Page 59 of Maleen

His eyes heat as he takes a step towards me. I giggle, escaping Jesper’s arms and running towards the bathroom to ready myself for the day.

TALYN AND AEMON are quiet at my side as we enter the throne room. I’ve been avoiding this area since we arrived here, and I’m not sure why. Maybe because taking a seat upon that silver-crested throne makes everything that much more real. Maybe because this was the last room I was in with my parents during the Winter Solstice Ball? I have no idea, but being here now has my stomach tightening with nerves so badly I feel like I might be sick.

Aemon places his hand on the small of my back. “You don’t have to do this today. They can wait until you’re ready to assume your duties. They went twenty-two years without you. They can wait a few more days.”

“We don’t have a few more days. I wanted to talk about this in person with all of you, but I found out once Killian and I bonded that it would trigger a mating frenzy because Vasari is also fully bonded. Something about balance within bonds and the course of nature. We are going to be out of our minds with sex and orgasms. So I don’t think any of us will be doing anything productive during that time.” I broadcast the thoughts to all my mates, and Killian’s determination to make sure the castle will be locked down solidifies.

Jesper’s excitement blasts through the bond. “This is the best news. Three whole days of worshiping my mate? Sign me up!”

Talyn grabs my hand and turns me toward him. “Are you sure this was the right time? We are in the middle of a war and could be attacked at any moment.”

I shake my head. “I needed to bond with Kill. I wanted to. It may not be the perfect timing and Vasari may have been a bit impatient to bond with Voissor, but tomorrow is never promised. Killian has a plan, it will be okay… Unless you don’t want to?”

His eyes widen in worry. “No, Fates, no. Of course I want to. I’m just worried.” He pulls me in for a quick kiss. “I always want you, princess,” he whispers against my mouth.

“Where did you find this information?” Aemon asks, his eyes calculating.

“The library, in a book about bonds. Cynder should have it, she was curious. Why?” I ask, turning toward him, reaching for his hand.

“Did it say how long you had before this frenzy takes over? I don’t want you around any other male if you’re going to go into some sort of heat.” He growls possessively and suddenly all four of my mates are pushing the urge to hide me away until it has come and gone.

“A few days,” I say to try to calm them. “We have time.”

He nods, crossing his arms and I swear the shadows pulse. “We are going to need to make sure someone we trust is watching the dragons.”

Killian’s voice comes down the bond. “I have Rozen on it. Him and Thornwing will make sure the keep is locked down. Ember and Batsil will rotate keeping watch over the royal wing and Lennox will be overseeing the Royal Guard, who will take care of everything else.”

“See.” I smile. “It will be okay.”

Aemon nods and I turn back towards the throne room. Its expansive space is large enough to host large balls, with six pillars along the edges of the room reaching up to the long, domed ceiling. On the far side is the silver throne, adorned with a deep purple cushion. It’s the biggest chair I’ve ever seen, even now that I’m older. It still seems dauntingly huge, or maybe it’s just the responsibility that comes with being able to sit on it. On each side of the throne are two slightly smaller thrones, meant for the Queen’s consorts. I quite dislike that—instead of being titled King, as we are equals, that the name sounds so… degrading. I never understood why they chose for the mates of the queen to be called that. I wonder if that’s something I can change.

Sir Geoffrey enters the throne room from the other side and strides toward us. We meet in the center of the room and he bows. “Princess Maeven. I hope you’ve had a pleasant few days to adjust to being back home. The fae of Maleen are excited to have you listen to their requests. Are you ready?”

I take a deep breath. “I would prefer to be called Princess Ravina, if I need the title at all.”

His brows furrow. “We can discuss your name at a later date. We have quite a busy day ahead of us. Shall we?”

Talyn growls low in his throat and Aemon throws him a look clearing his throat.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I smile tightly and make my way to the dais. I stand in front of the throne my mother once sat on with my fathers at her side, and emotion clogs in my throat. Now is fortunately not the time to get emotional over this, so I shove it all back to be dealt with without an audience.

I turn and promptly sit, and I’m thankful that the Fates don’t blast me from the throne—a fear I didn’t even know I had until a moment ago. Aemon and Talyn have pride glowing in their eyes as they each take a seat at my side.

And I take a deep breath as the first fae walks in. A male dressed in finery approaches and bows deeply, and then waits. He seems familiar but I can’t put my finger on it.

“You might want to address him so he doesn’t stay bowing,” Talyn states with a small smile.

“Oh! Thank you, you may speak.” I wince, sounding very unlike a Queen and more like a flustered fledgling.

The male smiles softly at me. “Princess Maeven. It’s been a long time. I’m glad to see you doing so well. I was good friends with your fathers. You used to stop by my tavern in the morning with them for ice cream.”

My eyes widen as the memories come back of early summer mornings with my fathers and I sneaking out of the castle for an early treat. “Sir Wilson! It has been a long time. How can I assist you today?” There we go, that sounded better.

“I’m glad to see you still remember me. I wanted to talk about the possibility of opening trade soon for supplies we can’t grow or acquire here in Maleen. Certain herbs, spices and syrups. We have a few we’ve been able to grow, but my tavern would much like to liven up its menu again.”

I swallow, worried I might say the wrong thing. “I will talk to our trade liaison and see if it would be possible, but until the war is over, it might be difficult to negotiate with certain provinces.”

“The note has been made,” Aemon states as he jots down on a scroll and parchment. I didn’t even realize he had that.