Eryanth almost laughed at the thought of Teya dressing Rayan in ridiculous finery and parading him around, but he kept his face straight.
“I will retain the right to return to my home and my brother as and when I wish and if he or his lands are under threat. But we can negotiate the amount of time I spend ruling alongside you and how much I spend there. I will be your equal in all things, not a consort or one of your harem. And we will also discuss the physical side of our match when we are alone. I am not agreeing to provide you any heirs—as yet.”
Eryanth almost snorted as Rayan studied Teya’s body as though he couldn’t help himself. Whether or not the prince was making this offer out of a sense of duty and a desire to provide peace to the world, he was definitely attracted to Teya’s curves and beauty.
In turn, Teya glared at him, breathing hard through her nostrils.
Eryanth held his breath. Teya was not stupid; this was her last immediate option and she wanted peace.
“Agreed,” she stated tightly.
The man at her back stiffened at her answer, though he relaxed his features, his face neutral when she turned to him. “Uzziah, please ensure you talk with Prince Rayan’s guard and know who should be allowed near us both. Have guards ready in shifts to protect me whilst I negotiate new commanders and organise our forces. I will also need you by my side for negotiations with the other rulers. As commander of my royal guard, you will need an awareness of all our plans, especially as I wish you to work alongside whoever I decide will be my general.”
“There is no need,” stated Rayan, giving Uzziah then Teya a hard look. “If I am to be your king, I will also be your general. You will have my men and my loyalty and it seems you need both. You should not be relying on those who have served your father or your brother. We can decide who is best to fulfil those roles if and when we triumph over Erebos—”
“Prince Rayan!” Teya interrupted forcefully. “I appreciate your input, but I will have Uzziah by my side. I trust him with my life. And whilst I trust you will keep your word and honour the pledge Prince Eryanth made, I do not yet know you enough to trust you with my life—or my kingdom—so I will gladly listen to your advice but you will not make decisions on my behalf. Is that clear?” she asked, though there was no question in those words.
Behind her, Uzziah smiled proudly.
Well, I think Rayan has met his match, Diamond commented to Eryanth, her very presence inside his mind and soul, raising goose bumps over Eryanth’s skin. Watching this relationship unfold should be entertaining. I think Rayan is going to have to fight for that control he usually maintains so easily.
Indeed, chuckled Eryanth. By the heat in Rayan’s eyes and the tightness in his jaw as the wizard and the princess glared at each other, he realised his friend thought so too.
Chapter 16
Diamond listened to Vaalor’s ecstatic roar as he headed off to the summit of the volcano with Eryanth, Ilya and Kilar. The Queen of the Fire Mountains had recovered quickly once Clarissa and Rose had arrived with the antidote for the poison.
Diamond took deep breaths to calm her anger and panic at the thought of losing Eryanth again. Warm, jasmine-laced air filled her nostrils, calming her. She gripped the balcony balustrade, the stone cool under her fingers, grateful for the solid feel of it. There was so much spinning out of her control at the moment. Not least, her destiny. She would gladly die to save the millions of souls in this world, but the thought of losing her soulmate forever had her stomach heaving.
She stepped back, glad of the shade provided by the obsidian palace. Along with the rulers of seven out of the Eight Kingdoms, she had stood in the sun for hours the day before. An alliance had been signed and strategy discussed. Rayan and Teya had bound their betrothal in spells and blood. Diamond hoped Rayan would not regret his decision, but she would owe him forever for sacrificing his freedom and for getting Eryanth out of that stupid agreement he had made. Of course, Rayan might have been looking for an excuse to break his previous betrothal with Reanne.
Diamond rolled her eyes and shook her head. She knew Eryanth’s agreement had been necessary and the only way at the time, but it could have backfired terribly. Now, she just wanted to be alone with him. To tell him of Otekah and the spear.
Yesterday, Eryanth had taken her to their rooms and kissed her until they were both breathless, but she had sent him away to talk with his newfound family and to check up on Ilya. He had not returned until the early hours of the morning, and they had both been too exhausted to do anything other than hold each other and sleep.
She knew today would be just as hard. The shock of seeing her father had settled but they had so much catching up to do. It had been impossible to talk to him yesterday, despite her desperate desire to reconnect.
A knock sounded at the door. Diamond turned, her bare feet sliding against the smooth tiled floor.
Attion raised his brows. Tawne growled from where he lay on the floor, his pale wolf eyes regarded the door and he inhaled. He swung his head back to Diamond, then cocked it as if he had a question but he didn’t indicate that he sensed immediate danger.
“Are you expecting anyone?” Attion asked.
Diamond shook her head. “No,” she answered.
Despite Tawne’s calm demeanour, Attion’s green wings were armoured and a sword in his hand before he opened the door. His face was utterly blank as he stepped back.
“Diamond? Can we talk?” asked a hesitant voice from the doorway.
Diamond sighed as Jack’s face came into view. She wanted to see her father. Just knowing he was alive filled her with such joy she wanted to run to him. She had so many questions her mind was buzzing. Not only that, she was filled with thoughts of war and strategy and how they were all going to organise mobilising massive amounts of troops and weapons. It had been the main focus of the alliance yesterday, and they had talked and talked until they were all exhausted.
