Page 70 of Dark Prince's Mate

Evolet stiffens.The tension in the air climbs a few notches.

“No, thank you,” Kal says in a curt manner.“The sooner we get this dinner over with, the sooner we can spend time alone with my mate’s niece.”

Unaffected, the queen pours the wine into the goblets.“We have reason to celebrate.Elsie and Aruan’s mating has brought together two powerful kingdoms.”

“Or driven them to war,” Kal says through clenched teeth.

Aruan and his father both take a menacing step toward Kal, but the queen holds up a hand.“I think there are some things we need to say to clear the air.”

“Is that why you’re wearing your war paint, Kal?”the king asks with a mocking grin.

“It’s ceremonial paint,” Kal says.“Which you would’ve known if you were familiar with our customs.”

“Which you’re not.”Evolet shoots daggers with her eyes at the king.“Because your mate severed the sacred bond that should’ve existed between our families when she banished my niece.”

The king crosses his arms.“Is that why you came?To declare war in my face?”

Aruan steps in front of me, blocking me with his body.His voice drips with pure malice.“Or did you think you could take my mate home with you?”His power rises to the surface, a faint vibration that won’t stay faint for much longer if the meeting continues like this.“Away from me?”

Things are quickly getting out of hand.The atmosphere is volatile enough to blow up in our faces.

“Guys.”I walk around Aruan, placing myself in the middle of the small group of angry people.“Aren’t we missing the point here?Isn’t this supposed to be a happy occasion?After wondering all my life who my biological parents were, I’m finally meeting the only family who can tell me anything about them.I’d prefer it if we could do that without you killing each other.”

The king inhales deeply and straightens his tunic.“Elsie is right.I didn’t invite you here for a fight.”

I look at the king in surprise.“You invited them?I thought it was Aruan.”After learning that Aruan’s mother sent me to Earth, I never expected her or her mate to invite my biological family for a visit.

Aruan places a hand on my shoulder, offering me comfort with his touch and through our bond.

“I invited them because you’re an Alit,” the king says, looking me straight in the eyes.“And every Alit should know where she has her roots.”

I turn my face toward the queen, expecting her to be upset by such an action from her mate, but she appears serene.

“We’ve been honest with you,” the queen says, addressing my aunt, “because that was the right thing to do.”

Kal sneers.“Now you’re concerned about what’s right.”

The king takes another step toward Kal.“Be careful how you speak to my mate.”

“We’re done here,” Aruan bites out, taking my hand.

I hang back.“Wait.”

Aruan only stops when his mother speaks again.

“Aruan, wait,” she says.“Evolet and Kal are forgetting an important point.”

“And that is?”Kal asks, his upper lip curling.

The queen picks up two goblets.“If I hadn’t sent Elsie away when I did, she would’ve died in the volcanic eruption with her parents.My action saved her life.”

Evolet and Kal stare at each other.They’re quiet for a moment.The way they look at each other is intense.I bet they’re communicating through their bond.

For the first time, I envy that.I’m suddenly and inexplicably jealous of something they share that Aruan and I don’t have.I wonder how it feels when the bond is complete?

After another second, Evolet sighs.“As much as I hate to admit it, you’re right, Nia.The day we lost my sister, her mate, and so many of our family and people was a dark day in the history of Marikanea.And as much as I condemn what you’ve done, I’m also grateful that Elsie survived.”

The queen hands Evolet a goblet.“I say we leave the past where it belongs and embrace the future.”She adds with meaning, “Elsie and Aruan are going to need all the support they can get if they’re to become the best rulers they can be.Lona needs them, and Marikanea will always have our support and alliance.”

---