Page 71 of Claimed By Prince Daddy

The world tilted on its axis, and I found my knees grew weak. Pressing a hand to my temple, it took every ounce of control within me to stay upright. War?!

“War?” Drake hissed.

The guards nodded. “A messenger bird dropped this scroll to us moments ago.” He handed Drake said scroll. Drake read over the contents, his eyes hardening with each word.

I licked my lips. “What’s it read?”

Drake sighed. “He wants Melodina. And he will fight for her. My Troops and I are to meet him in battle tomorrow at Reaper’s Peak on the battlefield.”

I felt my stomach roil as if threatening to empty its contents of the breakfast I had earlier. I reached for Melodina, placing her on my hip and holding her close to me.

Drake let out a vicious snarl. “Rally my troops,” he commanded the guards. “We’ll leave tomorrow at daybreak.”

They bowed low. “Yes, Your Majesty!” Then they pivoted and raced away.

“Drake,” I said, gaze pleading. “This land isn’t safe for Melodina. Let us return to the human realm where she will be out of harm’s way.”

Drake shook his head. “No,” he said. He placed a palm on Melodina’s back, and she looked up at him. “You and Melodina will be better protected in our lands. If you go to the human realm, enemy fae can easily take you both.”

I read what was left unspoken in his eyes, like the last time they took Melodina.

I gnawed on my lower lip as a wave of indecision crested within me. Drake took my hand.

“Come,” he said.

He led us out of the garden and into the safety of his palace.

I woke up to dawn’s early light slanting into my bedroom through the window. I yawned, then glanced down to find Melodina tucked against my front. Yesterday, we had shortly retired to bed once Drake was called away to a war meeting. This time he hadn’t allowed Melodina to sit in.

I brushed the back of my hand against her cheek and gazed lovingly at her. War. With the summer fae. There would be many casualties on both sides. My heart clenched as I thought of Drake on the battlefield, falling under enemy swords.

I shook my head fiercely. No, he wouldn’t die. He was too strong.

Melodina’s eyes cracked open. Her gaze lifted to me. “Good morning, Mama.”

“Good morning,” I replied, though my stomach writhed at what this morning would bring.

The door to my bedroom opened. I turned to find Drake entering. He donned his battle armor, black plating surrounding his chest and waist, stretching across his legs and arms like the tough plating of a rhinoceros. His hair was pulled up in a severe top knot, likely to not impede his fighting.

He stepped toward us, his gaze solemn. “I have my best men outside of your door. They’ll guard you and our daughter with their life.”

I nodded, believing him.

His lips pulled in a frown. “I must go lead my troops.” Yet, he remained as if rooted to the floor. I could tell he was hesitant to leave us. As if he didn’t trust we would be safe within the walls of his palace and wished to be by our side.

I sat up and slipped my hand into his. Drake’s eyes snapped wide at my intimate contact.

I peered into his eyes. “Go. We’ll be fine.” I squeezed his hand hard. “But please be careful.”

Drake looked into my eyes, and it felt as if he saw into me, saw my innermost feelings and thoughts. I fought not to squirm, to not let the love I held for him shine through. He couldn’t know because I couldn’t stay here forever.

After a long moment, Drake blinked. A slow smile touched his lips. He squeezed my hand back. “Thank you, Ember.”

Melodina crawled over my lap to kneel in from of her father. Worry shone in her round gaze. “Please be safe.”

Drake’s gaze softened. “I will be,” he promised.

Melodina opened her arms, and Drake pulled her in for a tight embrace. “I love you, Papa,” Melodina whispered fiercely.

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