by Laurie Roma
“Cian.” She stepped away from the balcony railing and met him further in the shadows to assure their privacy.
“Why are you hiding up here?”
“I am not hiding. I was waiting for you.” Turning toward her guards, she called out, “You should go enjoy the celebration. My brother shall escort me downstairs.” When the Vortox brothers just frowned at her, she sighed. “Then you may wait for us downstairs by the side stairs. I would like to speak to my brother alone.”
After a brief moment of hesitation, Zavier, Calix, and Makari bowed and silently left the balcony. She’d let Braden and Jasyn tell them they were excused from following her around once she was downstairs.
“They are still upset with me.”
Cian’s brow rose imperiously, and his gold eyes glowed with anger. “As they should be. You snuck out of the palace without them, sister! How could you do something so foolish?”
A few days ago, Liandra would have winced under the weight of his disapproval, but now she only felt a twinge of guilt. “I should have told them,” she conceded. “However, they would have tried to stop me from going as they have since the festival began. My guards follow your orders and those given by our brothers and our fathers. They might be assigned to me, but they listen to all of you instead of what I want.”
“If you had just waited, we would have taken you—”
Suddenly, her guilt dissipated like smoke in a strong breeze.
“When?” she snapped. “You, Zarek, and Solan said you would take me, just as Tynan, Cael, and Ryder said they would. I have waited for days, yet all of you decided you had more important things to do without considering how much it meant to me.”
“The festival has been extended for another week—”
“So, you were planning on putting off taking me until next week? Our people have been celebrating my birth and leaving tributes to me at the gate, Cian. What kind of message does it send them if I were to ignore their generous homage for that long? Do they not deserve to see me and hear my thanks? I should have been there at the beginning of the festival. Actually, I should have been attending every day, not having to beg someone to take me once before it ends.”
“Liandra—”
“How can I find a way to contribute and help our people when they do not know me? And how will anyone ever see me as more than a pampered princess in the palace if I am never allowed to leave it?”
His eyes widened at her rare display of anger. “We had not thought of it like that.”
“That does not excuse you leaving without your guards,” Zarek growled as he stalked onto the balcony with Solan. “You need protection, whether or not you want it. You cannot blame us for worrying about you.”
“I can when your worry makes me a prisoner,” she challenged her brothers, unconcerned that she was outnumbered now. “You just want me to stay locked away until you decide I am allowed to have a life. And our fathers are so determined to form an alliance with another royal family that they have been parading me in front of the visiting males like a prize to be won.”
“You will not be forced into a mating,” Solan stated, his voice filled with determination. “We will not allow it.”
A few days ago, her brother’s declaration would have comforted her, but now, it just made her angry and a little sad. It would do no good to lose her temper, though. She had to remind herself that they didn’t share her new understanding of all the things that were holding them back from reaching their true potential. What seemed so clear to her was still an impossibility to them. Getting them to accept what she had to say would be difficult, but she had to start somewhere.
“What is wrong? We are trying to respect your privacy, but we can feel your emotions. If your brothers have said something to upset you, I am going to come up there,” Braden growled in warning.
She let him hear her soft laughter through their bond. “I am fine, my love. There is no need to toss them over the balcony.”
“Let me know if you change your mind. Hurry up and finish your discussion. I have not seen you all day. I miss seeing your face.”
“It is a good thing you like my face since you will be stuck with it for the rest of your days,” she teased.
“That is something I will thank the gods for every day.”
She wanted to smile but fought to keep her expression blank. Braden had successfully defused the rest of her anger with his sweet words. Feeling calm and focused again, she took a moment to study her brothers.
Desperately envying their freedom, she had once followed them around with a devotion that had thoroughly amused them. They had nurtured her playful, mischievous side while the rest of their family had focused on duty and decorum. That was one of the reasons Liandra hoped she could convince them to help her now.
“Do you remember how mother and fathers reacted when they saw that you had cut your hair?”
Confusion flickered in Zarek, Solan, and Cian’s glowing gold eyes at the change of subject, then all three slowly grinned. Dressed in red tunics and black leather pants, they looked exactly like their eldest brothers, but their black hair ended an inch or two above their shoulders instead of raining down their backs. Wearing their hair shorter than other males was only one of the rebellious acts they had indulged in over the years, and they took great pride in standing apart.
“Aye,” Solan said with a chuckle. “It drove them crazy at first.”
“But they have learned to ignore whatever outrageous things we do. They were quite irritated when you said that you liked it.” Cian winked. “Then again, they did not know you were the one who cut it for us.”
She laughed. “Because you asked me to.”
Zarek’s smile faded as his expression turned serious. “Are you planning on driving our mother and fathers crazy, little sister?”
