a royal air. He really enjoyed the long sleeves and the cut that made it appear almost militaristic on the top. The severity was balanced by the strip of skin, the slight curve of Adelina’s breasts, her tiny waist, and the full skirt.

Varan appreciated fashion and the message it could send. He gave Nadyah an appreciative wink for the design.

“Adelina designed the dress,” Nadyah murmured, a smirk on her face.

Varan chuckled, sliding that cruel, laughing mask back on. It wouldn’t do to look like a lovesick fool in front of the Drakesthai, or Alpha. He slid a glance at the large male towering slightly ahead of him, wings slightly extended. Well, this one didn’t matter, but they would figure that out later.

When they learned why Asher had sent Alpha to them like he was no more than an errand boy.

After an infinite amount of stairs later they were finally on the main floor. Varan committed the corridors and paths and rooms to memory, compared it to what he could see of the outside, and kept all routes back to the ships in the forefront of his mind. It was better to be safe than sorry.

Kaiden stopped before the door to the familiar waiting room and let Adelina walk in first with Varan.

Instantly Varan’s eyes went to the male standing in front of the fireplace, his hands clasped behind his back.

“Alpha,” Adelina said. Her words were stern as she drew herself up to her full strength.

Varan shoved his concern aside. She had his and Kaiden’s support and strength and protection if she needed it. Adelina could handle this male on her own.

Alpha turned and bowed to Adelina and then Varan as protocol dictated. He took in Kaiden but his gaze was skittish and the small tang of fear on the air made Varan’s lip curl in disgust.

“Princess Adelina, I have an emergency message from Prince Asher.” Alpha pulled out his simulcast.

Before he could play it, Adelina slashed her hand across her body in obvious displeasure. “Stop, Alpha. Kaiden, seal the door. Varan check the room and Nadyah send a cast to Roxy and ask her to go stay with our ships.”

Varan watched as everyone instantly obeyed. He gave Alpha a feral snarl as his device scanned the room for spy tech. The other male was the first to look away and it pleased him. He was the one with Adelina now. Not Alpha. And for some petty reason he wanted to rub it in the male’s face.

“All’s clear, love,” Varan murmured, kissing Adelina’s cheek before releasing her hand and stepping back.

Alpha grimaced.

“Why did my brother send you rather than a personal cast?” Adelina demanded. Her demeanor didn’t allow room for their old friendship. This was a princess commanding her guard. “You could have ruined my negotiations with the Drakesthai by intruding. Your arrival could have been seen as a threat. What is so important that it could not be done with tech?”

Asher straightened his shoulders and cleared his throat. “Asher couldn’t allow anyone to infiltrate or view the message before you saw it. He thought it best to send me on the fastest ship he could find. I flew straight from the border. Even I don’t know what’s in the recorded message.”

The silence that followed those concerning words settled heavily on Varan’s chest and he had to fight the urge to step forward. Kaiden’s wing brushed his shoulder briefly and kept him from giving in. Varan gave the male a silent look of thanks.

“Kaiden,” Adelina said with deadly calm. “I trust you to witness this message as my ally and mate. Betray me and it’s your wings.” The ice in those amethyst eyes made even Varan shudder.

The male next to him brought his wings in closer to his body, but he nodded. “I swear whatever is revealed stays in this room until you deem otherwise.”

Adelina seemed satisfied with that and waved her hand at Alpha. The guard seemed a bit too intrigued at the changes in the princess for Varan’s liking. It set his teeth on edge. He made sure his weight was on the balls of his feet, fingers brushing the hilt of one of his blades.

Alpha set the simulcast on the brand new table and played the message.

Asher’s hologram appeared, the colors a bit off, but otherwise it looked exactly like the dark prince. “Princess Adelina,” Asher began.

Adelina’s shoulders tightened at the formal title and Varan wished he could do something – anything to prevent whatever was going to happen next.

“I have a message from Giselle.”

Then Asher was replaced by a recording of the queen. It looked formal and as though it had been prepared for the livestream. Varan clenched his jaw. Well, at least she was still alive.

“As you all have seen by now Seprilles and Scyria have fallen. Treon is barren. We’ve lost nearly a quarter of our forces on the border because we were unprepared, and then half the civilians evacuating from the Outer Rim.” Giselle paused. Then she stood from the makeshift throne, stepping down the three steps to the main floor.

She clasped her hands behind her back and looked straight into the recorder. “I have failed you. You are all aware I am not suited to rule. There is no future for Draga with me as queen.”

Varan felt his gut roil as he realized what exactly Giselle was getting at.

