Page 173 of The Aurora Marelup Complete Saga Omnibus

“What do you mean dignitaries?” I inquire, my voice laced with unease as I turn to face Nicodeamus.

“They were invited after the birth of the twins, or have you forgotten?” Nicodeamus’s words hang heavy in the air, a stark reminder of our oversight.

A collective sense of panic grips us as we realize the implications of our forgetfulness. Aurora’s sudden movement breaks the silence, her hurried exit signaling the urgency of the situation. Without hesitation, she bolts from the room, her footsteps echoing down the hallway as she rushes back to hers.

In the wake of her departure, a sense of urgency fills the room, propelling us into action as we scramble to prepare for the impending arrival of the dignitaries. The weight of our oversight hangs heavy upon us, driving us forward with a newfound sense of purpose.

"Thanks, guys," I say before heading into my bathroom to go shower and straighten up, making sure that I'm prepared for this visit that we all forgot about.

CHAPTER 135

Klaus

We all forgotabout the dignitaries. Originally they were supposed to meet us at the Ice Dragon Court. I’m guessing since we didn’t return with Nicodeamus to the castle, he rerouted everyone here. I hear through the pack link Aurora alerting all the wolves as to what’s about to happen. My once tiny village has expanded to accommodate half of the Dire Wolf pack and a fraction of the rogue Lycans.

I am unsure of my mate’s plans for all the wolves, but I know that she plans on calling all of the wolves home. We still haven’t discussed where the new wolves will be going or how to assimilate them back into proper packs. Aurora has made arrangements for the last of the American Lycans to join us here. Perhaps some of the unmated wolves in my pack may find their mates with them. Plus, we have five pregnant females all in one house awaiting to give birth. Those pups will be given to families that can’t have pups but want them. Two of my closest friends and my twin, Kaden, have found their mates because of this. Kaden is willing to raise the pup even though it isn’t his, but his mate is still strongly against it. Aurora said we would take that pup as our own since it will be related to my brother’s pups when they come.

Rooting through the closet, I finally find the dress uniform I had from all the political functions I attended with my father. It’s a traditional three-piece suit with a tie and an appropriate cummerbund. I put on all of my metals and the sash. Those metals I had won through all the little skirmishes that we had fought years ago.

I double check myself in the mirror and then make my way downstairs to join the others. Once downstairs, I notice that Alaric had already pulled out all of his royal attire. Aurora is in a full-length gown, wearing her great-grandmother’s crown. Dimitri is in the dress uniform of his people for the Royal Guard. Jayce and Dominik both are wearing their best suits, ties, and dress shoes. Arnulf is wearing a nice suit as well, but unlike Jayce and Dominik, he has a sash across his chest adorned with many assorted pins and ribbons.

Nicodeamus has pulled out of somewhere a crown and a rather regal-looking suit. We all assembled in the main hall of the Alpha House, awaiting the dignitaries’ arrival.

Anna, who has become fast friends with Aurora, comes running in and whispers in her ear. We wait several moments. Aurora nods, and Anna goes running out of the house yet again, apparently on a mission.

Several minutes later, a powerful couple walks in with their young son closely at their side. Alaric rushes over and shakes hands with the man, and embraces him tightly. “Austin, I’m happy you made it. I hope that the winds were favorable for you.” The gentleman, obviously the king of his clan, smiles at Alaric.

“Always, old friend. Being what we are, the winds are always in our favor.” He smiles and then walks to stand before Aurora. Her head is held high, and her resting bitch face is on point. She slowly extends her hand out to the gentleman, who promptly takes it. He brings it to his lips and kisses her knuckles, andlowers his head and deferment to her. “It is an honor to meet a direct descendant of the Blood Queen herself. Thank you for allowing me and my family into your nest.”

Aurora listens carefully to what the man is saying to her and then nods her head slightly. “You graced us with your presence, any friend of my husband’s is a friend of mine.” Her free hand comes up and lightly touches his cheek before she takes her hands away from him. Slowly, she turns and approaches the female.

The rest of us are on edge; Aurora doesn’t usually get along with other females. For a split second, there is a battle of wills before the other female lowers her head and eyes. Aurora nods and then moves forward and gently kisses the female on both cheeks. “Welcome to my nest, Gisella. It’s my pleasure to have you and your family here.” Aurora looks down at the young boy whose jet black hair catches her attention. His eyes are as green as emeralds and wide open, looking up at her curiously.

“This must be your son, Draven.” Aurora kneels down to get eye level with the young lad. She drops the resting bitch face and adapts a very friendly demeanor. “It’s my pleasure to meet you, young prince.” Aurora smiles softly. “Perhaps you would like to play with my son, Ladon? He could always use a friend his age.”

The little boy’s eyes light up, and he starts bouncing from foot to foot. Before we know it, he has his arms thrown tightly around Aurora’s neck. She’s smiling while he hugs her like she had given him the best present ever. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” he exclaims. He looks around quickly to see if the young boy she spoke of is anywhere in sight.

Aurora winks her eye at him and smiles. Her pale-grey eyes become stormy before an ethereal glow fills them. Soon, Ladon and Tiamat come running into the room. Tia runs and hides behind Alaric’s legs, staring at the young prince. Her eyes areglowing like her mother’s as she stares at him. Meanwhile, Ladon and Draven run out the door together to go play.

Aurora gives Alaric a knowing look then stands slowly. “Shall we adjourn to the banquet laid out in the great hall?” she asks cordially.

I watch Aurora escort the couple from the room and look to the others. “That was uncharacteristic of her,” I say to no one in particular.

Nicodeamus comes over to me as Dimitri and Dominik greet the new arrivals. “She questioned me quickly about proper protocol. I educated her the best I could in such a short time frame,” Nicodeamus says as if it was no big thing.

“How did she know who they were?” I tilt my head to the side, watching him.

“Alaric and I filled her in through the bond. She handled it quite well.” Nicodeamus smiles and motions as several more dignitaries entered the Alpha House. “I believe we all have a role to play, son.” Nicodeamus smiles at me then walks into the great room.

My eyes wander the main entrance for a minute before I turn and decide to follow everyone else into the great room. Aurora is speaking with three other women I can only assume are the wives of the other Great Dragon Houses that were invited. Along the wall is Dominik speaking with his brother, Alex, and his mate. I wander over slowly, not wanting to interrupt this family moment.

“Hey, Klaus! Great to see you not in the war room,” Alex says to me, smiling as he kisses his mate’s temple. “Oh, this is my mate James. James, this is Klaus, King Consort of the Lycan court.” I double blink at the title, then look to Dominik, confused.

Dominik starts to laugh and shake his head. “Alex, he didn’t know his title. Smooth move, brother.” Alex’s face goes pale as he looks from me over to Aurora then back again.

“I’m gonna be skinned alive,” he says, still looking around nervously.

“Aurora won’t skin you over a little slip. Besides, you’re her mate’s brother, you can’t get much safer than that.” I smile as I pat his shoulder before leaving to find Alaric.

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