Joslynn waited on the terrace, watching the events unfold on the grounds below. Rings were set up for the various fights, and galinas were carefully brought out of the stables for the races. It was exactly like the Games she’d held on Pedranus every cycle, but all the citizens participated and it could take weeks to complete. These Games were on a completely different level, and the gold spent for the prizes as well as the decorations had to have been substantial.

With only nobles competing in these Games it wouldn’t take nearly as long to finish up the various different competitions. Though the Hunt would be the most favored as a crown was in the balance; king or queen for a night would tempt anyone. The crown of bones with a single ruby was on display for all to see, and the palace publicist spoke into a recorder as she explained the events on the stage in front of the massive display. The events were shown on the vid and allowed all to watch from any location.

Joslynn watched the nobles, courtiers, and everyday citizens pass by – but she kept her eyes sharp for Adelina. She hoped to help the princess in any way she could after what had happened that morning. The feelings evoked had introduced Joslynn to an entirely new level of horror, one she hadn’t quite thought possible. What frightened her most was that she knew this was only the beginning. Raena was a dangerous ruler, even if she didn’t actually plan on serving up her youngest sister as a sacrifice.

Joslynn shook her head. It wasn’t just that unpleasantness, it was coming face to face with the Neprijat King. That’s what Sirus had to face on the battlefield, that’s what he’d somehow survived per the reports. It was more than a miracle; it was the skill he had as a warrior.

Goddess, she missed the big brute so much. It hadn’t been long, but Joslynn had gotten used to having him by her side. Then she’d thought of nothing else but the wedding, the diamond she’d given to Adelina, and how she should have listened to the princess and married Sirus when she’d had the chance.

What if something had happened to him? Hearing the report, seeing those awful, dead eyes of the Neprijat had made the reality of the war and the danger hit home. Joslynn pressed a hand to her belly and tried to keep the tears back.

At first she’d been devastated to find out she wasn’t pregnant. She’d hoped against hope that she would conceive and it would be a fantastic surprise for Sirus when he returned to her. Now Joslynn was almost thankful it hadn’t occurred after seeing what monsters hunted them all. But sadness and pain weighed on her, not only emotional – but physical as well.

It was the first time in her life Joslynn had menstruated after activating her fertility. The cramps hurt worse than she’d ever thought possible and she thanked the ancient doctor who had allowed them to prevent the pain unless attempting to conceive. It had to have been a female physician; no male could understand everything a human female had to deal with.

“Joslynn,” Adelina said. Her soft voice was like velvet fluttering in the wind and Joslynn turned with a smile to the princess.

“Adelina,” Joslynn said, inclining her head towards the princess and then her courtesan. “I’m glad you could join me.”

The princess linked her arm with Joslynn’s and they took their time heading down the stone steps towards the expansive grounds. “You will not be participating in the Games?” Adelina asked.

Joslynn shook her head and glanced around to see if any of those damned recorders were nearby. “Why do you ask?”

“I can smell blood.”

She jerked at those words and shot a look of alarm at the princess. Was her sense of smell really that good? Joslynn had been sure to wear enough perfume to cover the scent. She knew the Dragas were a bit different, but Joslynn was still learning exactly how.

“Don’t worry, whatever you have on plus the crowds should hide it,” Adelina promised. The princess gave Nadyah a look and the courtesan nodded.

Joslynn had no idea what their silent conversation was about, but perhaps she should go back to her rooms. Adelina gave her a long, assessing look and Joslynn squirmed.

“I’m sorry there was no child,” she whispered, leaning into Joslynn. “Nadyah will protect you if you’d like to stay and enjoy the Games with me.”

Joslynn didn’t want to stay cooped up in the palace when she felt sad and lonely. She nodded. “I’d like to stay if that’s all right.”

Adelina patted her hand. “Of course, you can sit with me.”

Joslynn smiled in gratitude and followed the princess towards the raised platform for the royal family. King Orion and Queen Adele already sat under the shade with servants ensuring they had chilled drinks and fruit available. Hundreds of people swarmed the palace grounds, but it was a much more informal gathering than the Welcome Banquet had been, or the coming-of-age party.

The summer sun baked the earth and Joslynn could feel the heat in the stones through the soles of her shoes. The Kala sun around the Summer Solstice was merciless. After the morning Games, there would be lunch and a quick rest, and then it would be time for the Hunt. Joslynn loved a good Hunt, and was a bit wistful she couldn’t fully participate. The animal felled that day would be served at dinner, during the twilight hour.