“I believe I am,” she said with a sigh. “You are more than twice my age, and yet you have never had to worry about being pressured into a mating. Even if you were, you would find a way to avoid doing something you know is wrong. A mating should be more than something to negotiate or settle for. It is more. It is everything. Finding love is something we should all strive for. It is the ultimate objective, the everlasting dream. And if we are lucky enough to find love, we must fight for it with everything in us.”
Solan sighed as his eyes dimmed with sadness. “We are not happy with this situation either. If we could, we would try to ensure you had all the time you need to find that dream you are searching for, but it is not up to us.”
“You are a beacon of hope to the males of our world, Liandra. You may not like it, but it is true. There are so few females born of royal blood, which makes it is even more vital that you give males the chance to win your heart,” Zarek explained.
“I do not need time.”
“Are you saying you have already found love, Liandra?” Cian asked gently.
“Ridiculous,” Zarek scoffed. “She has barely spent time with any of the males.”
“I do not think she is in love with any of our guests, brother.”
He knows, she thought, and ruthlessly fought back a flood of panic. Meeting Cian’s gaze, she straightened her shoulders and nodded. “They are the mates of my heart.”
Zarek and Solan glanced at one another before glaring at Cian. A few seconds later, their expressions changed from confusion to shock.
“The Mazer brothers? But they are too old for you! How long has this been going on?” Zarek growled darkly. “If they touched you while they were guarding you—”
“They did not,” she assured. “You know them. They are males of honor.”
“Aye, they are.” Cian sighed. “Both of you act as if we never suspected they had feelings for each other. This should not come as a surprise after they almost turned down the chance to become the Commanders of the Guards since it took them away from her.”
“It is one thing to speculate,” Zarek muttered. “It is a whole different solar system having it confirmed.”
“Do our brothers know?” Solan asked.
“Not yet. I never thought I could have Braden, Jasyn, and Aeron...until recently. I did not think it was possible they could love me like I love them, but they do. They are the only males I will ever love. The only mates I will ever call mine.”
“Well...fuck.” Zarek paced back and forth in the small area. When he came to a stop, his lips quirked up into a wry smile. “When you finally decide to rebel, you really go all out. The anger we have caused is nothing compared to what you will incite.”
“I am not doing this to anger our fathers. I am doing what is right for me and for my mates. And believe it or not, I am also doing what is needed for our people.”
“That certainly sounds intriguing.” Solan’s eyes lit with a speculative gleam as his gaze lowered. “What is in that box?”
Liandra glanced down at the small red chest and slapped her brother’s hand away before he could touch it. “I do not know what it is yet. It was...gifted to me, and I was told to bring it with me tonight. It is a long story, which I will be happy to tell you later.”
After she shared the truth with her mates.
“Even more intriguing,” Solan said as he stroked his chin.
“For now, all you need to know is Braden, Jasyn, and Aeron are my choice.” She paused as she glanced at each of them. “Will you stand with me when I tell our fathers?”
Cian slowly grinned. “Sweetling, we would not miss it for worlds.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Jasyn fought back the vicious snarl he wanted to unleash on the crowd that had surrounded Liandra as soon as she’d entered the great hall. He and his brothers had dismissed her guards, personally taking over the duty of protecting her during the celebration. However, he hadn’t counted on how difficult it would be to act as if nothing had changed between them when his entire world had been altered the night before.
Waking up in his own bed with no memory of how he had gotten back there had made him question his own sanity. He couldn’t stand the thought that what they had shared hadn’t really happened. After Aeron had expressed the same concern, their panic had escalated. Then, Braden had returned to their suite after coming off the night watch and assured them that the time they had spent with Liandra in her bedchamber hadn’t been a dream.
It had all been real.
Their princess loved them, and soon they would be able to tell everyone that she was their mate. Soon, but not yet. Not tonight. They wanted her to enjoy the party and celebrate with her family in case the news of their mating wasn’t met with joy and acceptance. In truth, Jasyn didn’t care how King Arik, King Falon, and Queen Kyriani took the news that their beloved daughter had chosen to mate with common warriors. It might have been a foolish position to take, but having Liandra was worth any risk...even if it meant their deaths.
More likely, the outcome would be less extreme. They would probably be stripped of their rank as commanders and cast out of the palace. He knew the kings would not be pleased with her choice. There was no disputing that. They held no title nor a single drop of royal blood to recommend them.
For all their flaws, she loved them anyway.
To honor that love and her belief in them, they would never give her a reason to regret the decision of choosing them as her mates. No matter what happened, they would find a way to provide for Liandra and keep her safe. They might not be able to offer her the riches she was used to, but they would always cherish her like the princess she was.
And above all else, they would love her beyond this life and into the next.
As soon as Liandra’s brothers had escorted her downstairs, Jasyn had been blinded by her beauty. Pride had glowed within him when he saw her wearing the rings and bracelet they had given her. The red gown she wore was unlike anything he’d ever seen, and the dragon belt wrapped around her slim waist looked like it had been made to match the jewelry on her wrist and fingers.