“I believe the Princess Adelina would be a better ruler than I. She has been one step ahead of the rest of us since the very beginning and you all saw her success today. Adelina has done the impossible and is meeting with the Drakesthai as we speak. I don’t doubt she will be successful in her endeavors.” Giselle nodded as though she were speaking right to Adelina, reassuring her little sister.

But this…Adelina wasn’t ready for this – not when they were so far from the Draga Galaxy and totally unprepared to rule.

But Giselle didn’t stop. She took the crown from her head and offered it to the recorder – to Adelina. “I formally abdicate as Queen of the Draga Galaxy and pass my crown to the rightful heir and ruler.”

The message cut out and there was no time to absorb everything Giselle had said. Asher reappeared and his face was grim. “This message has yet to be aired on the livestream. I wanted your response so that both could be sent at the same time – easing whatever fear and panic we can. Please, Adelina send me your response as quickly as possible. I will run interference here on the border and continue to search and destroy any Neprijat remaining in our territory. My life is yours – mia vitae se tya.” Then Asher bowed as a prince to his queen before the vid cut off.

To her credit Adelina didn’t show one ounce of emotion. Her face was a perfect mask and she looked so calm and regal, Varan had never been more proud of her than he was in that moment.

“Nadyah set up the recorders please.” The words were a command and the dominance laced into them was so deep and delicious Varan bowed his head even as he smiled.

The courtesan did as she was asked without hesitation and she pulled the aubergine curtains closed. Adelina strode across the room and then turned so she was framed by the purple velvet and she lifted her chin, staring right into the main recorder.

He had no idea what she was going to say, but what came next certainly came as a shock.

“I, Crown Princess Adelina, accept the responsibility given to the Draga family all those millennia ago.” Then Adelina pulled a knife from her dress pocket and Varan flinched when she slid it across her thumb quick and hard. Blood welled and one could hear a pin drop as the recorders zoomed in and the scent of royal blood filled the room.

Adelina drew the mark on her own forehead that she would later receive in gold across her brow. “With royal blood I mark myself as the ruler of our people. I swear on my life that I will rule with the people in my heart and mind. The Three-Faced Goddess, witness my oath to protect the people and serve the Crown.”

Varan was the first to move. He crossed the room until he was close enough to kiss her, but dropped to one knee instead, fist over his heart. “Long live the queen.”

Then Nadyah and Alpha and even Kaiden kneeled behind him. “Long live the queen!”

Varan’s heart pounded in his chest as he looked up at his wife and queen. Ladra protect him – he was a bloody king consort. When he’d agreed to marry a royal princess he’d never wanted nor planned for the throne. All he’d wanted was a bit more power to truly help the people of Draga.

Falling in love with the female looking down at him with fire in her eyes had been an unexpected bonus that had changed his life. Varan never wanted to rule – and he knew Adelina hadn’t either. The weight of the Crown had been something she’d actively tried to avoid – and now here they were.

Though it was worth all the future trouble to see the power and strength flowing through Adelina in that moment – like the black rose blooming in darkness despite all expectations.

Her amethyst eyes blazed as she cupped his cheek. “Rise, husband.”

Varan obeyed without question and took the submissive position behind her. Nadyah, Alpha, and Kaiden stood as well, but they stepped aside so only he and Adelina were being recorded.

He kept his face blank, a small smile playing on his lips. Varan clasped his arms behind his back as he’d seen King Orion do – a male he’d always respected but had never anticipated to rival.

His mind was spinning, but they just had to get through this recording and then he could get rip-roaring drunk.

“My people, as you all know I am currently in the Hai Galaxy and will make haste to return to Draga. I will have an answer by tomorrow from the Drakesthai and will alert everyone to the outcome. In the meantime I name Prince Asher Hand of the Queen. He will rule in my stead until I return with reinforcements. Prince Nash has gathered more of his people and now has a sizable army. I promise we will eradicate the threat to Draga even if I have to shred the Neprijat King to pieces myself.”

Adelina smiled and those sharp canines of hers glinted in the firelight. Ladra…she knew exactly what she was doing, so many cycles of training and preparation so she could advise Raena – she was more prepared than anyone could have guessed.

“We royals were created to protect and I vow to uphold that promise from a millennia ago and unleash the wolf on our enemies.” Adelina lifted her hand palm up, flashing her gold palm, the signet ring, as well as those deadly sharp claws of hers. “I will see you on the battlefield.”

Nadyah cut off the recorders and her skin was so pale Varan worried she may faint. He let out a long breath, eyeing both Alpha and Kaiden.

The guard looked stunned – completely out of it. But Kaiden – his eyes were lit like there was a fire within. He stared at Adelina like she was the answer to all his prayers and Varan knew exactly how he felt.