Joslynn had never seen anything quite like the setting sun on Draga. The twilight breeze of dusk, the violets, pinks, and greys of the world were breathtaking. Pedranus simply didn’t have the kind of sunlight for such magnificence as watching Kala dip below the ocean.

“Are you going to join in any of the activities?” Joslynn asked. She smiled at the commoners who stared in open wonder and awe to simply be a part of such events.

“No, I do not plan to,” the princess replied, stopping to speak with some of the common citizens.

Joslynn waited patiently as they practically fell over themselves at the princess’s attention, stumbling over their words and protocol. It was kind of adorable in a way. Adelina’s laughter and kindness put them at ease as they chatted. The youngest princess had always been the best about maintaining relations with the people. It was a giant misfortune she had not been the first-born.

Once Adelina had moved on Joslynn jumped in, glancing at the way Nadyah shadowed them both. “Why not, Princess? I’ve heard you’re quite skilled with a bow.”

Adelina glanced at Joslynn and shrugged. She appreciated that the princess no longer tried to play those stupid court games with her. Adelina didn’t act shy around her, she didn’t dissemble, and she simply was herself around Joslynn.

“It seems prudent to keep the attention away from me at the moment.”

Joslynn glanced at Raena across the grounds as a male came up beside them. Adelina didn’t even have to give her a specific reason, it was clear as day and she hated to agree. It was safer, as Joslynn had heard the grumblings and whispers in the halls, words that would have been treasonous if reported.

Nadyah put herself between Joslynn and the blue-haired, chocolate brown-eyed beauty. The courtesan shielding her was such a small thing, but Joslynn was alone on Draga Terra and she appreciated it more than she could ever say.

“Will you be participating in the Games?” Adelina asked the young male after he introduced himself with a deep bow. He couldn’t be much older than the princess.

The breadth and height of him; he was utterly massive. Joslynn couldn’t help but admire his form and the soft beauty of his face. The male blushed when he nodded. “I plan to, your highness. What Game will you be playing?”

Adelina watched as the palace staff finished setting up rings for the swords, an archery range, galina races, and the game all of Draga knew as part of their culture and history – the game of the Wolf. Joslynn could see the longing on the princess’s face and wished she could do something to help her.

The princess turned back to Stefano and shrugged. “Someone needs to help keep score,” she said with that smile she wore for the livestream.

The male looked nervous as he offered Adelina his arm. “May I escort you to your seat then?” he asked, words stiff and formal.

Joslynn turned to hide her smile.

Adelina placed her hand over his fist. Despite his more dominant scent Stefano took the submissive position due to his lesser rank and placed one arm behind his back as he led her across the sweet grass field.

She trailed after the princess with Nadyah at her side. It really was a sight to behold. Had the royals ever allowed citizens to partake in their events and Games like the nobility? Joslynn couldn’t remember if there’d ever been such a thing before. Now here they were with this handsome male escorting a princess.

“Your host family has taught you protocol I see,” Adelina said.

The pair took their time walking to the raised platform and Joslynn smiled. The other commoners watched in obvious jealousy and the courtiers giggled and whispered as usual. The princess didn’t ever look away from Stefano.

“I hope this is not all too much.” Adelina waved her hand to indicate the opulence, the strict protocol, the courtiers, and the intensity of the recorders that followed her and Stefano with barely any room to breathe.

Joslynn felt guilty, but she was glad those recorders weren’t on her.

Stefano shook his head and then glanced at Adelina as if wondering if such a casual gesture was allowed. “The Priea House has been very kind and…instructive,” he said. “Their house in the city is stunning, and they’ve treated me with every kindness. The time I get to spend here and the experiences are a once in a lifetime event. Fear would only tarnish that.”

A brave male, Joslynn thought. She had thought his accent indicated the planet Priea, but despite the color of his hair she hadn’t been sure. His eyes were too dark for the average Priean citizen.

“Are you enjoying your time on Draga Terra?” the princess asked as they reached the platform.

“It is a bit hotter,” Stefano laughed. “But thankfully it is not as humid as Priea. The jungles seal in the moisture, and if the right fabrics are not worn you would be constantly soaked.”

Joslynn waited while Nadyah went to one of the guards standing next to the platform where the king and queen were already seated. She spoke in hushed whispers and the guard pointed at a pile of weapons behind the platform. It must have been Adelina’s personal guard then. Once the courtesan was satisfied she drifted back to Joslynn’s side and the guard’s focus was back on the mingling nobility.

