Page 95 of Heir of Draga

Varan was the first to move. He crossed the room until he was close enough to kiss her, but dropped to one knee instead, fist over his heart. “Long live the queen.”

Then Nadyah and Alpha and even Kaiden kneeled behind him. “Long live the queen!”

Varan’s heart pounded in his chest as he looked up at his wife and queen. Ladra protect him – he was a bloody king consort. When he’d agreed to marry a royal princess he’d never wanted nor planned for the throne. All he’d wanted was a bit more power to truly help the people of Draga.

Falling in love with the female looking down at him with fire in her eyes had been an unexpected bonus that had changed his life. Varan never wanted to rule – and he knew Adelina hadn’t either. The weight of the Crown had been something she’d actively tried to avoid – and now here they were.

Though it was worth all the future trouble to see the power and strength flowing through Adelina in that moment – like the black rose blooming in darkness despite all expectations.

Her amethyst eyes blazed as she cupped his cheek. “Rise, husband.”

Varan obeyed without question and took the submissive position behind her. Nadyah, Alpha, and Kaiden stood as well, but they stepped aside so only he and Adelina were being recorded.

He kept his face blank, a small smile playing on his lips. Varan clasped his arms behind his back as he’d seen King Orion do – a male he’d always respected but had never anticipated to rival.

His mind was spinning, but they just had to get through this recording and then he could get rip-roaring drunk.

“My people, as you all know I am currently in the Hai Galaxy and will make haste to return to Draga. I will have an answer by tomorrow from the Drakesthai and will alert everyone to the outcome. In the meantime I name Prince Asher Hand of the Queen. He will rule in my stead until I return with reinforcements. Prince Nash has gathered more of his people and now has a sizable army. I promise we will eradicate the threat to Draga even if I have to shred the Neprijat King to pieces myself.”

Adelina smiled and those sharp canines of hers glinted in the firelight. Ladra…she knew exactly what she was doing, so many cycles of training and preparation so she could advise Raena – she was more prepared than anyone could have guessed.

“We royals were created to protect and I vow to uphold that promise from a millennia ago and unleash the wolf on our enemies.” Adelina lifted her hand palm up, flashing her gold palm, the signet ring, as well as those deadly sharp claws of hers. “I will see you on the battlefield.”

Nadyah cut off the recorders and her skin was so pale Varan worried she may faint. He let out a long breath, eyeing both Alpha and Kaiden.

The guard looked stunned – completely out of it. But Kaiden – his eyes were lit like there was a fire within. He stared at Adelina like she was the answer to all his prayers and Varan knew exactly how he felt.

“Kaiden,” Adelina snapped, walking towards the door without waiting for Varan or anyone else. Bloody hells his wife was pissed. “Call the Council now.”

The winged male managed to beat her to the door, but just barely. “Yes, of course…Queen Adelina.”

The title rang through the room and gave even Adelina pause. But she shook it off and walked out and into the corridor with so much presence every Drakesthai paused what they were doing to stare.

Adelina didn’t wait for the Council. She went straight into their cavern so that they would be coming to her – as though she were the one to be giving them the audience and not the other way around. Varan gave her credit for the ballsy move and leaned against the door. Nadyah followed his cue and waited on the other side.

Alpha was the odd one out, but he stood in the shadows near Varan, inconspicuous.

Varan watched his wife, queen, and mate stop in the center of the circular cavern before the pool made from raw amethyst. She looked…alone. If nine Drakesthai royals weren’t about to enter the cavern he would have gone to comfort her, but they had one more game to play.

Then Prince Rykian barged through the doors with Prince Vasili hot on his heels. Princess Kalene was next and she was the only one to see him. Varan winked at her and she blushed before hurrying off after Vasili.

“What is the meaning of this?” Prince Rykian demanded.

Slowly Adelina turned. “It is Queen Adelina now,” she said softly.

That stopped the Drakesthai royals in their tracks and put them on the defensive. All but Kaiden who made his way around the cavern to guard her back. He gave Varan a nod. They had one ally among the Drakesthai at least.

“I want this alliance,” Adelina told them, her quiet voice strong. Her tone gave no room for argument. “I want your warriors, your armies. As such I pledge not only to help you find the cure to your infertility, but I will help you rid the Hai Galaxy of the Neprijat. I want to make this alliance permanent,” she declared.

Adelina held out one delicate hand and somehow Kaiden knew. He flared his wings wide to make him look even bigger and more intimidating. Varan was impressed with how large and fearsome it made him look. Kaiden stepped forward until he was right behind her.

“Prince Kaiden is my mate and I formally request the right to court him with the intention of marriage. It will create a lasting bond between our peoples and will provide fertile ground for future peace.”

The Council was too shocked to say anything. Even Prince Rykian’s mouth hung open – completely stunned.

Varan tensed when Tatsuo, out of all of them, stepped forward. “And the investigation as to the perpetrator who committed this atrocity against our people?”

“Already begun,” Adelina reassured her. “Whoever is responsible is yours to do with as you wish. I give my word as Queen.”

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