Joslynn enjoyed having Sirus at her side. It kept many of the unwanted males away from her and she hadn’t seen any she would be interested in. The Scyrian lord beside her was a terrible distraction.

The welcome dinner had been tedious. Even the newly arrived nobles bored her. Everyone had an agenda and every single one of them was power hungry. She had precious metals, gems, and a fertile planet. Those all equated to power in many males’ opinion.

They all disgusted her. Perhaps she could convince her people a ‘tube baby’ was a legitimate heir if she could find the proper genetic material. Then she would have to ensure the father had no rights to the child or her planet, which would require mounds of paperwork. Joslynn sighed. Nothing was ever simple.

Sirus glared at the guards and nobles around them as they made their way down one of the beautiful hallways with an open wall to the warm outside air. Joslynn was supposed to spend time with the females of the court and she looked forward to it. There would be no expectations for her to choose someone and therefore she wouldn’t have to keep her guard up.

The Queen’s solar was a sanctuary for the ladies of the court. No men were allowed in the room and only Ilashyan was spoken. The language was an ode to the life they had to lead before they were considered equal. The habit stuck after centuries of subjugation. If things went poorly on the husband front then perhaps Joslynn could hide there for the majority of the trip. She had no idea how Princess Raena managed the pressure.

“Is everything all right, Countess?” Sirus asked with a sideways glance.

Sirus was still an option. When she had made the request for him to consider her hand in marriage it had been a failsafe, but after two weeks of travelling in space together she felt there was so much more than an attraction between them. He was the most respectful, polite, and reliable male she’d ever come across and he didn’t give a damn about her wealth. He treated her as a lady and made no move to officially court her. It frustrated her – the distance he placed between the two of them. After how close they’d gotten during the trip he’d pulled away when they’d reached Draga Terra.

“Please, Sirus, how many times do I have to remind you to call me Joslynn?” The man was insufferable.

“I apologize, la—Joslynn.” She could hear the exasperation in his voice. Sirus was not the best at covering his emotions. Or he was easy for her to read. She hadn’t quite figured out which it was yet. “I worry for your safety,” he muttered. “I’ve already had three courtiers at your door this morning asking to see you.”

She huffed in annoyance. “And?”

Sirus gave her another sideways glance as they stopped outside the Queen’s solar. Two guards stood at attention and Joslynn assumed there were more hidden to protect the queen and the heir. This was the safest place for Joslynn to be. Sirus was being ridiculous.

“They were not on your approved list so I sent them away.” He made a face. “They were not pleased and I am not comfortable leaving you alone. Your safety was charged to me, not one of these guards I do not know.” Sirus raked a disapproving gaze over the males in uniform and Joslynn didn’t bother hiding her smile.

“You can stay outside the door and wait for me then. Whatever will make you more comfortable,” she said. Joslynn leaned forward and gave him a parting kiss on the cheek. “Play nice with the other guards,” she teased.

The countess left him with the other males and entered the solar. She was immediately struck by the high ceilings and plush furniture. The sunlight filled the room through the wide windows which offered an amazing view of the forest and palace grounds on one side and the city on the other. She walked slowly as she inspected each lady and the quiet hush followed her. Books lined the shelves and true to the description, not a male was in sight.

She breathed a sigh of relief.

“Lady Joslynn?” a quiet, delicate voice reached her and she turned to find the youngest princess standing before her. Princess Adelina gave her a shy smile and had a hard time meeting her gaze as if the young female were rejected often. The time they had spent on Pedranus during the Royal Tour a few months earlier was regrettably cut short when the king became too ill to pretend any longer.

“Princess Adelina,” Joslynn said respectfully, curtseying as protocol demanded. “What service may I provide?”

Joslynn hadn’t expected anyone in the royal family to seek her out. She may be the ruler of Pedranus, but there was a lot going on in the palace at the moment. Adelina blushed and Joslynn’s eyes widened in surprise. Was the princess nervous of her? She almost laughed at the ridiculous thought. No, that couldn’t possibly be the case. Princess Adelina was a favorite among the people and had nothing to be nervous about.

“I wondered if you would like to join me?” the princess offered.

Joslynn looked around the solar and noticed a few jealous glares but most of the women were welcoming and smiling. “Of course, Princess, I would be delighted.” Joslynn was glad she did not have to sit alone or make awkward small talk with women she did not know.

