Chapter 3
Chapter Three
Colbie
T he conversation changes after that, the subjects becoming lighter as they recognize I’m reaching my limit. Once they leave, I try to get some rest, but my mind whirls with everything I’ve learned. My thoughts keep returning to Nox and what I’ve discovered about him. I didn’t mention him to the girls, but I’m going to have to come clean eventually.
He is most definitely the last member of Watch Team One’s bond group. There can be no denying it. He is absolutely hiding the fact he’s a shifter. If none of this had ever happened to me, I would have continued on thinking he was a reclusive human, but now I know he lied to me, despite learning my own secret, and I’m kind of hurt. I also wonder if he is still living at his cottage on the beach or if he took off. He can work from anywhere, and he knows who I am and that I know how to find him, so if I went to get him, would he still be there or disappeared? He probably thought I would force him to join shifter society.
It isn’t like I wouldn’t have figured it all out eventually, considering our pendants match. Maybe he thought the chances of me connecting his tattoo with a bond group were slim, and they probably would have been if that mark hadn’t appeared on my own back. I certainly haven’t seen any of Watch Team One’s marks, though that might change in the coming days if they are going to help teach me to control my shift. We’re probably going to end up naked around each other, which is going to make it even harder to resist the pull of the mark now that I know what it is. I wonder if all my clothes have the magical fabric that shifts with me. That would be very expensive, but I am the queen, so maybe I’ll get lucky.
I also can’t be crowned until all six crowns have a head to be put on, but the thought of forcing Nox back into shifter society when he obviously doesn’t want to be a part of it makes me feel ill. I didn’t get a choice, but I’d like him to have one. If that is the case, then what will happen next? Will there be no monarch, and is that such a bad thing? Wouldn’t a council be just as useful as a ruling monarchy? Sure, they might not have the power to grant shifters the chance at choosing human mates or help a shifter if they get shift frozen, but I get the feeling those things aren’t common anyway. It’s definitely one of the questions I’m going to bring up with the king and queens tomorrow. There won’t be any mate matches presenting themselves at the palace gates, so it will give me the opportunity to bring up the subject without clueing them into our new discovery.
My train of thought drifts once again to the bond group I am fated to be with. While they are all very attractive men, I don’t know them well. Hell, I don’t even know what kind of shifters all of them are. Gem informed me he was a phoenix shifter when he came to check on me this morning, and he has the power to heal. I know Hunter is a dragon and Gryffin is a white tiger, but I’m clueless about Brodie and Liam… and Liam is kind of an ass.
I’m not blind. I saw how they were watched by quite a few hungry females at the ball tonight. They are extremely appealing men, but that doesn’t make a relationship. I’m nervous about doing shift training with them but excited as well. I want to know what kind of guys they are without the pressure of them knowing I’m their fated mate. I don’t want them to treat me any differently.
My mind eventually settles, and I find myself drifting. My dreams, filled with flashes of light and teeth, keep me tossing and turning all night, making my sleep restless. Finally, I can’t take it any longer, and when the sun starts to peak its head above the horizon, I throw the blankets back and take a shower, hoping it will clear my mind.
The shower helps, and I find myself staring at my closet at a loss for what to wear. All of the clothes are new and were apparently placed there by the same magic that activated the minute I stepped across the threshold—goddess magic. Although I didn’t really want this position, I have to admit the perks are pretty damn good, but I’m still not sure about the dress code. I have meetings with the king and queens this morning and then self-defense and shifting training with Watch Team One in the afternoon. I can’t imagine that I can train in a dress, but what are the protocols for meetings?
I eye a pair of capri leggings and a tank top longingly. They would be good for self-defense training. I’m still considering my choices when I hear Violet’s voice.
“Colbie, are you ready for breakfast?”
I whirl around and find her standing in the doorway of my closet, looking at me with amusement. I look at what she’s wearing, since she will be joining me for both my meeting and training sessions this afternoon, and sigh with relief as I take in an outfit very similar to what I was eyeing. “Oh, thank God. I wasn’t sure if I had to wear a dress or if I could get away with training clothes.”
She smirks at me, and I narrow my eyes. “I can get away with training clothes, but you are the queen, so you will need to wear a dress this morning, and then you can change before your training session,” she informs me, grinning with an evil glint in her eye. How is she settling in as well as she is? I’m kind of jealous of how quickly she’s adjusting, but I’m so glad she’s here.
