Page 34 of Quick on the Claw

Emerging from the bathroom, Tiffany found Zak awake, propped up on one elbow and watching her with a soft smile. “Good morning, beautiful,” he murmured, his golden amber eyes warm with affection.

Tiffany’s heart skipped a beat. Would she ever get used to the way he looked at her? “Morning, handsome,” she replied, crossing the room to press a kiss to his lips. “Sleep well?”

“Always when I’m with you,” Zak said, pulling her back onto the bed for a deeper kiss.

Nyx chose that moment to leap onto the bed, wedging himself between them with a disgruntled huff. Tiffany burst out laughing at the panther’s antics while Zak groaned in mock frustration.

“I think someone’s jealous,” Tiffany teased, scratching Nyx behind the ears. The panther leaned into her touch, purring contentedly.

Zak shook his head, amusement dancing in his eyes. “He’s certainly taken quite a liking to you. Not that I can blame him.”

As they prepared for the day, Nyx remained close to Tiffany, his watchful gaze never straying far. Even as they made their way to the palace gardens for breakfast, the panther stayed by her side, occasionally brushing against her leg as if to reassure himself of her presence.

The gardens were a riot of color and fragrance, exotic flowers blooming in every hue imaginable. Tiffany and Zak settled at a small table nestled among the foliage, a spread of Nova Auroran delicacies laid out before them.

“So,” Tiffany said, popping a piece of star-shaped fruit into her mouth, “what’s on the royal agenda for today?”

Zak sighed, a hint of weariness creeping into his expression. “Another council meeting, I’m afraid. Rickon has been pushing for stricter border controls, and I need to address his concerns without alienating our neighboring kingdoms.”

Tiffany reached across the table, squeezing his hand gently. “That sounds stressful. Is there anything I can do to help?”

The gratitude in Zak’s eyes made her heart swell. “Your support means more than you know, Tiffany. Just having you here, being able to talk to you about these things... it helps immensely.”

They fell into an easy conversation, discussing the intricacies of Nova Auroran politics and Tiffany’s plans for her next lesson with the young shifters. As they talked, Tiffany marveled at how natural it felt, sharing the weight of Zak’s responsibilities. She found herself offering suggestions, her teacher’s mind working to find creative solutions to the kingdom’s challenges.

“You know,” Zak said, a note of wonder in his voice, “I’ve never had anyone I could discuss these matters with so openly. My advisors, they... well, they have their own agendas. But with you, I can just be myself.”

Tiffany’s smile lit up her face. “I’m glad I can help. And for what it’s worth, I think you’re doing an amazing job. Running a kingdom can’t be easy, especially with all the changes you’re trying to implement.”

Zak’s smile was tinged with both pride and uncertainty. “I hope you’re right. Sometimes I worry that I’m not living up to my father’s legacy, that I’m letting my people down.”

“Hey,” Tiffany said softly, moving to kneel beside his chair. She took his face in her hands, forcing him to meet her gaze. “You are not letting anyone down. You’re trying to make things better and move your kingdom forward. That takes courage, and I admire you for it.”

For a moment, Zak’s regal mask slipped, revealing the vulnerable man beneath. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers. “What did I do to deserve you?” he murmured.

Tiffany’s heart swelled. She pressed a soft kiss to his lips, pouring all her support and affection into the gesture.

The moment was broken by Nyx’s impatient meow. Tiffany laughed, pulling away to scratch the panther’s chin. “All right, all right, you big baby. We haven’t forgotten about you.”

As the morning wore on, Tiffany found herself in the palace’s sunroom, joining Sia, Gerri, and Queen Astra for tea. The atmosphere was light and jovial, a stark contrast to the weighty conversation she’d had with Zak earlier.

“So, Tiffany,” Gerri said, her blue eyes twinkling, “how are you finding life as a potential alien queen? Any regrets about letting me drag you across the galaxy?”

Tiffany snorted into her tea. “Oh, you know, just your average Earth girl meets alien king, falls in love, and has to save a kingdom story. Nothing too out of the ordinary.”

The room erupted in laughter, even the usually composed Queen Astra chuckling softly. As the mirth died down, Astra fixed Tiffany with a thoughtful gaze. “In all seriousness, my dear, how are you adjusting to the idea of potentially becoming queen? I know it must be quite overwhelming.”

Tiffany’s smile faltered slightly. “I... I’m not sure, to be honest. It’s all happened so fast, and I’m not even sure if that’s what Zak wants. I mean, we’ve only known each other for a short time.”

Gerri raised an eyebrow. “Honey, I’ve been matchmaking for longer than you’ve been alive. Trust me when I say, what you and Zak have is special. And let’s not forget, he’s a shifter. They don’t do things by halves when it comes to love.”

Sia, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, piped up. “Yeah, Tiff. I mean, have you seen the way he looks at you? It’s like you hung the moons or something.”

As Gerri and Sia drifted into a conversation about Sia’s blossoming romance with Draven, Astra moved to sit closer to Tiffany. “May I speak frankly with you, my dear?” she asked, her voice low and earnest.

Tiffany nodded, suddenly nervous. “Of course, Your Majesty.”

Astra waved away the formality. “Please, call me Astra. We’re practically family now.” She paused, considering her words carefully. “Zak... he’s always been a dedicated leader, but he’s struggled with the personal aspects of his role. He needs a true partner, someone who will have his back as much as he has theirs.”

---