by Laurie Roma
“Since Tristan was the one who made your torque, we wanted to give you a gift as well to show our love for you. We have something similar that we wear to show our royal status when we have our warrior’s vests on, but we thought it would be fitting for you to have a matching pair as well,” Savitar explained.
She jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck as she sealed her lips to his. His strong arms came around her instantly, holding her so their bodies were pressed together. She pulled back, reaching out to Kadan and was automatically snatched into his arms. His mouth came down on hers, his tongue touching, tasting, sharing the love he had for her. She jerked back with a breathless laugh as his hand sank into her hair.
“I love you bunches, baby…but, you can’t ruin my hair right before a party. It’s a rule.”
Amusement shone in his glowing eyes. “It is?”
She nodded while trying to hold back a smile. “Yep. It’s in the how-to-be–a-good-mate handbook. I’ll get you a copy later so you can read up,” she said with a wink.
He threw his head back and laughed. She loved the sound of their laughter. Knowing the time was right, she nibbled at her lip as she tried to figure out the best way to give them her gifts.
“What is it, little goddess?” Kadan asked, rubbing his thumb over her lip to soothe away where her teeth had marked it.
“I have something for you guys, too. I probably should have given it to you earlier, but I sort of, well…it’s nothing like what you gave me and I didn’t really do it myself because I have no clue how to—”
“We will love anything you give us, little one,” Tristan said, coming up behind her to rub the tension from her shoulders.
Last week she had noticed that none of the Arcadians ever wore anything but plain colored clothing and she had gotten an idea for a gift she wanted to give her mates. The only problem was she had no clue how to make it. While Raven had been at one of the havens, she had asked if any of the females knew how to sew. Several of them had and they offered to help her with her project. They had done an absolutely amazing job and Raven had even suggested that the females consider doing it as a business together. The unmated females were thrilled with the idea, but wanted to wait to see how the kings reacted to it before they planned anything.
Now, she just had to see what her mates thought of her gifts…
Raven blew out a breath then walked over to the sitting area where she took out a large bundle from behind one of the couches where she had hidden it earlier. She opened the package and pulled out three dark-silver shirts, similar to the ones her mates were wearing, only these had an intricate embroidered dragon made with a dark-golden thread on it. The dragon’s head was on the front and the body of the large dragon covered the side and the entire back of the shirt, with the tail ending on the other side of the front. In each of the dragon’s heads, the eyes had been made with a bright green thread that made it look the like the dragon’s eye was glowing.
“Raven!” Kadan exclaimed as she handed a shirt to him.
“I can’t sew.” Her confession burst from her lips in a nervous rush. “It was my idea, but the females at the central haven offered to help me with it and they did the work.”
“This is a work of art!” Tristan said as he held his shirt up, studying the dragon from every angle.
Raven’s anxiety eased as Savitar simply ripped the shirt off that he was wearing and put the new one on. The look of awe in his glowing eyes was easy to see when he stood in front of the mirror. His gaze met hers through the reflection as Kadan and Tristan switched their shirts behind them. She walked up to Savitar and, when he turned to her, she placed her hand on the head of the dragon where it lay over his heart.
“So, do you like it?”
“Nay, love,” Savitar said, his voice rough with emotions. “I do not like it, I love it.” His hand came up holding hers in place on his chest. “It is perfect, my little love.”
Relief flooded her as he leaned down to rub his lips lightly over hers. She wanted to take the kiss deeper, but she had something important she wanted to ask them before she got distracted. “The females who helped me wanted permission to start a business together making clothing like this. Is it okay for them to do it?” Raven explained, looking at all of her mates.
Kadan paused with one arm in his shirt. “Raven, you are their queen. If you gave them your permission that is all they need.”
“Well, I was just wondering if there was some reason why it’s never been done before. I mean, most of the Arcadians I’ve seen wear plain stuff with no patterns or decorations.”
