“That takes all the fun out of it,” Aedan said with a disappointed snort.
“Aedan! I thought we were bros.” Ryan sighed in relief, shooting daggers at Aedan.
Aedan chuckled. “We are. Tormenting my new family is sort of my thing, though. But with Lucie and him connecting memories, it’s hard.”
“Speaking of bros …” Ryan turned and looked at Justice, who had been quietly observing him with what he thought was a predatory glance. “You must be Justice.”
“I must be,” Justice said, trying to hide his personality for a moment longer. “Word is you happen to like the ladies. I am also one who likes the ladies.”
“Once I’m off the hook from playing pretend fiancé, you want to be my wingman?” Ryan grinned widely.
“No. But you can be mine.” Justice snorted, and the two men chuckled together.
Lucie giggled and shook her head. She knew they would get along splendidly.
The door to the hall opened and King Alaric and Queen Willa walked in. They all stood and Derrick approached them, hugging both of his parents.
“Is everything okay? We weren’t expecting you.” Alaric watched as his son nodded while drawing Lucie to his side, making sure they could see the mark that was now on her neck.
“Breaking tradition?” Willa said, clicking her tongue.
“Yes. And I need to break it again,” Derrick said firmly. “There is someone that is claiming the elite leader Ryan is their steady boyfriend. The girl doesn’t know who I am, so she doesn’t understand how damaging her lies are. Furthermore, she has fabricated a video that isn’t true either. I ask to announce myself to my people. I want to clear my name.”
“No. You can’t announce this until you’re crowned. The day you are back here permanently will be when you are announced the crown prince. You know this has a purpose.” King Alaric said firmly.
“And I have accomplished that purpose, haven’t I?” Derrick said in exasperation. The purpose was to find faithful allies, and he had with his soldiers.
“You must finish the task you set out to do and bring your soldiers home,” Alaric said firmly.
“I already told Jasper to tell them who I am,” Derrick said, and his father’s eyes darkened.
Alaric sighed angrily. “Well, what is done can’t be undone. But I still won’t allow it. If there is a rumor, go and dispel it as Ryan. It is not time for you to join us here at the palace.”
“I fail to see why not. Could you explain this to me? Other than breaking tradition, what is the problem with him announcing who he is?” Lucie met their gazes confidently.
“Derrick must prove himself.” Willa said quietly.
“And he hasn’t? And he can’t if his identity is revealed?” Lucie felt irritated. She could feel how upset Derrick was, andhow trapped he felt. Well, they couldn’t trap her. “Furthermore, this is the price I demand for keeping the soul Abaas a secret.”
“Lucie,” Derrick hissed and tugged on her arm.
“No, Derrick. You may have made a deal for the prince and Ryan to put on a charade, but you never made this deal with me. You have chosen to show me a fake fiancé, and now you want me to continue to play this role. I should have been made aware from the beginning. I went through a lot … feelings of being unwanted and not being good enough. Had I been made aware from the beginning, all of that could have been avoided. What is being asked of me isn’t fair. I won’t wear another man’s scent anymore. I am not letting someone else bathe me in their spit. And I am not going to pretend to be another’s mate.” Lucie’s green eyes attacked them. She could feel how nervous Derrick was, and he was waiting for his parents’ reaction with bated breath. But not Lucie. This was enough. Everything that had happened to her recently was because she couldn’t simply have her mate by her side.
Finally, Willa smiled. “Lucie, you are perfect. Isn’t she perfect, dear? If only I could have had a daughter. I imagine she would have been so much like you.” She looked at Alaric, who had a small smile on his lips as well.
“You have a leader’s heart. You’re right. We should have thought things through better. And my guess is, with you as the new queen, a lot of traditions will be broken,” Alaric said with a quiet sigh.
“Yes. I will not have any son of mine participating in some quest where he has to prove himself. I understand the identity thing to find loyal soldiers, but having to prove themselves? No. Won’t be happening. No child of mine will have to prove themselves to me.” Lucie felt Derrick pull her into his chest as he beamed down at her. She blushed slightly as his thoughtsentered her head. She could feel his pride, adoration, love, and lust.
“She is perfect.” Derrick leaned down and gave her a gentle peck on the lips.
“I am so happy that you two ended up being mates,” Willa said with watery eyes. “This is more than I could have ever hoped for. And seeing you two together makes me so happy.”
“Alright, son. Do what you feel you need to. But how do you actually plan to handle the situation?” Alaric asked curiously.
Derrick smiled. “Just leave it to me. I’ll handle everything. I just need you to organize a formal event for tonight.”
“We can do that.” Alaric looked from Derrick to Lucie. “You two are a good match. You will have strong children together.”