“I’ll have to thank the Lady Veri for taking such good care of you,” Adelina teased, running a hand down Stefano’s well-muscled arm.

Joslynn’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. She could see what the princess meant; she saw the way the fabric clung to every muscle. The male really was gorgeous with those Priean markings. Veri was a goddess and she knew it. Stefano wasn’t far behind in appearance. But for Adelina to say such a thing out loud and so boldly in public was extremely out of character.

A glance at the courtesan showed a proud smile and Joslynn shook her head. The culture on Draga Terra wasn’t much different than the culture on Pedranus, but they did not have courtesans, and they very rarely underwent a camerraleto as it required travel to attain a proper instructor. There was no book she’d found that properly described the camerraleto and what it entailed, but she assumed this must be part of it.

“Would you like to have some tea with me?” Adelina asked Stefano. She tilted her head towards the nearby pavilion where most courtiers were eating, drinking, and enjoying the shade as the Games were finalized. Adelina caught Nadyah’s eye and her courtesan raised a brow as if to say ‘go ahead and play.’

Stefano seemed pleased with the request and Joslynn could see why. A change had come over the sweet princess, and she practically oozed sex appeal. The princess led Stefano over to the pavilion and Joslynn wasn’t sure what to do.

Nadyah smiled and offered her an arm as a male would. “I need to stay by your side, Countess, but I must also watch over my pupil. Join me at the pavilion?”

Joslynn actually blushed, but she took the courtesan’s hand. “Is this part of the camerraleto?” she whispered. It fascinated her, but Joslynn was also embarrassed to ask.

Nadyah smiled wickedly as they trailed behind the princess and the gorgeously built male. “It’s practice. Adelina has been shy and reserved her entire life. Getting her to open up, relax, flirt, and seduce someone is not easy. She can learn how to perform every act in the bedroom perfectly, know fifty different positions with a female, a male, or both, or two males…” Nadyah trailed off.

Joslynn felt overwhelmed by all the possibilities, and couldn’t imagine studying such a thing herself.

“She can be the perfect lover, but if the princess cannot get them to the bedroom it is of no use and all that skill goes to waste. Adelina has to extrovert herself, and a lifetime of submission hasn’t made that easy. So we practice.” Nadyah gave Joslynn a wink. “Stefano is a lovely male to practice on, and it makes it a bit easier.”

Joslynn laughed as they passed by Lady Veri who was on Prince Asher’s arm. Asher couldn’t seem to resist the temptation of Priea either. Adelina gave Veri a wide smile and the female openly stared before grinning back. When the princess and Stefano reached the shaded pavilion he brought her to the table of tea and asked how she liked it.

Joslynn and Nadyah approached next and the courtesan brushed past Stefano to take a cup and then handed it to Joslynn. The male blustered his apology and Joslynn could barely contain her laughter. The courtesan had very purposefully brushed a breast against the poor male.

“This is Nadyah,” Adelina said. She paused for a breath and Joslynn wondered how she would introduce the courtesan. “She is my lady-in-waiting.”

Joslynn supposed there was no need to scare the poor male off, he was already flustered.

Stefano blushed as he bowed over Nadyah’s hand, kissing her knuckles. Joslynn wondered if that was a custom among the commoners. Rarely did they mingle with royalty so she was not sure.

Stefano stumbled over his words under the heat of Nadyah’s sexual appreciation. The lust in her eyes as she looked Stefano up and down made the muscles in Joslynn’s thighs tremble.

It seemed Adelina took pity because she threw him a life-line. “She is a courtesan, Stefano. I apologize if you did not know.”

The poor male mumbled something as Adelina made sure to place her hand in the crook of his elbow in reassurance. She gently traced her thumb over that sensitive skin. “What do you do for a living Stefano?” Adelina asked, watching as he poured her tea.

He nearly spilled the drink at her soft touch, but recovered quickly. “I build starships,” he replied, handing her the ice-cold tea.

Adelina sipped and her eyes trailed over Stefano’s muscles.

Stefano turned away from Nadyah and faced Adelina. It was the most respectful thing Joslynn had ever seen a male do around a courtesan. It also showed his inner strength and control. To ignore the feelings a courtesan evoked required intense discipline. Even Nadyah’s brows rose in surprise.

The courtesan kept them at a distance from the pair as they went on to gather tea and snacks. She leaned over to whisper as they watched the princess. “Putting him on uneven ground helps her soften him to her attentions, since her rank did not overly impress him. Creating a strong connection as quickly as possible is one of the most difficult, but truly wondrous courtesan traits. We use knowledge for power and persuasion in the subtlest of ways. I’m trying to teach this to Adelina.”

