Page 39 of The Queen of Ash and Magic

“Sorry I bit you, Eyrx,” I say.

“It’s okay,” he laughs. “I got you back.”

“Can I go back to sleep now?” I ask.

“Yeah,” Drake says with a smile. “We’ll come lay down with you.”

“Let me know if you need anything,” mom says to me. “We love you, Lysa.”

“I love you guys too,” I smile sleepily.

Everyone leaves and I lay down as the others get into bed with me. I am facing Drake, and he has his arms wrapped around me. I am surprised when Eyrx faces me and rests his hand on my waist. I assume Julianna is behind him.

“Are they okay?”I ask Drake through our mind link.

“Yeah. Eyrx is just going to be drawn to you for a while. Things will level out soon enough,”Drake says through our link. “Don’t worry about it.”

Chapter Thirteen

Lysa

I am facing awaywhile Drake helps secure my armor. When he turns me around, he steps back and smiles. “I don’t know if I should bow to my queen or bend her over,” he says as he scans my body. “You look incredible.”

“So do you,” I say with a smile. “Too bad your armor is so bulky. I definitely would have sucked your dick before we go,” I say with a grin.

“Tease,” he laughs before gently kissing me.

“Ready, guys? Oh damn…” Eyrx says when he sees me.

“You look hot and scary,” Juli says. “Nice combo.”

“Yes, we are ready,” I laugh.

“You look great,” Eyrx says as he kisses me.

“I have this urge to hit you and congratulate you all at the same time,” Drake says to Eyrx.

“Well, if you hit me… I’ll just tie you up so I can fuck her without you being able to get to her.”

“Oh, now that’s just rude,” Juli laughs.

“I’ll be good,” Drake laughs with her. “I am happy for you two. I really am. It’s an adjustment for me is all.”

“If you get mad, just take it out by fucking me,” I suggest.

“Deal,” Drake grins.

We walk out of the tent and go to the large crowd of nobles and soldiers waiting for us. Everyone is in gear and excited. “Ready for this?” Drake asks me.

“Absolutely,” I say as we stop in front of the crowd. Everyone instantly takes a knee to bow to us. I feel a rush of pride with the unwavering respect and support that everyone has.

“Good morning, everyone,” Drake says. “Today is a historic day… For the first time in centuries, we are going to war. A war that stands for not only peace, but justice. By making this declaration of war, we are vowing to seek justice for the innocent. We will act without mercy and push until we have nothing left to move. Giving up is not an option. Retreating is not an option… With war comes death, but in death we see sacrifice… I will never be able to thank you enough for the sacrifice you are making today bystanding with us to honor not only our queen, but her parents and all of the innocent life that have been damaged at the hands of the Thalorin government. Their abusive and tyrannical methods need to be stopped, and we are the ones who will change the narrative and free the people of Thalorin. Today, we are offering safety. Tomorrow, we bring justice.”

Everyone erupts in cheer and Drake takes a moment to kiss me deeply. “Let’s do this, baby,” he says sweetly. “Ready to kick some ass?”

“Let’s do it,” I smile. He takes a few steps back and Eyrx takes a moment to kiss me before stepping back with Drake. Dad comes over and kneels in front of me to pay his respect to me as his queen. He takes my hands into his, and everything goes silent, but he stays focused on me.

“This is for all the nights I laid in bed and prayed to the Gods that I would find you someday,” he says. “I can’t change what they did to you and your mother, but I sure as hell can make sure they pay for it. I love you to the moon and beyond, my sweet daughter. You are an amazing woman, and I am honored to be your father.”

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