Princess Adelina led her over to an intimate setup of couches and chairs. The young princess sat down on one couch and gestured delicately at the empty space next to her. Joslynn sat and then noticed the woman who stood directly behind the princess, staring out the window. The beautiful blonde turned and smiled slowly at Joslynn.

Shocked at the instant fire in her belly, Joslynn could only stare. The deep sapphire of her eyes had the countess mesmerized. What sorcery was this?

“This is Nadyah,” Princess Adelina said softly, her cheeks flushing. “She is a courtesan from the House of Kismet. She will be staying here at the palace while I undergo my camerraleto.” The blush deepened and Adelina busied herself by needlessly straightening the folds of her gown.

Joslynn had heard of these courtesans. Their genetics were somehow different than the average Kalan but she never knew exactly how until the woman held her gaze. Every dirty thought she’d ever had surfaced to Joslynn’s mind. Never had she been attracted to another female until that moment. Joslynn cleared her throat. “It is very nice to meet you, Lady Nadyah.”

Nadyah bowed her head only slightly, but she gave Joslynn a secret smile. “I am no lady.” Gods above even her voice purred and rubbed against Joslynn in a way that made her squirm. “I apologize if I make you uncomfortable. I understand there are no courtesans in the outer rim.”

Joslynn swallowed as she found her voice. “No. The ones who pass themselves off as courtesans aren’t quite the same.” Nadyah grinned and then turned back to the window. With the intensity diminished it gave Joslynn the space to gather her thoughts again and she turned back to the princess. “I wanted to congratulate you on your upcoming birth celebration.”

Adelina didn’t look up but she smiled. Her small hands caressed the folds of the glittery spidersilk. “I appreciate the well wishes.” She looked up at Joslynn then and her purple, amethyst eyes had a certain spark. “I am grateful you were able to make it. I understand this time is difficult for you.”

Again Joslynn felt surprise. This wispy little princess was far more observant than she let on. “Yes,” she said slowly. She hadn’t been prepared for intelligent conversation. Embroidery perhaps and questions about her planet she had expected, but not an empathetic equal. “It is why I brought Lord Sirus with me as my escort. Our families have taken care of one another for many generations now.”

Adelina looked across the room and she gave a nod to someone. A servant came by with three cups of tea and a few edibles. The princess then thanked the servant. That was unusual for royalty, or so Joslynn had heard. The princess looked down at her cup then and blushed when she saw how closely Joslynn watched her.

“It must be nice to have someone you can rely on,” Adelina said. “Lady Joslynn, I wanted to speak with you about purchasing some gems I could work with?”

The change in subject caught Joslynn off guard and she frowned slightly. She narrowed her eyes. The shyness felt a little…off. Princess Adelina couldn’t be that shy if she had sought her out to talk business. This woman had everyone fooled. Joslynn glanced at Nadyah whose sapphire eyes sparkled at her again. Well, not everyone it seemed.

“Work with how?” Joslynn asked. “Would you cut the gems, or would you use them as decoration? Do you have a particular stone in mind?”

“I have a design I need them for, but wasn’t sure which stone to use,” Adelina told her.

“Do you have the design on you, Princess?”

Adelina reached into the pocket of her dress. “Oh, you may call me Adelina. I had hoped we may become friends.” She pulled something up on her simulcast. “Here it is.”

The princess handed the simulcast over and Joslynn studied the sketch with an expert eye. The lines were beautiful and the detail entrancing. The necklace would catch the light perfectly and draw attention to the collarbones rather than cleavage which was subtle and rather ingenious. “This is amazing,” she said. “You must tell me who designed such a piece. I would love to work with them on other projects if you do not mind.”

Princess Adelina blushed again and straightened the folds of her gown. “Actually, I designed it.”

Joslynn’s jaw dropped. She stared at the princess. “Did you really, your highness?”

Adelina cleared her throat. “Adelina is fine, Lady Joslynn.”

Joslynn grinned at the irritation she could hear in her voice. “Adelina then, I had no idea you had a trade.”

She shrugged and took up her tea. It was very unladylike to shrug but Joslynn didn’t care. “I don’t have a trade as a princess. I am not allowed, but I am allowed this hobby.” Adelina’s voice was quiet and she shot a glance at the queen. Ah, it made sense then why the princess was nearly two separate people.

Joslynn smiled and leaned over the simulcast to point out where the right jewels would shine the best. Diamonds might be too obvious a choice. Joslynn tried to picture who would wear the filigree masterpiece. It really was exquisite work.

“Who is this designed for?” she asked.

