by Marie Medina
Vadik held his arms at his side with his hands relaxed, a gesture he’d been told meant no grudges were held, and gave a deep bow. “I must apologize for my earlier behavior. I’m still adjusting to a culture with far more subtleties than my own. He is my mate, and my instincts took over. In my world, touching one of royal blood without invitation is considered aggressive.” He had no idea if there was any truth to that or not, but he thought it sounded convincing. “I am sorry I misunderstood and reacted so rashly.” He swallowed before forcing the last part out. “And wrongly.”
She gave the slightest of nods, the gesture barely noticeable. “I accept your apology. Instinct is an asset, but reason should have told you the king was safe. You must learn to balance the two. Your brash behavior invited nothing but trouble.”
I apologize, and she lectures me? The next twenty-four hours are going to be hell. “I will exercise more patience in future.”
“You would do well to do so. This insult may cost you.” She tilted her head and gave him a once over. “I haven’t decided yet.” With that, she turned away.
“Seems we’ve missed some excitement,” a voice behind him said.
Vadik turned to see his Alpha, Gregor, along with his mate Jared, the king’s cousin. “I wouldn’t call it excitement.”
Gregor laughed. “That woman’s a bit out of place. What is she?”
“A member of the elven clan my grandfather came from, the Sons of Fenrir. And she’s an insufferable bitch who’s full of herself and completely out of touch with reality.”
Gregor glanced around. “I always feel out of touch with reality here.”
“I’m going to go say hello to some people,” Jared said, touching the Alpha’s arm and kissing his bicep.
Vadik watched the smaller man walk away. “Things still going well, I see.”
“Yes. Very well.” He nodded toward Asmund, who was surrounded by women. “And how is it going here? When we got our invitation and Jared explained what this was, I was a bit confused.”
“You weren’t already invited?”
“Well, an invitation was sent to the pack a couple of months ago, but I pinned it to the bulletin board outside my cabin and left it at that. I was still newly mated and a bit distracted.” He nudged Vadik. “So, how are things going?”
“Half the people in this room want the same thing I want.”
“You saying you think any of them stand a chance?”
“No, but that doesn’t really help much. Things are different here.”
“Looks that way.” Gregor glanced around again. “Are you two getting along, or is he still convinced this will never work?”
“He’s warmed to me.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” He nodded toward Tasia. “So, tell me what happened with her.”
Vadik did so, scowling at his Alpha, who kept grinning and laughing. When his story was over, Gregor grasped his shoulder.
“I wish you joy, my friend, but I don’t envy you. I’m happy I got to take my mate back to the real world.”
Vadik looked across the room at Asmund, who tonight wore golden robes … tied with a green sash. “This world has its appeal. And with people like the Sons of Fenrir always hatching their plans, I want to be in the thick of things at my mate’s side.”
“Then good luck. Unless he’s an idiot, he’ll choose you no matter who tries to turn his head.”
Vadik again looked at Asmund, who met his gaze briefly before being drawn into another conversation. “Tomorrow night can’t come too soon,” Vadik said before patting Gregor on the back and moving off to find a drink.
Chapter Seven
The Day of the Ball
Asmund walked around the ballroom to ensure there were roses in all the vases. He reached out and touched one of the green ones, still not sure if the mix of shades was just right. The multi-colored roses from the garden had been cultivated centuries ago, and he found himself wondering if the ones he’d created with magic were as good.
Vadik isn’t going to care about the damned flowers! He’ll smile slyly at the green ones, and that’ll be it. All he wants is for this day to be over.
Asmund asked himself for the dozenth time what was going to happen at the end of the day. He’d rekindled some neglected friendships and met some very attractive and interesting people, but none of them sparked anything in him. He felt like a fraud trying to feign interest in every conversation.