It had been Firan, along with her father, who had suggested a halt to the proceedings stating, “No wise decisions would be made of tired minds.”
Diamond had been extremely grateful for their experience and input, though she had noticed how her father did not take over for Jack, he merely supported his decisions, adding in his thoughts only when necessary.
She rubbed her tired eyes. They all still had much to discuss about their campaign against Erebos.
Right now though, she needed to clear the air between her and her friend.
Jack eyed her warily, such guilt in his eyes, her heart went out to him. They had been so close once and she wanted his friendship back. Yes, handing her and Eryanth over to Griana had been so very wrong. But those were decisions made of fear and anger and vengeance, and that was past.
Without saying anything she walked up to him and hugged him.
“I’m so sorry,” he whispered into her hair.
“Jack, I understand, truly I do. Let’s move past what happened and move forward. Come,” she said, taking his hand. “Let’s sit on the balcony and you can tell me what has happened to you over the last months.”
“I should like that very much,” Jack answered, his shoulders relaxing as he exhaled.
“Do you wish me to stay?” asked Attion, not looking at Jack.
“No, it’s fine, Attion. But please stay nearby,” she requested, having learnt the hard way that Erebos could attack anywhere and at any time.
Tawne heaved his great body up and shook. Diamond chuckled as Attion brushed hairs off himself, muttering.
Jack eyed Tawne warily as the large wolf stalked by him and plonked down across her doorway in the hall.
“You great hairy oaf,” moaned Attion, rolling his eyes as he stepped over him and pulled the door shut. “You did that on purpose.”
Jack was smiling as he looked back at her. His dark brown eyes twinkled. “You have made some interesting friends,” he observed.
“Yes, I have. And I love them all dearly—as I do you, Jack. You are still my friend. And
I understand why you did what you did.”
She led him outside, pleased now to have this opportunity to clear the air between them.
“Does Hugo—I mean Eryanth?” his eyes fell on the distant peak of the volcano.
“He does,” she affirmed.
“Really?” scoffed Jack quietly. “He is a better man than me; he always was,” he mused.
“Jack, he isn’t better than you; no one is better than anyone else, whatever ‘better’ actually means. You are a good man, you just had to make some hard decisions when you were angry and hurt. Eryanth understands that, and so do I.”
Jack smiled. “It’s funny, your father said exactly the same thing.”
Diamond grinned and patted the seat next to her. “Come and tell me how you managed to break free of Valentia. Then I should very much like it if you could tell me a bit about how my father came to be with you.”
“Of course. You know he is desperate to see you?”
“As I am him,” Diamond answered.
Jack smiled, taking her hand. “He is such a good man. He has helped me find myself again and has given me guidance and support every day since I met him. He even made me come and see you before he would come himself. He said you would find him when you were ready.”
Diamond smiled, pride warming her heart at Jack’s words. “Just like Dad, making me run after him, instead of him coming to me,” she quipped.
Jack chuckled. “Yeah, I think he doesn’t want you to become egotistical and arrogant in your new role as goddess of the Eight Kingdoms.”
“Ha, as if any of the people around me would allow that. Now, tell me how the three heirs to the Hourian throne are in your company.” She stole a sideways glance at Jack. “Princess Lyana is very pretty. And I understand you have been teaching her to speak the common language.”
Jack smirked a little and quirked his eyebrows. “Lyana is very pretty, she is also very young.”
“Hmm, is she? In many kingdoms she would be betrothed already. I noticed Karl’s interest in her,” Diamond answered, gauging her friend’s reaction. She had been pleased to see Lyana stealing secret looks at Jack. She liked the young princess, who seemed a kind and genuine person, someone who would be good for Jack.
Jack scowled. “Yeah, so have I.”
“So what are you going to do about it?” she challenged, settling back in her seat and bringing her bare feet up underneath her. The gauzy silk of her dress fell over her legs, caressing her skin.
The scowl remained on Jack’s face and she could see the conflict in his eyes. “Nothing. I am no good for someone like her. She is too good for me. I have done things that she would never have done and would never understand. Besides, I have nothing to offer her.”
“And Karl does?” she questioned quietly.
Jack remained quiet, his jaw clenching. It seemed her friend had his own demons to conquer before he could give his heart to anyone, including Lyana.
Gravel crunched under her boots, warm eddies of air stirring the skirts of her gown and showing a length of her toned thigh. The soft silk of her dress was gathered on each shoulder and secured with diamond brooches. The material covered her breasts in pleated folds, leaving her bare between her cleavage and down to her navel. The skirts were gathered at her waist by a bejewelled belt that accentuated her figure.
Diamond smiled. At one time she would have been too self-conscious, too nervous to wear such a dress. But now? She shrugged to herself. She adored it and it made her feel attractive, so she would wear it.
Eryanth’s reaction had been one to behold. His eyes had filled with desire, though he had clearly fought his fae instinct to be possessive and tell her to cover herself. Instead, he had growled, “Remember you are mine.” He then left for the mountain. He was still there.
