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He leaned down and captured her mouth in a kiss that put everything on the table. He was utterly hers. The rest of the world be damned.

The action set the crowd into a frenzy of whispers. The Dragon King had never been publicly affectionate with his candidates before. To witness it was a stronger confirmation that he had found his mate than even the ceremony.

Her magic, as diminished as it was, brushed against the bond. Sweet, sweet progress.

Peace only lasted the briefest moment as he felt three very familiar and concerning magical signatures.

His eyes cut up to where her guests had arrived. Family and friends along with a very cocky and impeccably dressed raven-haired woman with the wings, horns and tails denoting her as the mother of all succubi blood, Lilith. A stoic blonde-haired, blonde-bearded and blue eyed-man Alessandro hadn’t seen out of the endless hells in nearly a century, Lucifer. And a wary, surprisingly sober viking of a witch, Japhet.

Terra was leading them to their reserved box, shooting him a concerned look when their eyes met.

He glanced down at Rowan, who had caught the tension and was following his line of sight.

“We’re definitely going to talk about how you fit into all of those relationships. For now, shall we continue, Dragon King?”

He took her small hand in his. He’d never quite realized how much smaller she was. “Before you climb those steps, there’s been a change of plans.”

She raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“Rowan, this isn’t your place. I’m no longer sure this is even mine.”

Her bright blue eye filled with confusion, Odin’s Eye reacted by glimmering.

He took a deep breath and looked around. Her confusion reflected in all the faces that stared down at them, the buzz of whispers growing into a roar the longer they stood there.

“I’m going to announce my retirement.” Saying it out loud brought him a sense of relief he never thought he’d feel when he pictured this day.

Rowan’s confusion melted into understanding. He could feel her prodding their bond, attempting to figure out what was happening.

“Right now?” She asked softly.

“Well, they are gathered.” He shrugged.

She shook her head. “Oh my gods, they’re totally going to blame me! Alessandro, are you sure? Or is this a side effect from the mark?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Have I not made it clear I am an overthinker before I decide on a move? I told you in the cave that Stone could take my place with the support of my generals. It was the truth. I started planning all of this when you were lying on that hospital bed. I knew I’d reached a point of no return. My plan was to ask for your neck after the power was fully transferred. But you pushed my dragon too far by offering the bite.”

She was ready to lash out, but he stopped her with a soft kiss. “My generals are aware of what this is. My heir is willing and ready to try his hand at power. It’ll be a slow transition, so youwill sit at my side during this period. It won’t be traditional, and it won’t be easy, but it is what is right.”

She narrowed her eyes. “This really should have been a conversation.”

He scoffed. “I tried to make it one, several times, but you kept jumping my bones.”

She scoffed, “I kept jumping your bones? I was half convinced you were an incubus.”

He grinned down at her and held his hand out. “What do you say, Rowan Dahl? Want to be my queen for whatever time my reign remains?”

“Well, theyaregathered.” She echoed his words and took his hand, “You’re sure sure?”

“I’m sure, sure.” He kissed her knuckles before turning and leading the way back up.

He could feel her shock over the declaration as they climbed. If nothing else, the bond allowed him to feel her emotions, and he’d gotten plenty of practice during their five day escape. He felt the moment her shock faded into nervousness. He squeezed her hand to remind her she wasn’t alone.

Stone stepped up when they reached the top-most landing, a smaller version of his black and gold crown in hand.

Rowan gave his hand one last squeeze before dropping it.

He returned to his seat, silence returning as he shot a look around at the whispering crowd.