“I designed it for Raena’s coronation, but….” Suddenly Adelina winced and something flickered in her eyes.

The level of pain in those eyes was enough to take Joslynn’s breath away.

“What’s wrong?” Joslynn whispered, making sure not to attract too much attention. Nadyah’s gaze whipped to them at her words and suddenly the courtesan moved.

“Have some tea, princess,” Nadyah murmured, shaking her head ever so slightly.

The sun shone on Adelina and she was pale. The gold of her skin seem tarnished and her eyes blank. Something else was going on, and Joslynn wasn’t sure she wanted to know what it was.

“Princess?” Joslynn managed.

“Not another word.” Adelina’s words were harsh, but underneath the anger was a quiet desperation. That mask of shyness had slipped and Joslynn could see part of the real Adelina. The difference shocked her.

As soon as the princess regained her composure Joslynn continued on as though she hadn’t noticed Adelina’s sudden illness. “You’ll have to design something for me as well. It’ll be your payment for the gems.”

Adelina frowned. “I will pay for the gems chosen for my pieces as well as the metals. You can then pay me for the design as you would any other; I want it to be fair for you. We can go over prices at a later time. Any design you commission from me may be subtracted from my bill if you like, but I will pay what any other jeweler does.”

Joslynn laughed. “Of course Princess, whatever you wish. I appreciate a mind for business.” She started listing off the traditional gems used for a coronation and how they differed from ones worn at a wedding. “Have you ever seen white opals?” she asked Adelina.

Adelina studied her piece. “I know black opals are rare, but I had hoped you might have found some considering your gift earlier. Even a purple opal would suit for the coronation. White would go against tradition.”

Joslynn nodded. “I do have smaller pieces of the black that could be set in such a necklace. I also recently found a strain of purple gold. No one has purchased ingots yet as I’ve waited to present it to your family first.”

That strange vein of gold and the opals seemed like a sign from the three-faced goddess. The countess was needed by the royal family whether any of them knew it or not. She studied the girl next to her and considered the possibility this was the one who needed her and not the crown princess as she had thought.

The princess looked up, eyes wide. “Purple gold?” she asked.

When Joslynn nodded, her eyes lit up and Adelina’s smile was blinding. “That would be wondrous. The Draga royal colors are black, gold, and purple. With purple gold I could create a royal piece Raena could use for her entire reign.”

“Would you like me to fetch some of the pieces for you to see?” Joslynn knew she could run to her room and back quickly enough as long as Adelina had the time.

The floating time-keeper chimed the hour. The princess glanced at the display and then the constantly shining sun outside.

Joslynn had never seen so much sun in all her life. It drenched the earth and heated the air. The climate was difficult for her to adjust to, but she also basked in the warmth she would rarely see on Pedranus.

“There is time. I have to start preparing for the announcement tonight in an hour or so. If you can make it back before then I can wait.” Adelina turned and smiled at Joslynn. Those amethyst eyes and the sweet scent of jasmine drew her in.

“I think I can manage. May I be excused, Princess?” she asked formally, following protocol precisely.

“As you wish,” Adelina stated with a smile. She turned to Nadyah, effectively dismissing her after Joslynn managed a quick curtsey.

The females in the solar eyed her as she made her way to the lovely double doors, curtseying to the queen and the crown princess before she left the Queen’s Solar. It didn’t matter what they thought. She was not here to make nice with nobles she would most likely never see again.

Joslynn stopped in the hall and saw only the two guards who were there before she’d entered. Sirus was nowhere to be found. Had something happened? “Lord Sirus?” she called, trying not to raise her voice.

“Lord Sirus!” she hissed. Where had the gods-be-damned male gone off to?

“I’m here, Lady,” his deep gravelly voice reached her as he strode down the hall. The scar down his face seemed to stand out more than usual and Sirus looked agitated as he offered her his arm. He barely waited for her to take it before he whisked her down the hall.

“Sirus, I need to go to my rooms,” Joslynn stated when he walked blindly in the wrong direction.

He grumbled something and then whipped them both around towards the guest wing. Joslynn did not have long legs. She yanked him back hard enough for him to slow down so she did not have to trot alongside him to keep up.

“Is something wrong?” she asked and he unwittingly began to pick up the pace again.

“I did as you asked and inquired into the commotion from last night,” he said. Sirus kept his deep voice quiet as they passed multiple courtiers and nobles. Some of the lords glared at Sirus, but did not dare approach when he glared back at them.