It was a lot to think about and Joslynn was glad she did not have to worry about such things. From the outside, the life of the third-born princess was easy and frivolous. Joslynn never thought she would do more than marry some lord, but the princess had other ideas in mind if what she’d seen during council meetings was any indication.

Then the personality Joslynn was allowed to see in private told her life as a pretty wife would never be enough for Adelina and she wondered how the princess would manage in such a restrictive situation.

“What Games will you participate in?” Adelina asked, her voice making its way back to Nadyah and Joslynn.

“I signed up for all of them,” Stefano replied.

“Even the galina races through the forest?” Adelina asked.

“Yes, we raise and train them on Priea for hunting. They protect us from the creatures living in the waters. Almost everyone knows how to ride.”

Joslynn had known about the monstrous things living in the oceans, lakes, and rivers of Priea but she hadn’t known they used the galinas to hunt them. On Pedranus very few rode, mostly the nobles as they tended to be more dominant.

“Many on your home planet must be dominant then,” Adelina said, echoing Joslynn’s own thoughts.

The pair stopped a few meters away and Nadyah stopped Joslynn, pointing at one of the males readying for the Games. It looked like the most natural movement in the universe, but Joslynn knew it was to stay within listening distance of the princess, still close enough to protect Adelina if need be. It really was impressive how subtle Nadyah was. Joslynn doubted anyone even really saw the courtesan unless she wanted them to.

Adelina took a step closer to Stefano, close enough her breast brushed against his arm. His entire body tensed as she leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Then I suppose you will need this for good luck,” she said. The glittering black scarf hidden in her pocket caught the light and looked like the night sky. Her fingers trailed over Stefano’s arm as she took her time tying it around his bicep.

Joslynn couldn’t look away. This was the girl she saw in private, and it worried her that Adelina planned to put herself in the spotlight more and more. At least for now it did. What Raena might see as a threat would be anyone’s guess.

Stefano bowed low and the tips of his ears were a bit red, but he seemed rather pleased with the princess’s token. He took her hand and kissed Adelina’s golden palm. “Any Game I win will be in your name.”

“Thank you Stefano, it pleases me you will wear my token. They’re about to start the Games, don’t be late,” Adelina teased.

The male actually grinned at her before he jogged towards the massive open field. Nadyah smiled into her tea, sparkles of amusement in her eyes. Joslynn was amused as well. The princess had the poor male wrapped around her tiny finger.

The courtesan led Joslynn towards Adelina and they stood on the edge of the happy chaos, watching the blue-haired male take his place in the line-up. “Very well done,” Nadyah said. Her elbow touched Adelina’s as they both watched the players ready for the Games to finally start. “I do believe he’d take on the dragons for you if you asked.”

Adelina laughed good-naturedly, but then Joslynn watched her face turn serious. “Lucky for him I will not have to command his life.”

Joslynn shuddered at the intensity in those words. After the request Adelina had made that morning, she had no doubt the princess planned to send many males to take on the dragons for her.

Nadyah released Joslynn and the three of them walked towards the raised platform with the king and queen as friends would. For the first time Joslynn felt she had comrades on Draga Terra, she did not feel as though she had to constantly be on guard, or guess at the thousand different meanings behind every word and touch. She sighed happily. Despite the taint of the Neprijat King, the sadness she felt at no child in her womb, and Sirus’s absence she felt like she was where she needed to be, doing what her people and the Draga galaxy needed her to do.

The king and queen sat in their thrones, smiling at their youngest daughter as she approached.

“Will Prince Ian be joining in?” Nadyah asked the princess.

Adelina gave her courtesan a sharp look and Joslynn wondered what she missed under the surface. “Hopefully he will join us; Ian needs to take a break from his endless work. He’s already created a vaccine they now have in the testing phase, though he won’t stop until he can find a cure to hypomalarya.” Adelina shrugged. “But he’s never enjoyed a Hunt.”

The king beckoned them all onto the raised platform when Joslynn hesitated. Adelina ran up the small steps to kiss her father on the cheek in greeting. “How are you feeling today, Papa?” she asked.

The way she studied his face for any sign of his condition worsening or improving made Joslynn’s heart ache. King Orion would be missed by them all.

“Not any worse than yesterday,” the king replied, patting her cheek. “Come here, lady,” he told Joslynn, moving his daughter aside.

