Page 102 of The Royal Marriage Alliance

Venali gently tugs on my arm, pulling me away fromStellan. I want to fight him off and run back to my husband, but I can’t right now. I have to put my court mask on and face this. I was trained to handle situations like this. I know I can do this.

You can do this, Stellan says, through our mate bond.

I hold my head high as I make my way to the throne-like chairs at the front.

My grandfather sits down in the largest chair. It’s got gold finishings and an integrant design on the legs and arms. The cushion is a velvety purple and the back goes up higher than me when I’m standing. The chairs on either side are similar in color, just smaller. Venali sits down on the right side of my grandfather, which leaves me with the chair on the left. I take a seat, keeping my court mask firmly in place. I will not let these stuffy elf council members get to me. If I can handle the fae monarchs, I can handle anything.

I look out at the audience, but I don’t make eye contact with anybody. I just skim over them quickly, like I’m too above them to even acknowledge them.

You, in charge, is quite possibly the sexiest sight I’ve ever beheld.

I do not look at Stellan to acknowledge his comment. If I did, I’m pretty sure my face would give away my thoughts.

When this is over, you are in trouble, I scold him.

Is that a threat or a promise?

Finally, I glance over at Stellan and see that he’s smirking. The arrogant—but incredible—prince.

How could the elves ever punish us? This is what marriage is supposed to be like. I’m so in love with Stellan that I can’t imagine life without him. How did I get by twenty two years before I knew him?

A young guy I recognize from yesterday—Cyran, I believe—shuts the door to the room before coming to takea seat. It must be some kind of a signal to start the meeting because everybody falls silent and turns their attention to my grandfather.

“A trial is not normally held for a simple matter such as this, but seeing as that this isn’t normal circumstances, a vote must be put forth on what punishment is appropriate,” Grandfather says. His voice is loud and authoritative, and I can feel his power radiate through the room. While others tense as they feel it, it soothes me. It connects with my own magic and my heart starts to slow its frantic beats and my body relaxes.

Grandfather glances over at me, confusion on his face as his mask falls. But he quickly turns forward again, hiding his reaction.

What was that about?

“Lord Vulmer, you may address the court,” Grandfather says.

A middle aged elf—Lord Vulmer, I presume, stands from his chair. He tilts his chin high, making it appear that he’s looking down his nose at everybody.

I see that elf nobility isn’t reallythatdifferent from fae nobility.

I’m afraid nobility of any species have an inflated sense of entitlement, even among dragon shifters,Stellan says.

Hearing his voice in my head calms me even further. Even though he isn’t here beside me, nobody can separate us.

“I don’t see why we’re even wasting our time with a trial. We all know the punishment for one of our females marrying somebody of a different species. Just because she’s a princess doesn’t mean she should get away with it. If anything, we should make an example out of her,” Lord Vulmer declares. “Let us kill the boy and be done with it. Then, our princess can marry an elf of nobility.”

Why do I get the feeling that Lord Vulmer has a son about my age that he’d be happy to offer to me for marriage? The thought nearly makes me gag, but I tamper down the reflex. I’ve listened to the fae council argue over my future spouse too many times to let this get to me.

“My granddaughter is your princess and youwillrespect her.” Grandfather leans forward and pins Lord Vulmer with a sharp look.

Lord Vulmer swallows hard and bows quickly before taking a seat.

“Wisteria’s husband is acrown prince. Elves may be warriors, but we are less in number than the dragons. Make no mistake, dragon shifters arenotweak. And we all know that King Basilicus is a member of the Alpha Council. If we harm their prince, it will mean war, not just against dragon shifters, butallshifters.” Grandfather looks at the audience, who stare back in silence. “We cannot afford to lose another war.”

Nobody says anything—it’s so quiet, the only sound I can hear is my own, steady heartbeat.

Grandfather turns his attention to me. “Wisteria, will you explain your reason for marrying Prince Stellan to the council?”

“Yes, Grandfather.” I sit up straighter as I address the council. I tell them everything from the beginning. I know that once they know about the alliance, there is no possible way they can punish us. Our marriage was decreed long ago.

Everybody watches me with calculating eyes. They may not be that different from the fae, but the fae are much better at hiding their emotions.

“So you see,” I say, in conclusion, “Stellan and I never had a choice. I may be your princess, but I was also aprincess of the fae. It was my duty, from birth, to marry him.”

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