Page 182 of The Kingdom of Eternal Ice
“She is very suited for the job,” Queen Sine says. “She has a calming presence that helps keep Royan stable.” She pauses. “For a moment, he was dead.”
“He died a second time?” I ask, not able to hide the worry in my tone. Tynan reaches out his hand below the table and puts it on my knee. His touch is calming.
“He fought his way back,” Queen Sine says. “But, his body was in shambles, literally. There was not one bone that wasn’t broken or cracked, his inner organs were massively affected, and one of his eyes worries me. They pumped so much wolfsbane into him that he has a hard time trying to recover. His wolf hasn’t returned fully yet. He is just a presence for now that helps his healing, but he is not there yet.”
“Will he recover?” King Gillean asks.
“Only time will tell,” Queen Sine admits. “His body should heal. Unfortunately, he died twice now, and I’m not sure if his wolf will return to full capability.”
“I just hope he will be well enough to join us again, and sit with us here,” Azadeh says quietly. “And, he needs to know that he will stay my protector. With or without a wolf.”
“I think this will prove to be very motivational for him,” the queen says in relief. “I was hoping you’d say something like that.”
Azadeh smiles. “It’s not pity,” she clarifies. “Shayan is a human and has a handicap, yet he proved to be more cunning and stronger than many shifters. He outsmarted the dark witch in person and freed Cù Sìth.”
“No kidding,” Caelan exclaims. “I’m actually impressed.”
“Cù Sìth. A presence I still need to get used to,” the king groans. “He seems to see his master in Shayan.”
“We are more like partners,” I tell them. “I doubt any mortal being could become the master of a mythical creature. He really likes the catacombs and the basement of the castle though, and likes to stay there for most of the day. I will make sure the pack gets used to him.”
“And, you saved the fox princess,” Azadeh tells me.
“I’m equally amazed by what you achieved,” I say, turning towards Azadeh now. “It’s truly wondrous.”
“Don’t act surprised,” King Gillean grunts. “You were probably the only one who had an idea about her powers.”
“I didn’t say I was surprised,” I verify, making Flinn and Beta Quinn burst into laughter. “Just amazed.”
“Also, this complaint is rich coming from the man who used the prophecy and his own knowledge, to make a very vague test for our oldest sons,” Queen Sine says. “I’m sure our beta would have something to say about that issue.”
“Your sons would, too,” Caelan murmurs.
King Gillean looks flustered. “Well, it worked out in the end,” he defends himself.
“That it did,” Endellion says, putting his arm around Azadeh and pulling her closer.
It’s still amazing how powerful she truly is, and what she’s achieved. I’m sure it will come as a shock to King Naseem, too. It’s common knowledge in the desert that a very few princesses are born with the so-called gift, but no one researched further. Magic terrifies them, and so did Azadeh’s existence.
But, even in my wildest dreams I wouldn’t have imagined that she was actually blessed by the goddess of the Sun, and would meet the Moon Goddess in person.
“Everyone here had secrets,” Endellion says. “It’s the first time we heard about the power of the Ice Wolf Prince being reborn in one of us.”
“We had a feeling it would be one of you,” the queen admits. “There was the fact that you were born as triplets; the prophecy and the lack of a mate bond for all of you, until Azadeh and you created it, and set your brothers free to develop one too.”
“It feels good to have a fate, finally,” Caelan admits.
“Yep, it always felt like something was missing,” Flinn agrees. “Now we just need to find our mates.” He pauses, before tossing a careful glance towards Alana. “I don’t want to belittle anyone for taking a chosen mate, it’s wonderful either way. But, it is different when you have no choice like it used to be for Caelan, Ende and me.”
“I know what you mean,” Nevyn says. “We all know there is someone waiting for us. And if we decide to take a chosen mate, it is our choice.”
“Before Aza you didn’t have that choice,” Eibhlin adds. As usual she is dressed in a black dress, a stark contrast to her porcelain-like white face. She looks like something out of a nightmare sometimes, but she has proven to be a kind and capable person. Just different.
“I hope I will get my wolf, too, eventually,” Kilah says. “Like Flinn said, it feels like something is missing.” The others look at her surprised for showing so much vulnerability.
“I’m sure everything has a reason,” Flinn tells her. “You already are a strong princess.”
“You will get your wolf,” Alana reassures her.