“We have just never thought of it,” Tristan said as he smoothed down the new shirt over his chest.
Obviously hip, flashy clothing was not a priority to a race of male warriors. Raven smiled as she stepped back and had to laugh as Tristan and Kadan pushed Savitar out of their way as they both looked at themselves in the mirror.
Sometimes males were the same, no matter what race they came from.
* * * *
Raven and her mates entered the main hall to find the large room filled with Arcadians in full celebration mode. The usually basic room had been transformed into a wonderland with thick silver and golden streams of iridescent material hanging from the ceiling and walls. Hundreds of crystals filled the room, casting the room in starlight and warmth.
The long tables filling the room were laden with platters of food, but people were more interested in mingling together, laughing and talking. All of the warriors were wearing shirts made of rich, vibrant colors. The females wore dresses of various shades, some made out of the usual transparent material while others had chosen a thicker material that covered them better now that Raven had given them permission to do so.
Part of the room had been sectioned off by several large silver cauldrons that blazed with bright blue fire, separating the unmated females from the rest of the guests. Raven and Nyla had decided to keep an area sectioned off for the unmated females, sort of like a safety zone where the unmated males were not allowed. This ensured that any of the unmated females could still be part of the celebration while still remaining protected from unwanted attention since most of the females had been abused in the past and were leery of males.
Savitar, Kadan and Tristan had asked the mated elite guards to rotate their time with their own mates and watching over the area to make sure the unmated males didn’t cross the line. Raven had been worried that this would cause problems, but looking at the way all of the mated males seemed to have stationed themselves around the area where the unmated females were, it seemed that everyone took their safety seriously.
A smile crossed her face as she noticed that even though they were separated, several interested glances were being cast from each side of the room. A few of the unmated females smiled shyly at a trio of warriors as the males blatantly stared at the females with barely concealed longing. A couple of the bolder unmated females had gone so far as to step up to the imaginary boundary to speak to a trio of unmated males.
Overall, it seemed like the plan was working…
All conversation came to a halt as the guests realized Raven and her mates had entered the room. Savitar pulled her to a stop, his large hands on her hips while Kadan and Tristan flanked her sides.
“Honor to your mating!” the entire crowd roared in greeting. The shouts and cheers warmed Raven’s heart. The citizens of the Citadel accepted her as the mate of their beloved kings. The pride she felt coming from her three mates brought tears to her eyes. They loved her completely, just as she loved them. It felt good, really good. Raven had never felt this sense of belonging anywhere before, and in her heart she knew she was finally where she belonged.
She was home.
Raven blinked as Malik stepped forward from the crowd and got down on one knee, thumping his fist over his heart. “As a warrior and citizen of the Palace of the Iron City, I pledge to honor and protect Queen Raven. Unto death.”
Her mouth dropped open a
s everyone in the room followed suit and kneeled, declaring the same pledge in a loud rumble of voices.
“Oh…wow,” she breathed out.
“They give you a great tribute,” Savitar said softly. “You are officially their queen now.”
Raven bowed her head to the crowd. “As your queen, I am honored by your many blessings. May the house of Akira rule well and may the Citadel stand strong forever!” The answering cheers shook the foundation of the building.
“Well done, my queen,” Kadan said. He took her hand in his and led her to the first group of people to introduce her. All three of her mates remained at her side as they slowly walked around the room, greeting all of the guests. When the official greetings were finished, Raven broke away to go back to where the unmated females were. She was immediately surrounded by the women and laughed as everyone began talking at once.
“We are so proud to call you our queen!”
“Thank you for inviting us here tonight!”
“Your mates look so handsome in the shirts you had made for them!”
Raven held up her hands and calmed the women down before taking a few minutes to speak to each of them. She was immensely pleased when four of the females told her they had given a trio of warriors permission to visit them later on in the week. All of the unmated females felt empowered having a say in their future. It showed by the way the women held their heads up high and the way they looked her directly in the eye when they spoke to her. Even the shy females that hadn’t yet gotten the courage to speak to any of the males now said they had hope for finding a true mate and falling in love.
