Black Crown (The Darkest Drae Book 3)

by Kelly St Clare

  “Yes, she was.” I smiled at Kamini in the way a panther might smile at a chicken. “Kamini, you stepped up when the Phaetyn needed you, and I’m not lessening the magnitude of that. I’m sure the Phaetyn are grateful and all”—she held her hands up in surrender, and I rounded on Kamoi for my attack—“but I believe it was you who said leadership is passed to the female with ancestral powers. You asked me to stay because I had them, and you were the one who encouraged me to find Lani. And now, here she is with the ancestral powers you need.”

  Kamoi’s brows lowered, and I raised a finger.

  “Don’t waste my time, Prince Kamoi.” I glanced at the princess and nearly-queen. “We don’t have the luxury to waste time.”

  Kamini nodded frantically though her gaze slid to check on her cousin in a way that told me she didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

  Lani stepped back, chin raised. “I have come to cloak the Zivost Forest once more so our people are safe.”

  “Our people,” the prince muttered, his expression dark.

  “Kamoi,” I said, my voice dangerously low. “My ears may not be pointy, but I can hear just fine, even better than a Phaetyn in case you’ve forgotten.” The smile I offered when he met my gaze was hard. “I owe you a debt for saving my life the last time I was here, but I won’t let you insult your future queen. You have no idea what she’s been through or how she’s longed to find her people,” I snapped, my fangs elongating with my heightened emotion. “Pull your freakin’ head out of your butt, or I’ll do it for you.”

  Khosana? Tyrrik’s voice reached into my mind.

  I kept my gaze fixed on Kamoi, my jaw set while mentally answering my mate. Just laying down the law.

  Good for you, love.

  My lips twitched, and if I had to venture a guess from the way the prince paled, I’d say the gesture looked borderline psychotic. I’m on a roll.

  I felt Tyrrik chuckle but kept my attention on the Phaetyn prince.

  He held my gaze, nevertheless, his shoulders suddenly sagged, and he dropped his eyes. The prince turned and bowed to Lani. “I apologize most sincerely, Lani. The last few weeks has us all on edge, and I’m afraid stress got the better of me. Please don’t feel unwelcome here. Both Kamini and I are overjoyed with your return home.” He flashed her an apologetic smile I was all too familiar with. “Even if I’m doing a poor job of showing it.”

  Kudos to Lani; she didn’t ease up for a second.

  “Hmm,” she said, observing him through narrowed eyes. “Your apology is accepted, cousin. However, considering your stress levels may impede the coming discussions, perhaps the next hours are better served resting while Kamini and I decide what is to be done.”

  Her voice was laced with steel, and Kamoi looked like he’d dropped his plate of syrup-covered honey cakes.

  Don’t laugh in Kamoi’s face. Don’t laugh in his face. A small, wheezing noise escaped my lips, but I kept my expression smooth as I covered my mouth and cleared my throat.

  The prince glanced at Kamini, but the younger Phaetyn only had eyes for her sister. He bowed again, back stiff, and his tone was flat when he replied. “Of course. You are very wise, cousin. I will take this opportunity to rest.”

  I withheld my snort. Tyrrik, I thought. Lani totally gave Kamoi a verbal beatdown.

  Good. About time. If you want to slice his head off, I wouldn’t be opposed.

  Not a fan of the Phaetyn prince. Nothing surprising there, and funnily enough, I was siding more and more with my mate. An image flashed through our bond, a Drae-eyed view of the Gemond mountains, and I smiled, realizing Tyrrik was on his way. Where are you?

  Only a few hours from Gemond.

  Fly safe. Remember—

  Remember the emperor was around last night? he asked, amusement floating through our connection. Funny enough, that completely slipped my mind.

  I sniffed. Sarcasm is very unbecoming.

  I find it sexy.

  Umm . . . A thread of heat shot through me, and my mind blanked.

  Why did your heart rate just increase? Why is your body warmer?

  I’m . . . running. Holy Drae-babies, he could sense my reaction to him from a bajillion miles away?

  Yes, I know, he said with a growl. You’re running from me. But I will catch you eventually. You’re mine, mate.