To his surprise, and also to his relief, quite a few of his guests seemed to be hooking up with each other. A few had actually been so bold as to ask him about Vadik. Asmund had formulated an answer, but no one had seemed all that satisfied by it. Every time he told someone that Vadik’s claim to be his fated mate gave him no advantage because Asmund was not a shifter and did not feel the biological pull, the person he was talking to did one of two things. They either smiled and looked skeptically over at Vadik, who was never too far away, or they laughed and plainly said they didn’t believe him.
There were still some, of course, who were very eager to win his favor. Kalen had remained adamant the first few days, but he seemed to have become distracted by an elemental, a male fire spirit with long red hair and intense yellow eyes. Many women had detailed their family lines and domestic skills—for some this included cooking, but for others this meant managing servants. His head ached as he thought about having to endure another night of all this.
Why didn’t Vadik come here with Gregor months ago, before I was talked into this mess?
“The servants said I could come in. I hope that’s all right,” a voice said.
Asmund turned to see his cousin Jared standing in the middle of the room. “Yes, it’s fine.”
“You look tired,” Jared said.
“I’m exhausted.”
“Go snuggle up with Vadik. When he won’t let you go in time for the ball, we’ll make excuses for you.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“I’m so glad I have shifter blood. I’ve never been so happy to be excluded from the succession.”
“Meaning?” He knew what Jared meant but wanted to hear him say it.
“You can hardly make a move without wondering what people will think or say. Yes, it would have been rude to cancel the Briod so close to the actual date. But you know what? People can be surprisingly understanding. I’m sure lots of guests are hoping that maybe they can sway you, but I’m also sure most of them know that’s not going to happen. A heartfelt apology would have been fairly well received. Fated mates aren’t a foreign concept to us, you know.”
“Yes, I do know, but what do you expect me to do? Say thanks for coming but the position has been filled?”
Jared chuckled. “Oh, that would be entertaining.”
“I feel as if I’m in a play, everyone watching my every move and whispering to each other about what comes next.”
“That shouldn’t be anything new to you.”
“Well, this is different.”
“Is it?”
“Yes, this is my personal life. I’ve never had a private life, not really, but agreeing to accept a mate bond is different from taking a lover. Gossip about who is in my bed is different from opinionated comments about my bigger life choices. And then there’s the timing. The fates are laughing at my expense.”
Jared laughed. “And how do you figure that?”
“They wait until I’ve decided to get married and have children to toss a man who’s my ideal in every way right in my lap? It’s very frustrating.”
Jared looked behind him with wide eyes. “Hi, Vadik.”
Asmund stiffened, his face growing hot. He turned around to see what teasing comment Vadik would have for him.
But there was no one there.
Asmund’s mouth fell open, and he spun back to Jared, his heart racing as his cousin stood there laughing at him. “Why did you do that to me?”
Jared managed to stop laughing long enough to shake his head in seeming dismay. “Would it really ha
ve been so bad if he had been there?”
Asmund shrugged and angled his body away from Jared.
“Fine. I’ll leave you alone to pout and brood.”
He turned back sharply. “I’m not doing either one of those things!”
“If you say so. I’ve never seen you look so unhappy. Whatever happens tonight, follow your heart and do what’s right.”
“Do I even need to ask what you think is right?”
“No. But I have faith you already know where your true duty lies.”
Asmund watched Jared leave the ballroom, and then he opened a portal to his bedroom, in no mood to pass through the halls and be forced to talk to all the people milling around the palace. He stood in the middle of the room and looked at the clothes hanging on the door of his wardrobe. They’d been picked out weeks ago, but now he frowned at them. With a snap of his fingers, the colors of the robes changed from gold and black to blue and green.
****
Music started up again, and Vadik felt sure he’d heard this song four times already. Many guests had slipped away, and even Gregor and Jared had retired to their room over an hour ago.
Vadik excused himself from the group he’d been standing with when he saw Asmund rubbing his forehead. The king looked exhausted, and Vadik could understand why. Midnight had come and gone nearly two hours ago. Asmund looked up when Vadik approached, and he didn’t object when Vadik rested a hand under his elbow to offer support. Vadik was tempted to simply carry the king to his room—the expression on his face said he wouldn’t object for more than a few seconds. He might even be asleep before they got there.
