Page 132 of A Crown Without Mercy

“We won’t be much longer, love,” Nicolai stated.

Riordan patted her butt. “Get dressed and we will be up soon.”

He closed the door behind him, and they took a seat. “Now, can we get back to business?” Riordan asked.

“She is stunning,” Rhazien said.

“Yes, she is,” Kieran agreed.

“Her trust in others is going to be an issue,” Nicolai replied.

“She is still as shy as she was the night we met her in the tavern,” Tobias added.

“Don’t let her shyness fool you. She is more than capable of going toe to toe with anyone of you.” Nicolai chuckled.

“Yes, she is. I witnessed the punch,” Tobias joked.

“She threw a book at Riordan’s head the other day,” Kieran chuckled.

“She sure did,” Riordan agreed.

“Now that is a scene I would have loved to have witnessed.” Astaroth laughed.

“Shit, his dick was so hard he could hardly walk,” Kieran joked.

Another ripple of laughter filled the room.

“My dick? You had to unbutton your fucking pants, and your brother leaned against the wall for five minutes,” Riordan said in jest.

“We should adjourn, since we are obviously getting nowhere,” Astaroth suggested.

“We will re-convene after the announcement,” Riordan said.

“I will call the court to order, and we will see you soon,” Tobias said.

“I’m so nervous,” Sylvana said as Calista pulled the ties on her amber corset.

“It will be fine. We will all be there,” she replied.

“You have no idea how happy I am you are living here,” Sylvana offered sincerely.

“I’m not sure about the living here part, but I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.”

She turned Sylvana around and they gave each other a warm embrace, and Sylvana pulled away and looked Calista up and down. “You are gorgeous.”

“I never thought I would be wearing the finest of silks.” Calista smiled.

The door opened, they turned around and her mates walked in wearing identical, form-fitting, gray cotton trousers that laced up the crotch. Their pant legs were slightly bunched in soft folds above the top of their black leather boots, and their pleated, amber tunics matched her dress perfectly.

“Calista, it’s good to see you again,” Nicolai said.

“Milords,” Calista replied, along with a curtsey.Damn, they are stunning, she thought.

“You belong to our clan now, Calista. There is no need to address us formally,” Riordan offered.

“Yes, milord,” she replied, as she glanced at the crown on his head.

“This sounds familiar,” Nicolai joked.

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