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“That’s a lie!” King Asar snarled, leaping to his feet. Behind him, the noble wolves snarled in agreement—shouts of protest spilling forth like turbulent waves crashing against the shore.

Across the room, the shadow fae nobility leaned forward in their seats, their eyes glowing with barely restrained power—threatening to be unleashed upon the wolves.

“Order!” The elf king yelled. He swiped a hand through the air, and with his power, a gale-force wind whipped down the center of the room, commanding everyone’s attention.

All eyes fastened on the willow frame of the elf king.

“Order must be held at a peace summit.” He stated, his tone brooking no argument.

“Both parties agreed to meet her on neutral ground to come to an understanding and agreement to stop centuries of war. Yet, look at how quickly you’ve regressed to your volatile tempers. ”

King Asar actually ducked his chin a notch as if ashamed of his behavior.

My brows shot up at my father’s behavior.

My eyes snapped to the shadow fae king. He bore a more arrogant mask, his features hard with indifference, yet he settled back into his seat; his violet eyes no longer glowing with power.

King Azzaril turned to the werewolf king. “Let us hear your complaint.”

Nodding, King Asar began, “The southern lands may have at one time belonged to the shadow fae, yet five centuries ago, the shadow fae agreed to part ways with it and handed it over to the werewolves, due to our need for more territory with our expanding populace.” His upper lip curled back.

“The agreement was shaken upon—back then, no penned contract was needed. A promised word was as good as law. Now the shadow fae reneged on their word, their promise, and seek to take back what is rightfully ours.”

I found my gaze skating to Prince Drake again, curious to see his expression—what he thought of my father’s statement. The Shadow Fae male’s focus was honed on the werewolf king, a deep scowl lining his features. My upper lip trembled in the beginning of a snarl.

“The shadow fae never agreed to part with their lands,” King Tridar argued.

From that point on, the peace summit made no headway. Hours crawled by, the elf king attempted to mediate the talks, yet both sides had not reached a semblance of understanding.

Finally, King Nazarril sighed and stated, “The night is upon us.” He looked pointedly at the windows fanning the far side of the room. Ember saw the stars had appeared. “We shall break for the evening and resume this tomorrow.” His lips pinched. “Perhaps tomorrow will bear more promising results.”

The look in the elf king’s eyes indicated he thought that notion was highly unlikely. I couldn’t blame him. My father was a stubborn man dead set in his ways once he believed in something. And by the stiff set to King Tridar’s shoulders, I knew the shadow fae king wouldn’t bend so easily.

All werewolves and fae rose from their seats, moving toward the exit as the meeting adjourned. I pushed to my feet, my back popping, my feet screaming in protest at having sat on such a hard, ungiving surface for so long. I nudged Alain, who sat slumped in her seat.

Alain lifted her gaze to me. “I thought it’d never end. ”

I shot a warning glance at my parents, who had risen and passed by on their way to leave. Alain snapped her jaw shut as she ducked her head. Once the king and queen passed, she cried, “Well, I did.” Sighing, she stood. “I thought peace summits are supposed to be, well, more peaceable.”

We stepped beyond the terraces and down the hall. “I’m afraid when you’ve been enemies for centuries, peace cannot be attained so easily,” I told Alain.

Alain nodded in agreement. “I suppose you’re right.”

Elven servants appeared beyond the great wall, within the wide expanse of the corridor. Approaching the kings and queens from both sides, they explained that they would show them to their quarters for their stay. King Asar and Queen Lunatha thanked them for their king’s hospitality.

The male servant slid his gaze to me. “We shall show your daughter her quarters as well.” I nodded my thanks. My parents faced me.

“You were wonderful, dear,” Queen Lunatha said. “You held your temper in check.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I said, though guilt ate at me for the reasons as to why I didn’t struggle with controlling my inner wolf. The she-wolf within was too intrigued with the shadow fae prince. Bile rose in my throat.

King Asar stepped forward. He offered a warm smile. “The makings of a future queen, indeed.”

A tight knot twisted my chest. I was not meant to be the heir to the kingdom.

That honor went to my late brother Xanu.

And I would forever feel like a thief to the throne.

As if sensing my thoughts, the king’s gaze dulled, his lips tightening.

He cupped a hand to my cheek. “Your brother would be proud of you. ”

Queen Lunatha nodded in agreement.

