Veri checked the cast from Asher one more time as she tried not to run through the halls. There was a lot she had seen on Priea that curdled her blood, but those executions managed to top even that. Despite the heat of Draga Terra she had chills on her arms and legs, goose-pimples marring her perfect skin. She shivered and then stepped out onto the terrace.

The heat crackled and her poor skin was starved for the moisture of her home planet. Veri took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Thank the three-faced goddess she would not have to evacuate Priea. She felt sympathy for those who would have to uproot their entire lives. There was room on Priea for the refugees; she only hoped there would be a plan in place for everyone to help. She would not let her father or mother bleed their own people dry.

No, she would accept them, but they would all have to do their part. Veri took the steps down the terrace and walked through the grass fields toward the galina stables. She grimaced and hoped everyone who was assigned her world would all be strong enough to survive.

Death was an everyday occurrence and one had to fight to survive. Even her castle was constantly under attack from the wildlife she shared the planet with. They crawled out of the water and ate the ones they found and ravaged those who tried to fight back.

Veri went left instead of right and walked into the forest. There was a building there, just beyond the tree line where they kept the birds of prey for hunting and falconry. She placed her palm on the door and it granted her access just as Asher had said it would.

The last few weeks with the prince were everything she’d always wished it had been with Hayden. They didn’t have to hide or meet in secret. Asher was by her side, always touching her, always near for all to see. Veri loved the way he’d place a possessive hand on her waist any time another male looked like he was about to approach her.

Whenever Hayden had been near the prince would find a reason to kiss her. Sometimes it was sweet and sometimes it was sultry enough to make her toes curl. Veri would drag him to an empty room and beg him to take her.

Asher never left her feeling unsatisfied or disappointed.

The sound of flapping wings and scrabbling reached her ears as she walked down the hall and passed the cages. Asher was on his way from the War Council and her belly flip-flopped as she considered what had transpired during that meeting.

All the way at the back was the bird Asher said was his. He’d raised the pure white falcon from a newly hatched babe, trained it, and hunted with it during the winter months. Veri stared at the bird of prey, cocking her head as it studied her right back with a startling level of intelligence.

They didn’t have falcons on Priea. The birds were scaled and reptilian, but no less dangerous. Those gorgeous white feathers begged to be stroked. Veri wondered what they would feel like against her fingertips.

Arms wrapped around her middle and pulled her against a body she’d grown extremely familiar with over the last few weeks. She sighed and leaned against Asher, placing her hands over his. Instantly her nerves settled and she knew there was nothing and no one who could harm her with the prince at her side.

“What do you think of Bianca?” Asher asked. His warm breath tickled her ear.

“She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Veri admitted.

Asher turned her around and stared down into her face. He studied her as a frown formed. “I’d have to disagree. You, Lady Veri, are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

The words hit her deep and Veri wrapped her arms around his neck, content to just be close to him. “What are we going to do?” She didn’t have to be specific. The two of them had talked about their growing concern over Raena the last few days. Asher had even confided in her about what the crown princess had done to her own sister.

It had been part of the reason why Veri had nominated Adelina. She’d looked so lonely and sad on the dais with the queen. That she could not choose who she wanted to marry because she’d done the right thing, keeping a promise her family had made…it was disgusting. Veri would gladly slit Raena’s throat for Adelina, just for that.

But after today…Veri knew her prince had to be scheming. No one felt safe with Raena as Queen, and she would hold all the power after tomorrow.

“First we are going to take Bianca hunting, and then we will talk.” Asher opened the door of the cage and Veri stepped back.

She may like the bird, but Bianca was still a predator and Veri was a stranger.

The white falcon flew to Asher’s covered wrist and he walked out with her. Veri was not far behind him. It was strange how after a week of spending time with the prince she’d become so familiar with him and his ways. Asher liked when she submitted to him, and Veri would never have guessed she could stand being a submissive to anyone only a few weeks ago.

They’d spent every moment together they could after the coming-of-age party. Veri would find an excuse to be where he was, running into him, and then Asher had started doing the same. He liked her company, and she knew he felt something for her, but it was all still so new. Then with everything else going on around them, Veri knew Asher was distracted at times.

