“That’s…” Rhea leaned forward, fingers clinging to the arms of her seat as though she would fall through the viewing panel. She nibbled on her bottom lip and glanced at Erudan out of the corner of her eye. “That’s some tree. This is where we’re going to live?”

Erudan reached across the space that separated them and tugged her close. He did not like the way she trembled or the worry in her gaze. “The royal hewo tree is the high warlord’s dwelling. It was always my home before my disgrace. It is convenient and easier for the guards to protect us if we remain in the same dwelling. If I resided elsewhere, the guard would be divided between Vroe and me.”

Rhea snuggled against him without hesitation. “That makes sense. Do you want to keep staying here, then?”

He considered how to answer since it truly depended on the reception they received from Vroe and Vrya Jassa. It was difficult to think past the churning unease in his stomach.

“Hey, it’s going to be fine.” Rhea stretched and pressed her soft lips to the side of his neck.

Air left his lungs in a rough wheeze. Often females automatically provided reassurances even if they were not believed. Such was not the case with Rhea. He could sense her utter conviction that all would be well.

What he could not understand was why she believed so strongly that Vroe and Vrya Jassa would receive them without hesitation.

“How can you sound so certain?”

“Oh, Erudan.” She laid her head on his chest and reached around him to give him a gentle squeeze. “I’m sure everything will work out because there’s no way your brother ever stopped loving you regardless of your mistake. People can’t help but love you.”

He froze for a moment, unable to truly believe her words. He cupped the side of her face and angled her head so he could look into her eyes. “Including you?”

Rhea turned a soft pink and lowered her stare.

He kissed the spot above her brow. “Do not speak, then. I do not need you to voice the thoughts and feelings I can sense already.”

“Ugh.” She buried her face against his shoulder and grumbled. “That’s so invasive.”

He scowled. “You do not welcome our bond? It allows me to know important things about my mate. Like how best to pleasure you.”

That had her lifting her head and glaring at him while her blush deepened. Whatever his mate said—or did not say—he knew she loved him. He could feel her caring wrapped around him as surely as he felt her arms. He focused on projecting his own feelings to her and looked forward to the time she was prepared to exchange the words in their hearts.

The warriors were as efficient as they were fierce. They brought the transport to a smooth halt and moments later, Erudan escorted Rhea to the base of the hewo tree. His skin prickled with awareness, the eyes of others resting on him though he could not see the Vians who watched them.

Rhea tipped her head back, stare following the trunk of the tree higher and higher. “Uh… that’s high. Super high.” She nudged him. “I can wait for you here.”

Erudan suppressed a smile as he recalled the day Vroe brought Vrya Jassa home. Vroe had made a display of strength and awe by scaling the tree using his talons while Jassa clung to his body. He would like to impress Rhea in a similar fashion but did not believe she was ready for that kind of show.

Yet.

“You will not be aware of the distance once you are on the walkways.” Erudan ushered her into the lift compartment on the other side of the trunk. He soothed her with slow, gentle strokes along her spine as they ascended. If only a simple touch from Rhea would soothe him. The higher they climbed, the worse his stomach gurgled and twisted.

Far too soon the lift drew to a halt and the doors parted. Erudan took one step toward the exit and then froze at the sight that awaited him.

Vroe, flanked by his mate, their adopted son Priut, and a gurgling infant safely tucked within Jassa’s arms.

Erudan’s feet became glued to the ground as he catalogued every detail. He did not process the presence of Vroe’s wide smile until his brother was nearly upon him.

“You have returned.” Vroe pulled Erudan into a hard hug, thumping his back twice before retreating to look at Rhea. “And with a mate. Welcome home. A meal has been prepared in honor of your arrival, and we will hold a homecoming feast at another time.”

Erudan nodded while his mind fought to absorb his brother’s words and the happiness that rolled off the other male. Erudan had stood on the sidelines on many occasions, watching Vroe welcome honored visitors and state officials. Vroe was a warrior first, but could play the diplomat when the occasion called for such a demeanor. He was a high warlord, a ruler. Neutral pleasantry was expected from his brother.

But there was nothing neutral about Vroe’s welcome.

One quick glance at Jassa—her fond, amused smile purely sincere—confirmed that Vroe’s joy was not only out of the ordinary, but genuine.

Just as Vroe’s curiosity regarding Rhea was genuine.

Rhea. She needed him to help her navigate these new circumstances. Reminded of her presence, Erudan shook off his shock and drew her forward for introductions.

“Vroe, Vrya Jassa, I present my mate…” He hesitated, searching Rhea’s face for clues. Did she wish to follow tradition and use her title as her name? Recalling Jassa’s distress upon the threat of losing her identity—becoming only Vrya forevermore—he decided to err on the side of caution. “My mate, Taems Rhea Lux.”

Vroe gave him a knowing smirk, Jassa beamed, and Rhea gazed at him with such love he was momentarily speechless.

With a gentle squeeze of his hand, she turned her smile on his family. “It’s nice to meet you Vroe and Vrya Jassa. I’ve heard… uh, not a lot, honestly, but everything I have heard has been good. I’m thrilled to meet you both.”

“Not as happy as we are to meet you.” Jassa passed the infant to Vroe and came forward, wrapping Rhea in a warm hug. “We’re thrilled you’re here. Teon has been waiting a long time for you.”

“I’ve been waiting a long time for him, too.” Rhea’s reply was whisper soft, but Erudan heard her words.

By unspoken agreement, they all drifted away from the lift. Vroe fell into step with Erudan while the women traded gossip about Earth.

“She is human,” Vroe murmured.

“Yes.” Erudan nodded. “We were matched by Celestial Mates.”

Vroe shifted his daughter from one arm to the other. “I did not realize you had completed the application.”

“Because I never did.”

“What? I will contact Celestial Mates to investigate.” Vroe the High Warlord assured his brother with that simple statement.

But Erudan shook his head. “No, do not. It no longer matters. I have my mate. I love her, and whatever Celestial Mates’ involvement, I would not change anything.”