Page 45 of The Lost Nation

After tucking Wren in her bed, Benedict gave me a fierce look, one that usually indicated he wanted to talk to me. Alone.

We flew a lap around the island, then headed towards the sloping beaches of the western shore. Benedict dug his claws into the sand, landing roughly. “I expect Wren will be with child soon.”

I nodded, confused at where this was going. Words weren’t something Benedict usually wasted his time on, let alone such obvious ones.

Benedict sighed.“You know I plan to storm the demon fortress. As soon as Ronan returns from our allies on the continent, we willfinish the finer details of planning the assault."

Ooh, Wren wouldn't like that. She was extremely vocal about not attending the demon fortress.

“Wren won't want to fight." I said cautiously.

Benedict sighed. “No, she’ll want to fightus.”

Well, he wasn't wrong.

Benedict's wings flared in irritation.“Thad still has his claws in her, even if she won’t admit it to herself. She won’t want us attacking him, and she'll likely do everything in her power to keep the assault from happening.”

Perhaps. But perhaps not.“Xana is her friend,” I reminded him.After all, Wren was heartbroken that Thad had kidnapped Xana. That had to count for something.

“Perhaps I’m wrong." Benedict offered. "I hope I am. I just want to be prepared.”

That sounded reasonable. He looked me directly in the eye and I mentally braced myself.

“I want you to stay behind on Lyoness and guard Wren during the attack. Before we leave, I will announce that you shall be king consort in my absence, and would rule with Wren should the worst happen. Any children from you will inherit the throne, or Ronan’s. Whoever you feel will fit best.”

My heart dropped into my stomach.“Benedict! I—you’re not going to die!”

He had the audacity tosnortat me. “I don’tplanon dying, but it is only right that these things are put in order now. I won’t have my people fall into chaos again.”

That was a good point. Ensuring the succession was imperative.

“Wren isn’t even pregnant yet,” I protested weakly, but I knew Benedict was only doing what was right—what his draken was insisting he do. Mine wouldn't be happy at missing the chance to fight, but he was already purring at the chance to personally guard our mate. He wasproudthis task was entrusted to us.

“Fine." I heard myself mutter. "I’ll stay back. Good luck gettingherto stay back, though.”

Benedict’s eyes darkened. “I’ll figure something out.”

He flew off, leaving me to my own thoughts.

I left him to it, deciding to fly back into the valley and visit with a few of my friends I hadn’t seen in a while. With my quick mateship to Wren, my visits with them had trailed off significantly.

And after all, I wasn't the only one whose life had changed.

A few of them had taken witches for mates, and I smiled as I realized that perhaps we were all ‘growing up’ finally, despite the centuries we already had behind us.

I glided down and my claws hit the dirt, my attention immediately captivated by the drakling Ivarr. His silver scales winked at everyone as he grabbed bits of grass with his chubby little fingers. His shocking tuft of white hair stood out, but not as much as his eyes.—half-silver, half-brown. I realized with a jolt that this draken boy wastechnicallya half-breed, just like the other children.

Just like Thad.

I pushed away the thought. It didn't sit right with me that one half-breed would be pushed away, and another welcomed with open arms.

“Ivarr! No! We don’t eat dirt!” His mother scooped him up deftly, her eyes rolling in exasperation.

“Keeping you busy,” I commented, smiling up at the tired witch. Her mate was beside her a moment later.

“You’d think withtwoof us we could keep up with one small child. I can’t imagine when we have more!”

Trego gazed fondly down on Cassie, who blushed and looked away.

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