She made sure he knew she was there to support him, no matter how or what he needed.

Once under the cover of the forest Asher took a device out of his pocket and tapped it. A strange sensation tickled her skin, but Veri saw nothing. The only reason she knew it wasn’t her imagination was the falcon rustled uncomfortably and screeched in protest. Asher soothed Bianca and then slipped the mysterious device back in his pocket.

“There are no recorders nearby and they’ve been redirected from the area. No spy tech on you or me, or the bird, and none in the area per the device. It should be safe to talk, but keep on the lookout,” Asher warned. “I shouldn’t be telling you any of this.”

Veri nodded and placed her hand in his much larger one as they walked silently through the forest together. She still thought Asher would have been the best choice for a ruler, but it no longer mattered to her if he became king or not. His title as prince would still advance her position and make her into a princess if he ever proposed.

It was strange, but her feelings for him had altered her desire to become queen. It was no longer something she needed. Veri thought she’d be quite happy just as his princess and that felt strange. It was difficult to come to terms with, but thankfully she didn’t have to think about it too much.

There was a war, an evacuation, refugees, and she had to pledge soldiers. Her warriors were ruthless and probably more prepared to deal with the Neprijat than any others. After their constant fight to stay alive and hunting those monsters endlessly each man, woman, and child on Priea was taught to defend themselves and to defend others.

Without such strict rules they’d all have died out long ago.

Asher stopped in a seemingly random location and turned to Veri. Those deep, dark purple eyes were nearly black as he looked at her. “Would you like to touch her?” he asked.

Veri looked from Asher to the bird. Was this a test?

She felt no fear when she studied the falcon and that alone might save her skin. But, was there a wrong answer to that question? “I’ve been dying to,” she whispered, still keeping her hands to herself.

Asher held out his wrist and waited. Veri had no glove to protect her, but it didn’t matter. She would gladly bleed for her prince. She brushed her fingers gently against those talons and the bird transferred her weight without hesitation. The talons pierced her forearm when the falcon settled and blood ran freely.

It was almost too much after the executions, but Veri was entranced with Bianca’s golden eyes. They were so keen and bright. The falcon cocked her head and then offered her neck to be touched. Veri couldn’t help the wide smile as she reached out with her other hand to scratch the feathers. Her fingertips stroked the pristine white and it was strange. They weren’t as soft as she thought they would be.

The bird made a trilling noise of pleasure and she let Veri stroke and pet those feathers where Bianca offered. Asher took her back from Veri a moment later with a small smile on his face. He tossed her a tin of salve and then launched Bianca into the sky.

Veri wiped the blood away with her handkerchief and then soothed the deep cuts with the medicine. Within moments they’d scabbed over and in a few more they’d be gone completely.

“Bianca likes you,” Asher said quietly, still looking up into the trees. Veri wondered if he could somehow still see the bird. “I’m glad she does.”

“Was that a test?” Veri asked, handing the tin back to him.

“Bianca is the best judge of character I know. She can practically smell a traitor.” Still Asher didn’t look at her. “It is something I needed to do as I feel myself getting more and more attached to you. And during these tumultuous times I cannot afford to be wrong.”

She nodded, understanding completely. As prince he had responsibilities to his people first and foremost.

“The War Council was not as informative as you think,” he admitted. “Raena took Adelina’s suggestion and set up preparations for the extra shields, and plans to request soldiers from every noble house. Then they will settle on evacuation locations. Each planet in the core has to house one or two planets, depending on which of course.”

Then Asher looked at her, and those dark eyes looked haunted, angry, and…resigned. “I am – disappointed in my sister. She trained all her life to rule and has still failed us.”

Veri knew it wasn’t how Raena ruled per se as she’d never broken a law, but how she acted, creating fear in those around her to ensure she got what she wanted with no opposition. Raena’s temper was unpredictable. Otherwise she’d done everything right. The Treon and Avvis traitors would have been executed regardless, but she had made the choice to sever their heads in front of Lucas, Masha, and everyone else on the livestream. Veri almost felt bad for all those sheep.

