Chapter 27 Kaia
Kaia
I've never felt more loved and touched than I did yesterday, my body lazy and stretched out in the best possible way.
I didn't have to be a proper princess, didn't have to maintain perfect posture or hide my desires or pretend to be something I'm not.
I just let the magic flow through me, soothing my aching bones and satisfied muscles, basking in the attention of my mates.
But now it's time for the most daunting part of draconian traditions, being shown to the people of Embrath as their future queen.
I'm standing in a deep blue gown that Alessia selected for me this morning, the fabric soft and flowing in a way that's nothing like the restrictive court dresses I wore in Valoria.
The color reminds me of the ocean I've only seen in paintings.
I smooth it down several times, my hands shaking slightly as I stand just inside the door leading out to the courtyard.
Through the heavy wood, I can hear the murmur of voices, hundreds of people gathered to witness this moment.
Solace is standing behind me, dressed in black as she prefers. The clothes feel like silk under my nervous fingers when I reach back to touch her arm for reassurance. She looks striking, fierce and beautiful, every inch the warrior she is. Her hand finds mine, squeezing gently.
"You've got this, princess," she murmurs. "Just be yourself. They'll love you."
I stare up at Alessia beside me, taking comfort in her calm presence.
She's radiant in a golden gown that brings out the warmth in her skin, her blonde hair styled elaborately with small flowers woven through.
She looks every inch a queen, regal and composed, and I hope I can channel even a fraction of that confidence.
Then I look over at Zara, who's speaking animatedly with Elara near the door. The royal physician looks amused by whatever Zara is saying, her violet eyes twinkling with what looks like mischief.
"I know the traditions, Elara," Zara says, her voice carrying a note of exasperation. "But we do not need to scare my new mates in the name of tradition. There has to be some flexibility here."
Elara's smile widens. "Wolves understand nakedness and this is no different. It's a bonding ceremony, Zara. These traditions have stood for centuries."
"You know good and well that's not what I mean," Zara counters, crossing her arms. "We will eventually claim both of my mates as is custom, but the prophecy mentioned three, or at least we thought it did.
Having four complicates things, and we will not hide where Kaia and Solace come from.
The truth about Valoria, about what happened to Isolde, it's going to create tension. We need to handle this carefully."
"And your job will be to smooth it over as one of their queens," Elara says with infuriating calm. "You've handled worse. You'll handle this. Trust in the people, Zara. They've been waiting for this moment their entire lives."
I feel overwhelmed suddenly, the weight of what's about to happen pressing down on me.
I'm going to be presented to an entire kingdom as their prophesied Omega, the one they've been waiting centuries for.
And I'm going to have to explain that I'm from the kingdom that's been attacking them, that my father is responsible for countless deaths, that I'm the daughter of a dragon they lost decades ago.
Alessia's hand finds my shoulder, warm and grounding. "Breathe, sweetheart. You're not alone in this. We'll be right there with you."
"What if they hate me?" I whisper. "What if they can't accept that I'm from Valoria?"
"Then we'll deal with it together," Alessia assures me. "But I don't think they will. The people of Embrath understand that you're not responsible for your father's actions. And when they learn you're Isolde's daughter, that you carry dragon blood, they'll welcome you as one of their own."
Zara finishes her conversation with Elara and crosses to us, her expression softening when she sees my face. "Ready?"
"No," I admit. "But I don't think I'll ever be ready, so we might as well do it now."
She chuckles, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead. "That's my brave girl. Come on. Let's introduce you to your people."
The doors swing open and we step out into the courtyard.
The sight that greets me steals my breath.
Hundreds of people fill the space, maybe thousands.
Dragons in human form, all watching us with expressions ranging from curiosity to hope to barely contained excitement.
The courtyard is massive, larger than I realized from my window view, with stone columns rising on all sides and banners bearing Embrath's insignia fluttering in the breeze.
We walk to a raised platform where four thrones sit, clearly prepared for this moment.
Zara and Alessia take their places in the center two, gesturing for Solace and me to take the ones on either side.
The symbolism isn't lost on me. We're being presented as equals, as co-rulers, not as lesser mates or consorts.
Zara stands, and the crowd falls silent immediately.
The authority in her bearing is absolute, commanding respect without effort.
"People of Embrath," she begins, her voice carrying across the courtyard.
"We stand before you today to fulfill the prophecy that has guided our kingdom for centuries.
The prophecy spoke of a golden Omega who would come to complete our bond, to bring prosperity and peace to our lands. "
Murmurs ripple through the crowd, excitement building. I can feel their anticipation, their hope, even without my empathic abilities working on dragons.
"And as humorous as Mother Nature is," Zara continues, a slight smile playing on her lips, "she has given us mates from the kingdom of Valoria."
The murmurs turn to shocked whispers. I can see confusion on many faces, concern on others. Valoria is their enemy, the source of decades of attacks. Why would their prophesied Omega come from there?
"But she also brought us a piece of home," Zara says, and now her voice carries weight, emotion. "The Omega standing before you is not just any Omega from Valoria. She is Isolde's daughter."
The silence that follows is deafening. I can see shock on every face, disbelief and wonder warring with each other. Then someone in the crowd gasps, and another, and suddenly everyone is talking at once.
"Isolde had a daughter?"
"How is that possible?"
"She's been alive this whole time?"
"Look at her, her magic has Isolde's coloring!"
Zara raises her hand for silence and gets it, though it takes longer this time.
"Isolde was taken from us decades ago, stolen by Valoria's king and kept prisoner.
She died years ago, but not before giving birth to a daughter and teaching her everything she could about her heritage, even if she couldn't reveal the full truth.