Wanting to reassure herself he was fine, she searched for him in the cerulean sky. In the distance, the dragons circled the summit, roaring and belching fire.
Diamond smiled. I can see you. Are you having fun? she asked Eryanth.
In the distance, he bellowed and hovered in mid-air to search her out.
Vaalor and my mother and sister are teaching me how to call my fire. I can’t believe I am here—that I have a family who are like me and that I can actually breathe fire! he told her breathlessly.
Diamond smiled, sending as much love as she could through their bond.
I love you too, he answered. Where are you going?
To see my father.
Ah. There was no need to say anything else. Eryanth understood the enormity of what she felt right now. Do you have your guards? You shouldn’t go anywhere alone, he stated, worry clear in his emotions.
Yes, Elexon, Attion and Tawne are here. I can’t get rid of them, she chuckled.
Good. Stay safe, my love. I will return soon and then we will shut out the world and you can tell me about Otekah. I know you are feeling guilty over what happened. I can feel it.
Diamond swallowed. It was true. Thank you.
In the distance, he bellowed flame into the sky.
Diamond smiled as he disappeared from view.
Jack grinned. “Goddess, it’s so weird knowing you can talk to Eryanth like that.”
Diamond, Jack, Roin and Tom walked across a tiered garden area. They were accompanying her, and Jack had sent Zane to fetch her father. Zane had scowled at his prince and ground his teeth at that order. Clearly he had not wanted to leave Tom—but he had done it.
Diamond looked at Tom. “Sooo,” she grinned. “Have you and Zane finally mated?”
Tom looked down at her and grinned back. “Oh yeah,” he laughed. “Couldn’t you tell? He’s been as overbearing as they come.”
Diamond laughed along with Jack and Roin.
“It’s going to be so much fun taking the piss and winding him up over you,” Roin said gleefully.
“Roin, leave him alone. He’ll just break your jaw if you push him too far,” warned Jack, good-naturedly.
Roin laughed. “Yeah, but fae are so easy to goad over their mates. And Zane deserves a bit of shit for the grief he’s given others over the years.”
Tom tipped his head and scanned the sky. “Here they come,” he informed them all, though Diamond didn’t miss the flush that highlighted his cheekbones as Zane landed, folded his wings in and strode straight to Tom’s side.
Roin opened his mouth, clearly about to make some droll comment, but Jack elbowed him and fixed him with a warning stare.
Roin smiled and stepped back. Shrugging, he let it go.
Arades landed elegantly for such a big male and pulled in his wings.
For a moment Diamond just stared at her father’s beloved face. He studied her right back. He had grown a beard but he looked so healthy, so strong—and far more powerful than she remembered. It was then she realised how much of himself he had hidden to protect her.
A small keening noise came from her throat as she launched herself at her father.
His big arms wrapped around her and held her tight. Minutes passed as they stood like that. Diamond wept into her father’s chest, unable to help herself. Tears of joy fell from her eyes, and she could hear her father sniff too.
The others respectfully melted away. Father and daughter finally pulled apart.
Across the gardens, Elexon hovered in the sky, his bright red hair glinting and his wings burning with fire. He was close enough to return to her side within moments but far enough away to give them privacy.
Attion stood guard by the nearest gate to the gardens, standing sideways on so he could watch both them and the entrance. His glorious wings glinted a tough emerald green in the sunlight, his green eyes taking in everything around him. Tawne crept through the gardens, patrolling among the heady perfume of the jasmine and camellia plants. Every now and then he would stop and lap water from the tinkling fountains. His pale blue eyes studied the couple every few minutes, checking she was safe.
“They are already loyal to you, Diamond. It soothes my he
art to know you are so well-loved and protected,” Arades told her, squeezing her hand in his.
“I am indeed lucky in my friends,” she agreed, wondering where Jack had disappeared to.
“You know Jack regrets what he did to you, don’t you? He was wrong but I hope you can forgive him for the decisions he made.”
“Dad, it’s fine. Jack and I have spoken; there is no ill-will between us. I understand why he did it.”
“Good.” He nodded to the volcano. “How about your Nexus?” he asked. “Does he feel the same?”
Diamond chuckled. “Honestly, Eryanth understands too. He harbours a lot of guilt for his past deeds, so no, he does not hold any anger for Jack in his heart, only Griana for how she manipulated them both.”
Arades relaxed a little. “Good, I wouldn’t want to have to fight my daughter’s mate for attacking my king,” he muttered, lifting one brow.
Diamond kissed her father’s cheek. “Will you come and meet him properly before we have to leave for Avalonia?” she asked. She didn’t need her father’s approval of Eryanth, but she really wanted it. It would mean so much to have him accept and approve of her heart’s choice.
“Of course,” he beamed, clearly pleased she had asked.
Diamond smiled and kissed him again. His beard tickled her chin. Chuckling, she rubbed her skin. “So this is different,” she said, pulling strands of his beard gently between her finger and thumb.
Arades grinned and gestured to her revealing dress. “So is this,” he said with a mock scowl.
“Well, how about you tell me about your life? In fact, tell me how you are alive at all, and then I’ll tell you what has happened to me.”
“Deal,” agreed Arades.
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