Raena herself didn’t frighten Veri, but her power did.

Because what she could do with that power could ruin everything Veri had worked so hard for. “What do you want to do about it?” she asked the prince. His answer could change everything and she was prepared for it.

He sighed and looked up into the trees and then crossed his arms. “Nothing yet. We will watch her and direct her. It is my job to help her rule, as it is Adelina’s and Giselle’s. I may have to fight in this war, but I have no forces to command. It will be a bloodbath after what I saw happen on Treon. The recorders caught everything, but Raena has decided to keep it from the livestream so as not to panic the people but…” he trailed off.

Veri crossed her arms over her chest as well. “But they will be unprepared and will die because of it.”

Asher nodded. “Especially those still on Seprilles, and whoever managed to survive on Treon. Prince Nash is still there per Lord Sirus’s reports and the Scyrian Army stayed to assist, but Pedranus has hardly any forces at all since they rely so heavily on Scyria, and Treon has turned. Seprilles is already stretched so thin it wouldn’t take much to batter through the front lines.”

“You can have my forces,” Veri said without thinking. Her own words shocked her, but as her head caught up with her heart she nodded. “I was to lead them, but I only ask to be your second.”

Those dark purple eyes blazed at her and Asher crossed the distance in two large steps. He gripped her arms tightly and she felt his sharp nails prick her skin. Veri was not afraid. She’d meant what she said and her parents would gladly hand over control if they did not have to deal with war.

“Why?” Asher demanded.

Veri shrugged. The prince had been hurt before at some point and he was suspicious of any kind gesture that did not come from his own siblings. “I know nothing of war, battle, and how to direct forces to their best position. You have trained for such things. I only know how to fight. As their future Marquess I have to lead as it is our way, but I can defer to you with your higher rank.” She shrugged again as all the emotions made her uncomfortable. “I trust you implicitly, prince. With everything.”

Asher kissed her. He possessed her mouth and forced it open until he devoured her whole. Veri felt her knees grow weak and she clutched onto his shoulders. The sheer power of him, the desire he instantly sparked…she would take him here if he let her.

Asher allowed her to push him against a tree, smiling at her small show of strength. He ran his hands gently up and down her bare arms. The prince was such a contrast. Hard, yet gentle, possessive, yet he allowed her independence. Veri let her hands roam until a falcon’s screech pierced the quiet forest.

“We’re about to have company,” Asher murmured against her lips. “Hopefully they will give us the answers we need.”

It took so much effort to peck Asher on the cheek and step back. Desire burned in her belly and she was already wet and ready for him. The prince made her body respond without question. Veri shivered despite the hot air as she reined back that heat.

The bulge in Asher’s pants made her grin and he adjusted with a small smile.

Bianca streaked through the trees and Asher held up his arm without a thought. The gorgeous white falcon landed just as someone broke through the line of trees into the clearing. Veri stiffened when she recognized the royal guard. He’d been one of the ones who’d beheaded the traitors.

“Alpha,” Asher said. His voice was pleasant despite the bored look on his face. “So glad you could join us.”

“What do you want, Asher?” the guard demanded, glaring.

Veri glance between the two. Asher didn’t seem to mind the break in protocol as long as the guard kept his eyes down. This must be the guard who’d been sponsored by the king then. No one else would dare challenge the dark prince.

“You lied to my sister, your ward,” Asher said mildly; the calm before the storm. “You told her you did not know what was wrong.”

Alpha glared and crossed his arms.

“I heard you deny it,” the prince continued. “Do not try and convince me otherwise when I witnessed it myself. I am curious though, did you lie about the execution, or the fact our father is on his deathbed?”

The guard jerked as though he’d been slapped. Veri slipped her hands in the pockets of her dress and leaned back against the tree. Oh, this was going to be good. She’d never seen a royal punish someone before, and this one had betrayed his own ward. She kept that bored look on her face that Asher favored so much. What would the guard say to try and spare his honor?

“If I told her about the king she would have run off to him and the crown princess would have punished her for not attending the execution.”

Veri believed him, and the pained expression only convinced her more so. But it was not his place to make that decision for a royal.