Kaia carries dragon blood, dragon magic, and her mother's fierce spirit. "
The crowd erupts into cheers, genuine joy replacing the initial shock. People are crying, laughing, calling out blessings. The relief and happiness washing over me is overwhelming even though I can't feel their emotions directly.
"There's one more thing," Zara says, and the crowd quiets again to hear. "The prophecy spoke of three, of a triad to rule Embrath. But the magic has given us four. Kaia's Beta, Solace, is also our mate. We are a quad, not a triad, and we will rule together as equals."
This announcement receives a more mixed response. I can see some people nodding in acceptance, others frowning in confusion. A voice calls out from the crowd, older and uncertain. "But the prophecy specifically mentioned three! How can four be right?"
I stand before I can think better of it, my voice ringing out clear and strong.
"The prophecy spoke of what was needed to bring balance.
If the magic chose four of us, if it recognized all of us as mates, then four is what's right.
Solace has protected me my entire life, followed me into the Shadowlands when anyone else would have turned back, brought me safely to your queens when she could have tried to stop me.
She deserves to be here just as much as I do. "
The crowd is silent, watching me with intense focus.
I can feel their assessment, their judgment, and I refuse to back down.
"I know my kingdom has done terrible things to yours," I continue, my voice carrying across the courtyard.
"My father has sent warriors to attack you, to steal from you, to kill your people.
I apologize for every death, every injury, every moment of fear Valoria has caused.
I cannot undo what's been done, but I swear to you that I will work to make it right.
Valoria will answer for its crimes, and I will stand with you when that reckoning comes. "
For a moment, nothing happens. Then an older woman near the front of the crowd starts clapping. Others join her, and soon the entire courtyard is filled with applause and cheers.
"She is just like her mother!" someone shouts, and others echo the sentiment.
"Isolde's daughter indeed!"
"Welcome home, princess!"
Tears prick at my eyes. They're accepting me. They're welcoming me despite everything. I sink back into my throne, overwhelmed by their response.
Alessia stands now, her voice warm and musical.
"We understand that some of you may have concerns about accepting mates from Valoria.
We share those concerns. But Kaia and Solace are victims of King Frederik's cruelty just as we are.
They didn't know the truth about dragons, didn't understand what their kingdom was doing. Now that they do, they stand with us."
"We will need to trek back through the Shadowlands soon," Zara adds, her voice turning serious. "To confront Valoria, to demand justice for Isolde and for all the warriors who died following Frederik's lies. We will not hide from this conflict, but we will not start it either."
Warriors in the crowd straighten, excitement rippling through their ranks. One calls out, "We're ready to march with you, my queens! Just give the word!"
"We will not engage unless provoked," Zara says firmly. "This is a diplomatic mission first and foremost. We go to seek justice and truth, not war. To this day, none of you have died in defense of our kingdom. I intend to keep it that way."
Solemn nods answer her statement. These people trust their queens completely, I realize. They'll follow Zara and Alessia anywhere because they know they'll be protected.
"But we will prepare after Kaia's heat," Alessia continues. "We won't risk her safety or health by marching into the Shadowlands when her body needs rest and care. Once she's recovered, once we've had time to plan properly, we'll make our move."
Another voice from the crowd, younger this time. "Will there be an official ceremony? A joining of the four of you?"
Zara glances at me, a question in her eyes.
I nod slightly, giving permission. "Yes," she announces.
"There will be a formal bonding ceremony.
But after Kaia's heat. As much as we want to honor tradition and celebrate properly, I will not stress her out this close to that time.
Her health and comfort come first, always. "
The crowd seems to accept this, nodding and murmuring agreement. Dragons clearly take heats seriously, understanding the vulnerability and needs that come with them.
"For now," Alessia says with a bright smile, "we celebrate! Tonight there will be a feast in honor of our new mates. Music, dancing, food, everything we love about a proper celebration. Though the new quad may not be available for the entire event depending on Kaia's needs."
Laughter ripples through the crowd at the implication. I blush furiously but can't help smiling. These people are so open about desire and pleasure, so different from Valoria's rigid propriety.
"Go, prepare, celebrate!" Zara dismisses them with a wave. "We'll see you tonight!"
The crowd disperses slowly, people talking excitedly amongst themselves. I catch fragments of conversation as they leave.
"Isolde's daughter, can you believe it?"
"She's fierce just like her mother was!"
"A quad is unusual but if the magic chose them..."
"I can't wait to meet them properly at the feast!"
Once most of the crowd has left, Zara helps me stand. We head back into the castle, moving toward the throne room for what Alessia called "the boring parts of ruling." As we walk through the corridors, Zara's hand slides down to cup my ass possessively, the gesture casual and natural for her.
I gasp slightly at the bold touch. "That kind of physical affection in front of everyone really doesn't bother you?"
Zara purrs, the sound vibrating through her chest. "Sweetheart, I would lift you and ravage you in this very throne room if you would let me.
I would show you off in front of the entire kingdom, show what I've gained and what is precious to me.
There's no shame in desire here, no need to hide how much I want you. "
I'm not sure whether to be turned on or a little terrified by the casual way she says it.
My body betrays me though, heat flooding through me and slick gathering in my panties at the mental image she's painted.
The idea of being taken right there, in full view of anyone who might enter, should horrify me. Instead, it makes me ache with want.
Zara laughs, clearly scenting my arousal. "Noted. But later. Right now, we have additional royal matters to discuss. All of the boring things that come with ruling a kingdom. Trade agreements, resource management, dispute resolutions. The unglamorous parts of being queen."
"How boring are we talking?" I ask, trying to focus on anything other than the way her hand is still casually resting on my ass.
"Very," Alessia says with a sympathetic smile. "But necessary. You'll need to learn how Embrath functions if you're going to help rule it."