Thinking of that, Raven turned to see where Tristan and Savitar were speaking to a group of warriors then turned her head at the sound of Kadan’s laughter as she saw him talking to a trio and their mate. Yes, she thought, everyone deserved their chance at finding love. It occurred to her how damn lucky she was that she’d been drop-kicked into her mates’ lives. She had found love in the most unexpected place, but she would always be grateful to the God of the Sun and the Goddess of the Moons for bringing her here.
Raven walked forward, planning on joining her mates when she felt a presence at her side. She didn’t need to glance over to know who it was. The bad vibes she got whenever she was around Selina were telling enough. The other woman had helped her and Nyla with the planning of the party, although help might have been the wrong word. Selina found a way to bitch about everything that was going on. Even though she tried, Raven couldn’t stand her and she knew without a doubt that the feelings were mutual.
Sucking it up, Raven turned. “Hi, Selina. Are you having a good time?”
The other woman’s smile was sickly sweet, hiding the venom beneath. “As good as I can, in this crowd. It is unseemly that you have invited so many to the palace that one cannot even breathe in here.”
Raven cocked her head to the side as she studied the taller woman. “And who exactly did you think we shouldn’t have invited?”
“The females from the havens for one. The warriors here are good males who do not need a mate who has been used—”
“Okay, hold up!” Raven commanded, raising a hand in the air. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Eyes narrowed, she was surprised steam wasn’t coming out of her ears she was so pissed. “Are you really standing there telling me that those women don’t deserve a chance to find love with good men because they have been abused? Who the fuck do you think you are to say something like that?”
Selina straightened to her full height, insult puckering her face. “I said no such thing. I simply meant that by having them here mixed with all the other unmated females in good standing is insulting.”
“You know what I find insulting? You. I don’t really care who your brothers are, Selina. If you don’t like it, why don’t you fucking leave?” Raven asked.
Selina looked down her nose at Raven and sniffed as if she was smelling something unpleasant. The gesture just made Raven want to punch her in the face.
“You are a vulgar, unworthy human,” Selina sneered, as if being human was the ultimate insult. “I belong here more than you do. You are not fit to rule this kingdom!”
Amused at that, Raven smiled up at the other woman. “What pisses you off exactly, Selina? That I’m queen and you’re not or that Savitar, Kadan and Tristan are my mates and never even looked at you?”
“I could have had them,” Selina sneered. “But why would I want them, even if it would make me queen? When I mate it will be with three perfect warriors, completely dedicated to me. Not some scarred freak—”
Raven snapped.
A red haze of rage clouded her mind and without thinking her hand snapped out, connecting with Selina’s face in a bitch-slap that seemed to echo through the entire room. Selina cried out as her head snapped to the side.
Everyone around them stilled.
Raven couldn’t care less if she was making a scene. It was one thing to insult her. Fine, she could take it. But no one insulted her mates. No one. And she’d be damned if she’d let this heifer get away with it. Raven’s skin prickled with energy and it was all she could do not to tear Selina to pieces.
“Listen up, bitch, and listen good,” Raven growled. “If I ever hear you insult one of my mates again, I will beat the ever-loving shit out of you.”
“What is wrong, little goddess?” Kadan asked as he rushed to her side.
Raven wouldn’t allow him to pull her behind him where he could shield her. Incensed, Raven refused to look away from Selina who had worked up an eyeful of fake tears that she cast toward Kadan.
“Please, my king! She just went mad!” Selina cried out.
Oh, hell no…
Raven snarled as she launched herself at Selina, who cowered away from her in true terror. Savitar caught her with an arm wrapped around her waist before she could reach the other woman.
“What is going on here?” Savitar growled out, anger clear in his tone.