  The deep rumble of his thought radiated through me, and I caught a glimpse of the two of us locked in an embrace. Was that a daydream?

  “Uh . . . Ryn?” Lani shook my arm.

  I squeaked, face flaming. “Yes?” I pulled my thoughts back to the Phaetyn in front of me, blinking as I noticed only Lani remained. “How can I help you?”

  8

  Kamini pulled together two upholstered chairs inside the large conference room in the Rose Castle. A glance over Lani’s head told me the room held a huge desk, several chairs, and what appeared to be a trickling stream to the right of an ash bar with small wine glasses set out across its top to the left.

  Lani lowered her voice and jerked her head toward the doorway. “Are you coming in with me?”

  “Come in with you,” I repeated, thickly. The lingering haze of my discussion with Tyrrik burned away, and I shook my head. “Right, Uh . . .” I wasn’t going to be there to hold Lani’s hand forever, and really, she didn’t need me to. The gal was fifty, and now that Kamoi was gone, I’d lost the urgency for moral support. Lani and I were on the same page. Kamini was plenty smart, and honestly, I was hungry for something more than dried meat and day-old bread.

  “No,” I said, reaching forward to squeeze her hand. I gave her a smile I hoped would be encouraging and added, “I trust you. Kamini’s smart, but you’re smarter, and you’ve got the perspective to make wise decisions. You’ll do great.”

  Her face softened, and her mouth curved when my stomach growled. She arched a brow and laughed. “You’re going to eat, aren’t you?”

  “Well, yes. I plan to partake in a bite or three. But I still trust you.” My stomach rumbled again because I really was hungry.

  Lani’s laughter faded, and she stepped toward the doorway, heading after Kamini, but the Phaetyn queen turned back on the threshold, violet eyes shining. “Thank you for sticking up for me with Kamoi.”

  I winked at her. “That’s what friends do.”

  “Just a bite or two?” someone asked from above.

  I recognized Lani’s voice and didn’t bother to open my eyes. The heat filtering through the trees combined with a slight breeze had me at the perfect snoozing temperature. The pale-green leaves of Queen Luna’s elm tree shaded my eyes, and the sweet smell of honeysuckle surrounded me. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean you’re cradling your stomach like you’re pregnant.”

  So I’d eaten more than a bite. The Phaetyn had chocolate, and I might’ve dipped fruit into the concoction for the better part of an hour. “I’m recovering my strength,” I lied, opening my eyes now that my peace was ruined. I sighed and looked at my Phaetyn friend. “Drae tend to eat a lot after flights.”

  Lani raised her eyebrows, letting me know she wasn’t convinced, and then her gaze went to the tree trunk behind me. “This was my mother’s tree.”

  “Yep.” I gazed up at the shriveled leaves. “It’s seen better days. When I was here last time, it was green and vibrant.”

  “What happened?”

  “With the tree?” I asked and then shook my head. “I have no idea.”

  The Phaetyn stared at it, and I recalled the deep pull I’d had to touch Luna’s elm when I first saw it. A hint of fear entered Lani’s eyes, and she tore her gaze away, giving me her full attention again.

  “You should touch it and find out.” I studied her as I reached back overhead to pat the thick bark. Was she scared of what she’d find if she touched it? Her memories of her mother had to be dim; she should be clamoring to touch the tree. But Lani and I hadn’t really talked about Luna much. Maybe there was a reason. Or was she feeling nervous about the results of her talk w
ith Kamini? “So . . .” I said, breaking the awkward silence. “What’s the verdict?”

  Her face brightened, and the tightness in my chest loosened.

  “Tonight, I’ll be crowned Queen, and I’ll put the Veil back up.” She flashed me a smile, her pulse feathering. “They’re already setting the tables up for the feast.”

  I continued to hold my stomach with one hand, propping myself up on an elbow. “You nervous?”

  “If a tree falls and no one hears it, does it make a sound?”

  “Um . . . I’m not sure what—”

  “Yes,” she interrupted. “Yes, I’m nervous. Not about the barrier so much. It might require all my strength and focus to get it in place, but I know I can do that.”