“Kaiden,” Adelina snapped, walking towards the door without waiting for Varan or anyone else. Bloody hells his wife was pissed. “Call the Council now.”

The winged male managed to beat her to the door, but just barely. “Yes, of course…Queen Adelina.”

The title rang through the room and gave even Adelina pause. But she shook it off and walked out and into the corridor with so much presence every Drakesthai paused what they were doing to stare.

Adelina didn’t wait for the Council. She went straight into their cavern so that they would be coming to her – as though she were the one to be giving them the audience and not the other way around. Varan gave her credit for the ballsy move and leaned against the door. Nadyah followed his cue and waited on the other side.

Alpha was the odd one out, but he stood in the shadows near Varan, inconspicuous.

Varan watched his wife, queen, and mate stop in the center of the circular cavern before the pool made from raw amethyst. She looked…alone. If nine Drakesthai royals weren’t about to enter the cavern he would have gone to comfort her, but they had one more game to play.

Then Prince Rykian barged through the doors with Prince Vasili hot on his heels. Princess Kalene was next and she was the only one to see him. Varan winked at her and she blushed before hurrying off after Vasili.

“What is the meaning of this?” Prince Rykian demanded.

Slowly Adelina turned. “It is Queen Adelina now,” she said softly.

That stopped the Drakesthai royals in their tracks and put them on the defensive. All but Kaiden who made his way around the cavern to guard her back. He gave Varan a nod. They had one ally among the Drakesthai at least.

“I want this alliance,” Adelina told them, her quiet voice strong. Her tone gave no room for argument. “I want your warriors, your armies. As such I pledge not only to help you find the cure to your infertility, but I will help you rid the Hai Galaxy of the Neprijat. I want to make this alliance permanent,” she declared.

Adelina held out one delicate hand and somehow Kaiden knew. He flared his wings wide to make him look even bigger and more intimidating. Varan was impressed with how large and fearsome it made him look. Kaiden stepped forward until he was right behind her.

“Prince Kaiden is my mate and I formally request the right to court him with the intention of marriage. It will create a lasting bond between our peoples and will provide fertile ground for future peace.”

The Council was too shocked to say anything. Even Prince Rykian’s mouth hung open – completely stunned.

Varan tensed when Tatsuo, out of all of them, stepped forward. “And the investigation as to the perpetrator who committed this atrocity against our people?”

“Already begun,” Adelina reassured her. “Whoever is responsible is yours to do with as you wish. I give my word as Queen.”

Tatsuo nodded. “Then we approve your request to court Prince Kaiden. As for the alliance and the armies, details will need to be hashed out.”

Adelina didn’t even blink. “We will make the alliance official as soon as possible.”

Tatsuo looked to the oldest Drakesthai female and Serilda stepped forward, leaning on her cane. Varan craned his head to get a better look, curious as to how the dragons truly ruled. No male moved to question the females and they all waited for the eldest to speak – as though her word was law.

“We will make the alliance official,” Serilda agreed in her querulous voice. “It is always awe-inspiring to see a female come into her true power.” She paused to inspect Adelina from head to toe, giving her an approving nod. “But I do have one request.”

Wisely Adelina said nothing as she waited and Varan’s fingers itched for his knives as the tension in the cavern rose.

“This alliance must be done in fire and blood. It will bind our two people in ways I am not sure you are ready for. There are things you don’t know…but clearly you are aware of some. The Drakesthai rarely mate outside our race. If you bear a child of Kaiden’s…this isn’t an alliance that can be undone. Not without starting a blood feud.”

“Any child I bear is mine, regardless of the father,” Adelina snapped.

Serilda smiled, but it wasn’t pleasant. Varan signaled Nadyah to keep watch as he moved through the crowd. No one even noticed he was there until it was too late. He could have slit all their throats without even trying.

Varan took his place at Adelina’s side and eyed the Drakesthai females while keeping tabs on the males. The females were always the threat no one anticipated, but he’d been surrounded by the opposite sex his entire life. Varan knew better.

“It depends, doesn’t it?” Serilda asked with her head slightly tilted. In that moment she looked more reptilian than human. “If the child is winged he should be with us. If it is a female then she needs to live here and be instructed in our ways. There are too few of us to let foreigners have one.”

That dark, sweet jasmine filled the room to the point of choking on the scent, but Varan breathed it in like it was oxygen. He thrived on it as did Kaiden. Everyone else slammed to their knees – all but Serilda.

The old crone chuckled. “That trick doesn’t work on me, child, but your strength is impressive – even more so than your great-grandfather’s I’d say.”

“The child would be mine,” Adelina growled, baring her canines and flexing her claws that had grown a few centimeters, just barely holding on to her humanity. “Regardless of how they are born. Though I would ensure the instruction of their Drakesthai heritage.”

