Page 7 of The Queen

I pulled my hand from his as our group made its way upward. “For that to happen, I need to complete a mate bond.”

“That’s correct,” Lex replied as he guided me past a set of gnarled tree roots.

“But no one will let me.” This repeated conversation was becoming frustrating, and I was tired of hearing it.

“You’re not ready. We aren’t ready, little one.” Grey came up beside me as we left the trees and entered a wide meadow filled with tender new grass and overrun with clumps of wildflowers just about to bloom.

I’d heard him say that all before, but I couldn’t bring myself to care as my eyes fell on the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. A field of green, full to bursting with life, sprawled out in front of me. Memories of Lyrah’s wish to wear orange blossom crowns sprang to mind. The timing of this diversion seemed like my mates might have been trying to distract me from the conversation. And I had to admit, it was working a little bit.

“You say I’m not ready, but you’re wrong. I’ve already decided. I will bond all of you. You’re the ones who aren’t ready.” While I’d been talking, I’d unlaced my boots. I had nothing else to say on the matter, so I pulled my shoes and socks off and dropped them in the grass and took off running into the field.

The soft new growth cushioned my feet and tickled my soles. All was right in the universe.

I didn’t care what anyone said. They were my mates. I knew it in my heart.

Lyrah was being saved.

My planet was coming back to life.

As I ran, I spun and danced through the meadow. The soil welcomed my weight like a long bereft embrace. Wildflowers burst into bloom as I passed and sunflowers opened to greet the sky. The air on my skin felt like magic. Maybe it was some kind of magic. The humming of bees in flight was like the sweetest symphony, and the wind curled around me, whispering songs of love in my ears.

Grey was wrong. This was paradise.

Soldiers were stationed in the trees around the perimeter, but no one moved to stop me, so I danced until I couldn’t anymore, and then I flopped onto the ground, panting.

As I lay on my back, I watched the thick clouds amble overhead. They gathered and swirled, darkening in the sky until soft, warm rain tumbled down, sweetly kissing my face. I never wanted to leave. Verden was my home. Fat drops began to fall more quickly, and my hair was sticking to my skin, so finally I dragged myself off the ground.

My men—all four of them—were standing near the edge of the meadow, keeping watch over me but giving me the freedom and space I needed. I didn’t understand how they could think we weren’t ready. Everything was perfect except for their distance.

Tired and sticky with rain, I was in no position to comfortably put my boots back on. I looked around for a solution, but Lex was already there scooping me into his arms. He was drenched too, but it didn’t stop me from nuzzling against his throat. I’d been denied his touch for far too long, and I reveled in his warmth.

Even when they annoyed me, there was no place I would rather be than with my mates. They were going to have to give in soon, because I wasn’t backing down. They were mine.

Chapter Six

Saphyra

Lex stalked effortlessly through the forest, perfectly at ease with his surroundings, and strong enough that my slight weight was no hindrance as he carried me. Sunlight broke through the rain clouds, illuminating his golden hair like a halo against his piercing hazel eyes and sharp jawline.

Ghost was right, Lex was the logical choice. Everything about him radiated leadership, power, and control.

“What are you looking at all starry-eyed, love?” he asked. His warm voice was a rolling vibration against my skin.

I’d hate to add to his already over-inflated ego, but I wanted him to know. “You, Lex. I’m looking at you. Thinking about how you fit this place so perfectly, as if you were born to be its king.”

A cocky grin tugged at the corner of his lips. “Is that so? Have you decided then?”

There it was, that confidence he carried around as effortlessly as he carried me. “No, I haven’t. I still don’t want to choose at all, but… Who do you think I should choose?”

“Saphyra, you know you must.” His brows pulled together in censure.

“Okay, for the sake of argument. If I had to choose, who would you recommend?” I was curious if he would put himself forward or if he could bring himself to be more circumspect.

“Well, any member of my team would be a good option. Unfortunately, Grey is out of the question, being a beta and from Altaira. Axion is smart, funny, and reasonable. Valyx is passionate and loyal. But—“ He paused as he picked his way over a tangle of tree roots. “But, I’ve been training to run this planet by your side my whole life. The contract, our betrothal, is still valid. You can break the agreement, but it would look better to your people if you carried through with the legacy your parents laid out for you.”

I breathed out a sigh, and he shifted me in his arms, lowering me to my feet. Warm, smooth stone met my toes, and my attention turned to the reason we’d stopped.

A broad, rocky shelf protruded from the mountainside overlooking a wide river valley. A ribbon of sparkling water curved through fire scarred farmland in the distance, emptying into a delta edged by a vast shimmering sea.

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