Prologue
Almost Getting Killed Makes You Re-evaluate Things.
“We reptiles are a long-lived people, and Azure is the most powerful among us. I always assumed he would live forever, or eventually have his own children, and one day one of them would assume the throne. I would, unless I died in battle, serve him or her as I served their father. As merely the nephew to the King, I never dreamed I could be considered for the Kingdom of Venom’s throne. Apparently, I should have dreamed bigger.” ~Talbot
Link watched briefly from just outside the room as Talbot, Slick, and Myron packed up to move to a safer location. He focused on Talbot. Judging by the consternation in the man’s face, his mind was struggling with his newfound responsibilities. Talbot was no youngling. He’d been a kid when they’d come through the portal, and he’d grown into a powerful male with integrity, despite having Azure as an uncle and ruler. Talbot hadnever shown any desire for power. But he was not a fool. He knew with Azure’s crimes and desertion, the monarchy had to change hands. Since Azure had no children, there was no other in line for the throne. That meant Talbot, or a challenge amongst the males to choose a new ruler. A challenge would bring chaos the Kingdom of Venom didn't need, something Azure could take advantage of.
It would be better if Talbot had a mate so that he would have full access to his beast, but beggars couldn’t be choosers. As the KOV Shaman, it was Link’s duty to perform the coronation of a new king. He blew out a breath and then stepped into the room. The three males turned to look at him. “How are things going?”
“Fine,” Talbot answered. “How goes the hunt for Azure and Zeena?”
Link shook his head. “Slow. The Kingdom of Claws has taken over the search.”
Talbot frowned. “Why is that?”
“The girl Azure hexed is the best friend to Callon’s mate,” he explained. “They will keep us posted. I’ve already let the Shaman Council know that the Kingdom of Venom will have a new king in two days’ time.”
“And what about the declaration of Visata?” Slick asked. “Theanimifemales are supposed to be going to their marked kingdoms. Is that still happening?”
Link nodded. “For now, we will house them in several of our homes throughout the French Quarter.”
“Do we have any idea how many females are coming from the other kingdoms, Link?” Myron continued to pack the few things he kept in his suite in the KOV mansion. Like most of the warriors, he had other places he stayed when he needed to get away from the politics—AKA King Azure. Not to mention, their home had been damaged severely in an explosion, courtesy of the Kingdom of Claws, while Gage had been rescuing his female.
“Not a clue. As soon as I know more, Talbot, I’ll let you know.”
Talbot gave a slight bow of his head. “Thank you.”
“The sooner we get you on that throne, the better. The minute it was confirmed by Gage that Azure was hurting females, Azure’s crown was removed. Two days, Talbot, and you’ll be King.” Link headed back to the door. “I’m going to assist the others who are relocating. Myron, can you get in touch with the construction agency KOV has used in the past?”
“Will do.”
“I’ve called a meeting in thirty minutes to announce your coming kingship. After that, the next time I’ll see you, Talbot, will be in the binding garden when the moon has reached its pinnacle in the sky. Between now and then, I need to notify all the other kingdoms.”
“Thank you, Link. We will see you in two days.”
Talbot stared at the empty doorway for at least a minute after Link had left. The thought of assuming the throne was still a shock. He was plenty old enough, but with the longevity of their kind, he never considered that he’dactuallyever be king.
“You nervous?”
Talbot hesitated a moment before answering Myron. “A little, but not just about becoming king. I don’t know how many in our kingdom were aware of what my uncle was doing or how many are still loyal to him.”
“They’ll show their true colors soon enough. I am more concerned about all the females that are on their way. I don’t want them to feel unsafe or regret choosing to stay in our world.”
With raised eyebrows, Myron nodded at Slick. “Good point.”
Talbot had been friends with the two vipers since they were young, and they were mostly inseparable. But as of late, Azurehad been keeping them all busy, and they’d been unable to hang out as they used to.
“Do you think any of them might be our mates?” There was a glimmer of hope in Myron’s voice. Talbot sometimes wished he had the younger male’s optimism, but he’d been around too long. He’d watched females come and go, none giving him more than a second glance.
Talbot leaned against the doorframe, watching his friends pack. “Hard to say. But if your mate is among them, you’ll know it the moment you touch her.”
Myron shot him a wry look. “Not all of us can be mind readers like you, Tal. It’s the mark that reveals her to us.”
It was true—Talbot’s mental abilities were unique, even among their people. He could glimpse into minds and sense emotions when he touched a person. It was a gift from Visata, though lately it felt more like a burden. The darkness he’d glimpsed in his uncle’s mind haunted him.
“Either way, you should prepare yourself,” Slick cautioned. “It could be dangerous getting your hopes up.”
Talbot understood Slick’s warning all too well. For two centuries, he’d struggled not to wish for the one female destined for him alone. And with each disappointment, the beast within hissed in agony. Some days, only his faith in Visata kept Talbot from giving up completely on ever finding his mate. He had to believe she was out there. That despite Azure’s crimes, their kingdom could still be redeemed.
