Page 15 of Heir of Draga

Everyone knew something was afoot. After the announcement of Varan’s marriage to an actual royal the thieves’ court had been abuzz with gossip and speculations.

“The first is that I will be stepping down as prince after I return from robbing the dragons blind.”

There were shouts and cheers at that but Adelina glared at Varan. Roxy smiled as she remembered the princess’s threat.

“My nomination for the next ruler of this court is my beloved adopted sister, Roxy!” Varan lifted her hand in the air as though she were a prized fighter. And because of him she was, but they’d have to do some serious training on the trip or she could lose. Thankfully Felix was submissive and would never challenge her or she’d be screwed.

There were more shouts and cheers but Roxy noted the eyes that gleamed with anticipation and greed. There would be many challengers for the throne.

“In my absence Felix will keep things running and make sure all you lot stay in line,” Varan said, his smile playful. But the predatory gleam in his eyes warned them all he’d take eyes without mercy if they didn’t behave.

Then Varan stepped away from Roxy which was her cue. She bent one knee and kissed her prince’s knuckles, silently swearing her fealty as she had a thousand times before. Then she melted into the crowd. Finding Felix was bloody easy as he was an entire head taller than literally everyone else, even Varan.

“I hope you win,” Felix murmured. “I’ll make sure to mention you’re my favorite.”

Roxy bumped him with her shoulder in silent thanks. He was definitely a keeper. Felix as Second was more valuable than a handful of gems and jewels.

“The second announcement,” Varan continued with that signature smirk of his. “Is actually something I’ve been dying to share since I found out myself.”

Lina stepped into the empty circle and took Varan’s outstretched hand.

“For the past five cycles Lina has been one of my best jewel thieves. She’s been loyal and true and always paid her dues.” The two of them grinned at each other and Roxy saw that spark again. The bit of Adelina that loved these games, the bit that made her one of them. The same bit that made her torture a traitor, play with him like a cat with a mouse.

“But Lina isn’t just some jewel thief who’s turned down an inner circle position for cycles.” Varan’s grin widened with anticipation and Lina tapped a ring.

The disguise rippled off her body, leaving the princess standing before them with her midnight hair, vibrant amethyst eyes, and the gold tattoos all could clearly see. The blouse hid nothing and Roxy couldn’t help but grin at the choice. There was even a golden crown nestled among her curls, the same one they’d all seen on the livestream at her coming-of-age party.

The collective gasp was enough to bring Nadyah a few steps closer. The courtesan hadn’t liked the plan, but Adelina was a force of nature when she wanted to be.

“Lina happens to be my future wife, the beloved Princess of Draga. Our love managed to carry over from one court to another.”

Adelina swept a bow that both mocked and impressed. They all knew her. But no one quite knew what to do and the silence went on a tad too long.

Roxy shoved Felix forward. “Do something,” she hissed.

Without hesitation her future Second took the two steps to stand before his prince and princess…because until the next ruler of the thieves’ court was crowned, Adelina was also the Princess of Thieves and not just the Draga Galaxy.

Felix went down on one knee and took Adelina’s hand, the one with the gold mark. He kissed her knuckles and then finally looked up, but only briefly. She was far too dominant for him. “Princess, it is an honor to fully know you. You’ve always served us well and I am sure with Prince Varan you will continue to do so.”

The pair nodded in tandem, a tender smile on Adelina’s face as she helped the big brute to stand. “Felix, you’ve always been like family.” She had to stand on her tip-toes to kiss both of his cheeks and the massive male actually blushed. “Feel free to visit the palace if you wish. We will make sure to attend court here as much as possible.”

“My Princess of Thieves,” Varan declared. Then he pulled her into his arms and dipped her so low her hair brushed against the floor.

Roxy blushed at the way they stared at each other. And when he kissed her it was one of those moments that would be burned into her memory forever. One that she would look back on and say, ‘There, that was when I knew the galaxy would change.’

The rogues and thieves and assassins came up to swear fealty to their new princess, some of them were even going on the trip to the Hai Galaxy. They all looked relieved to know a royal was one of them. That the trip wouldn’t be as strange and isolating as they’d originally thought.

Roxy turned and grabbed another glass of wine. Perhaps she’d been wrong about the royals. She shook her head and carefully made her way through the crowd as the music started up again.

“You are the one who wants to rule us next?” a sultry voice asked. Somehow it filtered through the rising music and all the voices as they chattered.

Roxy glanced over her shoulder to see an unparalleled beauty. Not even a courtesan could compare. The female was vaguely familiar, but not overly so.

“And you are?” Roxy asked.

“Your entertainment for the night,” she murmured, stepping forward and taking Roxy’s glass of wine. She downed it without once breaking eye contact.

Roxy grinned as the feral beast within stretched lazily. “You sure you know how to play?”

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