AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’ve dreaded my duty. I didn’t want to marry a fae. I knew it was for the good of my people, to make dragon shifters stronger, but I resented the fact that the burden fell upon me and my generation. Little did I know, I was getting something so much better than a soulmate.
I love my wife more than I thought was possible. Looking back, I’m not sure how I resisted her for so long. How did I not fall in love the very day we met? Or even on our wedding day?
It doesn’t matter, though. Because now we’re in love. And I’m happier than I’ve ever been.
My father bumps the back of my chair as he walks back, aware that I’m not paying a bit of attention. “…Stellan is keeping an eye on the princess.”
I sit up straighter, trying to focus on the council meeting. All I want is to get out of here and go hang out with my wife. Since I didn’t have a choice but to come to this council meeting, Wisteria is hanging out with Natalia and my mom. I’m pretty sure Natalia is taking her shopping, but I’d still prefer that over this boring meeting.
“I wouldn’t leave my wife’s side at all if I didn’t have to be here.” I try to keep the sarcasm out of my voice, but from the look my dad gives me, I’d say I didn’t succeed.
One of the older council members chuckles. “Relax,King Basilicus. None of us are offended by Prince Stellan’s youthful enthusiasm—we all remember what it’s like to be newly mated.”
“It is remarkable since we didn’t think a bond would be possible,” somebody says, but I’m back to not paying attention. Instead, I’m focusing on my wife. I nearly jump out of my seat when I feel her fear, but the fear is replaced by annoyance, then humor.
Just what are they doing?
The council only insisted I come today because they heard Wisteria and I were able to complete a mate bond. I think they just wanted to confirm it for themselves and my dad just wants me here because it’s my duty. But I know for a fact he got two whole months off after he married my mom, so it’s hypocritical for him to insist I keep working so soon after my wedding.
Will I ever get Wisteria to myself for more than a few hours? We’ve never even gotten one single uninterrupted day.
“Is it possible the dragon shifters who oppose your rule would back the fae if it came down to it?”
The question pulls me from my thoughts as I turn to look at my dad while I wait to see what his response will be.
“Anything is possible,” Dad answers. “Since the fae have openly acknowledged that they dislike Wisteria being with us, it would stand to reason those that oppose us would align with them. The fae on their own aren’t a threat, but…” his voice trails off.
He doesn’t have to finish his statement. If the two groups do decide to work together, they could quickly become a real threat.
“So we need allies,” I say.
Dad turns to me and nods. “But to gather allies, we’dhave to let the situation be known. I’m not sure that the situation is that desperate yet.”
I want to ask about the elves. Would it be desperate enough if they got involved? Would the dragon shifters survive another war? Even though it’s been two hundred and fifty years since the war ended, we still don’t have the numbers we did before. Even though we have more strength, if the other supernaturals banned against us, we wouldn’t stand a chance.
Wisteria
Natalia has been teasing me all day long about Stellan and me completing our mate bond. She keeps making these comments about her future nieces and nephews. I’m trying very hard not to let it show just how much her comments embarrass me, but I’m pretty sure she knows.
“Isn’t this cute?” Natalia holds up a baby onesie that proclaims ‘Auntie is my favorite.’
“Natalia,” Dove chides her, but it’s half hearted as she carries Jason on her hip.
“What?” Natalia smirks. “I’m just preparing. It’s only a matter of time before those two have hybrid dragon, fae, elf babies. And Jason needs a playmate.”
I take the onesie from her fingers. “Soyouhave a baby and your child can wear this.”
She chuckles. “Andrew and I are working on it.”
Dove looks up at Natalia’s words, her eyes gleaming with joy.
I put the onesie back on the rack, uncomfortable hearing my sister-in-law talking about baby making. Dragon shifters really are open with their feelings and emotions—maybe a littletooopen.
Evander, who is taking turns between peering out thewindow and glancing around the store groans. “Do you guys really have to talk about this in front of me? We just had lunch and I don’t want to lose it. It’s bad enough that Wisteria smells like Stellan now that they’ve completed their mate bond.”
Evander came as part of our guard detail. I figured he’d complain a lot more about all the shopping Natalia is doing, but he has taken his job very seriously. I think he plans to work as Stellan’s guard in the future.
“Ismelllike Stellan?” I turn my head and sniff my shoulder, noting that I smell like the soap I used this morning.
