Page 17 of Their Princess

“It’s more than that,” she said gently and took my hand. “If you think returning there will help you recharge, then I will leave it at that for now. All I can do is provide you a bit of healing, since I can’t fix the charred bits.”

Charred? That was an interesting way to describe it.

She used her powers and shortly after starting, Grandpa Foxfire joined, using his powers as well for a bit more of a boost.

“What’s the consensus?” Trey asked as he, Kayden, and Mason joined us in the living room.

“She’s not one hundred percent better, but she’s got some color back in her cheeks now.” Great Nana patted one of my cheeks for emphasis. “And, she needs to go to the demon realm for a recharge soon.”

“I’ll let your dad know,” Grandpa Foxfire said. “He’s been communicating with King Jolmach and working on something with him.”

“Thank you both for coming and checking on me,” I said and hugged them each.

“Until your parents call you, stay inside and avoid public places, okay?” Grandpa Foxfire said, concern causing his brows to furrow. “Just in case.”

“I know, even after saving the world there will be some who want to kill me.”

“Being powerful is often more of a curse,” Great Nana said and patted my hand. “You’re from a long family of females who suffer from it.”

How true that statement was. My poor family.

ChapterSeven

Maya threw down an ace of spades card atop the discard pile with a victorious smile. “I’m out! I win!”

Groaning, Piper and I threw the remaining cards in our hands down onto the discard pile in frustration.

“That’s the third game in a row you’ve won! When did you get so good at this?” I asked enviously.

She collected the cards into a single pile, smiling and dancing a bit in her chair. “Jaeden’s been playing with me and teaching me better techniques.”

“Can he teach me?” Piper teased.

Narrowing her eyes, she sternly said, “No.”

Laughing, I patted her hand. “Don’t worry, Maya, neither Piper nor I want your future mate.”

Her cheeks flushed. “We don’t know he’s going to be my mate yet.”

I rolled my eyes.

Piper said, “Girl, he’s an idiot if he doesn’t choose you.”

“We’re taking things slowly and as they happen. I don’t want to rush things or do something to cause them to get scared,” she whispered as she began shuffling the deck of cards.

“Only a mouse would be scared of you,” Kayden teased as he entered the living room, carrying a tray with two wine glasses filled with bubbly liquid and two cherries each.

“Watch it,fox, or I’ll burn your tail again,” she threatened with a pleasant voice and smile.

The two of them had been like this ever since we were kids. In fact, shehadburned his tail with her fire power and he’d cried for an hour even after it had healed, earning a scolding from Riddick.

“I think it’s great that you’re taking your time and courting them. However, I know you four will be great together.” There was no doubt in my mind that they would end up her three mates. My brother had finally opened his eyes and seen that his childhood friend, and secret crush, liked him back and now he was all in.

Kayden set a drink down in front of Maya and I and kissed my cheek.

“Where’s my drink?” Piper asked.

“You’re working,” he replied as he walked out of the room. “No drinking while you’re guarding the princess.”

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