“Do you not think my sister possesses even the smallest shred of intelligence?” Asher asked, cocking his head to the side and studying his prey. Bianca screeched from her perch and Alpha flinched.

“Princess Adelina is one of the smartest people I know,” Alpha declared.

“Then why lie to her?” Asher’s voice was sharp and his eyes narrowed. He was done playing games. Veri felt the anticipation tingling.

“I was only trying to protect her,” the guard protested.

“Funny,” Asher said, stroking Bianca. “That’s the same thing Raena said when she ripped Adelina’s marriage rights from her.”

Blood drained from the guard’s face.

“It seems you’ve stolen her choice from her in much the same way as our queen-to-be did. It’s odd; because I was under the distinct impression you loved her.”

Veri grinned.

“Which makes me wonder, what did Raena promise you for withholding this information from our little sister?” Asher never blinked, never once looked away from Alpha but his dominance was stifling and the guard had to drop to a knee.

Veri admired the prince. He was such a glory to behold.

“I’ve heard whispers from certain informants that Raena’s idea to strip Adelina of her rights was not her own.”

The scent of rosanera choked her, but still Veri stood. She was more dominant than she let on, but not as much as her prince. Alpha on the other hand went down to both knees and his head bowed.

“It’s been said it was your idea and that Raena promised you Adelina’s hand if you would do her dirty work and spy for her.”

Panic flared in Veri’s chest for a moment. No, the guard hadn’t been around her enough to hear anything damning. She tilted her head as she studied the male. This must be the one Asher had asked her about during the Hunt. She wondered what secrets of Adelina’s he’d told.

The guard’s head hit the ground and he groaned under the weight of Asher’s power. The prince’s quiet voice lashed through the clearing. “Answer me.”

“Yes, Raena promised me Adelina’s hand if I obeyed. She wanted information, control, and was angry the foreign prince didn’t want her. Please, Prince, I couldn’t disobey her. She is my future queen.”

The pleading tone disgusted her.

Asher considered his words in silence and Veri felt her heart beat faster as she wondered what he would do next. “Tell me what you’ve told Raena, and I might make the punishment quick.”

The guard’s shoulders shook and Veri could smell his fear. She wrinkled her nose.

“I told the crown princess how close Adelina and the Corinthian had become, every time they met and her promise to help him find his people. I told her when they were together after her decree and how the prince wanted to marry her, he even proposed informally – told Raena that Nash gave Adelina a diamond when he left.” Alpha gasped when the prince growled.

“What else?” Asher gritted out.

The guard choked, coughing on the thick scent of black rose and even Veri had slid to her knees when the prince’s anger was fully unleashed.

“Told her how Adelina wasn’t as submissive as we all thought; that she…would…” It became difficult for him to talk and each word was a struggle. “Sneak out of the palace to visit the taverns.”

Veri’s mouth dropped open in shock. Her admiration for the little wolf grew. She never would have guessed a sub could be so crafty. She loved it.

“Is that all?” Asher demanded. His purple eyes practically glowed with his fury.

“That is everything I told her, but Raena also had me run interference. Finding ways to isolate Princess Adelina and draw her out of her shell to expose her true self. Raena – she doesn’t want anyone to be more loved than she. Raena wants the people to see Adelina fall, to see her fail.”

Asher considered the pathetic male before them. “Thank you for your honesty, Alpha. Your punishment will be quick.” He barked an order in the Ancient tongue and Bianca launched into the air, screeching a battle cry as she gained altitude. Then she dove for the guard. Her talons raked across his scalp and she whirled around to draw them once more across the back of his neck.

The stench of blood was overpowering and Veri barely held down her breakfast. So much blood, but the prick deserved every slash. She was honestly surprised the prince didn’t just kill him and be done with it.

Bianca landed on Asher’s forearm and he offered her a treat, blood dripping from her talons and onto the ground. Asher finally looked away from the guard and gave his falcon affectionate touches.

“Now, you have two choices Alpha,” the prince said as if they were discussing the latest Game and not this guard’s fate. “You can become a double agent and inform me of Raena’s every move, every private conversation she doesn’t want known, every private thought, every person she fucks…or you can suffer the consequences when I tell Adelina the full extent of your betrayal.”