Everyone flinched when Adelina glided across the room – so wickedly fast it was as though she’d transported from one position to the other. She caressed the air just a millimeter above the female’s delicate, paper-thin skin. “Try to take it from me and you would be the one starting a blood feud. When the child has come of age they may decide for themselves what they want to do. Until then they stay with me with regular visits to the Hai Galaxy. All other points I concede to.”

Serilda grinned and her canines were just as sharp as Adelina’s if not quite as long. Varan was wary of that one. She was craftier than she let on. “Ah, I’ve forgotten how vicious and feral a true royal can be. A mother and queen at that…I agree to your terms. The exact details will be drawn up and the ceremony will be performed at midnight at the center of the volcano.”

Without further ado the old crone turned on her heel and walked out. She didn’t limp. Her gait was smooth and graceful. The cane was for show, and most likely hid some kind of weapon. The rest of the Council bowed slightly though they didn’t look happy about the outcome, and then they walked out.

Varan eyed his wife and tried to gauge her mood, but she was still clenching and unclenching her hands. The abnormally long claws were a warning. Adelina was barely human at the moment and he knew firsthand how protective she could be when babes were brought up.

It was similar to how she’d been after the Games, but a hundred times worse. It made her difficult to read, and Varan couldn’t find any emotions other than rage after all that had happened with the message from Giselle and the impromptu Council meeting. Her eyes were cold and distant.

“I’m going for a walk. No one follows me.”

Varan bristled at that. “Lina, it is not safe—”

“Alone, Varan. I need to think.” With that she stormed out of the cavern.

Varan went hot and then cold as he clenched his hands into fists. He knew Adelina needed space, but she wasn’t just a princess anymore – she was a cula-ting Queen. Anything could happen to her.

He stalked to the door and out into the main foyer. Not once did she look back at him. She walked away as though she had all the time in the world – no doubt in her mind they would obey. Varan bared his teeth at her retreating back in frustration.

Kaiden’s wing brushed his shoulder and Varan glared at the other male. Kaiden just shook his head and all the fight left Varan’s body.

He sighed and crossed his arms over his chest as he watched Adelina’s back disappear around a corner. She was well-trained and wore his bracelet among a race of dragons that were overly protective of females, and currently allied with them.

Not much could happen to her with the entire eyrie ready to drop everything for her simply because she was female. No doubt the news of her engagement to one of their own would spread like wildfire which would only be to their benefit.

Varan turned to Kaiden. “Well then.”

A muscle in the winged male’s jaw twitched. “I don’t even think I can have offspring.”

“Mate, I like you, but she’s bearing mine first,” Varan slapped Kaiden’s shoulder a bit harder than necessary.

Kaiden looked down at him then and the tension in his face eased. A slow smile spread across his face. “Yes, brother. You’ve earned that right. If she agrees to it.”

“Ha!” Varan barked out a laugh, amused the quiet male could even make such a joke. “Games and competitions already. I see how it is. Guess we’ll have to fight for who gets to ask first,” he said with a wink.

Despite everything, Varan felt a camaraderie with Kaiden and it eased so much of the tension he felt. He wouldn’t have to deal with this new problem alone. He would have an ally and friend in the winged male for what came next.

“I need to get this message back to Asher as soon as possible,” Alpha said, glancing awkwardly between Kaiden and Varan, not sure who to address. “With your permission King Consort, I will leave immediately and deliver the recording.”

Nadyah handed the message over to Alpha and Varan gritted his teeth, wishing Adelina was there. Bloody hell, he’d never wanted to be king. It couldn’t be much different than ruling the underworld of Draga, right?

“Deliver the message to Asher, and make sure the prince records his acceptance of his new role as Hand,” Varan instructed. “The sooner you reach him the better.”

Alpha bowed and left immediately.

Nadyah looked grim as she watched him go. “This was never supposed to happen. Adelina was never meant to be queen.”

“Yes, well she is,” Varan snapped. “And we’d all best remember it. This changes the game completely. We may not like it, but we need to adjust and do the best we can for our people. Nadyah, let’s go harass those cranky dragons for that written alliance and make sure they don’t try anything sneaky. At least Adelina won’t have to worry about that.”

The courtesan nodded and then they both looked to Kaiden, the newest member of their pack. The massive, winged male just shrugged. “Whatever I can do to help, of course. I’m in this for the long haul now. I’ll take you to where they like to work.”

Varan and Nadyah followed after the dragon prince. He ran his hand through his hair and took a deep breath. He’d been the Prince of Thieves for cycles. Varan could do this – he would force himself to be the best damned king consort their galaxy had ever seen, for Adelina’s sake.