Crown of Draga

by Emma Dean

  Adelina’s jaw dropped open in shock. She had suspected something of the sort, but to have it confirmed?

  Ian continued on, ignoring her and Nadyah’s reactions. “When it’s compared to Nadyah’s you can clearly see the difference. As for my own genetics, it looks like I have the marker for a mate but it hasn’t been activated.” He sounded oddly sad about it. “Which means P’draic is most definitely not my mate.”

  Ah, Adelina understood now. Ian loved P’draic and had for cycles. What he would do now though she wasn’t sure, but she only hoped he would be careful with his heart.

  “For your information, here is father and mother’s genetic analysis next to Elara’s and my own. As you can see there are a few differences marking the subtle changes in our humanity, enough to make us two different races despite being the same species. With a further comparison, this is what a Corinthian human looks like next to a Draga royal.” Ian pulled up a fifth analysis and placed it next to their father’s.

  Nadyah shifted and Adelina looked at her sharply. “Is that Prince Nash’s analysis?” she asked.

  “It is, Princess. I gathered it today.”

  That was why she’d rushed to Ian’s lab. Adelina did not want to know how it was acquired. The anticipation and nerves started to build as she realized they would finally have some answers. Information she desperately needed.

  Ian looked to Adelina with a question on his face. She nodded for him to continue since she didn’t want to press the matter.

  “This is your genetic analysis, Adelina.” Ian shuffled the six different workups so that she was placed between father and Ian with Elara on her brother’s other side. He highlighted the different markers with her name glowing underneath.

  None of it meant anything to her, but the patterns started to emerge and…

  “What in all the hells?” Adelina muttered as she leaned forward to get a closer look.

  “Essentially my own reaction.” Ian highlighted more patterns and finally it became clear.

  “By all the gods, how is this possible?” Adelina exclaimed. The nerves made way for panic as her entire world shattered. She was not her mother’s child, but she wasn’t Elara’s either.

  Somehow she was both.

  “Can this be real? Elara and Adele, they are both my mother?” Adelina felt dizzy and she sat back with a hand to her forehead. It was slick with cold sweat. No wonder they’d kept it a secret, she was some kind of hybrid monster. “What does this even mean?”

  Nadyah shook her head. Her skin paler than Adelina had ever seen it. “They created Adelina in a tube then?”

  Suddenly she felt sick. Adelina was a tube baby, a human considered less simply because she wasn’t a natural creation.

  Her brother didn’t look disgusted as he considered the information before him. “I assume so, but I couldn’t say for sure. Somehow they managed to mix the DNA of the two females and fertilized it with father’s DNA.” Ian looked to Adelina. “You are still a true Draga, but you are also something else, something a little bit more.” He cocked his head. “It’s fascinating really and explains your lack of dominance.”

  Her brother moved quickly with excitement, flipping through more data before he landed on what he wanted. “This is a magnification of your markers and I’ve noted what each is and what it does. It appears your coloring was selected to ensure there was no suspicion of another heritage. You have the marker for a mate, but they’ve placed it in the ‘off’ position which I assume is to ensure you were never accidentally mated.”

  Breathing was difficult.

  It was too much, but her brother didn’t stop.

  “As part courtesan your dominance is ever-changing, unlike mine. You are what others need you to be, Lina.” Ian looked at her, eyes bright with understanding and the satisfaction of solving a puzzle. “You are truly submissive, but it seems it’s only around the royal family. There are too many dominating personalities so your genetics have been attempting to balance the rest of us out your entire life.”

  It made too much sense. A true submissive was rare, but a Draga submissive? That was unheard of. “So…I can be dominant?” Adelina asked, her voice wavering as she tried to process.

  “You are a natural dominant as a royal Draga,” Ian clarified. “But only when it is required. Your scent was chosen to ensure you do not smell like cactus blossoms as all courtesans do which would have been an obvious tell. I’m not sure if your scent can change throughout the entire spectrum from jasmine all the way to the darkest rosanera, or if your natural jasmine changes as the cactus blossom does.”

  Ian stared at the data with a wondrous look on his face. “You’ll have to let me know,” he said softly.

  Adelina could barely move as she tried to absorb all he’d said. A true submissive, but she was also a true Draga dominant? Then somehow, she was a child of both Elara and Adele. Elara had to know about it. It would explain the extra attention she’d received from the courtesan her entire life.

  “Are you okay?” Nadyah asked. She frowned with concern and Adelina couldn’t stop looking at the floating data long enough to reassure her.

  “My mate marker is off?” she finally managed. This was why she’d asked him to do the workup in the first place. It would be prudent to ensure she knew everything she could about it.

  Ian shrugged. “Yes, you are capable of being mated if I was to flip the switch, but that would be up to you.”

  She shook her head. “No, leave it off. It simplifies things.” It meant she wouldn’t be mated to Nash if anything were to happen between them. Not that it mattered now with him absolutely furious with her. “I do wonder though, could a scan still confirm whether someone is a mate or not, even with the gene inactive?”

  Her brother cocked his head as he considered. “I suppose so, but would it matter if you intend to leave it off?”