Adelina gave her mother a kiss and then stood in between his throne and Raena’s, leaning against the wooden arm as she surveyed the fields. The king took Adelina’s hand in his as he faced Joslynn.

She quickly dropped a curtsey and kept her eyes on the floor. She’d hosted the royal family during their tours so she was familiar with them, but not close. It was strange to be on Draga Terra and treated like family.

“It’s nice to see you again, Joslynn. Adelina told me about your engagement to Sirus, and I believe congratulations are in order.”

Joslynn nodded and smiled up at the king. “Thank you, your majesty. It means much coming from you.”

The king gave her a small, sad smile. “I apologize I will not be able to see it, or any little ones. I know you’ve been alone for a long time. Though Colin loves you like a daughter.”

Adelina sat in her usual spot, and the king indicated Joslynn should sit next to her. Joslynn gingerly sat next to the princess, feeling odd about taking one of the royal chairs. “I appreciate the kindness, your majesty. Colin has been a wonderful father.”

With the niceties out of the way, Nadyah sat behind them both with Elara, the king’s mistress. Joslynn felt nervous as the recorders noticed her presence on the royal dais and only hoped it wouldn’t cause her problems later.

“I saw you speaking to that young man from Priea,” the king said, leaning towards Adelina.

King Orion missed nothing it seemed.

“He is a lovely male,” Adelina admitted. “I gave him my token.”

King Orion chuckled. “I’m sure Leo and Jayden are rather put out about it.”

Adelina gave her father a look and the king merely shrugged. “They are the only two you would bother with.”

Joslynn was surprised, but she wasn’t sure about what exactly. The king was far more easy-going when he was with Adelina than he was around any others. She supposed favoritism could be a problem. There were six royal children, and Joslynn didn’t doubt the dominance fights were spectacular. Alone, he didn’t have to worry about upsetting any of his other children.

The king made it sound like Adelina was being picky with her choice of males for the recorders, but they all knew the real reason. Any others could be ones Raena considered for a husband, and any sign of competition from Adelina would not be wise with her marriage rights held by the crown princess.

As if she heard them speaking about her, Raena strode towards them from the field and she looked glorious.

Her raven hair was braided to enhance the small, golden crown atop her head that glittered with black opals. She wore black pants with her supple, well-worn riding boots. They looked recently polished and told everyone who could read the signs she wasn’t just a stuffy princess. Raena rode in the forest regularly. There were no skirts as Adelina had, Joslynn noticed. The top of her outfit was fashioned like one of the military jackets, but instead of the normal trim there was gold embroidery. Golden roses glittered under the summer sun, bringing attention to her tiny waist and the slim muscles on Raena’s body.

It was a bold statement, one that said she could handle what was about to come. That Raena knew how to get dirty when need be, and she could be relatable to the people. Though Joslynn didn’t think an outfit would make much of a difference after that morning. Perhaps the Games would help Raena’s reputation among the people.

Those dark amethyst eyes swept over Adelina and instantly the younger princess dropped her eyes, inclining her head in a small bow. Joslynn bowed lower, taking her cues from Adelina. This was the last place she wanted to be with the crown princess still in a mood after the council meeting.

Raena greeted the king and sat in the empty throne next to him.

Carefully Adelina crossed her legs and placed her hands on the arms of the small throne. She kept her eyes down, but her spine was straight, and her head held high. Joslynn could see how difficult it was for Adelina to keep that submissive mask on at times, but Adelina also knew how precarious her freedom was with Raena.

Joslynn watched the two sisters in her peripheral but kept her gaze forward on the events.

“No Games today?” Raena asked, turning to Adelina.

Joslynn’s muscles tensed between her shoulders as that predatory attention swept over her.

“No, sister,” Adelina murmured. “I will enjoy watching you win though.” A sweet, soft smile as she kept her eyes down on Raena’s lips so as not to challenge her.

Joslynn had never admired Adelina as much as she did in that moment. It took a lot of hidden strength not to wilt under someone like Raena. Even Joslynn had difficulty and she was only one level below Raena in the dominance spectrum.

“I see you gave a token,” Raena teased her younger sister, playfully tapping the top of Adelina’s hand. “Wish me luck, dear sister.” A kiss on Adelina’s cheek and Raena was up and striding across the field with purpose.

When the crown princess was out of earshot, Joslynn heard Adelina slowly let out a breath. This was a dangerous game, and she could see how hard it was for the princess to pretend Adelina and Raena were as close as they’d once been.

Relief flooded Joslynn. For the first time she was grateful Princess Adelina had chosen not to participate in the Games.