Page 42

Alina

WHEN RAELAN LANDS IN THE castle’s sprawling courtyard, shaking the earth and sending the gardens thrashing, everyone goes running, screams piercing the autumn air. They don’t seem to even notice me upon his back.

Knights stream into the courtyard moments later, weapons drawn. But as soon as Sir Larsen appears atop the stairs leading into the castle, he yells out, “Weapons down! That’s the princess, you fools!”

The knights lower their swords and crossbows as I glide gracefully to the ground on Raelan’s wing. My knees are trembling, like they did last night when I climbed down from his back, but this time, I don’t fall. Raelan’s pride curls through me, and I look back at him—at his glossy black scales and slitted black-gold eyes—and smile.

“Calm yourselves!” Sir Larsen yells to the people still rushing to escape. “It’s fine.” His eyes flick back to Raelan. “He’s one of ours.”

I meet Sir Larsen’s eyes from across the courtyard, and he gives me a small nod.

“All right.” I turn back to Raelan, then reach into the bag I packed and pull out his clothes. “You’d better hurry up, before they all come back.”

Raelan lets out a heavy sigh, and smoke curls from his fluttering nostrils. The knights who flooded into the courtyard take a few steps back. I just stand there, holding up Raelan’s tunic and trousers, as he lets out a growl and begins the transformation into his human body. A few moments later, he pushes to his feet, naked in the autumn sunlight.

My eyes scan his toned chest, strong abs, narrow hips...

I bite my lip as my gaze sweeps lower, and my cheeks go warm as I remember what we did on the couch last night. I wonder if Raelan feels it through our bond, for a sideways smile pulls on his mouth as he steps forward to accept the clothes I’m holding out for him.

“Don’t taunt me,” he whispers, voice low and edged in humor.

“I’d never.”

Just as Raelan is pulling the tunic on over his head, boots and graves sound behind us, and I turn to find Sir Larsen, Grandfather, and—

“Alina!”

My mother pushes past Grandfather and Sir Larsen, and her arms are around me a breath later. She strokes a hand down my hair and pins me against her chest as if she’ll never let me out of her sight again .

“I’m okay,” I whisper, wrapping my arms around her and holding her tight. “I promise.”

When she finally pulls back from me, her eyes go immediately to the fresh scar along the side of my throat. Her blue eyes widen, brow creasing. She glances at Raelan, then back at me. “Is that...?”

Heat creeps into my cheeks, and I give her a small nod.

Grandfather joins us, and his arms loop around me, crushing me into a hug. He smells of woodsmoke and chamomile tea, like his study and old books. He smells like home. “I told Rowena you were fine,” he says, a jovial tone to his voice as I give him a loving squeeze, “but you know how mothers are.”

“Oh, hush.” Mother shakes her head, hands planted on her hips. “You were no better.” Her eyes flash to mine. “He very nearly wore a hole through the floor what with all his pacing. And your father is on his way home now. He’ll be so relieved to see you.”

“Father’s coming?” My chest warms. It’s been months since I last saw him; between me leaving for Coven Crest and him being away on political business, we seem always to miss each other.

“Of course he is. We sent word to him as soon as we learned you... you’d been...” Mother’s eyes mist over with tears, and her bottom lip trembles. “I’m just so glad you’re safe.”

I give them a small smile, then step back. Grandfather and Sir Larsen seem to notice the scar on my neck at the same time.

My claiming mark. Raelan’s claiming mark .

A burst of nervousness goes through me, but I’m not sure if it’s mine or Raelan’s. I turn to look at him over my shoulder. His muscles look tight with apprehension. I reach out a hand. It hangs there in the space between us, beckoning him forward, into the circle of people who care for me, who love me.

He belongs here too. Right beside me.

Finally, muscles in his jaw flexing, Raelan puts his hand in mine. I guide him to my side, holding his hand firmly.

“Mother, Grandfather...” I look into Raelan’s eyes, which are still flecked with gold, then turn to face them. “I...” I reach up with my free hand and push my hair fully away from my neck, ensuring the scar is clearly visible in the morning light. “I’m his now.” My gaze flicks to Raelan’s. “And he’s mine.”

A moment of tense silence passes between us. Mother and Sir Larsen both cast sideways glances at my grandfather.

But Grandfather is looking at me and Raelan. His blue eyes are soft, and as each second passes, his lips pull up a little more in one corner.

“I figured,” he said. Then he holds up his hands. “But please, spare your grandfather the details, hmm?”

Immediately, my mouth stretches into a wide grin.

I should’ve known he would understand. Of all the kings who’ve ruled these lands, I think he must have the biggest and most compassionate heart.

Grandfather reaches out a hand for Raelan. Slowly, Raelan’s fingers slip from mine, and he steps forward to give Grandfather’s hand a firm shake .

“Your Majesty,” he says.

“Sir Ashvale.” Grandfather pumps his hand once, twice. Then a mischievous glint comes over his eyes. “Tell me, did you ever think you’d be king one day?”

Behind my grandfather, Sir Larsen crosses his arms and shakes his head. Mother hides her smile behind a hand.

But Raelan’s face goes completely white, all the blood draining from his cheeks.

“K-king, Your Majesty?”

Grandfather reaches for me, and he pulls us both in, crushing us in a warm bear hug. “Well, what do you think happens when you marry the princess, son?”

“ Marry? ”

A wave of dizziness comes through the bond. Raelan looks more out-of-sorts than I’ve ever seen him, like he just took one too many falls from his horse.

“Well, you do intend to marry her, don’t you?” Grandfather continues, one of his bushy brows arching up sharply.

Now Raelan looks down at me, his mouth frozen open in surprise.

“Don’t let him bully you,” Mother says, loosening Grandfather’s hold on us and starting to pull him away. “There’s plenty of time for that in the future.” She gives me a look, her lips lifting into a smile. “Now come on, both of you. You’re a mess. And Headmistress Moonhart will be waiting to hear from us. Not to mention Yuki and your roommates, Alina. They’re all worried sick.”

Warmth tingles through my veins as Mother and Grandfather start back toward the castle. Sir Larsen waves an armored arm for us to follow .

And right there in front of everyone, in front of all the knights and the people who’ve slowly trickled back into the courtyard, I push onto my toes and press a kiss to Raelan’s mouth. He softens against me, and his chest relaxes with a sigh.

“King Raelan, hmm?” I whisper, then delight in the fear that flashes in his eyes.

“Please, I couldn’t.”

Taking his hand, I tug him after my family, pausing only to say, “I think your sisters would quite enjoy living here. Don’t you?”