Page 22 of Crown of Draga

Chapter Eight

Joslynn

Council Room

Draga Royal Palace

Planet Draga Terra

Joslynn satwith the other nobles of the nine planets in the Draga galaxy. The semi-circle faced the raised dais where the eight royal thrones were placed in front of them. Only Asher and William were there so far, but they still had a few moments until the meeting was officially called to order.

The party the night before hadn’t ended until after dawn from what she’d heard a few of the nobles and courtiers say. It was a miracle anyone was on time at all. They chattered around her while they waited for the meeting to start and Joslynn watched the way Asher moved while she listened.

Giselle entered the council room next, casually making her way to the small throne by Raena’s. She greeted her siblings before sitting and Joslynn wondered what she’d missed while cloistered with Sirus in the conservatory.

Adelina appeared behind the thrones with her guard Alpha by her side. She looked fresh-faced despite the late night. Joslynn tilted her head as she watched the young princess. She seemed different than before, a bit more open perhaps…and serious. The princess wore darker clothes and makeup with more skin showing than Joslynn had seen before on the livestream. Adelina was made anew and dressed for the battle of wits.

How she moved so quietly in those heels was a mystery to her.

Joslynn hated wearing heels.

She saw Prince Nash glaring in Adelina’s direction and Joslynn considered the piece of gossip she’d heard from Lady Masha. Adelina had danced with anyone and everyone who’d requested. Prince Nash had watched her the whole night until the sun began to rise with the same glare he had now.

When the sun was purple and pink and about to break over the horizon he’d taken the last dance, but his raging silence had been obvious to all who’d stayed. Neither Prince Nash nor Princess Adelina had spoken during the whole dance. Guests had cheered when he escorted her back to her rooms, Alpha trailing after them. Masha thought it was romantic as they all knew Raena had declared the foreign prince off limits to Adelina.

Joslynn though was concerned. Whatever had happened between the two of them would only cause problems for Adelina, and she really liked the quiet, soft-spoken princess. She watched as Princess Giselle noticed her sister’s arrival and tried not to make her eavesdropping too apparent.

“Good morning, sweet sister. Do you feel any different?” Giselle asked, easy and friendly as she lounged in her throne. Her voice practically trilled.

“Not really,” Adelina said with a small smile. “But I am glad it’s over.”

“Last night was incredible, Lina,” Giselle gushed.

Asher glared at her for the loud words. It almost made Joslynn laugh out loud.

“How did you manage the spiders?” Princess Giselle went on; making sure Prince Asher listened. “How did you even keep that a secret? I never saw them moved once!”

“I moved them during the night so the sun would not burn them,” Princess Adelina said quietly.

Joslynn wasn’t the only one listening in on the conversation. She was sure they’d all wondered about that trick. The nobles and courtiers with lesser ranks on the chairs along the sidelines leaned forward to eavesdrop better. Rank was always a factor when it came to where a person sat.

The entire first row on Joslynn’s right was military heads, and the lesser department heads behind them. It had been a long time since she’d last attended a council meeting.

Asher’s deep voice reached Joslynn and she glanced back at the dais. Asher’s face was almost comical. “Giselle, must you?” he asked with an exaggerated sigh.

“Oh come now Asher, even you have to admit it was a wonderful bit of planning and strategy.”

Adelina smiled indulgently at both of her siblings.

Prince Asher sighed. “It really was lovely, Lina. You’ve honored us all with your skill and grace. I look forward to your assistance for my own party. Are you satisfied now, Giselle?” he asked.

“Only if you truly mean it,” the older princess mocked.

Asher crossed the dais and bent to brush a kiss against Adelina’s cheek. “Lina knows the truth of my words. I never lie.”

It was a rare show of warmth from the dark prince and Joslynn was surprised to see him so open with everyone watching. He truly loved his submissive sister and as he made another round to inspect the council room Joslynn knew he would die to protect her as well. It was so different to see the royals in person rather than on the livestream like she was accustomed.

For the one prince who had no specific goal to achieve, Asher had a brilliant mind for strategy and politics from what Joslynn could see. He held their people’s well-being in his heart, and never missed an opportunity to protect his family. His constant moodiness was misunderstood by most to be a spoilt prince throwing a temper tantrum, but Joslynn could see he was simply a very serious person.

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