Page 53 of Fire and Fate
The crowd is silent, watching me with intense focus. I can feel their assessment, their judgment, and I refuse to back down. "I know my kingdom has done terrible things to yours," I continue, my voice carrying across the courtyard. "My father has sent warriors to attack you, to steal from you, to kill your people. I apologize for every death, every injury, every moment of fear Valoria has caused. I cannot undo what's been done, but I swear to you that I will work to make it right. Valoria will answer for its crimes, and I will stand with you when that reckoning comes."
For a moment, nothing happens. Then an older woman near the front of the crowd starts clapping. Others join her, and soon the entire courtyard is filled with applause and cheers.
"She is just like her mother!" someone shouts, and others echo the sentiment.
"Isolde's daughter indeed!"
"Welcome home, princess!"
Tears prick at my eyes. They're accepting me. They're welcoming me despite everything. I sink back into my throne, overwhelmed by their response.
Alessia stands now, her voice warm and musical. "We understand that some of you may have concerns about accepting mates from Valoria. We share those concerns. But Kaia and Solace are victims of King Frederik's cruelty just as we are. They didn't know the truth about dragons, didn't understand what their kingdom was doing. Now that they do, they stand with us."
"We will need to trek back through the Shadowlands soon," Zara adds, her voice turning serious. "To confront Valoria, to demand justice for Isolde and for all the warriors who died following Frederik's lies. We will not hide from this conflict, but we will not start it either."
Warriors in the crowd straighten, excitement rippling through their ranks. One calls out, "We're ready to march with you, my queens! Just give the word!"
"We will not engage unless provoked," Zara says firmly. "This is a diplomatic mission first and foremost. We go to seek justice and truth, not war. To this day, none of you have died in defense of our kingdom. I intend to keep it that way."
Solemn nods answer her statement. These people trust their queens completely, I realize. They'll follow Zara and Alessia anywhere because they know they'll be protected.
"But we will prepare after Kaia's heat," Alessia continues. "We won't risk her safety or health by marching into the Shadowlands when her body needs rest and care. Once she's recovered, once we've had time to plan properly, we'll make our move."
Another voice from the crowd, younger this time. "Will there be an official ceremony? A joining of the four of you?"
Zara glances at me, a question in her eyes. I nod slightly, giving permission. "Yes," she announces. "There will be a formal bonding ceremony. But after Kaia's heat. As much as we want to honor tradition and celebrate properly, I will not stress her out this close to that time. Her health and comfort come first, always."
The crowd seems to accept this, nodding and murmuring agreement. Dragons clearly take heats seriously, understanding the vulnerability and needs that come with them.
"For now," Alessia says with a bright smile, "we celebrate! Tonight there will be a feast in honor of our new mates. Music, dancing, food, everything we love about a proper celebration. Though the new quad may not be available for the entire event depending on Kaia's needs."
Laughter ripples through the crowd at the implication. I blush furiously but can't help smiling. These people are so open about desire and pleasure, so different from Valoria's rigid propriety.
"Go, prepare, celebrate!" Zara dismisses them with a wave. "We'll see you tonight!"
The crowd disperses slowly, people talking excitedly amongst themselves. I catch fragments of conversation as they leave.
"Isolde's daughter, can you believe it?"
"She's fierce just like her mother was!"
"A quad is unusual but if the magic chose them..."
"I can't wait to meet them properly at the feast!"
Once most of the crowd has left, Zara helps me stand. We head back into the castle, moving toward the throne room for what Alessia called "the boring parts of ruling." As we walk through the corridors, Zara's hand slides down to cup my ass possessively, the gesture casual and natural for her.
I gasp slightly at the bold touch. "That kind of physical affection in front of everyone really doesn't bother you?"
Zara purrs, the sound vibrating through her chest. "Sweetheart, I would lift you and ravage you in this very throne room if you would let me. I would show you off in front of the entire kingdom, show what I've gained and what is precious to me. There's no shame in desire here, no need to hide how much I want you."
I'm not sure whether to be turned on or a little terrified by the casual way she says it. My body betrays me though, heat flooding through me and slick gathering in my panties at the mental image she's painted. The idea of being taken right there, in full view of anyone who might enter, should horrify me. Instead, it makes me ache with want.
Zara laughs, clearly scenting my arousal. "Noted. But later. Right now, we have additional royal matters to discuss. All of the boring things that come with ruling a kingdom. Tradeagreements, resource management, dispute resolutions. The unglamorous parts of being queen."
"How boring are we talking?" I ask, trying to focus on anything other than the way her hand is still casually resting on my ass.
"Very," Alessia says with a sympathetic smile. "But necessary. You'll need to learn how Embrath functions if you're going to help rule it."