Moisture gathered in my eyes, and I swallowed thickly, fighting to keep the tears at bay. Nodding jerkily, I bid my parents goodnight and followed the elven servants to my designated quarters.

That night, I found that sleep evaded me.

I tossed and turned in my bed yet remained wide awake.

My thoughts were consumed with Prince Drake.

Sighing, I threw back my covers and slipped into my discarded gown.

I dressed as quietly as possible, making sure not to disturb Alain, who slept in the other twin bed against the far wall.

Once dressed, I slipped into the hallway. Two elven guards attempted to stop me, but I told them that I merely sought to tour the beautiful garden the elves were noted for possessing. With that, the guards escorted me to the outside garden and remained close to the doors should I need assistance.

I strode at a leisure pace down the winding cobblestone walkway.

The soft perfume of roses, lavender, hydrangeas, and a multitude of other flowers wafted into my nostrils.

A variety of flowers, with every shade of the rainbow, filled the gardens.

Willow trees spanned the neatly manicured grass, their reedy limbs dancing in the night's cool breeze.

I lifted my gaze to the moon that perched in the sky—a silent witness to my tumultuous emotions.

A myriad of stars spanned the heavens, smattering the indigo sky with diamond dust.

Up ahead of my path, in the middle of where four walkways connected, stood a grandiose tiered fountain with a horse’s head carved between the tiers.

A wide stone ring comprised the fountain, leaving a shimmering pool that caught the moonlight, turning the cascading waters to silver.

I neared the fountain and sat down on the lip of the base.

I listened to the tinkling of the water flowing down the fountain tiers as I swept a hand over my hair. I heaved a sigh.

Why can’t I shake that prince out of my mind? I thought with a growl.

His eyes invaded my soul, haunting me in my waking hours. I feared if I were to close my eyes, the Shadow Fae male would walk in my dreams as well. My inner wolf lay on her belly within my mind’s eye, her broad head resting on her paws. She let out a whine. I wanted to drop-kick my wolf.

“What is it with you tonight?” I hissed. My inner wolf simply pinned her ears to her head and let out another high-pitched whine.

I clenched my jaw so hard my teeth ached.

There were more important matters to mull over than some hot as-sin shadow fae prince.

The peace summit was not going as anyone had hoped.

I thought it seemed to be reaching a stalemate.

Worry gnawed at my gut. This peace summit couldn’t fail.

My heart ached with yearning for the war to end.

I never wanted any more families to suffer the loss of a loved one as I had.

My mind recalled the promise I’d made to my brother at his burial site that I would not let his death be in vain.

He died for peaceful conditions between our kingdoms. I thought, my hair stiffening. He deserves to have that world fulfilled.

Footsteps sounded along the paved pathway.

My inner wolf’s ears pricked at the approaching figure.

The earthy musk of sandalwood and spiced heat pricked my nostrils.

My head whipped up, eyes snapping wide. A curtain of waist-length raven hair whipped in the breeze, the diamond crown inlaid with sapphires haloed a deeply tanned brow, glinting as it refracted the moon's light.

Full firm lips parted in wonder. Amethyst eyes widened a fraction as they beheld my form.

The prince of the shadow fae stood not fifteen feet before me.

A dark glossy tunic that seemed to gleam with inked stitching fit snugly across his broad shoulders and solid chest. His arms were bare, the moonlight highlighting his sculpted biceps and roped tendons across his forearms. Long muscled legs were outfitted with dark leather pants and wicked boots, completing the deadly allure.

I leaped to my feet and backed away a step. Alarm coursed through me.

What the hell is he doing here?

Yet, instead of my inner wolf raising her hackles in preparation for a fight, the she-wolf wagged her tail and dipped her head, her tongue lolled.

She gave an excited yip. Prince Drake’s gaze slid slowly down my body.

I wore a deep azure-colored gown carefully chosen to accentuate my eyes.

The fabric and corset underneath pulled taut across my full breasts and midsection, making it a chore to breathe.

A myriad of fine sapphire gemstones, elaborate diamond beading, and embroidery completed the ensemble.

The dress accentuated the flare of my hips and rounded breasts, which I caught Prince Drake’s gaze linger on.

My blood ran cold; at the same time, a fiery warmth pooled between my legs. A voice screamed inside my head, the word unmistakable.

Mate.