Page 35 of Their Crowned Mate
COLE
"All right, lovebirds, that's enough one-on-one time," I said, tossing a half-empty glass of water onto Aurelius, who was sleeping wrapped around Lavinia. I was careful not to get any on her, considering I didn't feel like surviving a war against the emperor of the fae only to perish at the hands of a tiny blue-haired she-wolf.
Aurelius leaped up in alarm and growled ferociously, wiping off the water. He turned to glower at me, his green eyes lit up in rage. "What the hell?"
"Hey, you're in bed with my pregnant mate. I think a little water is the least I could do."
"His bark is worse than his bite," Marcus said, dropping into bed on Lavinia's other side. He leaned in to kiss her as she was just beginning to stir, looking confused and not thrilled to be up. She definitely wasn't a morning person, and we had that in common.
"What time is it?" she groaned.
"What time is it ever in this weird fucking place?" I challenged. "But your father is awake, and we figured you'd want to know."
"Hope you enjoyed last night because we take turns, and you're the new guy, so you're last," Marcus said to Aurelius in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Damn straight," I agreed.
Aurelius rolled his eyes, pulling on a set of clothes. "Yeah, I know the drill. Where's the vampire?"
"Preparing the troops," I answered. "Half are going home, and half are staying here to help Joram get a handle on things for a while."
"Really?" Lavinia asked, suddenly a lot more awake as she yawned. I handed her the cup of coffee I'd made her, and she took it with a happy little sigh that warmed my heart. "Thanks."
"How do the vampires feel about their new assignment?" Aurelius asked doubtfully.
"Not great, I'm sure," I said with a shrug. "But Alexander runs a tight ship. He said he wanted to leave more, but he has to make sure the portals are guarded on the other side, too."
"So we're going back," Lavinia murmured. "I should get ready to prepare the portal, then."
"No need," said Marcus. "It's a bit of a hike to the nearest one, but we don't want you using any more energy right now after yesterday."
I expected Lavinia to argue, but the fact that she nodded was just proof she was as exhausted as she seemed. And how would she not be? She'd kicked the emperor's ass, but it had still taken all of us, and it was still a damn close call. She was still just getting used to using her magic and it scared the hell out of me, but the sooner we got her out of this place, the better I would feel. I just hoped that now that she had accomplished what she set out to do and Joram was officially on the throne, she would be willing to call it quits.
Once everyone was dressed, we headed upstairs and Lavinia looked surprised to see her father up and about, sipping a cup of tea by the window.
"Dad?" she called, walking over to him. "What are you doing out of bed?"
"You sound like the doctor," he huffed.
"Ever think maybe he gave his advice for a reason?" she challenged.
He chuckled, patting her shoulder. "I'm fine, dear. Thanks to you and your mates," he said, hesitating as he glanced at Aurelius. "And... friend."
"Actually, about that," Lavinia said, reaching to lace her fingers with his. "Some things have changed."
"Ahh," the older fae said in a knowing tone, giving Aurelius a warm smile. "Well, I suppose congratulations are in order, then. Not that anyone's asked for my blessing."
Lavinia gave him a look. "Is having four mates going to be scandalous now that I'm the princess of the realm or whatever?"
"Well, there was a king in our ancestry who had seven wives, so I don't see why it can't be done," Joram mused. "Of course, the fae love their double standards, not that it matters what they think. But about that title..."
"I was just kidding," Lavinia said with a laugh. "I don't have any interest in royal escapades, even if it is as a second string royal."
"That's a shame, considering I was going to ask you about abdicating the throne," said Joram.
I barely managed to stifle a groan. Here we go. Another reason to linger longer in this topsy-turvy cotton candy hellscape. Sure, the place had ambiance, but at what cost?
Lavinia stared at Joram, wide-eyed. "What do you mean? You want to abdicate?"