  Adelina didn’t respond. She tapped her sharp nail against her thigh as she contemplated. Part of her wanted to know if Nash was her mate, to see if that was the explanation for the strange draw she felt to him. The more logical part told her the answer would only make things worse.

  Either Nash was her mate and she would have to marry someone else knowing this, or he wasn’t and then she would have to come to terms with the knowledge her attraction to him did not make him her mate. What if she did end up marrying him one day despite the almost non-existent chance? In the back of her mind she would constantly wonder who her mate really was, and what it would have been like with them.

  “No,” she finally said. “Don’t scan Nash’s DNA. It doesn’t matter as you said. I will have to marry whoever Raena deems fit. It would be better not to complicate that more than it already is.”

  “What about Nadyah?” Ian asked.

  Adelina looked at her courtesan and the two of them considered each other. A courtesan was less of a complication. It would be as easy as hiring her as her constant lady-in-waiting, like Elara. If that was something they both wanted she could make it work, and Nadyah would know that if the two of them were mates – then Varan was not Nadyah’s.

  “If Nadyah agrees, then so do I,” Adelina said, looking into those deep, sapphire eyes.

  Nadyah looked relieved at her response. “Please, I would like that.” Her throaty voice was quiet, but strained. This was just as much for her to deal with as it was for Adelina.

  While Ian worked, Adelina tried to settle all the new pieces in place. Her simulcast chirped, but she was simply not ready to deal with whatever it was.

  “We cannot be late to the Master Sealer,” Nadyah said softly.

  Yes, Adelina had nearly forgotten about her appointment to have her seal placed on her palm. It would hurt worse than any punishment she’d ever received, even the caning from her grandmother. Thankfully Kalan genetics allowed them to manage pain far better than most other human races. It was a necessity actually when it came to their culture.

  “Well, the two of you aren’t mates per my analysis,” Ian declar
ed. “I fashioned it after the one in the House of Kismet, so it’s accurate.”

  Nadyah looked down at her hands and shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. “I didn’t expect us to be.”

  Something about the way she said the words, Adelina didn’t quite believe her and she felt it strike a strange chord deep inside, mourning for what would never be. Nadyah was so much more than her courtesan, but the goddess didn’t see fit to have their path continue together after the camerraleto was completed. It made Adelina wonder at what would befall the two of them in the next cycle.

  As long as they both survived and were happy Adelina would not complain. She stood and crossed the room as Ian brought the lights back up. A kiss on her brother’s cheek in thanks and then Adelina smiled. “Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you in return,” she said. “I’m happy to know I share more blood with you than originally thought.”

  Ian chuckled and brought her in for a quick hug. “As am I, little sister.”

  “Please, just keep this quiet until I decide whether to talk to Elara or not?” Adelina requested. “If I am a tube baby and the people found out I don’t know what would happen.”

  Ian’s face grew serious as he nodded. “I can destroy the data. No one has to know your true genetics except the three of us.”

  “Keep it for now; let me know if you learn anything new.”

  “Of course, now go receive your seal and become a true royal adult,” Ian said with a laugh, pushing her out of his lab.

  The door shushing closed behind Adelina was loud in the awkward silence between her and Nadyah. Adelina almost wanted to apologize for the fact that she was not the courtesan’s mate, but it was not something she could control.

  Nadyah had said courtesans were naturally more empathetic, bred to feel the emotions of another person so as to properly respond. She wondered if the feeling she had in her chest like a weight wasn’t her own, but Nadyah’s. It left her eyes burning as she tried to keep the tears at bay.

  Adelina took Nadyah’s hand in her own and drew the tall female towards her. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around Nadyah’s waist and resting her head on the courtesan’s chest.

  There was a hitch in her courtesan’s breath and then she squeezed Adelina tight. “I’m grateful I get to have you for the camerraleto at the very least,” Nadyah said, her voice thick. “And we will always be close friends. I’d rather know you in this way, than not at all.”

  She pulled back and kissed Nadyah gently. “I am excited to learn all you have to teach me.”

  The courtesan smiled and then pulled her towards the royal study. “As soon as you receive your seal we will begin.”

  Adelina followed after the flawless female. To know she loved Adelina, wished she’d been her mate – Adelina would never forget it. The knowledge gave her courage and made her heart swell. She would do anything she could to make sure Nadyah found her actual mate.

  They walked quietly through the palace to the lift. The family wing on the fifth floor was where Adelina was supposed to meet the Master Sealer. He would set up in the study as he had for every royal before her. The Master was practically ancient, even older than her grandmother.

  Nadyah didn’t say a word as Adelina greeted the male, following protocol precisely. He may not outrank her but he was more dominant by his orange blossom scent. He was also one of the most respected males in the galaxy. No one else could integrate the gold into human skin with quite the same skill and precision.

  He waved, indicating she should sit and Nadyah fetched them both tea and cakes from the waiting platter. Then she was a silent shadow next to Adelina as the Master inspected her right palm. He muttered under his breath as he made notations.