“Ugh, that sucks,” I grumble and turn my attention to the hanging section of my closet. It’s split into two sections—formal and informal—and it’s the informal ones I start to look through.
“Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” she teases behind me, and I throw up my middle finger. “Do you need me to get an attendant in here to help you?”
“God no. Although they are nice people, I don’t need them doing things for me.”
“Colbie,” Violet says, and when I turn to look at her, I see the sympathy in her eyes, and I have to stop myself from flinching. “You know it’s okay to allow people to help you, right?”
I turn back to the dresses and pull out a soft jersey gown in sage green with silver embroidery on it. It has a sweetheart neckline and three-quarter sleeves. “What do you think?” I hold it up, ignoring her comment, and she pauses for a moment before nodding.
“Looks good.” She leaves, taking the hint that I don’t want to talk about it. Sure, I have a decent support system with Grampy and Granny, but Mom hasn’t always been great. She is very much into keeping up appearances, and I often don’t meet her expectations.
I brush away my thoughts and quickly get dressed, and the two of us head down for breakfast. Before the three girls left last night, I enforced the week’s grace they are allowing me, but I feel nervous as we approach the doors of the dining room. I hear voices and know I am about to face my mates. A rush of excitement flows through me, followed closely by one of nerves. My stomach rolls, and I place my hand across it in hopes it will quell the feeling. Violet doesn’t miss my action, and she gives my hand a squeeze.
“It’s going to be fine, I promise. We won’t say anything, and you will get to know them without the knowledge of the bond influencing them,” she assures me.
“They won’t know?” I ask, biting my lip.
“No, they will still feel the pull like you will, but they won’t know for sure until you confirm the mark.” She puts a hand on my arm as I go to enter the room and drops her voice, her lips set in a straight line and a furrow between her eyebrows. “But remember, Colbie, the mating marks are sacred to shifters. They may feel hurt when they find out you are hiding it from them,” she warns me.
It’s my turn to frown. I don’t want to hurt them, but my human state of mind is still very much ruling my thoughts. There’s also the subject of Nox and how I should tell them I know where their sixth is. If I don’t tell them, I am betraying them, but if I tell them, I am betraying Nox. I’m completely torn and confused, but I can’t hide. I am queen, and I need to make a tough decision. I’m sure it won’t be the last time either.
Giving her a weak, reassuring smile, I allow her to open the door. There is no herald this morning to announce us, thank goodness, but when I enter the room, I feel a heavy sort of tension. Everyone at the table stands as I enter and nods their head. There is an instant pull in my chest, and I find myself looking at the opposite end of the table to the men I now know are my mates. The heady scents of frost, cedar and pine, smoke and whisky, sunshine and chocolate, coffee, and lime, mint, and rum all swirl through my senses, and I take a step toward the group.
“Ah, Colbie, good morning,” King Lucas calls with a weak smile, jolting me out of my trance just in time. My animal keens inside as I turn my attention away from what she desires most. When I focus on the king, I see the tension in his body, and I realize that breakfast is a lot more crowded this morning.
“Please don’t get up on my account,” I tell everyone, and they return to their seats.
“Why don’t you grab a seat, and I’ll fix you a plate?” Violet murmurs, narrowing her eyes on the people at the table. Instead of arguing, I allow her to serve me, and I make my way across the large room to the table. I really did want a few more moments to distract myself, but I’ve noticed the table is much larger than yesterday, and it seats many more people than the previous morning’s fairly relaxed breakfast.
Today, we’re joined by the six council members, and some of them have even brought their families. This is not how I expected to spend my breakfast, but I force a smile onto my face as I take the chair next to Lucas.
“Ah, Your Majesty, so nice of you to join us this morning,” Councilor Vallen Tideman calls passive-aggressively with a smirk on his face. “We were wondering if maybe you would sleep in after such a big night last night.”
“No rest for the wicked, I’m afraid,” I reply as one of the servers attending the table offers me coffee. I thank her as she pours some into the mug at my place setting. “Though I am surprised that so many people are joining me for breakfast.” I smile serenely as Lucas mutters, “So were we,” next to me.
“Oh, the council thought it might be nice for you to have some familiar faces this morning to answer any questions you might have,” Councilor Sophia Gardiner, a petite, dark-haired woman with long hair and cold, almond-shaped eyes explains. “Especially since none of your mates have deigned to show themselves yet.” One of the unknown girls at the table snickers, and I turn my attention to her.