“If you’re tired, you have every right to leave. I feel certain you’ve spoken with everyone here. And if you missed anyone, they couldn’t have been that eager for you to consider them.”
Asmund sighed. “Yes, I was thinking of getting everyone’s attention and saying good night, but it would be easier for me to slip away.” He gave Vadik a smile, though his eyes still showed how tired he was. “Perhaps you could escort me? You’ve been watching me all evening, and I know it’s partially a protective gesture.”
“Partially. I’ve also been waiting for my moment.” Vadik took the king’s hand and went down on one knee.
Asmund stared at him with wide eyes. “You’re seriously going to…” He trailed off, his glance darting around.
“I promised you I would.”
“It’s customary for the king’s choice to be announced at noon the next day. Let’s just go before everyone notices.” Asmund tugged on his hand, but Vadik refused to let go.
“I have something to say, Your Majesty, and I want everyone to hear it, even though my words are mostly only for you.”
Everyone was staring, and Asmund looked a bit panicked. But Vadik stayed put.
“I knew you were my mate the moment your scent hit me and made my heart change its rhythm. But even if you weren’t, I still would have been swept off my feet by you. The way you care for your people, the way your eyes flash at me, and especially the way you look when you put your hands on your hips and tell me how infuriating I am. I want you because you’re my mate, but I will fight for you because I’ve fallen in love.” He took Asmund’s other hand as well. “Asmund, I want you to choose me.” He drew the king’s hands to his chest to make the man move closer. “Please, marry me.”
Asmund had gone so still Vadik wasn’t sure he was still breathing.
“Your Majesty?” Vadik said, hoping to prompt a response. The silence grew thick, as if everyone else was holding their breath as well.
“You’ll have to forgive me,” Asmund said softly. “Kings are accustomed to contracts and talk of borders when it comes to marriage proposals.” He licked his lips and almost smiled, his mouth and his hands trembling. “You told me you were going to do this, but I never could’ve imagined such a romantic declaration.”
“Are you going to leave me kneeling here imagining your answer?”
Asmund opened his mouth, hesitating as if he struggled to find the right words, but the crowd parted before he could speak.
“Since etiquette has already been breached here,” Tasia said, “isn’t it only fair to allow others to propose as well before you begin handing out answers?”
“I thought you were insulted and withdrawing your interest?” Vadik said loudly, wondering how many of the guests would think it wrong for him to hit Tasia.
She actually smiled at him. “I was insulted, but some things are more important than pride and personal feelings.” To Asmund, she said, “Could you perhaps stop holding hands with him while I speak to you?”
Asmund looked down at their joined hands and broke the contact, though anger flashed in his eyes as he turned to Tasia. “I was about to retire. My decision will be given at noon tomorrow, if I ever make it to bed.”
“Then I’ll be brief,” Tasia said. “You objected to the idea of marrying me and keeping Vadik as our consort. I’ve been thinking. Since you are fated mates, and that bond is sacred, my people will allow me to take the role of consort instead. So long as I have a child by each of you and they are all legitimized in writing. This alliance with the wolves has increased your influence, but we would be even stronger allies. As I said before, perhaps fate gave your mate Fen blood for a reason.”
Silence filled the room for about five seconds, but soon gasps sounded and whispers began to drive the silence out.
Asmund gave a curt nod, capturing everyone’s attention again. “You’ve had your say, though you mostly repeated many points you’ve already made. And which I’ve already rejected. Now, you can wait along with everyone else.”
Lorelei’s lilting voice broke in. “My dear king, if I may say one thing before you go. I do understand that you’re very tired.”
Vadik finally stood and crossed his arms, eyeing Lorelei with interest. The idea that she had been giving him and so many other men her attention to throw people off her real plan entered his mind, and he tensed at the idea of the beautiful woman offering herself to the king in her daughter’s place. If anyone else interrupted after Lorelei had her say, he was going to throw Asmund over his shoulder and force his way out of the room.