  She had always wanted a tattoo from him, but as a princess such a thing was not accepted. The gold would be stunning, but only the king and queen had gold marks tattooed into their skin indicating their rank and status. Asher had received the only other tattoo allowed on his back. It had caused a stir, but he’d taken the punishment willingly.

  The Master Sealer cleaned her palm and indicated she should get comfortable. He reminded her of Calix, not a man of many words. It seemed he barely tolerated other people. The old man went straight to work rather than chit chat with her.

  After the day she’d had, Adelina was completely fine with that. She watched closely as he set up the laser pen with the proper amount of gold. The seal that was created for her at birth was laid out on a small table for reference.

  Then the pen touched her flesh.

  It was like sticking her hand right into a roaring fire. Instantly, sweat poured down Adelina’s face and she gritted her teeth so hard against the pain she thought they might shatter.

  “Breathe,” Nadyah reminded her. “Take a deep breath. Remember your training.”

  Adelina wanted to curse her for such logical words, but instead she did as she was told. She focused every brain cell on getting oxygen into her body slowly and surely, and then let it out so she could manage the sick feeling as her nerves screamed in agony.

  The pain went on forever, carving into her flesh like molten lava.

  Adelina closed her eyes and tried to keep her heartbeat steady. “Would you mind talking about something?” she managed through her clenched teeth.

  Nadyah took her free hand and started talking in Ilashyan. “I received the list of missing ships from the borders as well as the location of the Royal Library.”

  “Where is it?” Adelina gasped. The only other person in the room was male and there was no chance someone would overhear.

  “It’s in the main library, but hidden. I’ll show you where the general location is when we get a moment.”

  The pen made a long curve against the flesh at the base of her thumb and Adelina bit her lip to keep from screaming. It felt like the Master was carving a chunk out of her hand with a blunt knife. She tasted blood from biting her tongue so hard, but the scent of burning flesh overpowered the coppery taste. The smell sat thick and heavy on the back of her tongue.

  “I spoke to Nash while I gathered his DNA,” Nadyah said in their beautifully deceptive language. “He was not pleased to see me.”

  Adelina actually laughed, swiping at the sweat dripping down her neck and the front of her dress. “I can imagine. He doesn’t like courtesans. Something about the scent seems to bother him.”

  Nadyah nodded. “He thought I was there to speak on your behalf.”

  The smell of her burning flesh and the pain that radiated over her entire body was too much to allow Adelina to feel angry at the prince’s assumption she would send a messenger. She laid her head against the back of the chair and kept her eyes closed.

  “He has strong feelings for you, Lina,” Nadyah went on. “But I don’t think he will forgive you easily for not confiding in him.”

  Stupid males, they always thought they knew better. Males had such delicate pride, it was a wonder they accomplished anything at all. Now that she couldn’t be mated though, the main reason for pushing him away was gone.

  Raena’s command to never be alone with him still caused issues, but if she could get him to see reason she wouldn’t have to tell him why she’d told him ‘no’ when she had desperately wanted to say ‘yes.’

  Another dig into her palm and Adelina thought she would faint.

  “It is finished,” the Master said.

  Adelina’s breathing was too quick, but she sat up with relief. Her skin was clammy and sweat poured down her back. With a shaky hand she reached out and pulled herself up. Her palm was face up on the table and Adelina leaned in closer to inspect the gold seal. The delicate work was inflamed but she could still see the detail and it was absolutely gorgeous.

  The Master sprayed a healing solvent over her hand and instantly the swelling and pain disappeared until it looked as though she’d always had such a mark. Thank Mala a crown brand was much smaller otherwise Adelina didn’t know how her parents survived the p
ain.

  The queen had said childbirth was a thousand times worse than the seal. Adelina had no idea how that was even possible.

  “Once the gold has set there can be no damage done to the seal. Ensure nothing mars my work for the next twenty-four hours and it will never need to be touched up or replaced.”

  Nadyah made a noise of admiration as the Master Sealer stood and bowed before leaving without any additional fanfare. Adelina couldn’t look away from the shimmery gold on her palm. She was finally completely of age and would be allowed more independence. She had no idea what she would do with it, but it was nice to know it was there.

  “Are you going to speak with Nash now that you know the truth?” Nadyah asked as she helped Adelina stand.

  Instantly she sobered, tucking a few damp strands of hair back and considered the new truth she’d been thrust into. Adelina didn’t want to speak with Nash. She wanted to talk to Elara or her father and find out more about her creation. Why only Adelina and not any others? What was the purpose of creating her?

  “I’m not going to tell Nash why I refused him. If he cannot accept that I need no other reason than I was uncomfortable with it, we truly are not compatible.” The gold shimmered and it caught Adelina’s eye as she waved her hand for the door to open. It would take some time to get used to.

  Nadyah looked down with a small smile. “You are finally learning to be who you really are, I’m proud of you for that.”

  The courtesan still looked sad so she linked her arm in Nadyah’s and grinned up at the gorgeous female. “Only thanks to you and now we can truly start our camerraleto.”

  Nadyah stopped in the hall and looked down at Adelina. She cocked her head and the smoldering fire in her eyes made Adelina’s knees weak. “Would you like to begin now? I believe we’ve put it off long enough.”