Chapter 3 #2
“Well, your lovely assistant there not only insulted Lila, but he also hit on her. I’m sure you can set him straight.
” He gestures to me, and the two older warlocks’ eyes lock onto me.
My eyes are still red, and my fangs are still down, so I shake off my anger and allow them to recede.
Their gazes both soften, and Xylene smiles at me.
“Lila, honey, you look so much like your mother. You have no idea how happy we are that you have finally joined us. We were about to start our own search for you when you were found.”
The previous warlock’s mouth drops open in shock. “That’s Xavier’s intimate?” He sounds disgusted, but he blanches as the warlock king and queen glare at him.
“You dare insult the crown prince’s intimate?” Cronus looks furious, but it’s Xylene’s cold tone that makes me shudder. I don’t envy him one little bit.
“But… I…” The warlock stutters a little, but Cronus holds up a hand, silencing him.
“Your family is treading on very thin ice at the moment, Eryan. Your sister has already been punished for her trespasses against the crown prince’s intimate. Do not make us punish you as well.”
Eryan pales at hearing about his sister. They must be talking about Elyan. His eyes narrow, and he glares at me as the king and queen turn back to face the screen, dismissing him behind them.
“Lila, we are looking forward to seeing you in a few days.” Cronus steeples his hands in front of him but leans back in his chair.
“King Cronus, Queen Xylene, it’s lovely to meet you,” I say politely, but King Cronus frowns and shakes his head.
“No need for formality, we’re family. You can call us Mom and Dad if you want.” He beams at me, and Xylene rolls her eyes.
“Slow down, love. Ignore him, he’s just so excited that you and our son can finally be together,” she apologizes for her enthusiastic husband.
“And I can’t wait either, but I’m afraid we are going to be delayed once more,” I tell them, explaining that the Aquilians have placed me under arrest and that we are now heading toward the planet Aquilia instead of Westalin.
They both get more and more annoyed as I speak, and Xylene gets up and starts pacing, making Eryan push backward and huddle against the wall. I can’t say I’m sad to see that.
“I was wondering if maybe the two of you could meet us there. Xavier has waited too long already, and I don’t want him to have to wait any longer.” I side-eye Eryan, not wanting to announce that he’s not feeding well in front of someone who is obviously so hostile.
Thankfully Saxon comes to my rescue, allowing me to remain silent regarding how vulnerable Xavier is at the moment. I wouldn’t want anyone to get any ideas. “Lila would benefit from sealing the bond. It may help stabilize her own newfound powers.”
The warlock sneers at hearing this, but I don’t care. I would rather him think I’m useless than know the truth.
“Of course we will. King Marlin is a giant asshole. He always hits on my wife whenever we have official functions. I would love to show up and put a little bit of fear in him.” Cronus smirks, and it’s so much like Xavier’s that I have to blink a couple of times.
Xylene grimaces. “Ugh, the man is an eel. He keeps the Aquilians isolated and doesn’t allow visitors on the planet.
It’s why there is only one city on land.
It’s to keep his people ignorant so they don’t rise up and overthrow him.
The Aquilian royal family has had a history of doing that.
It was why we were so surprised that he sent his son and daughter to the circus.
Hopefully the next ruler will be better. ”
Saxon and I exchange a glance, and I shrug. “I wouldn’t count on it. Nikos isn’t really all that much better. He’s horny and stupid.” I feel an ache in my heart when I say this, but I’m still pissed at him for putting my babies in danger.
Saxon frowns disapprovingly at me, and I feel slightly guilty. “He’s actually not that bad. He has potential, but I believe Nixie would be an excellent ruler. Unfortunately, Marlin is a sexist pig and won’t consider naming a female as his heir.”
“Never mind. Aquilian politics are the least of our worries, but they better have a good reason for detaining you. We will leave immediately. We should be there shortly after you,” Cronus assures me.
We sign off, and I feel a rush of excitement, knowing that I’m going to get all my memories returned and Xavier and I will be able to bond.
“Thank you.” I wrap my arms around Saxon, and he does the same.
I just lean there, supported by his strength, grateful that he is so supportive of being mated to me and all that entails.
“I am so lucky that I am mated to wonderful, kind, and understanding men. I don’t know what I would do if you hated each other,” I tell him, pulling back slightly so he can see all the emotions in my eyes.
“Hmm, I find it interesting that you are ending up with mates who were all previously friends or acquaintances.”
I frown. “You don’t think it’s a coincidence?”
He shrugs. “So far, every one of your mates has been in the circus. I kind of feel like maybe something or someone has been manipulating us.”
“You mean a greater power? Like a god?”
“Stranger things have happened,” he replies, giving me a squeeze.
“Well, if I knew whom to thank, I would. Although it was a bumpy start with a few of you, I wouldn’t change anything at all.”
“Yes, just keep that in mind as we go along. Things happen for a reason,” he says cryptically, but before I can ask him what he means, a childish wail is heard through the speakers of his room.
Ah, one of the children woke up, and that means they are all awake now, because there is no way anyone can sleep through that noise.
“I’ll get them,” I call out as we leave Saxon’s room, not sure where or if any of my other mates are around.
I try to spend as much time as possible with them while we have downtime.
I missed them so much while we went to Rilu, and I know there will be another trip when we head to Husadavia where they will have to remain behind on the ship.
We try to be hands-on parents, but we have so much going on that the idea of a nanny is becoming more and more appealing.
So far, though, we’ve been resistant, but with two more babies on the way, it’s not a bad idea to get one, especially once the circus is up and running again.
I may not be everyone’s idea of a perfect mate or mother, but no one is ever going to accuse me of not trying.