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Valda raised her head, her eyes meeting her mother’s. She took a deep breath, and the tension in her body began to ease. She was not alone. Her mother was there, and Kayden was surely using his gift to seduce someone to join him in bed at the end of the night.

“Happy birthday, my dearest Valda,” Rionach said, standing from the throne and wrapping her arms tightly around her before cupping her face and pulling her down to kiss her forehead.“I want you to go ahead and talk to every single attendee. Not one should leave this castle without a proper hello from you.”

Valda nodded. She needed to do so, if she wanted to find her mate, who hopefully was hidden among the courtiers. Still, she would rather ignore every single person who didn’t sport blue hair. Maybe that way she could get to who she wanted fast enough.

Standing by her mother, Valda thanked the guests for coming to her celebration, and then descended the dais. She could make out the royalty from other kingdoms. Some of them were already sitting by the long dining table, while others were talking amongst themselves.

The first royalty Valda approached was the princess of the Vulcan Kingdom, Kenna Hagan. Kayden’s cousin and a fierce warrior, much like Valda. Poised yet serious, her clothing stood out from the rest. Her plaid fabrics with animal pelt were attention grabbing. Her makeup was also something that many talked about. Valda did a double take at the shadow tones across her eyes reaching her temples, the red paint on her neck, and her long black hair pulled back into intricate braids. Intrigued, Valda saluted her by bowing and grasping her forearm in a tight grip.

Kenna did not smile. Unlike the others in the room, Kenna seemed as if she was forced to attend. Valda had no doubt in her mind that Kayden had something to do with it. The Vulcan kingdom was the most feared. Their people were fearless warriors who took death as the ultimate and honorable thing to do only if it was defending their kingdom. The descendants of Ares could manipulate fire, making them the most destructive of the elements. No one dared try anything with the Vulcanians, not when their royalty could destroy everything, and the passion of war ran through their veins.

“Happy birthday,” Kenna said with her heavy Arevulcan accent and moving her pelts from her waist to rest her hand there.

Valda nodded. “I appreciate you being here.”

“Do you, Your Highness?” The taunt came in a husky and teasing growl.

Valda grinned, showing her teeth, and pulling the warrior close enough to brush her lips over the curve of her ear and whisper. “Behave,” she warned, not before kissing the younger woman’s cheek.

They had enough familiarity for Valda to act so coy. Although completely different from Kayden’s demeanor, Valda found herself drawn to Kenna, for they both enjoyed a good training session every once in a while. More than once, Kayden had tried to get them both to be together, but a woman such as Kenna was not the type Valda was interested in.

Kenna threw her head back, cackling. “I will, Valda. If you keep my cousin in check. I have seen what he is doing. I try to ignore the fact he used his gift on me.”

“So, I am correct. You didn’t want to come.”

“I would rather eat coal than appear in these…” she waved her hand. “Things.”

Valda nodded, excused herself and moved on with her tour.

The ruler of Harmonia, Leida Poyraz was next. Kayden’s mother, with her fiery, breathtaking hair, white milky skin, and a smile that could light up the darkest Skylian night, laughed loudly with the men around her. Her hand, dainty and empty of a glass of wine was soon filled by a guard’s callused one. Her blue eyes sparkled with lust as the guard kissed her hand. Valda wondered how her friend could go about his day knowing that his mother, the direct recipient of the gift of Aphrodite, was lusted and coveted by many. Valda couldn’t deny that she was absolutely gorgeous, and she wasn’t the only one who took notice of her beauty. It was no secret that Leida had the same fame as Kayden. There were rumors that Leida had an affair with Vulcan Hagan, Kenna’s father, and rightful king of Vulcan kingdom.

Leida wore a simple white dress, contrasting dramatically with her fellow royal Kenna. Where Kenna oozed strength, power, and violence, Leida’s presence irradiated love, peace, and serenity. As the ruler of Harmonia, her gift was the same as her son’s.

As peaceful and non-confrontational as she looked, she wasn’t someone to start a war with. Unlike Kayden, she could manipulate the feelings of not only one person, but an entire room. With just a flick of her wrist, a room full of happy and kind people could turn into a ravaging angry mob, or worse… A sadden throng ready to end it all, including themselves.

As Valda approached her, Leida giggled and offered her hand. Valda took it gracefully and proceeded to kiss her knuckles. “You look radiant, Queen Leida,” Valda said. The term queen was used loosely, as the relationship between Vulcanians and Harmonians was as confusing as the way they governed over each other. Yet, Valda would never want to be on Leida’s bad side.

Leida chuckled and moved closer to Valda, enough to place a soft hand over Valda’s strong arms. “You look amazing. Formal attire suits you so well, Valda.” Valda’s name on Leida’s lips sounded like a delicious and compliant purr. “So, different from your usual dirty and bloody garbs,” Leida teased.

Valda smirked, letting the woman get closer. “I bathe regularly,” she joked, raising a flirty eyebrow at Leida.

“I won’t believe it until I see it…” Leida poured lust from her full lips, and Valda couldn’t help but swallow and force herself to behave. An angry and cautious growl behind her warned her of Kayden’s presence.

“I better get going. There are still people for me to greet.”

“Of course. Forgive me for keeping you,” Leida said.

“Oh, but there is absolutely nothing to forgive,” Valda murmured, grabbing her hand and kissing it again.

Another growl and Valda moved away just in time for Kayden to move next to his mother, a frown on his rugged face surfaced for the first time in a while. Leida shrugged, grabbed his arm, and ushered him away.

As Valda navigated through the throne room, she felt a hand on her back. The scent of flowers and earthiness engulfed her. Turning, she found herself staring at the young king of Rhea Kingdom. Hawthorne Zinnia was younger than Valda by six years. His parents were middle aged when they had him, and just a couple of weeks back, his father the king passed away leaving Hawthorne in charge. Many saw him as an immature child, whilst Valda saw his potential. A force to be reckoned with and someone to keep happy due to all trades they could make with the kingdom. Being the kingdom with the most fertile lands, it meant they controlled most of the imports of food and medicine.

“Happy birthday, Princess Valda Aither.” The young man bowed low, his green tunic draping over his dark skin contrasted dramatically and gave him an ethereal glow. “It is good to see you.” Always so proper and respectful.

Valda chuckled as she breathed in and inhaled the smell of roses. “I am happy you could make it. I am sorry about King Yarrow.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.” Hawthorne stood next to Valda, his blue eyes roaming the room. “I was going to decline your invitation. I always feel like this is just a bribe to get on my good side.”