Joslynn covered her smile with her hand as she watched the lords’ jealous faces. She looked up at Sirus and his face was troubled. The serious look reminded her that this male was immovable. Whatever he had discovered was worrisome enough to affect his normally perfect control. The possibility her people were in danger sat like ash on her tongue. Had something terrible happened? Gods she hoped everyone at home was all right.

Sirus checked over his shoulder before entering the main lift. The footman knew where to take them and the silence was suffocating. Joslynn had too many questions, but Sirus would never answer while someone else listened in. His secrecy had her panicking. It must be terrible, whatever it was.

The lift doors opened and he practically dragged her down the hall. Joslynn could only imagine what it looked like to an outsider – the barbarian lord hauling her off to ravage her in the bedroom. “Can you please stop manhandling me?” she finally snapped, yanking her hand out of his crushing grip.

Sirus rolled his shoulders back as he muttered an apology. He counted the doors and then opened hers. “Please,” he said. His look was apologetic.

He didn’t touch her but she could feel the urgency rolling off him in waves. Joslynn stomped into her sitting room and then whirled around. She crossed her arms and glared at him. “Explain to me what is so world-shattering you had to drag me here like a doll?”

“One moment,” he said. His gravelly voice soothed her despite the fear lodged in her heart. He took out his simulcast and tapped a program. There was a quick chirp and Sirus looked satisfied. “Now we can talk freely.” Despite his reassurance he slipped into the Outer Rim lingo that took the beautiful language of Draga and mangled it into something efficient and harsh.

“What is the meaning of all this?” she asked in irritation. The cloak and dagger routine was a bit much for her and she felt it completely unnecessary. “I want to know what is going on.”

Sirus shook his head. “Lord Lucas arrived last night during the official greeting to warn the king. Marchese Peter and the other son of the Treon Marquis, Grady – the two of them are traitors. They made an attempt on Lucas’s life. Assassins followed his every move to Draga Terra and he’s been in three skirmishes since he left Treon.” His large hand reached for her waist and Sirus directed her to a chair. “He barely made it to his ship alive. Lucas was blessed by the gods to have such a skilled physician on board.”

Joslynn was silent as she processed his words. “What treachery do you speak of?”

Sirus heaved a huge sigh. “They are working with the Neprijat King.”

The words sunk into her heart, heavy and bitter. There were times Joslynn was happy she didn’t have family and this was one of those times. She may be lonely on occasion but she would never feel the heartache of having her own flesh and blood betray her. The man who was supposed to raise and nurture her…no, she couldn’t imagine. Colin would never do such a thing.

“I need to send a cast to my steward. No, I should head home and prepare my people. Pedranus will be a desired acquisition. It always is,” she spat.

She hated her birthright sometimes. Someone always wanted her damn planet for the riches in the soil and her people always suffered. Perhaps she should look into putting more time and gold into her army. “It’s not fair to my people or yours. I cannot depend on my allies for the rest of time to protect my people and our assets. You have your own people and planet to worry about.” Joslynn rushed to her feet. She needed to go home and prepare for the war she knew would soon arrive at their doorstep. Her hands fluttered nervously as she crossed the sitting room to her bedroom.

The trunks sat neatly and she threw one open. Joslynn would have to leave the gems for Adelina, but she simply couldn’t stay on Draga Terra in the royal palace while the Neprijat already had a foothold so close to her home.

“Joslynn, please wait!” Sirus reached for her but she was too fast.

She was throwing clothing into her empty trunk and simultaneously pulling out her simulcast. “How soon can we leave?” she inquired as she tapped out a message to Colin.

Sirus snatched the simulcast out of her hand before she could send a message. “Please wait, we should talk about this, strategize and decide on the proper course of action. An emotional decision is not the best route.”

Joslynn grabbed for her device, furious. “I am not making an emotional decision. A female chooses with both heart and mind. Every time a stupid male decides a woman is wrong he tells her she’s being emotional.” The words were poison in her mouth. “I refuse to let another man tell me I’m being emotional! I am Countess! I rule Pedranus and no one else.” She pointed a quivering finger at him and glared daggers. “I will marry a woman just to spite every male born in this cursed galaxy. My child will be female and no man will ever get his greedy hands on my home.”

“Lady, I apologize my words upset you, but I simply meant you should remain on Draga Terra for your own safety.”

Men were so exasperating. “And who would protect my people?”

“I will.”

His words shocked her so deeply her fury dissipated instantly.

She just stood there, clothing dropping to the floor from her lifeless fingers. “Excuse me?”