Hurt, Raven looked up at him but regained some control as she saw his anger wasn’t directed at her. It was focused on the bitch trying to hide behind her big brother Kell, who was looking at them confused.
“Selina here thinks I’m not worthy of ruling by your sides since I’m just a human. Fine. I realize there might be others who feel the same way, but this bitch insulted my mates and I will never allow that. I don’t care who it is.”
Kell’s jaw clenched as he gripped his sister’s arm. “Did you insult our kings and queen?”
“Nay! She lies! I did not—”
“She did,” one of the shy, unmated females said in a voice shaking with fear by the confrontation. “I heard her.”
“So did I,” Arkady said in a clear, deep voice. “I would have stepped in, but our queen reacted before I needed to.” The pride was clear as he called her queen.
“You are banished from the palace,” Kell said in a hard voice.
“Nay, Kell!” Selina cried out.
“You cannot do that!” A man that looked like Brynt and Koreth exclaimed as he hurried forward. “That is our sister!”
“I can,” Kell growled. “It was our sister who brought this on herself.”
“Aye,” Damos agreed as he got in his little brother’s face. “Vadar, take Selina home. Now!”
Raven snorted out a laugh. Vadar? Seriously? Their parents had doomed that guy from the moment they named him.
“You are a traitor to your own family,” Vadar spat at Damos.
The larger brother grabbed Vadar by the throat and snarled at him. “Nay, you are by allowing this behavior.”
“You protect this outsider over our sister?” Koreth yelled out as he joined them. “Turning against your own blood for this human bitch—”
Savitar let out a roar and punched Koreth so hard the other male flew back several feet before he collapsed on the ground, unconscious. Chest heaving in anger, Savitar stood at his full height, a tower of rage as his eyes narrowed on the fallen man. Raven was caught in Tris
tan’s embrace as Kadan moved in front of her to protect her. She looked down to see that Savitar’s claws were out and knew through their bond that he was seconds away from killing the other man.
She had very little time to gain control of the situation before it turned bloody, and decided to go with humor. “Well, now that the entertainment portion of the evening is finished, I think it’s time to eat.” Using their private bond she reached out to her mate. “Calm down, my love. Let it go, Savitar.”
Savitar turned to her with eyes burning bright with rage. “He insulted you.”
She sighed then opened the pathways so all three of her mates could hear her. “He’s an idiot. So is she. That fuckhead isn’t worth you getting blood all over the place and freaking out the other females. Kick their asses out of here and let’s eat. I’m hungry.”
Savitar hesitated a moment before nodding. His claws slowly retracted and she reached out a hand to him that he immediately clasped in his.
Damos released Vadar and growled at him and Selina. “You are an embarrassment to our family name. All of you. Collect Koreth on your way out. Go home and wait there until your fate is decided.”
“You will regret this,” Vadar hissed before scurrying away with Selina, both of them taking a wide path around Raven and her mates as they left.
Kell nodded to three warriors. “Follow them. Make sure they leave the palace and keep an eye on them. I want them secured at their home until the kings decide their punishment.”
Another hard-eyed trio of warriors stepped forward as the other three left. “We shall find Brynt and make sure he is taken home as well.”
“Good,” Malik said then stepped in front of Raven and her mates. “My kings, queen Raven, I beg of you not to be lenient on them for their crimes. We have tried to teach them, but they do not understand the meaning of honor.”
“Damn, they mean to step down from their position as chiefs of security. All for those worthless brothers of theirs,” Tristan cursed.
Raven’s heart went out to the proud warriors standing in front of them as Kell and Damos flanked Malik. They were embarrassed and angry by what their brothers had done but it wasn’t Malik, Damos, or Kell’s fault. She could see Nyla with a hand over her mouth, trying to hold back her sobs out of the corner of her eye and made a quick decision. These men were her mates’ best friends and they were damn good at their jobs. The trio was well respected by everyone and she couldn’t let them take the blame for what someone else did.
