The classroom is absolutely silent. I can hear my heartbeat pounding in my ears.
“To accept this honor, Finlay would only have to either touch her shoulder in acknowledgment, or as a mate, kiss the back of her neck, releasing her from the submission,” Klauth explains to the watching class. I wait, barely breathing, to see if Finlay will allow our bond to be formally recognized before everyone.
“I love you,” I hear him whisper—just for me, so quiet only my enhanced hearing catches it—before his warm lips press against the back of my neck. The kiss sends shivers racing down my spine, and the bond between us flares bright and golden.
He helps me stand with gentle hands, then immediately wraps me in his arms like he can’t bear not touching me. “Princess Raven is my mate,” he announces to the classroom, his voice carrying pride and possessive satisfaction. He kisses my forehead tenderly before looking to Klauth. “Thank you for being here for this.”
He shakes Klauth’s hand with genuine gratitude and releases me for a moment so I can properly thank my father.
I move forward and hug Klauth, feeling small and protected in his massive embrace. “Thank you,” I whisper against his chest.
“You’re very welcome, my most precious one.” He kisses my forehead with paternal affection. “Remember, the dominance challenges open up at the Great Gathering. You can settle any score you need to with lethal force if necessary.” His voice carries dark promise.
He offers me back to Finlay with a gentle push, then looks over at Isolde with that wicked gleam I know well. “As Raven’s sister, you are expected to act accordingly. If any dragon challenges you...” The gleam intensifies. “You may choose any dragon or dragoness in your bloodline to fight for you.” He winks at her before leaving through the same door he entered, his presence slowly fading from the room.
“Let’s end class here for today,” Finlay announces, his professional demeanor sliding back into place. “Next time we meet, be prepared to waltz. Also, for the males in the room, I want you to draft a formal request for a table at the choosing ceremony. Females, write what values and qualities are important to you in a potential mate.”
He stays close to Isolde and me as the other students file out, several casting curious or hostile glances our way. The gold dragonesses leave with barely concealed fury radiating from their stiff postures.
We watch the classroom empty out completely, and Finlay laughs quietly to himself—the sound warm and slightly incredulous. “What made you decide to formally submit to me, you crazy, beautiful female?” He cups my cheeks with warm palms and kisses me softly, tasting of cinnamon and promise.
Isolde sees herself out with a knowing smile, signaling she’s heading to Dad’s office to wait for me. The door closes behind her with a soft click.
Smiling, I kiss Finlay again, deeper this time. “I didn’t like how the gold dragonesses were looking at you. It made me mad.” I roll my eyes at my possessiveness and laugh. “Okay, it made me jealous.”
“You were jealous?” He looks at me in genuine shock, his honey eyes wide with disbelief.
I nod at him and look away briefly, suddenly embarrassed by the admission. He gently grips my chin with careful fingers and turns my face back to his. “You can have any male you desire. You’re the heir apparent—brilliant, powerful, beautiful beyond measure.” His eyes search mine with desperate sincerity.
“Why would I want anyone else?” I caress his cheek, feeling the slight stubble there, looking into his eyes. “I searched for you for almost an entire year. The tether would flare to life, flickering for several moments and pulling me in its direction, then vanish like morning mist before I could follow it.”
I scoot closer and rest my head on his shoulder, pressing the bridge of my nose against his throat and breathing in his familiar scent. “I’m safe and loved. That’s all that matters to me.”
Finlay hugs me tighter, his arms strong and secure around me. “What class do you have next?” he sighs, clearly reluctant to let me go.
“Back to Shadowcarve. Sparring, then agility training, then I’m done for the day.” I wrap him up in my wings, creating our private cocoon, and purr softly while holding him close.
Finlay’s phone buzzes in his pocket, and he pulls it out with one hand while keeping the other arm around me. “Health of the nest talk tonight,” he reads aloud, then arches a brow, looking at me with curiosity. “What’s that?” He presses his lips to my forehead, and I draw in a deep breath before opening my wings to release him.
“Since there are four of you—not counting Solaris—sometimes in a large poly nest, things arise that are difficult to discuss one-on-one.” I step away and start pacing, a nervous habit I picked up from Dad. “We’ve upgraded to the question bag method like my mom uses in her nest.”
I pause and look at him, waiting to see if he has questions. When he motions for me to continue, I resume pacing. “I’m pretty sure Corvus, as lead drake, is hosting the talk.”
“How is he hosting it? We all live together,” Finlay asks, his confusion adorable in how genuine it is.
“Let me rephrase that. He’s the one putting the talk together and will be the one to start the conversation, guide the discussion.” I pause, looking at him again to make sure he understands.
“Oh, that makes sense then. Are we doing it here at school or at home?” He cocks his head to the side in that subtle way that lets me know it’s an honest question and not him being haughty like he sometimes comes across as to others.
“Keir, Hemlocke, and I still have classes tomorrow, so we’ll meet at our home in Malivore. It will happen after dinner, so if there’s anything you want to ask, see Corvus before the end of the day and he’ll give you your slips of paper to use.” I reach into my pocket and pull mine out—already filled out and folded, ready to give to Corvus when I see him.
“Oh okay, I understand now. I just need to go see Thauglor about something first, then I’ll be at Shadowcarve to get the papers from Corvus.” Finlay closes the distance between us and kisses me so passionately he steals my breath completely. His hands thread into my hair, and I melt against him.
“I’ll see you later,” he murmurs against my lips, then kisses the tip of my nose with playful affection before turning to leave.
I have to admit, those tailored slacks he wears definitely hug his ass nicely. I watch my mate leave with open appreciation, then turn to gather my things.
Time to go kick some first, and third years’ asses in sparring class. The thought makes me smile with anticipation.