“I will regroup with my forces and protect your home.” Sirus was so matter-of-fact.

Joslynn inhaled sharply as relief hit her hard. Sirus was far more capable in war than she. “You would really do that?”

He frowned. “It is my duty, Lady.”

Of course, it was because of their long-standing alliance.

Joslynn paced the length of her room. She crossed her arms and tapped her fingers as she thought. “I still think I need to go back to Pedranus. Colin is not prepared to deal with an invasion on his own. He simply runs the businesses and makes sure production does not waver.”

She also didn’t like the idea of staying back alone in the palace. Despite being vulnerable on her own, Joslynn was afraid for Sirus. He might not come back from protecting her planet. The thought struck her like a physical blow and she had to sit down to catch her breath.

“Countess?” Sirus was at her side before she could protest his use of her title.

“I don’t want you to go,” she whispered. Joslynn felt ashamed. She was a coward. The bright sun was a mockery of happiness when her world was so dark. This place was like a mirage. Nothing in the palace was real. It was all too removed. The way the royals treated issues further out from the core of the Draga galaxy was like a game to them when the lives of the people were very real to her.

Sirus knelt before her and he reached for her hands, but then hesitated. “May I?” he finally asked. She nodded and he gently took her hands in his. “If you don’t wish for me to go then I won’t. My life is yours.”

At those sacred words she met his gaze with a sharp look. Sirus was submitting to her despite their equal rank and dominance. Joslynn was barely a notch above him as both their families were counts, but he was the third-born son and she the first-born. Why would he say such a foolish thing? “Your life is your own,” she snapped, not liking how vulnerable his words made her feel.

“Joslynn, my mother may have ordered me to escort you, but I make my own choices. I choose to submit to your will.” The ice blue of his good eye stared into her soul and she had to catch her breath.

Who would have thought the hardened warrior assigned as her escort could be someone she felt so comfortable with, someone she actually cared a great deal for? They were complete opposites but somehow it worked. Joslynn enjoyed his hard edges. The scar on his face didn’t frighten her as she had seen it frighten others around the palace. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I couldn’t do this without you.” All she wanted was to go home, but Joslynn had obligations and she would see to it they were done.

She stood and he moved with her. They looked at each other, close enough she could smell his wild scent. “What other options are there?”

“My brother on Scyria can manage the army for now. I can send out a coded cast with deployment orders. My mother still rules officially so the people will be cared for. You can send your steward new instructions until we get a better feel for the battlefield. Leaving before the ball and the coronation may seem suspicious.” The way he looked at her had her knees going weak despite the matter-of-fact words.

Joslynn ran her gaze over his scar. She reached up and traced the jagged skin with her fingertips and Sirus jerked in surprise. “Would you do something for me?” she asked softly. He looked wary at her request, but she smiled and leaned into him slightly, enjoying the strength he possessed. “I want to thank you for everything; I want to make sure you have your best chance.” The pad of her thumb brushed under his ruined eye. “Let me contact a doctor to repair your eye, or replace it if necessary. You will need it.”

Sirus was already shaking his head but she placed both her hands on his cheeks and simply said, “Please, I want to do this for you, not for me. I could care less about the scar, you can even ask them to leave it if you like.” She grinned at him and let her hands slide to the back of his neck where she brushed her fingers through the soft curls. “It does make you rather fearsome and roguish.”

Before she could second-guess herself Joslynn wrapped her arms around his neck and felt the strength in his body. Sirus was the only male she had ever met that wanted nothing from her and it made her want to give him everything, including herself. Sirus hesitated for a moment when her lips touched his. Then his hands fell to her waist and held her gently. Joslynn tightened her grip as she kissed him. He was warm and strong and the time in space together had only convinced her how good a man he truly was.

Tentatively she slipped her tongue into his mouth. He caressed hers in response and she groaned as heat poured to the tender spot between her legs. Joslynn felt something harden and grow against her. She held on to him tightly and just barely held herself back.

“Sirus,” she whispered. She wasn’t sure what to say, what this may mean, or even if this was something he wanted. “Do you want me to stop?” she asked. Joslynn drew back slightly to look at him.

Sirus’s good eye was half-lidded and he paused as he looked down at her.

The silence made Joslynn uncomfortable and she disengaged her arms from him.

“No,” he growled. Suddenly Sirus’s hands slid down and cupped her ass. He lifted her and whirled around. She gasped in surprise at the sudden movement. He placed her on the table and bent his head to take her mouth.