“I’m sorry, I don’t believe we’ve met,” I say, recognizing her as one of the girls who made snide comments about my dress last night. Sophia waves at the two younger women who are spaced around the table. One is sitting between Gryffin and Liam, and she has her hand on the latter’s arm and is batting her eyelashes. The other one is next to Hunter’s brother, Talon, and she’s acting similarly. Talon looks uncomfortable, and his sister, Ember, is glaring at the girl. Liam is smiling at the girl next to him, but he removes her hand from his arm in a subtle gesture when Gem, who is on his other side, elbows him in the side.
“Oh, these are my daughters, Gianna and Liana. I wanted to introduce them to you last night, but you disappeared rather early.” The woman waves her hands. “I thought they might be able to help guide you in shifter society, and maybe Gianna could become one of your advisors. Having someone who is knowledgeable in shifter society by your side will be a great benefit, and she is currently between jobs.”
Those names sound familiar, and when Violet places a plate in front of me with a grimace, it comes to me. These are the two girls she told me about. Gianna is the one who blew off my call about Archie, and Liana is the girl who bullies Violet.
“Well, that’s a very kind offer, but at this stage, I have all the advisors I need.” I wave to Gracelin and Violet, who takes her seat when Ember waves her to a spare one next to her.
Councilor Gardiner narrows her eyes on Violet before returning her attention to me. “Surely someone who is more familiar with the workings of upper-class society would be more beneficial for you.”
I take a drink of my coffee, not removing my gaze from the woman. “Possibly, but you could also say I need the perspective of all shifter society, not just the elite, and I also need someone who is going to take the role seriously. I believe Gianna has already proven she’s not capable of listening when it doesn’t suit her.”
That gets Gianna’s attention, and she whirls around and glares at me as Sophia gasps, putting a hand against her chest while looking hurt.
“Why would you suggest such a thing?”
“Gianna was recently fired from the watch, correct?” I ask, and the councilwoman’s lips thin, and her eyes go flat as she glares at General Bryson. I can also feel Gianna’s own glare burning into my skin. She goes to say something, but her mother cuts her off with a sharp look.
“It was merely a miscommunication.” She continues to glare at General Bryson, who doesn’t even flinch under her gaze and glares back at her.
“Unfortunately, I don’t believe that was the case, since I was the human she blew off,” I announce as I take a bite of my food. Councilor Gardiner pales a little at this information. “I need someone who will have my best interest at heart, and at this stage, I don’t believe Gianna does. Maybe we can revisit this at a later date, once she’s proven she can be trusted,” I add, trying to be diplomatic. I know that’s never going to happen, though, since she rolls her eyes and turns her attention to Gryffin who is on her other side. Yeah, that’s never going to happen.
“Very well,” the woman concedes, but she’s already calculating how she can get me to change my mind. Over my dead body, but maybe she’s planning that too.
There’s some awkward silence around the table as I eat. “Your Majesty, I don’t believe you were introduced to my wife, Margot, last night.” Councilor Andrew Mason is a smart-looking man, with dark, dirty blond hair and brown eyes, which currently twinkle with amusement as he smirks at Sophia before gesturing to the petite blonde woman sitting next to him.
This is the man Archie said is having an affair with one of our castle staff. I wonder if it’s consensual or if she’s being forced into it. I must do some investigating. If she’s willing, then I’m not sure she is someone I want in my house. I hate women like that. She obviously knows he’s married, and the councilor can definitely go. If he’s going to cheat on his wife, then what’s to say he’s going to be loyal to his queen?
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I smile genuinely at the woman who gives me a regal but disdainful nod. Well, okay then. I guess she isn’t a fan either. I wonder if they are mates or if they are an arranged pairing. Do shifters have arranged marriages?
“For God’s sake, let the poor child eat. She’s going to get enough of our hot air in the weeks to come,” an older, gray-haired gentleman grumbles. He waves his coffee mug at one of the servers who hurries over to fill it. “Don’t know why we had to come and disturb her this morning.”
This is Councilor Emmett Coldicott, whom I was introduced to last night. I like him. Lucas told me that he has been on the council for the last four reigning rulers and is one of the longest serving members. He’s also a former king himself. This puts him at over a hundred and sixty years of age, but he looks to be in his mid-fifties.
