Page 104 of Fate of Draga

“Well I assume Adelina’s consort’s room will be taken by Varan and she…” Nadyah trailed off and shrugged her shoulders with a shy smile. “There’s a lot to be done and sorted I suppose. I’m not even sure she’ll be staying in those rooms.”

Ian looked up and considered the space a floor above where his father had lived all their lives. Would she even want to live in those rooms? Perhaps it was time for a remodel. There were too many memories and ghosts living in the palace.

Their lives were different now. It was a different time. And a bit of change would be good for everyone.

“I’ll speak with Adelina about the situation after the coronation. But until then you can stay with me, if you wish,” Ian said, reaching out for her.

Her hand fit easily in his and he marveled at that mate bond once more.

There had been a hole in his heart that he’d always tried to fill – with science, with lovers, with work…but he’d never been able to feel complete. Something had always been missing.

But no longer.

Nadyah was that missing piece.

Ian pulled her in close and pressed a kiss to her golden hair. She was his mate – and soon he would make her his wife.

“What about the Drakesthai?” Nadyah asked, cheek resting on his chest. “Will we go back there so you can complete their treatments?”

Ian nodded. It had filled his thoughts since they’d left Khara Prime. There were some basics that needed to be done first like Adelina’s official coronation. Her rule could not be questioned. Then she wanted an official wedding to the Corinthian and the Drakesthai princes.

The Drakesthai wanted their own official wedding on Anarr so Adelina would be returning to the Hai System soon.

“I will go when Adelina does. And you will come with me,” Ian told her.

Nadyah pulled back and smiled up at him. “You truly want me to?”

He nodded and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I want you with me for the rest of my life. Just because we both have a taste for the same sex doesn’t mean I want you anywhere other than at my side.”

“Good,” she said, kissing him on the cheek before releasing him. “Make sure you’re ready for the coronation. I don’t want my mate looking shabby next to me. My gown isthatspectacular even if it’s nothing compared to hers.”

He chuckled. “Just remember you’re going to be a princess, mate. Wear a tiara or something to remind them all of that.”

Nadyah blushed and shook her head. “I’m never going to get used to hearing that.”

Ian smirked. “Well…princess. Are you going to wait on my sister one last time before you are officially signed on as an advisor?”

“It’s the least I can do,” Nadyah murmured. “After the coronation though…what then?”

Ian grinned and went down on one knee.

NADYAH

Nadyah felt her jaw drop at the sight of Ian kneeling before her. Something like excitement ran through her, but she was so nervous. She really hadn’t thought she would ever be wed – and certainly not to her mate.

Mates were that rare.

And to have someone as sweet and kind as Ian to be paired with – tears pricked her eyes and her hand covered her mouth as she tried to sort out her thoughts. Had she really missed the signs?

Nadyah supposed she’d been distracted by everything. Ian had been completely committed to her from the moment he found out they were mates. She really should have seen it coming.

Ian looked up into her eyes and pulled out something shiny. “Nadyah d’Lara, will you accept my proposal?”

The diamond in his hand was one she recognized. She’d seen Adelina working on it at some point. “You asked your sister to make a ring?”

Ian just smiled up at her. “No. She’d made it after you told her we were mates apparently. Then she gave it to me when we started our journey back home. Are you going to accept, or leave me kneeling for a while longer yet?”

Despite their mate bond being permanent, Nadyah hadn’t expected a proposal. Not for a long while. There were still so many things she had to take care of.

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