Page 18 of Quick on the Claw

Zak clenched his fists, struggling to contain his anger. “Doesn’t he understand that we need this? That our people need to learn about Earth if we’re going to coexist peacefully?”

“I don’t think he cares about peaceful coexistence,” Draven said grimly. “He seems more interested in maintaining the status quo – with himself at the top of the hierarchy, of course.”

Zak sighed, running a hand through his short black hair. “I’m starting to think it might be time to replace him. Find someone more... open-minded for the position.”

Draven nodded in agreement. “It might cause some short-term unrest, but in the long run, it could be for the best.”

As they discussed potential replacements for Rickon, a palace messenger approached, bowing low before Zak. “Your Majesty, I bring news. Your cousin, Lord Grixxar, has announced his intention to visit the palace next week.”

Zak felt a headache beginning to form behind his eyes. Grixxar was not a person he wanted to deal with right now. His cousin had always believed he should be king, and he never missed an opportunity to undermine Zak’s authority.

“Thank you,” he said to the messenger, dismissing him with a nod. Once they were alone again, he turned to Draven. “This is the last thing I need right now. I wanted to focus on helping Tiffany adjust, on showing her the kingdom...”

“On romancing her, you mean,” Draven said with a knowing smirk.

Zak shot him a half-hearted glare. “I’m trying to be... subtle about it.”

Draven’s laughter echoed through the hall. “Subtle? You? My friend, I’ve seen you staring at her like a starving man eyeing a feast. There’s nothing subtle about it.”

Before Zak could retort, Gerri appeared, her blue eyes twinkling with amusement. “He’s right, you know. Subtlety isn’t exactly your strong suit, Your Majesty.”

Zak sighed, knowing when he was outnumbered. “I’m trying to follow your advice, Gerri. To take things slow, to let her get to know me.”

Gerri’s expression softened. “And that’s good. But remember, Zakhar – Tiffany’s human. She doesn’t understand the concept of fated mates the way you do. You need to give her time to develop feelings for you naturally.”

“I know,” Zak said, frustration evident in his voice. “But it’s... difficult. Every instinct I have is screaming at me to claim her, to make her mine.”

“And that’s exactly why you need to resist those instincts,” Gerri said firmly. “Tiffany’s not just some prize to be claimed. She’s a person with her own thoughts, feelings, and desires. You need to get to know her – the real her – and let her get to know you too.”

Zak nodded, knowing Gerri was right. “So what do you suggest?”

“Take her sightseeing,” Gerri said with a smile. “Show her the wonders of your kingdom. Let her see the man behind the crown. And most importantly, ask her how she feels about things. Don’t assume you know what she wants or needs.”

“That’s good advice,” Draven chimed in. “And maybe I could... show Sia around as well?” he added, trying and failing to sound casual.

Gerri’s grin widened. “I think that’s an excellent idea. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some catching up to do with Queen Astra.”

As Gerri departed, Zak turned to Draven with a raised eyebrow. “Sia, huh?”

Draven’s dark skin flushed slightly. “She seems... interesting. That’s all.”

Zak clapped his friend on the shoulder, laughing. “Whatever you say, my friend. Whatever you say.”

With renewed determination, Zak set off to prepare for his tour with Tiffany. He was going to show her the very best of his kingdom – and hopefully, in the process, the best of himself as well.

A few hours later, Zak found himself leading Tiffany through the palace gardens, his heart racing every time she gasped in delight at a new discovery. The gardens were a riot of color and scents.

“This is incredible,” Tiffany breathed, reaching out to touch a flower that changed color at her touch. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Zak smiled, enjoying her wonder. “That’s a mood blossom. It changes color based on the emotions of whoever touches it. Right now, it’s a bright yellow – a sign of joy and excitement.”

Tiffany looked up at him, her gray eyes sparkling. “You certainly know a lot about flowers for a warrior king,” she teased.

Zak felt a warmth spread through his chest at her playful tone. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me yet, Miss Whitlock,” he said, his voice low and slightly husky. “I hope you’ll give me the chance to show you.”

A faint blush colored Tiffany’s cheeks, and Zak caught the slight quickening of her heartbeat. The scent of her arousal, subtle but unmistakable to his heightened senses, made his own pulse race.

Clearing his throat, he gestured toward a path leading into the forest. “Would you like to see more? There’s a waterfall not far from here I think you might enjoy.”

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