  “You’re worried they won’t accept you?” I asked softly.

  The fifty-year-old child swallowed. I’d seriously never get past that. “Lani,” I said. “You’re funny and clever and strong. You’ve hidden from the emperor your entire life while helping people outside the forest. There’s no way these people won’t see what I see. And guess what?” I asked, a growl entering my voice. “You’re not really here to be liked; you’re here to save them from the emperor. If they know what’s good for them, they’ll follow you into his lair ten times over.”

  Lani tipped her head back and sighed. “You’re right. I know you’re right, but I do want them to like me too.” She shrugged, looking very much like an insecure fifteen-year-old. “So, I have a few last minute jitters.”

  I stood, my stomach emitting a groan. “That was my stomach. I swear. And you have zero need for jitters. I’d tell you if you did. Plus,” I said, “I’ll be there to have your back. If you want me to shift and scare the turd-twats, just tell me, and I’m on it.”

  She eyed my middle. “Will I need to roll you in?”

  “I told you it’s a Drae thing. You think I wanted to eat so much? No, but I can’t deny the call of my instincts can I?” Hypocritical, considering I was attempting to do just that.

  The Phaetyn choked on her laugh. “No, Ryn. Don’t ever do that.”

  “I won’t,” I said, dusting the leafy debris from my butt. “Now, come here and touch your mother’s tree.”

  Her eyes widened as I reached for her, and she stepped back.

  “You’ll feel better for it,” I continued, waving her to me.

  Lani raised her hands, warding me off. “It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s that I . . .”

  I quirked my brows, totally not buying it. She was as scared as a scaredy thing in Scaredyville. “Yes?”

  Her shoulders sagged. “I have an image in my head of what my mother was like. What if I’ve made her more than she was?”

  She didn’t want to be disappointed. I closed my eyes, thinking of my mother. She’d almost seemed to dance when cooking or ladling my Phaetyn water into containers, and she was always smiling. I remembered how her brown eyes gained an amber glint whenever she teased me. She’d loved me so much she sacrificed everything for me. From what I knew about Luna, she was just as kind and loving. “You don’t have to look, Lani. But speaking for myself, I’d give almost anything to have a tree that could help me see my mother again.” I blinked back the burning in my eyes and continued hoarsely, “And I’ve seen your mother. There’s no way you’ll be disappointed. She was a beautiful . . . amazing person.”

  Lani searched my face, her chest rising and falling in rapid succession until she took a deep breath. “You’re right. The tree is a gift.”

  I nodded, unable to say anything else without crying, probably even ugly-bawling. As Lani approached the tree, I turned to leave.

  “Ryn?” she called before I could get more than a few steps.

  I paused, still fighting the emotion clogging my throat and blurring my vision.

  “Could you stay?”

  I nodded again and took a seat once more. The silence lulled me, and after blinking away my tears, I reached out. Tyrrik?

  Mate.

  Where are you? The urge to see him was making me nauseous—though that could also have been the fifth peach I ate.

  I’ll be stopping in another hour. Nearly halfway to you.

  Hurry, I sighed, rubbing my chest. The tightness had lessened but not resolved. Not all of the pressure around my heart was related to the tension here in Zivost.

  His dark amusement pushed through our bond. You miss me.

  Did I miss him? If a tree falls in the woods and no one hears it, does it make a sound?

  Yes. But I wasn’t asking. I know you miss me.

  I frowned. How come he knew the answer? And how could he be so confident? I sighed because I realized I didn’t care. He could be confident that I missed him; we weren’t being coy. Right. Well, I know you miss me too.

  I can’t wait to have you back in my arms, he confessed.

  I bent my head forward so my hair covered my wide smile from anyone passing by. I can’t wait to be back in them. Taking a breath, I focused on the bursting sensation in my chest, the huge knot there from missing Tyrrik, and pushed the overwhelming emotion through our bond.

  Tyrrik’s possessive growl ricocheted back in reply. Now I really can’t wait.