“The council doesn’t usually join you for breakfast?” I ask Lucas under my breath as the attention turns away as Brodie starts a loud conversation, allowing me to lean over and talk to the king privately.
“God no. They are up your ass more than enough on a usual basis that you don’t need them first thing in the morning as well.”
“We were wondering why you were gracing us with your presence this morning, since breakfast is usually reserved for family,” Mia comments casually, but her body is rigid with annoyance.
“Well, considering that Colbie has no family here yet and there are no signs of any potential mates, we thought she might like the company of people other than your family.” This comes from the final male member of the council, Jonathan Altmore. “We wanted to show that she has the support of the council despite the fact that she hasn’t been crowned yet.” The tension at the table ratchets up even higher, and it’s all I can do to eat my food. It feels like there was a small threat in those seemingly innocuous words.
“It’s only been three days. Give them a chance to arrive. It’s a big adjustment for anyone who gets marked. They will be here, I’m sure.” This is from the final council member, Audrey Coldicott, a tall, statuesque female with a sharp dark bob. Yesterday, General Bryson informed me she was a general with the shifter army before him. She retired when the former queen was replaced by Lucas, and he was appointed. I asked if there was any bad blood, but he insisted there wasn’t. She simply wanted more time to spend with her mates and her grandchildren. He informed me that she is a great asset to the council and can be trusted. She is also one of Emmett’s mates
Apparently, it’s up to me whether I keep these people on the council or replace them, and so far, I’m not keen on keeping most of them, but they seem to have forgotten that they are replaceable.
I wipe my mouth with my linen napkin and focus on the council members. “While that is very kind of you, I don’t believe I will need your presence at breakfast every day. I am still taking advice from the king and queens, and should I need your input, I will ask you. I look forward to hearing your thoughts at our scheduled council meeting at the end of the week,” I tell them firmly, and I see both Emmett’s and Audrey’s eyes sparkle with amusement, whereas the other four look angry that I have dismissed them so easily. When Councilman Tideman goes to argue, I don’t let him get a word in. “After all, I am still making decisions on who I will keep on the council and who will be released from their positions, as is my right as the new ruler.”
“Look here, missy! Until that crown is on your head, you have no say in who is on this council,” Sophia hisses. “And that’s not happening until six mates appear—if they ever do.” I hear the threat in her voice, and so does everyone else at the table.
“Yes, I don’t believe there is a precedent if that happens, so we will have to consult the archives. Can there even be a queen without mates?” Jonathan Altmore muses thoughtfully, but I see the glee in his eyes. Lucas and Layla exchange a loaded glance. It seems like they know more than they are saying. I will have to corner them later.
“Enough!” Lucas slams his hands on the table and stands up. “Colbie has been selected by the goddess Aramis to be the next queen. Who are you to question anything she does?”
“Calm down, Lord Lucas. We were merely stating the facts. After all, it is a tumultuous time, what with missing shifter children and the upsurge in ferals. We want to make sure our leader is prepared and at full strength for the coming months,” Councilor Altmore states, and I feel my brow wrinkle. Missing shifter children and upsurge in ferals? Lucas and the queens didn’t mention anything like that in our meeting yesterday. A hand rests on my leg, giving it a squeeze, and Layla, who is on the other side of me, gives me a minute head shake. I see the promise of information in that gesture and allow my frown to smooth out, but before I can form a response, Emmett huffs.
“I don’t know about you, but I believe that conversation should be left until we have finished our meal. It’s not suitable in the aid of my digestion.”
“Fine, but it will be discussed in great detail in our meeting later this week. I want to know what the queen is going to do about both issues,” Sophia sneers. “So far, we’ve kept the information from the general shifter population, but that could change at any minute, and that wouldn’t go down well if our people were to learn that the royal family has been keeping secrets.” Everyone at the table hears her threat.
“Careful, Sophia. Your words could be considered treasonous. You swore an oath to the crown, and if word leaks of any of those things, you will be the first person we look to for answers,” Bryson threatens, causing the sneer on her lips to drop.
I’ve kind of lost my appetite now, but I force myself to eat, knowing I have a long day ahead of me. Conversation picks up again, and I relax slightly once all the attention is off me.
“You handled that beautifully,” Lucas says quietly. I know shifter hearing is exceptional, but hopefully no one is paying us much attention. It seems like each of the councilors have been distracted by one of the others, like they all decided to help me out, which I appreciate.
