24. Raea #3
I let him off the hook by telling him it's perfect and the bras Mera brought require being tied on. Looking at the clock, I remember we’re supposed to be in a meeting in just over an hour.
I jump from the bed, looking back to see Ryker do the same, and move through the cottage, needing to find Mera.
Swinging open the door, I’m startled to find Mera and Queen Priana there, along with Rune, Ezra, and Leif.
I hadn’t heard them talking in hushed voices.
My cheeks heat at the gathered group. I realize I’m still in Ryker’s shirt and probably look like a crazy mess from falling asleep with wet hair.
“Well, time to get to work,” Queen Priana says, looking me over with amusement.
Ryker brushes a hand along my lower back as he meets me at the door. He mutters something that sounds a lot like ‘fuck me,’ but I can’t be sure.
“You warded your room,” the Queen says to Ryker. “I’m not going to ask. Nonetheless, may I come in?”
Ryker pulls the door open further, allowing his mother, Mera, and Leif to file into the intimate space. Mera excuses herself, saying she needs Aza and Zhel’s help to have me ready in time. Apparently, they’re on the transport they came over on with the Queen.
Once the door is closed again, Queen Priana makes her way to the sofas and takes up a seat, patting the one beside her. “Princess Raea only,” she says to both Ryker and me.
He runs a hand through his hair, kissing me on the back of the head, before disappearing back into the living space with Leif.
“I’ve brought you this,” she says as I take a seat beside her. She places a small vial of yellow liquid in my hand. “It’s a contraceptive tonic. A single dose should last for the duration of your stay.”
My cheeks flush as I turn the glass between my fingers. I’ve been taking a contraceptive for months now—just in case. But I don’t tell her that.
“The choice is yours, of course. I won’t tell you what you should do. Royal children are such a rare gift—I wouldn’t stop you if you chose not to take it.”
Her words settle heavily in my chest, my mouth suddenly dry. I murmur a quiet thank you before tipping the vial back, swallowing the bitter liquid in one go. Surely a second dose couldn’t hurt. “You’re not upset?”
The Queen’s eyes soften, a quiet warmth lighting her expression as her lips curve.
“My dear, anger is the last thing I feel. Quite the opposite, actually. I’m overjoyed that you and my son have found a love like yours.
” Her gaze drifts for a moment, becoming distant.
“Aki and I were never in love before the Ceremony. I suppose that’s why I find myself… unhappy that you must have one at all.”
The door opens, and Ryker steps inside, dressed in trousers and a jacket—every inch the prince.
“Mother,” he says, sitting beside me.
Leif opens the door again, allowing Mera, Aza, and Zhel to file in.
I lean into Ryker without thinking, letting his presence steady something inside me.
Queen Priana tilts her head, studying us both before she says, “I don’t have a good feeling about the Ceremony. We should consider whether there’s another way.”
Unease prickles along my spine, though I can’t tell if it’s instinct or simple superstition. Lately, everything feels like it could be a warning.
She rises, gesturing toward my ladies, and the six of us move into the larger living space. If we were back at the palace, this wouldn’t feel like anything unusual.
The men excuse themselves, heading down toward the private beach while my ladies’ maids begin preparing me for the evening.
I’m quickly dressed in a beautiful bluish-silver gown with gold encrusted embroidery along the tight corset bodice and flowing trains from both my back and biceps. Queen Priana circles me as the girls brush out my hair, and Mera begins on my makeup.
Ryker leans against the wall with his arms crossed and an ankle crossed over the other, looking nonchalant and at ease.
“Interesting,” the Queen mutters. “Anders, come here.” She waves, gesturing for him to stand behind me.
The heat from his body seeps into my cool skin, enveloping me like a warm blanket. I try to fight the smile, but I can’t, and Mera chastises me for not holding still.
“Do you know what my gift is, Raea?” she asks after long moments of looking between the two of us.
I shake my head, attempting to hold as still as possible as Aza and Zhel braid my hair and Mera pats my cheeks with blush.
“Many people believe I can sense emotions, but it’s more than that.
” She takes a seat just beyond Mera so I can still see her.
“I can read people’s auras. You and my son—” She pauses, glancing between us again.
“Yours is almost identical when you’re near each other.
I didn’t catch it before, but just now, I saw the switch when he moved away. And now, they’re are almost…blending.”
Her voice trails off as she looks us over, studying the two of us. Ryker’s hands slide over my shoulders, brushing down my arms, leaving goosebumps in his wake.