Page 70 of Queen Isabella

They asked me what I thought afterward. I complimented them both and they both cheered.

The hunt showcased the skills of the servitors, and the combat round did the same for the legionnaires.

But I didn’t declare a winner for the hunt.Her brow furrowed. Except she had chosen a winner by default when she cheered for her hive.And they just stopped the fight when I demanded it.

“Are you telling me I could’ve stopped all of this before Bellator was hurt?” She started to hyperventilate.

Phara’s grimace was the only answer she needed.

“Oh god.” Isa covered her mouth. “I didn’t understand.”

Fresh tears streamed down her cheeks. They called her their queen and they truly meant it. Back home no one cared about her wants, feelings, needs, any of it. They certainly wouldn’t have listened to her and halted a war. It was unfathomable on Earth. Except this wasn’t Earth.

Isa stood and focused on the trio of Nemus alphas. “I am sorry. I am sure you are a wonderful hive, but you’re just not for me.”

She held her breath for a moment as disappointment swept across Andren, Lehzen and Soleno’s faces, expecting them to aggressively object, but then all the Nemus simply dropped to their knees and bowed to her.

It was over! This terrible business was truly over. There wasn’t going to be a giant war, and she got to keep her hive. Suddenly Isa was lightheaded, as relief swamped her. Although she wouldn’t be completely relieved until she was with Bellator and he was healed.

Isa turned to Phara. “Please take me home.”

Chapter 19

Life is Changing

Isabella

Isa contentedly watched Bellator as he slept peacefully in their bed.

Artifex climbed back into bed and waded past the triplets still fast asleep. “You’re going to wake him staring so intensely,” he whispered, while offering her a drink.

She shook her head no to the drink.

“And I’m starting to get a little jealous.” Phara kissed her shoulder and snuggled up against her back.

“Hush.” Isa chuckled at her alphas.

It had been a month since she learned what it meant to be a queen among the Vorto. Phara wasted no time bringing her home. Her hive flew her straight to the mountain and they arrived in time to see Bellator in the middle of treatment. Therefectiowas like some sort of miraculous laser, but it still took three days for her teddy bear to recover completely. Three stress filled days! It was a privilege to be there when he opened his eyes, and it was something she never wanted to miss. Bellator had survived. They all survived!

Isa shook her head at how oblivious she’d been. If she’d only asked more questions, stood up and voiced what she wanted, the wholeConlatuscould have been averted. Back on Earth, she’d been one of the bold ones who questioned her ‘place,’ so her people tried even harder to shove her into the little niche ‘where she belonged.’ She was used to that treatment. What was even worse, she expected that treatment. She never imagined the Vorto would listen to her, or value what she wanted and said. Perhaps on the surface she understood, but not deep down. It was a staggering lesson to learn.

She was learning new things every day. To be fair, she’d only been on Tellus a month, so she still had a lifetime of learning laid out in front of her. Some days the lessons were small, like new yummy or gag-inducing foods. Other days there were major lessons, like learning you are married to a whole hive and have the power to halt a war. Thankfully, there hadn’t been any more of those particular lessons since theConlatus.

“I am awake,” Bellator chuckled as his eyes slid open. “Artifex is right. I do know when you’re staring,” he teased her.

“Aw. I didn’t mean to wake you. Sorry.” Isa frowned.

“Don’t be.” Bellator grabbed her, pulled her close, and burrowed his face into her neck. “I love waking up to the whispers of how cute I am and how much you love me.”

“I didn’t realize I was projecting.” She grinned sheepishly, but wouldn’t deny the things that went through her mind as she watched him sleep.

“I love it and I love you.” Bellator kissed her neck.

“I love you, too,” Phara chimed in.

“Agreed. All the love!” Artifex added.

Isa giggled as the triplets also shouted out their love. Her men were both silly and serious as they declared their love. This profession of affection ad nauseum had become a habit ever since the day at the volcano. It was a good thing the rest ofthe hive wasn’t in her bedroom or this could go on for several minutes—and she wouldn’t have minded in the least.

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