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“Oh, I’m up for it.” Runa grinned a cheeky smile.

Before my queen could make good on her promise, footsteps pounded against the tile. Drazen and Kronk stormed into the throne room, braced for battle. Glancing at the two of us locked in an intimate embrace beneath the swaying branches of the sacred arbor, they relaxed their stance.

“The villagers of White Bridge are safe,” Drazen said. “Thorne and his dragon helped the others to capture Idris’s men. One look at that snarling beast and they laid down their arms.”

“We won,” Kronk declared in that deadpan tone of his, stating the obvious.

“We won,” Runa declared.

To my utter delight, my mate burst into laughter, and I smiled in return.

Chapter Forty-Two

RUNA

I worshippedCarcerem’s new king with all the heavenly rapture he deserved. Fangs in my branded throat, my fated mate uttered a groan that had me spiraling to the stars. I collapsed against his chest. Both of us were slick with sweat. It had been this way for hours. Turned out, having a divine vampire king as my mate came with many perks.

Victor tucked an arm under his head, pulling me into his side.

“I think we should continue to host the Fallen Trials,” he said, as though I hadn’t just given him the most earth-shattering orgasm he’d ever received. The scorched sheets I gathered over the top of us proved my point.

Glancing up and noting his lack of smile, I tensed. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am always serious.”

While this was once the truth, my mate had developed a sense of humor during his time here in Carcerem.

“Veto,” I declared, making use of my queenly rights.

“Hear me out. We could include the other kingdoms,providing an opportunity to make connections and improve commerce. We could turn the event into a spans-long festival. With dancing, arm wrestling, and vendors who sell candied fire zapples.”

Carcerem had a long way to go before we were on the same level as many of the other sacred arbor kingdoms.

“Okay then. We will present your proposal to our advisers.”

Kronk and Drazen were quite proud of their elevated status from common criminals to trusted royals. They acted as civilian liaisons, making sure the needs of people were heard by the monarch. Although, much of their work took place in the local pubs.

We’d tried to enlist Thorne, but he’d politely declined, claiming he and his mysterious dragon had personal matters they needed to handle.

“We could use Idris’s former soldiers as competitors. Allow them to earn Carcerem’s forgiveness.”

“It isn’t a terrible idea,” I admitted. “Since they helped the false king subjugate the villages, it only makes sense that they help rebuild Carcerem’s economy.”

Once Idris fell, his control over his men vanished. Apparently, only a couple hundred were actually loyal to the crown. The others surrendered the moment Idris’s spell was broken.

“And what of your former home? The mortal world,” I hesitated to say but didn’t want to leave anything unresolved between us. “What about that Magister Tiberius fellow you wanted to destroy?”

“I’ve a feeling there are others there whom he has wronged, eager to interfere in his plans. Let him rot in his sad little world. I’ve a kingdom to rule and citizens who worship me.”

If I thought my mate was arrogant before, the love of an entire kingdom had completely gone to his head. It was a good thing he had me here to keep him grounded.

“Speaking of your citizens, we are overdue for the coronation ceremony.”

“They can wait,” Victor growled, rolling me beneath him. “I’ve more important matters claiming my attention and a bit of worshipping of my own to attend to.”

At least he had his priorities straight.

“Yes, you do, my king.” I curled my leg over his hip. “Yes, you do.”