“I’m not sure about that,” I mutter, and Evie leans around Lucas, her eyes sparkling with mirth as she nods.
“Did you see Sophia’s face when you put her and Gianna in their place? That was golden, and it will live rent free in my mind for the next couple of days. I hate that snake, and her daughters are just as bad. I pray to Aramis regularly that Gianna won’t be marked for our boys.”
“Didn’t you choose them for your council?” I argue, and Mia leans a little closer from Layla’s other side so we can keep this conversation as private as possible. “All four of us were new to high society. None of us knew what they were like when we agreed to keep the previous queen’s council. We regretted that very quickly, but once they are sworn in, it’s for the whole term of the reign. We couldn’t get rid of them, and they’ve done nothing but throw roadblocks in our way for the past forty years.”
“Actually, I think you should keep Emmett and Audrey. They are really wonderful and have the best interest in the shifters as a nation. The rest of them are only out for themselves,” Layla suggests. “Ultimately, it is your decision, but it is one that needs to be made before you are crowned, so think carefully, okay?”
Before I can reply, our private conversation is interrupted.
“I believe you know our younger son, Brock,” Councilor Tideman’s wife says to me, her eyes bright and hopeful. She hasn’t said anything until now, and I can’t remember him telling me her name. Neither of their other children are here today, and at the mention of Brock’s name, Vallen’s whole body stiffens.
“Yes, I do. He and his partner own the business next to mine in the neutral zone,” I reply casually.
“Can’t you do something to appeal his ban?” she pleads, and I frown at her.
“You have no one to blame but your own husband for your son’s actions. He’s the one who gave him permission to bring my mother into the shifter zone despite the rules during royal succession,” I reply, unable to hide my surprise.
Vallen glares at me. “That had nothing to do with me. Brock got his information wrong.” Of course he would deny it just like I was told he would.
“I gave the ban, and it will stick. Brock should have known better. It is unfortunate, but there is nothing stopping you from going to visit him, Ashley.” Lucas gives Vallen his own glare. “Maybe your office needs to be clearer with its communication in the future.”
I can see how annoyed Vallen is, and when his wife starts to argue, he reaches for her hand and squeezes it so hard, she winces, but it stops her from speaking again. I can’t wait to see the back of that man. He’s reprehensible.
Conversation turns to more mundane things as everyone finishes their meal around me. I don’t get to speak to any of Watch Team One at all, but I observe them and their interactions. They seem to ignore the councilors, answering their inquiries with short responses, and I watch with amusement as Gryffin fends off Gianna who is like a grabby octopus, constantly putting her hands on him. At one stage, Layla removes my knife from my hand with a knowing look, and I feel myself blush. Brodie, Gem, and Hunter talk with Hunter’s siblings and Violet, and it’s nice to see them include her like she’s a friend.
I notice Talon’s attentiveness toward her, and I have to wonder if I’m going to have a brokenhearted friend on my hands when his bond group gets their mate. I hope for her sake the goddess is kind and makes it happen sooner rather than later. I can see her growing more and more attracted as the minutes go by. Liana glares at her like she could blow up her brain with her mind. We will need to keep a close eye on that one as well. Maybe I should assign Violet a protection detail. It’s something to discuss with Bryson.
I stand, knowing the former rulers are being patient but have been waiting long enough. “Shall we get started then? I’m sure you’re going to overwhelm me again this morning, so we shouldn’t put it off any longer,” I say, and Lucas laughs, standing as well.
“Come on, Colbie, it won’t be that bad, I promise,” he tells me as the four rulers, Violet, and I make our way to the conference room we were in yesterday after bidding farewell to the remaining breakfast guests.
“I think you’re telling me lies, Lucas, but I appreciate it,” I retort with one last look at the men who I now know are my mates. All five of them watch us go, and Brodie gives me a wave and a wink.
“We’ll see you for training this afternoon. Can’t wait to see what you can do with your animal,” he calls, and I nod in response.
“What is she? I bet she’s a prey animal, right? Maybe an equine shifter?” Gianna asks loudly. “With that ass, I bet she’s a donkey.”
I don’t hear what any of the others tell her, the door closing behind us as we leave, but I know we are keeping the nature of my creatures to ourselves for now. The less people who know, the better for now. Lucas thinks I will have a target on my back once people realize how strong I will be, and after the council’s actions today, he may be right.