Page 93 of Heir of Draga

Chapter Twenty-Five

Varan

The Royal Eyrie

Planet Hai Delta

Varan could hardly believe he was Adelina’s mate – and somehow she was his…it was so ludicrous, but at the same time he could feel the rightness of it deep in his chest. It was as though his soul was bound to hers. Varan was constantly aware of her – her presence, her smell, her emotions, and her needs.

It was insane, but he supposed he’d heard of crazier things. Such as Alpha traveling all the way to the Hai Galaxy to deliver a bloody message. Why in all the hells would Prince Asher send him through such dangerous space when he could have simply sent a cast?

The possible answers to his question put him on edge and he had to calm down so he could focus – so Varan could be whatever Adelina needed him to be. The thief who plucked eyes as punishment, the royal prince, or perhaps maybe a new game…

“Nadyah,” Varan shouted, pacing the length of the living space in their suite. “It’s a blasted dress. Get out here now.”

She snapped something in that seductive language of Ilashyan and despite the lovely sounds – it was probably not pleasant.

He glanced at Kaiden and the winged male shrugged. “We don’t know that one.”

“That’s a shame, mate, but I doubt you’d have wanted to understand whatever she’d said.” Varan continued pacing, aware of the way both Kaiden and Roxy watched him.

“I’m not going down,” Roxy told him. “I need to check on the ships and I can do that from right here.”

Varan waved his hand. “That’s fine, whatever you think is best.”

He personally didn’t think Adelina needed to change clothes, but whatever gave her the strength to face the reason Alpha was on Hai Delta. He’d never personally liked Adelina’s royal guard, had even been jealous of him for a brief moment when his jewel thief had brought him to his tavern. The way Alpha had treated her…it was worth at least one eye, but he’d refrained. Barely.

“I apologize,” Adelina said as she came out of their room. “But I needed to wash the ash from my skin.”

Varan’s jaw dropped when he took in her new black, velvet dress and the way her hair had been swept up in an elegant knot, curls framing her face with a diamond tiara tucked in among the blacker-than-night hair. He stepped forward and rubbed a thumb over the rose embroidered in silky black thread along her lapel.

The same embroidery was along the sleeve cuffs and the pockets. He smiled and trailed a finger over the roses that went around the collar and down either side of the deep ‘V’ that didn’t end until it hit her navel.

“I am the one who should apologize,” Varan murmured, still hardly able to believe she was his. “You are worth the wait.” He kissed her cheek and offered her his arm. “Whatever comes next, we will face it together.”

Her expression remained serious, but she nodded. Varan knew Adelina could handle it, but she no longer had to do it alone.

Kaiden led the way and Adelina followed, slightly ahead of him as her rank dictated, but she kept her hand on his. Varan admired the long skirts that fell to the floor, covering her feet and whatever footwear she wore. He had a sneaking suspicion it was her comfortable, flat boots.

The dress was really magnificent and gave her a royal air. He really enjoyed the long sleeves and the cut that made it appear almost militaristic on the top. The severity was balanced by the strip of skin, the slight curve of Adelina’s breasts, her tiny waist, and the full skirt.

Varan appreciated fashion and the message it could send. He gave Nadyah an appreciative wink for the design.

“Adelina designed the dress,” Nadyah murmured, a smirk on her face.

Varan chuckled, sliding that cruel, laughing mask back on. It wouldn’t do to look like a lovesick fool in front of the Drakesthai, or Alpha. He slid a glance at the large male towering slightly ahead of him, wings slightly extended. Well, this one didn’t matter, but they would figure that out later.

When they learned why Asher had sent Alpha to them like he was no more than an errand boy.

After an infinite amount of stairs later they were finally on the main floor. Varan committed the corridors and paths and rooms to memory, compared it to what he could see of the outside, and kept all routes back to the ships in the forefront of his mind. It was better to be safe than sorry.

Kaiden stopped before the door to the familiar waiting room and let Adelina walk in first with Varan.

Instantly Varan’s eyes went to the male standing in front of the fireplace, his hands clasped behind his back.

“Alpha,” Adelina said. Her words were stern as she drew herself up to her full strength.

Varan shoved his concern aside. She had his and Kaiden’s support and strength and protection if she needed it. Adelina could handle this male on her own.

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