Asmund sighed wearily. “You have twenty seconds, and then I’m going to bed no matter what anyone else has to say.”
“I only want to say that you’re a fool.” She waved her hand at Vadik and shook her head. “A man like that at your feet, and you start talking about what kings are accustomed to? You don’t deserve him, and I wish to challenge your claim.”
“Excuse me?” Asmund said as more gasps sounded.
Vadik felt power ripple off the king, and he watched as Lorelei simply raised an elegant eyebrow at him.
“You heard me,” Lorelei said. “Since my arrival, he’s escorted me to my rooms unchaperoned, and we’ve taken many walks together, also alone. Tonight, he brought me food and drink, and he danced with me for two dances in a row. I couldn’t exactly accuse him of breach of promise, but such courtship-like behavior to a nymph of noble birth? I don’t care to be toyed with, Your Majesty, no matter the circumstances.”
“He knows nothing about courtship etiquette. He was only being polite. And he’s unfamiliar with our world, so you can’t hold him to anything. I won’t allow it. I know for a fact you initiated many of the things you just named. You told him you wanted to secure two dances with him the day you arrived, as I recall, and you insisted he escort you to your room that night before also firmly telling your daughter not to accompany you. He’s done nothing but strive to be a gentleman ever since your arrival, but that’s all it has been.”
“Shall we assemble your council to judge who has the best claim? I might not be a royal, but my family is prominent and influential.”
Asmund’s hands balled into fists. “No, we will not. He’s mine! He’s my fated mate, and no one in this room has a legitimate claim on him except for me.” His hands went to his hips. “And what’s more, he’s the only person in thi
s room who has a legitimate claim on me! I didn’t want to host this ball in the first place, and what you said earlier actually is right. I am a damned fool.” He glanced over at Vadik. “For not cancelling it. For not putting my mate first and finding some way to swallow my pride and apologize to everyone else.”
Vadik drew strength from that longing glance, but the pleased smile on Lorelei’s face was what truly calmed him. It told Vadik all he needed to know about her true intentions.
****
Asmund looked back to Lorelei when Vadik’s gaze flicked over to her and seemed to soften a bit. But he couldn’t understand Vadik’s reaction because her smug smile only infuriated him more. And then she laughed, right in his face. “Oh, Vadik, please come over here and kiss him before he drops a chandelier on me!”
Asmund blinked at her as his heart pounded loudly. Vadik was at his side a moment later. “I’m less sensitive than everyone else here, but even I can feel the power coming from you,” Vadik said in his ear.
Soft laughter met his ears from all around, and his thoughts began to clear despite his anger.
“You did that on purpose?” Asmund said to Lorelei through clenched teeth.
“Of course I did! After watching you respond to that beautiful proposal with a dumbfounded stare and then listening to that unfeeling harpy blather on,” she waved a dismissive hand toward Tasia, “I had to do something. The idea of you walking out of here without making it clear that Vadik is your one and only was too much to bear!”
Asmund’s face flamed with fury and shame as he felt all eyes on him as dozens upon dozens of whispers filled the room once more. “And you certainly did do something. You made me insult all of my guests!”
“I think they’re enjoying themselves,” Vadik said, pressing close to Asmund’s back and putting both arms around his shoulders before kissing the top of his head.
Asmund went rigid at the gesture, especially when Lorelei giggled with delight. As good as Vadik’s body felt pressed against him, he felt like a child who had just pitched a fit and was now being laughed at by the adults. He recalled the soft laughter from earlier as his gaze moved around the room. Tasia glared at him a moment before offering a stiff bow and turning on her heels to stalk out of the room. Everyone let her go, many people laughing in her wake. Asmund continued to look around, noticing that almost everyone was laughing and smiling. Their voices grew louder, and no one seemed upset in the least. He couldn’t find even one person in the crowd who frowned or looked displeased. And they were mostly only giving him occasional little knowing glances, not focused on him and Vadik at all.