Page 40 of World At War

“The Royal Chinese Dragons were spotted on the horizon.” Knox says as he cradles me against him. On cue, Draven leaves us to go welcome our newest guests. He nuzzles my cheek and nips my jaw. “Your scent is changing.” He whispers against the shell of my ear.

“Shhh … I don’t want to get my hopes up. The treatments I’ve been going through are hell.” I rest my head on his shoulder. I would love to rip Oberon apart, then bring him back to life to do it all over again because of what his scientists did to me. If I didn’t already kill him once.

“It’s a good thing that elf you spared was a healer, otherwise I think he would have died too.” Knox nuzzles me again, his drake purring deeply, trying to soothe me.

“He want’s to mend the bridges between our species by trying to heal me.” Closing my eyes, I throw a prayer up to the elder gods that his attempts are fruitful.

“Between him and Elsa doing everything that they can for you. All I can do is remain positive that some good will come outof this.” We walk towards the landing field to greet our newest arrivals.

Emerging from the changing tents, I see Jade and her esteemed father, the King of the Chinese Dragons Tao Qin. Stepping forward, I bow deeply, showing respect for the elder dragon, and I greet him in his native language. As I slowly rise up, he returns the deep bow and greets me as well. My mates look at me, shocked that I speak his language. Blood Queen memories for the win. Jade smiles, then rushes forward to hug me. We’ve been good friends over the years, especially when the boys have their war games. The princesses were sent off to different retreats at neighboring allies’ territories to become versed in their customs. I spent almost four months with Jade and her family because I was enjoying it so much.

I bring Jade around, introducing her to friends and family so that she doesn’t feel left out. Her English is superb, but every once in a while she speaks in her native tongue when she doesn’t want someone to understand what she’s saying.

Once we are sure all the guests have arrived, I direct everyone into the ballroom for the start of the festivities. As our security team finishes directing everyone into the grand ballroom, I hurry back to our wing of the castle to prepare myself and the children for the evening’s festivities. Excitement courses through me as I envision the joy and laughter that will fill the air during our children’s first birthday celebration.

Melinoe and I have matching silver gowns for the occasion, our dresses shimmering in the soft light of the castle corridors. Our hair is elegantly styled in French twists, adding a touch of sophistication to our appearance. As I glance at my sons, dressed in their matching suits alongside their fathers, my heart swells with pride at the sight of my beautiful family.

Just as I’m about to lead my family to the ballroom, there’s a soft knock at the door, and I turn to see my gentle sister Luna standing there, her belly swollen with the promise of new life. A warm smile spreads across my face as I greet her with a kiss on each cheek before gently placing my hand on her belly.

“Hello, beautiful,” I whisper, my voice filled with affection. I reach down and kiss her belly. “Auntie loves you already.”

Luna giggles at my playful antics and returns my affectionate gesture with a kiss on my cheek. “You’re always so silly, Tia,” she says affectionately. “But it’s time to go. Everyone is waiting for us.”

With a nod of agreement, Luna takes my hand and leads me towards the ballroom, my mates, and children following close behind us. As we make our way through the castle corridors, I can feel the excitement building within me, the anticipation of the evening’s festivities filling me with a sense of joy and anticipation.

As we approach the grand ballroom, the sounds of laughter and music drift through the air, signaling that the celebration is already in full swing. The scent of freshly cut flowers and sweet pastries wafts towards us, tantalizing my senses and adding to the excitement of the moment.

Stepping into the ballroom, I’m greeted by the sight of our friends and family members mingling and chatting animatedly, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight and twinkling fairy lights. The room is alive with energy and excitement, and I can’t help but smile at the joyous atmosphere that surrounds us.

Making our way towards our reserved table at the center of the room, I feel a surge of happiness wash over me as I take in the sight of our children’s smiling faces and the warmth of my mates’ love beside me. This is a moment to be cherished—a celebration of family, love, and the precious moments we share.

As we settle into our seats, I take a moment to soak in the ballroom's beauty, the elegant decorations and sparkling lights creating a magical ambiance that is truly enchanting. The soft strains of music fill the air, adding to the romantic atmosphere of the evening and setting the stage for a night to remember.

As I scan the grand ballroom, my eyes catch sight of my brother standing alone on the balcony, his gaze fixed on the sprawling gardens below. Sensing that something is amiss, I excuse myself from our table and maneuver through the crowd to reach him.

“Penny for your thoughts?” I say playfully as I approach, nudging his shoulder gently before resting my head against it.

He lets out a heavy sigh, his expression troubled despite the festive atmosphere surrounding us. “I found my mate,” he confesses, his voice tinged with sadness.

My heart sinks at his words, knowing that finding one’s mate should be a cause for celebration, not sorrow. “That’s wonderful news!” I try to inject some enthusiasm into my tone, but my brother’s somber demeanor dampens my spirits.

But then he drops the bombshell. “It’s your friend Jade. But she’s already betrothed.”

The air seems to freeze around me as his words sink in, an icy shiver running down my spine. Jade, my dear friend, already promised to another. It’s as if someone has punched me in the gut, knocking the wind out of me. I can’t imagine the pain mybrother must be feeling, knowing that his mate is so close yet seemingly out of reach.

Nodding slowly, I feel a surge of determination coursing through me. I refuse to let my brother’s chance at happiness slip away, not on this joyous occasion. I scan the crowd, searching for Jade’s father, knowing that I need to intervene and make things right for my brother.

Spotting him across the room, I make my way through the throng of guests, my mind racing with plans and strategies to ensure that my brother leaves tonight with his mate by his side. This is a night of celebration, but it’s also a night of destiny, and I refuse to let anything stand in the way of my brother’s happiness.

As I approach Jade’s father, I steel myself for the conversation ahead, determined to plead my brother’s case and convince him to reconsider his daughter’s betrothal. It’s a daunting task, but for the sake of my brother’s happiness, I’m willing to do whatever it takes.

Chapter 27

Tiamat

As I stride purposefullythrough the crowd, my heart pounding with determination, I’m abruptly halted as my father sweeps me up into his arms. His touch is firm yet gentle, his voice a soothing murmur in my ear as he guides me away from my intended destination.

“Not here,” he whispers, his expression grave as he leads me towards the meeting room. I shoot him a questioning look, my dragoness seething beneath the surface, her anger simmering dangerously close to boiling over.

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