Veri stayed in the kneeling position but she looked up at Asher in adoration. He was brilliant, cunning, and protective. Asher would kill for his own and it made her insides melt to know the depth of his loyalty to those he loved.

“I will spy for you,” Alpha whispered.

“Good choice, now swear it.”

Veri barely heard the words but Asher watched the male with predatory delight. Once the oath was sworn the prince dismissed him. The guard left with his shoulders hunched and blood dripping from his wounds. When he disappeared through the trees Asher turned to see her kneeling on the ground before him.

“You are a wonder,” she breathed.

Asher gave the falcon another command and launched her into the air once more. Then he slid his hands in his pockets and fell to his knees in front of her. He was still so tall he looked down at her, but the purple flames in his eyes flickered with desire.

“I don’t frighten you?” he asked.

She shook her head and wrapped her arms around his neck. Veri brushed a gentle kiss on his lips to reassure him and then laid her head on his shoulder. “You protect your own,” she said. “I admire that and honor it more than gold and jewels.”

Asher pulled a necklace from his pocket, a piece dripping with diamonds and aquamarines. “Oh, well then I suppose I should return this,” he teased.

Veri burst out laughing and reached for the necklace. Asher pulled it back so she missed and tapped her nose. “Turn around you vicious little thing, and let me put it on you.”

She did as he commanded and admired the weight of it when it settled against her throat. Asher clasped the piece and then wrapped his fingers gently around her neck, pulling Veri against his body where she could feel the rock hard length of him.

“What is it for?” she whispered, aching for him.

Asher gently slid her skirts up and trailed gentle fingers over her bare thighs as he tightened his grip on her throat. Veri had to arch to keep from choking and then his fingers found her wet center and she moaned with pleasure. His fingers swirled around her clit before diving in and she gasped, pressing herself fully against him.

“Maybe I want to claim you,” he said against her ear, stroking her slowly until she practically begged. “Maybe I want everyone to know you are mine.” Asher rubbed her clit in time with the words and she lost her damn mind.

Veri reached back and undid his pants, yanking them down until she could feel the silky skin of his cock against her bare ass. Not once did he slow the swirling of his fingers and she bucked against him. “Please, take me,” she begged. “I’m yours to have.”

His fingers slid out of her but Asher didn’t stop his gentle assault. He rubbed her in the exact way she needed and then released her throat. He slid into her slowly, luxuriously. And when the head of his cock hit the end of her channel the pleasure exploded and she came hard and fast.

His name was a prayer as he pounded into her from behind, rough and possessive while he murmured sweet things into her ear until they were both spent. Asher laughed with her when they rolled in the forest underbrush, kissing her softly, gently.

“You are mine, Veri,” he growled against her throat. His sharp canine brushed the delicate skin there.

“Yes, and you are mine.” The claim was risky, but she wouldn’t lie. Not when Asher could smell one. “Maybe I should get you something sparkly for all to see.”

He chuckled and rubbed his nose along her jaw, holding her tight against him. “If you wish, lady. Now help me get my damn pants back on so we can get some work done.”

Veri nipped his bottom lip and then went down and clasped his pants closed with her teeth. Asher growled in frustration and yanked her back up when she started to nuzzle his cock. “Stop that or I’m going to have to take you again.”

When she looked up into his face she saw the desire there and Veri stood before helping him to his feet. Asher cupped her cheek and those dark glittering eyes turned soft for her. When he least expected it she dropped to her knees and unclasped his pants again, pulling him into her mouth before he could say a word.

His answering snarl made her want him again. But this was for him. Veri wanted to properly thank him for the priceless necklace, and for his trust in her. Asher had let her inside his walls to truly see him. The prince was the only male who treated her like an equal, sharing everything with her.

Veri wasn’t about to let that go and she took him deep in her mouth to remind him how much she appreciated everything he gave her. She sucked and worked him until he burst in her mouth, salty and warm.

No, she didn’t mind not becoming queen as long as she was still Asher’s princess.