  A thud sounded behind me, and I glanced back to see Lani on her knees, her forehead pressed against the tree. That was about the reaction I’d had a month ago. Watching the Phaetyn have her emotional crisis reminded me of the talk I’d had with her on the journey here. Tyrrik would arrive late tomorrow, and not to be Avoidance-Agatha, but I wanted to start this particular conversation without him physically near.

  I projected my next thought, Should we talk about sex?

  Tyrrik stopped flying.

  His complete and utter shock hit me like a slap. I recovered first and shot to my feet. Flap your wings, Tyrrik!

  He wrenched out of his free fall, but his mind was still a reeling buzz.

  My heart beat pounded in my ears, and I wasn’t sure what else to say now.

  You want to talk . . . dirty? he asked hesitantly. Are you ready for that?

  Oh. My. Moons. That was not what I’d meant. I covered my face, squeezing my eyes shut.

  No, I mean talk about it. Like about, I searched for a term from Lani’s speech, about the . . . I couldn’t remember any of her speech. I frowned as I mentally studied him. Are you flying harder now? He totally was.

  He ignored my last question. There are no expectations, Khosana. There is just me and you and hopefully a lot of time to explore each other.

  Well that made my heart want to burst into a million happy pieces. I took a deep breath and mentally blurted, What I’m saying is I’d like to have sex with you at some point when all this is over. I gripped the sides of my face as he plummeted again, only this time he corrected himself before I could say anything. Mistress Moons, you’re giving me a heart attack.

  The feeling is mutual, he shot back.

  I closed my eyes and let my energy flow to him through our bond, feeling his uncertainty and concern flow back to me.

  After a moment, he asked, How long have you wanted this?

  I frowned. Tyrrik’s pure masculinity and raw sex appeal was undisputable. I’d always wanted to touch his body, but would I have ever acted on that without understanding my feelings? No. Not unless Dyter’s brew was involved. I don’t know. When did I first meet you?

  He laughed. Again, the feeling is mutual, but then why have you been running?

  There was no accusation in his voice, which was probably why I didn’t feel defensive. I had been running from him and us. From what my body told me I should do. However, being away from him wasn’t better or easier. It kinda sucked.

  His next words came through our bond just over a whisper. Is it because I’m both older and more . . . experienced?

  A snarl tore from my lips, and I snapped my fangs. A group of Phaetyn passing by screamed and ran off.

  Ryn? Are you al’right?

  Drak. I blinked in the wake of my intense reaction. Where had that co
me from? Was that . . . jealousy over Tyrrik’s past. Wave after possessive wave pulsed through me, and I reeled from the intensity. I did not want to become like that crazy girl in my cell, losing who I was because of my feelings for Tyrrik. Uh, is it normal to be . . . possessive?

  I wasn’t sure how much of my freakiness I wanted to share with him. At least not yet.

  You don’t need to explain, love. I struggle with that too. Often.

  I let out a shaking breath. How often?

  Right now, when Kamoi is probably panting after you? Every second. I’d like nothing more than to shove him over one of those jagged rocks, right through the spleen.

  My brows lifted, but considering my reaction only a moment ago, I’d say that was pretty close to how I felt. That’s . . . pretty violent.

  Mates fight for each other. Our bond is the most valued relationship we could ever have; in truth, you complete me.

  My fears melted away with his words. I tucked my silver hair behind my ear. That’s why you have me. I stilled as the truth resonated through me.

  Yes, my mate, he said in a whisper. That is why I have you.

  “Are you serious? Ryn!” Lani shouted in my ear.

  I jerked back to the present, arms flailing as I clutched my ear. Spinning to her, I grumbled, “What?”

  “You’ll see him tomorrow,” she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

  “I know, and ouch,” I complained, rubbing my ear. Then I remembered what she’d been doing. Talk later, I shot at Tyrrik.

  I’ll wait for you, he purred.

  9

  “Al’right, I’m yours. So?” I nudged Lani. “How’d you do?”

  The Phaetyn peered up at the elm tree, and I followed her gaze.

  “Holy pancakes,” I exclaimed. The sickly green color of the elm tree’s leaves had morphed into a vibrant grasshopper green. The deep rivets in the gray-brown bark were filled out, and the trunk had swelled to half again its size. I blew a breath out. “You give it a little juice?”