Page 41 of Crown of Draga

“What about Nadyah?” Ian asked.

Adelina looked at her courtesan and the two of them considered each other. A courtesan was less of a complication. It would be as easy as hiring her as her constant lady-in-waiting, like Elara. If that was something they both wanted she could make it work, and Nadyah would know that if the two of them were mates – then Varan was not Nadyah’s.

“If Nadyah agrees, then so do I,” Adelina said, looking into those deep, sapphire eyes.

Nadyah looked relieved at her response. “Please, I would like that.” Her throaty voice was quiet, but strained. This was just as much for her to deal with as it was for Adelina.

While Ian worked, Adelina tried to settle all the new pieces in place. Her simulcast chirped, but she was simply not ready to deal with whatever it was.

“We cannot be late to the Master Sealer,” Nadyah said softly.

Yes, Adelina had nearly forgotten about her appointment to have her seal placed on her palm. It would hurt worse than any punishment she’d ever received, even the caning from her grandmother. Thankfully Kalan genetics allowed them to manage pain far better than most other human races. It was a necessity actually when it came to their culture.

“Well, the two of you aren’t mates per my analysis,” Ian declared. “I fashioned it after the one in the House of Kismet, so it’s accurate.”

Nadyah looked down at her hands and shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. “I didn’t expect us to be.”

Something about the way she said the words, Adelina didn’t quite believe her and she felt it strike a strange chord deep inside, mourning for what would never be. Nadyah was so much more than her courtesan, but the goddess didn’t see fit to have their path continue together after the camerraleto was completed. It made Adelina wonder at what would befall the two of them in the next cycle.

As long as they both survived and were happy Adelina would not complain. She stood and crossed the room as Ian brought the lights back up. A kiss on her brother’s cheek in thanks and then Adelina smiled. “Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you in return,” she said. “I’m happy to know I share more blood with you than originally thought.”

Ian chuckled and brought her in for a quick hug. “As am I, little sister.”

“Please, just keep this quiet until I decide whether to talk to Elara or not?” Adelina requested. “If I am a tube baby and the people found out I don’t know what would happen.”

Ian’s face grew serious as he nodded. “I can destroy the data. No one has to know your true genetics except the three of us.”

“Keep it for now; let me know if you learn anything new.”

“Of course, now go receive your seal and become a true royal adult,” Ian said with a laugh, pushing her out of his lab.

The door shushing closed behind Adelina was loud in the awkward silence between her and Nadyah. Adelina almost wanted to apologize for the fact that she was not the courtesan’s mate, but it was not something she could control.

Nadyah had said courtesans were naturally more empathetic, bred to feel the emotions of another person so as to properly respond. She wondered if the feeling she had in her chest like a weight wasn’t her own, but Nadyah’s. It left her eyes burning as she tried to keep the tears at bay.

Adelina took Nadyah’s hand in her own and drew the tall female towards her. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around Nadyah’s waist and resting her head on the courtesan’s chest.

There was a hitch in her courtesan’s breath and then she squeezed Adelina tight. “I’m grateful I get to have you for the camerraleto at the very least,” Nadyah said, her voice thick. “And we will always be close friends. I’d rather know you in this way, than not at all.”

She pulled back and kissed Nadyah gently. “I am excited to learn all you have to teach me.”

The courtesan smiled and then pulled her towards the royal study. “As soon as you receive your seal we will begin.”

Adelina followed after the flawless female. To know she loved Adelina, wished she’d been her mate – Adelina would never forget it. The knowledge gave her courage and made her heart swell. She would do anything she could to make sure Nadyah found her actual mate.

* * *

They walked quietlythrough the palace to the lift. The family wing on the fifth floor was where Adelina was supposed to meet the Master Sealer. He would set up in the study as he had for every royal before her. The Master was practically ancient, even older than her grandmother.

Nadyah didn’t say a word as Adelina greeted the male, following protocol precisely. He may not outrank her but he was more dominant by his orange blossom scent. He was also one of the most respected males in the galaxy. No one else could integrate the gold into human skin with quite the same skill and precision.

He waved, indicating she should sit and Nadyah fetched them both tea and cakes from the waiting platter. Then she was a silent shadow next to Adelina as the Master inspected her right palm. He muttered under his breath as he made notations.

She had always wanted a tattoo from him, but as a princess such a thing was not accepted. The gold would be stunning, but only the king and queen had gold marks tattooed into their skin indicating their rank and status. Asher had received the only other tattoo allowed on his back. It had caused a stir, but he’d taken the punishment willingly.

The Master Sealer cleaned her palm and indicated she should get comfortable. He reminded her of Calix, not a man of many words. It seemed he barely tolerated other people. The old man went straight to work rather than chit chat with her.

After the day she’d had, Adelina was completely fine with that. She watched closely as he set up the laser pen with the proper amount of gold. The seal that was created for her at birth was laid out on a small table for reference.

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