Page 74 of Dragon Me Through Space

“You don’t have anything, I’m just telling you that that’s what he is going to do,” Gage explained. “For example, he will ask you about your plans once we get to our home planet.”

“I plan to learn as much as I can about the Dragonkin and the people by living amongst them and adjusting to your way of life as quickly as I can,” I answered.

All four smiled and I knew I’d passed that test.

“What if he asks which one of us you want to choose for your king?” Zeke asked.

I scowled as I debated my answer on this question. “The king is not chosen by me, but is the leader of the princely pack.”

Wayne and Gage snickered.

“What?” I asked.

“‘Princely pack?’” Preston asked, one of his brows arched.

Throwing my hands up, I asked, “What am I supposed to call you?”

“You could have just said, ‘the choice isn’t mine, but was determined by the members of my pack,’” Zeke said, trying, and failing, to hide his smile.

“What do you bring to the table as a mate to the princes?” Preston asked.

“A habitable womb,” I replied with a smirk.

Preston rolled his eyes while the others shook their heads.

“Am I wrong?” I asked back and crossed my arms over my chest, my now empty mug resting against my leg on the bed. Despite the agreement stating they can’t force me to have children, I knew that was the main reason for the arrangement. Why else would you marry off four eligible princes when your fertility rate is so low?

“Not completely, but let’s try to be less aggressive in our responses,” Zeke suggested. “And remember, the betrothal contract stated that you won’t be forced to bear children against your will.”

“Yes, yes, I know. I’m a well-educated princess with a good background in all subjects as well as a skilled fighter.”

Wayne flinched. “I don’t think we should mention your fighting prowess yet.”

“Why not?”

“Yeah, why not?” Gage asked. “The sooner they know not to mess with her, the sooner she can avoid fights.”

“She’s going to have to fight no matter what at least once,” Preston said.

Zeke growled. “She shouldn’t have to.”

“You know the rules,” Preston said flatly.

“Why do I have to fight? If what you really want is a compatible biology, who cares if I can fight or not?” Not that I minded fighting, but I would rather avoid getting punched in the face if possible.

“Being compatible is just the beginning, you also have to prove that you have the mental and physical stamina and endurance to handle bearing a Dragonkin child,” Preston answered. “Plus, there are some long-standing traditions you’ll have to participate in.”

“And do you think I have that?” I asked, feeling a flutter of nerves inside my chest as I waited for his answer.

“I wouldn’t have marked and knotted you if I didn’t think you proved yourself,” he answered.

My hand immediately went up to the mark on my neck, which was still tender.

I also heard the unspoken part of that, which was he wouldn’t have done it if he wasn’t in love with me, too.

“I thought you said you hadn’t decided if you’re willing to have children yet?” Wayne asked. “What made you change your mind?”

“I haven’t changed my mind about children yet,” I answered and Preston’s eyes snapped to mine so quickly that I worried he’d get whiplash.