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He chuckles. “What? Isn’t that what the marriage is about? Making sure that the fae and dragon shiftersremain strong? Your child with him will be the king one day.”
He’s not wrong, but he doesn’t have to say it likethat. Besides, I’m trying desperately hard notto think about what is expected after the marriage.
“Just be glad you’re only fifteen.” I bump him with my elbow. “You’ve got seven more years before you’re forced to marry.”
“And since you’re not there, the council will probably decide for me.” He frowns, shaking his head. “You made being the heir look so easy. I don’t know how I’m going to do this.”
I take a step closer, putting my hands on his arms. “You are a lot stronger than the council gives you credit for. You’re going to make an amazing leader. And if you ever need me, I’ll be there. I promise you, I’ll help you in any way that I can.”
His eyes widen. “Wisteria, you shouldn’t make promises like that.”
“I only make them toyoubecause I know that you won’t take advantage of it.”
“I am going to miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too.” My eyes sting with unshed tears. I back away from him, taking a deep breath. “I know that our family isn’t big on emotional gestures, but I’m not sure when I’ll see you again. I just want you to know that I love you, little brother.”
He looks at me for several heartbeats, his eyes glowing a brighter blue than I’ve ever seen. “I love you too, big sister.” He pauses before adding, “If this dragon shifter doesn’t treat you well, let me know. I don’t care if it starts a war, I will kill him.”
My heart swells at his words—not that I want Cypress to murder for me, but I love that he’s willing.
Cypress’s smile widens. “I’m glad to see you smiling. You really do look beautiful, Wisteria.”
There is another knock on the door. Cypress walks over and pulls it open. My breath gets caught in my throat as I realize the person on the other side is a dragon shifter, one that I don’t recognize.
“I’ll just…” Cypress’s words trail off as he sneaks out the door right after the lady dragon shifter walks inside. The door shuts firmly behind him, leaving me alone with the woman.
The dragon shifter is, of course, tall. She’s at least ten inches taller than me. She has on a bright red dress and her dark brown hair is pulled back into an elaborate style that makes her high cheekbones more pronounced. Her eyes are a familiar blue-green color which makes me think she must be related to Prince Stellan.
“You’re shorter than I thought you would be,” the girl says, not bothering with introductions.
“Hello.” I stand up straighter. “I’m Wisteria.”
She raises an eyebrow. “I know who you are. You’re marrying my brother.”
I lick my lips, which suddenly feel dry. Actually, my whole mouth does. “I don’t know your name, I’m sorry.”
She cocks her head to the side, studying me. “You didn’t read about our family?”
“I didn’t have the chance,” I admit. “This was supposed to be my older sister’s wedding, not mine. And I’ve spent the last three weeks in non-stop council meetings with the fae.”
What I don’t mention is that the meetings were about getting me out of this marriage. She doesn’t need to know that. If the dragon shifters knew how much the fae are dead set against this alliance, they’d surely be offended.
The brunette takes a step closer to me. “I’m Natalia, Stellan’s older sister.”
“Older?” I furrow my brows. “Doesn’t that make you the heir?”
“The heir?” She tilts her head to the side, pursing her lips.
“Why aren’t you the future queen?” I ask.
Her head flinches back slightly. “I don’t understand—females aren’t heirs.”
“Why not?” Now it’s my turn to be confused.
“Because male dragons are stronger. Males are the ones who carry the royal gene.” She studies me. “Is it not like that with the fae?”
“No.” I go to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, but remember at the last second that my hair is styled and I don’t want to mess it up so I let my hand drop. “The strength of fae magic isn’t dependent upon gender.”