The dress covered most of her body, but she still looked far too alluring for his own peace of mind. He couldn’t help noticing how many males looked at her with lust in their eyes. It made him want to ram his fists into their faces. At least he had enough control to stop himself from picking her up and carrying her out of the hall. He desperately wanted to be alone with her, not share her with a room full of males trying to win her favor.
One glance at Zarek, Solan, and Cian’s matching smirks told Jasyn that they knew exactly what was going on. He was pleased that there was no trace of censure or disapproval in their gazes. Actually, they seemed to be enjoying the whole situation a little too much. They disappeared into the crowd before he had a chance to speak to them, but he didn’t have to worry about them telling anyone before it was time since they excelled at keeping secrets.
“You are beautiful, mate,” Jasyn said, focusing on the one Dracor that truly mattered.
“Aye, you look like a goddess,” Braden added.
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” Liandra teased. “I am glad you like my dress. I think it compliments my new bracelet and rings perfectly. Forgive me, Braden. I did not think it wise to bring the knife you gave me this eve. I might stab someone if it were handy.”
He had to cough to cover his laughter. “I will be happy to stab anyone you want.”
“We should start with them,” Jasyn muttered darkly when he saw the Kings of the Isle of Mist heading toward them. He and Braden immediately flanked her like two towering pillars of muscle and attitude, but they relaxed again when they realized the kings had their younger sister shielded between them.
Zayden, Artem, and Sylon Tesera had been kings ever since their mother and fathers had mysteriously disappeared a few years ago. They usually stuck close to home, but Liandra had been good friends with their younger sister, Akani, so it was no surprise to see them all in attendance. When the three kings stepped aside, Akani rushed forward and threw herself at Liandra.
“It is so good to see you! You look even more lovely than the last time I saw you.”
“You as well, Akani,” Liandra said as she hugged the other female. When they pulled apart, they beamed at one another. “Actually, you look—”
“Strong? Toned?” Akani brushed her long, black hair back over her shoulder, and her silver eyes glowed with merriment as she flexed her bare arm. “My brothers have started teaching me how to fight with a sword.”
“We have just started training you,” Zayden stressed. “Not long enough for you to be showing it yet.”
She rolled her eyes at him. “So you say.”
“Braden is going to start training me soon,” Liandra blurted out, then she bit her lower lip as if she regretted admitting it out loud.
Casting a glance at the male in question, Artem murmured, “Is that so?”
Braden didn’t bother to answer.
“Not with a sword, but with a dagger. I asked him to help me protect myself. Is that not why Akani wanted to learn?” she asked defensively.
Akani shrugged. “Mostly, I asked because I was sure my brothers would say nay.”
Zayden’s eyes narrowed. “I knew it!”
“I do enjoy it far more than I thought I would. Even Adamon and Xero admit that I am doing well, and you know how critical they are.”
Liandra glanced around. “I have not seen your other brothers. Are they here?”
“We made Adamon and Xero stay behind to watch over things on the Isle of Mist as penance for irritating us,” Sylon said, then he winked at his sister. “But we would not have heard the end of it if we had left this little troublemaker at home.”
“Damn right. I could not miss my bestest’s birthday celebration.”
Liandra laughed. “I think you mean bestie. At least, that is what Allie calls Raven.”
“Aye, that.” Akani grinned. “So, you are officially of age now. Have your fathers tried picking out mates for you yet? My brothers are still available, though I am not sure I would wish them on you.”
“You do wonders
for our egos, sweet sister.”
Zayden, Artem, and Sylon were good males and strong warriors, but Jasyn still imagined tossing all three of the Tesera males off of the nearest cliff.
As Liandra switched the conversation to thanking them for the case of wine they had brought for her, Braden stood by with a bored expression on his face. Usually the most even-tempered of his trio, Jasyn found it odd that he seemed to be the one having the most difficult time appearing unaffected. He wanted to snarl at the males who dared to smile at her, and swore he would rip out their throats if they stepped any closer.
“Relax,” Braden ordered through their bond. “You are acting like a mated male.”
“I am a mated male,” Jasyn shot back. “How in hellfire are you so calm? I thought Aeron and I would have to drag you out of here before you killed someone, but you seem...”
“Less homicidal than usual? She is ours. We may not have officially mated her, but Liandra belongs to us now. Knowing that has settled something within me. Do I still want to beat them into bloody pulp for speaking to her? Of course. I am not pleased we have to endure this farce since we both know her fathers consider them potential matches for her. But she has no interest in them. She belongs to us.”
Jasyn paused for a beat before saying, “I do not know how I feel about you being the voice of reason.”
“Fuck off.”
“There. Now, I feel a little better.”
Braden’s lips twitched as he fought back a smirk, and Jasyn was finally able to relax fully. If his brother could be rational about their situation, he could do the same. Or at least try a little better. His attention turned toward the main entrance when Aeron strode into the great hall, followed by a group of guests.