Page 2 of King of Pride and Talons

“I understand that. I hope we can still be allies and work well with one another. I never meant to disrespect you.”

Cassia straightened her shoulders and the pull of a smile appeared again. “While the merger of our kingdoms would be beneficial to many, I support your decision to search for your true fated mate,” she said, stilted yet diplomatically.

Expecting more of a fight, Thorne was taken aback by the queen’s words.

“Thank you for your understanding.” He nodded in appreciation.

She nodded in turn. Then she sighed, shook her head, and looked at him. “In that case, I actually have a surprise for you,” she said with a great deal of reluctance.

If Thorne had been shocked before, he was even more so now.

“You can’t blame me for trying to get you to agree to the contract, but I know you’re a man of your word. So, in honor of that and to prove to you that I am in full support of your decision, I’ve had a witch do a location spell on your fated mate.”

Thorne was speechless. He wasn’t prepared to put managing his pride on hold for such a big--change.

“Cassia, I don’t know what to say… Did it work?”

Her smile became smug, and he had his answer.

“It did.”

“Why… why would you go through the trouble for me?”

Cassia shrugged her elegant shoulders and clasped her hands in front of her.

“I had the privilege to have many wonderful years with my husband before his tragic passing. There’s no reason you don’t deserve the same.”

The lion king’s mouth opened, but nothing came out.

Cassia stepped forward with a look of concern.

“Is that not what you wanted?”

“No. No, I did. It’s just… I just thought it was going to take time for me to find her.” He ran his hand roughly over the back of his neck before shaking off the doubt.

“Well, it would have. That’s why I saved you the trouble. Now, from what I’m told, her name is Breya.”

Thorne’s dazed mind tried to keep up with Cassia’s endless surprises.

“Breya?” was all that he could get out before she continued.

“Mmm-hmm. And she lives in the human territory. She’s a healer.”

That was the least surprising thing Cassia had said since she announced finding his mate.

Of course, his mate was a healer. It was common throughout the history of kings to have a witch as a mate. Not only did it enhance the king’s powers, but the witch’s as well due to the bond. They would make a powerful duo.

Thorne ran his hand over his scruff in thought.

“It’s been a few generations since a Bawold king has taken a witch consort. Especially in your line with your mother and grandmother being lionesses.”

Thorne began to pace, his inner lion feeling restless.

“You’re worried about how your pride will take this, aren’t you?”

It was true; Cassia was astute.

“Yes. I’m not sure how they will react. They’re not ones for change.”

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