Page 31 of The Omega Thief

Raz knew the ground beneath his feet was shaky. “You can—” But he stopped. He couldn’t let Attiker do whatever he wanted. It wasn’t safe. “It depends on what you want to do,” he went for instead. “As Consort, you would be asked to attend numerous functions and committees.”

“Committees?” Attiker asked dryly. “Such as?”

Raz searched his brain, desperate for something that didn’t sound boring as hell. “The people’s champion.”

Attiker waved a hand, asking for an explanation, which was difficult as Raz had just invented it. But now he thought about it, it wasn’t a bad idea. “I need someone that can co-exist between worlds. Someone the people of Cadmeera trust, but equally one who understands the bigger problems.” Raz shot him a look, and Attiker looked curious, so emboldened, he carried on. “The ordinary people of Cadmeera aren’t going to trust a palace diplomat.” He sighed. “And to be honest, I would struggle to trust someone who might be simply putting his own needs forward and couching them as what the people want. You would know the difference.”

“Is this real or just because you’re placating me?”

Raz smiled. His bonded was clever. “If I say both, would you understand?” Not giving Attiker a chance to answer, he continued. “Cadmeera has bigger problems than what next year’s tax levy will be.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Attiker said. “I think that’s a big problem for a lot of people.”

“So, make it fair,” Raz said. “I have no idea if instituting a national holiday to give shopkeepers a day off would be welcome or harm them because they’re one day’s profits away from being able to pay the rent.”

Understanding lit Attiker’s eyes. “And would you listen to me, even if I suggested something you might not like?”

Raz leaned forward, his lips a hairbreadth away from his bonded’s. “I’m sure you could persuade me.” And this time, it was Attiker who initiated the kiss but drew back way before Raz was ready.

Raz reached a hand out and cupped his face. “All I ask is that you don’t go into the city without protection.” Attiker wrinkled his nose. “I don’t mean a company of guards because you and I both know you would ditch them in a second.”

Attiker grinned. “Yep.”

“But you’re a huge target, and not just at the moment. You need a bodyguard that can blend in and keep up.” Maybe Thakeray would have a suggestion? He needed something because, much as he would like to chain his bonded to his bed, he knew that wouldn’t work.

“I promise to make it a priority.”

Then Raz groaned.

“What is it?” Attiker’s smile fell.

“Nothing, except traditionally, the mating ends with a ball and a presentation. That’s all to organize, and I think this time of all years gone by, it’s important.”

“Because I’m not a noble,” Attiker said quietly.

“No. I don’t mean that at all,” Raz said. “Because we think there are factions stirring a possible revolution. Bluntly, I think all the people of Cadmeera need to see you.” Raz kissed him hungrily, his lips taking, not asking, but he drew back because this was important. “If Eryken thinks to start trouble, then your place by my side is vital.”

Attiker nodded, even if it seemed a little reluctant. “A big party, then? Is that it?”

“Yes, and I think, People’s Champion, you should add to the guest list.”

“Very well,” Attiker said. “Anything else happen at the party?”

Raz shrugged. “The presentation, but—” And he stopped, a chill descending on him, ice robbing his lungs of the next inhale he needed to speak.

“Raz,” Attiker pushed. “What is it? What’s the presentation?”

But right that moment Raz couldn’t have answered if his life depended on it. The presentation was traditionally the moment Raz became King. The presentation was to show his bonded omega transforming into his or her wolf in front of everyone assembled. It was a tradition as old as Cadmeera and fulfilled the requirement for his crown.

It would have to happen in two days, three maximum. Raz shook his head almost helplessly. How could he have forgotten? He had three days at the very most to produce Attiker’s wolf. Without that, he might as well give Eryken the keys to the palace because whatever else may happen, if he failed to produce Attiker’s wolf, there wouldn’t be a ruling monarchy in Cadmeera anymore.

Chapter fourteen

AttikerstaredatherRoyal Highness, the dowager Queen Mother, after properly greeting her. Thanks to a twenty-second warning from Carter, who apparently, as well as being the palace chamberlain and managing everything to do with the royal family in terms of appearances, etiquette, visitors, and generally running the huge team of household staff, was Attiker’s new best friend. He’d been told she wished to meet him. Carter was supposed to be taking him to their suite after Raz had kissed him senseless, but then had to actually go do some work, and the palace was huge.

He would guess she was at least in her seventies, even if she didn’t look much past sixty, and knew the wolf in her contributed to slow aging. She patted the chair next to her, but before Attiker got the chance to sit, a huge ginger cat jumped up and decided to curl up in his place. Attiker had to stare at the floor to hide his grin.

One of the numerous page boys who stood at the edges of the room ran forward with a spare chair, positioned it, then, much to Attiker’s astonishment, took the queen’s hand in his, bowed low, and kissed it.

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