He was everywhere and his scent filled her. Sirus pressed against her and she felt the hard length of him against her as his tongue plundered her mouth. She held on to him for dear life while he held her upright and close. One hand was on her ribcage and Joslynn took it, placing it directly on her breast and then squeezed.

He growled and the fire inside her burned. The ache between her legs became unbearable. She rubbed against him and moaned when Sirus dipped his head and kissed his way down her jaw, her neck and to the plump flesh above her dress. He squeezed her breast again and licked the top of it. Joslynn reached for his pants and her fingers fumbled with the clasps. Before she could figure it out, Sirus pulled away, his chest heaving.

He stared at her as if she were some kind of sorceress. “I don’t know if this is a good idea,” he said warily. “I’m not even positive I plan to accept your generous offer to repair my eye.” Joslynn reached up to him and he grabbed her wrists before she could touch his face. “Please Lady; I need a moment to think.”

“What is there to think about?” she asked, feeling the sharp sting of his rejection. How could he want her one moment and then simply change his mind the next? Joslynn slid down from the table and took a step away from him to clear her head. “Did I make a mistake?”

Sirus rubbed a hand over his face and shook his head. “No, this is simply moving very fast. I wanted to speak with you, not defile you.”

She smiled at his choice of words, as if she were somehow the innocent and naïve one. “I believe I was the one doing the defiling.”

He gave her an exasperated look. “Joslynn please, I don’t want to take advantage of you, or have you think I am trying to take anything from you. As you said, many try to steal the riches of your family and planet. I do not want to be one of them.”

“Is it stealing if I offer? You need a second eye to better protect both our people.” Sirus was a difficult man to have feelings for. He was so closed off and mysterious. “My offer has nothing to do with how I feel about you personally.” She still ached even if the fire had dampened somewhat at his abrupt retreat. “The offer to repair your eye is based on a longstanding alliance and the knowledge you would do better if you could use all your senses completely.”

Sirus growled at her in annoyance. “You are stubborn, Countess,” he said, knowing the title would irritate her. “I will consider the offer.”

Joslynn arched a brow at him and crossed her arms over her chest.

He threw up his hands. “Fine, I will accept.”

She smiled. “Because of our alliance, or because you are afraid of the feelings you have for me?”

Sirus took two long strides and grabbed her. His mouth was on hers before she could say anything else. It was rough and demanding. The need roared back to life inside her and she would have dug her nails into his back if he didn’t have her arms trapped against her chest. Sirus bit her bottom lip and drew back only far enough to look into her eyes. “I like you woman, and I’m not sure how to handle it. So be patient with me and know I care for you.” Sirus breathed hard as he spoke calmly and Joslynn respected his control more than ever.

“I don’t want you to leave me here alone,” she said. Despite the ache, she pulled back her desires and wrapped her arms around his waist in a simple hug.

Sirus closed his eyes and rested his cheek on the top of her head. “Then I won’t leave you, it is as easy as that.”

Closing her eyes she prayed it would be so simple. Joslynn was not ready to give up her warrior when she was just learning how much she actually cared for him. Sirus was a passionate man behind his cold exterior and she wanted the time for him to warm up. Joslynn realized she hoped dearly he would accept her marriage offer, but she didn’t want to push it.

If a marriage between them could be based on real love and not simply lust or political advantage she would do everything she could to allow that to occur. Joslynn took a deep breath. The desire was still there, under the surface of her skin but she bit her cheek and ignored it.

“If we are staying for the coronation at least, then I must gather the items I came for and return to Princess Adelina.” What was it she came all this way to retrieve? “Then we have an announcement to get ready for,” Joslynn said with false cheer.

Ah, the opals and the gold. She tossed her clothes back on the bed for the maid to put away and pressed her hand to the second trunk. The device cleared her DNA and then hissed as the seal released. “Sirus, you will be my escort for the announcement and you will dress for the event properly?”

He grunted in annoyance. “I am no barbarian despite the rumors. My dress uniform ought to please you.” There was enough heat in Sirus’s voice to remind her of what they hadn’t finished.

Joslynn glanced over her shoulder with a smile as she bent to retrieve the items. “I should hope so,” she replied. “But there is much about you that pleases me, so I am not worried.”

Sirus actually blushed and Joslynn felt pleasure at being able to ruffle such a stoic male. She would enjoy her time with him, and in the interim Joslynn would make sure Colin had everything they needed to keep their people safe. Tomorrow would be a day for battle plans. Tonight was a celebration.