The shaman came over and took the seat across from her. “None of those things matter any longer.” She opened her mouth to speak but closed it when Nico held up his hand. “I’m not saying your life before wasn’t important. But you’ve made thechoice to stay when you were given the option to go. You could still change your mind, you know?”
“It’s not that simple,” she said briskly. “If I walk away, I doom this Talbot dude to a pretty crappy existence. How is that a choice?”
Nico’s brow rose. “It shows what kind of person you are that you have considered what his life would be like based onyourchoice. If I had to bet, I’d bet on you being a damn good queen. Visata chose you for a reason, Little Flower.” His raspy voice held warm conviction. “The greatest kings and queens were not born to it, but had greatness thrust upon them when destiny called.” He patted her hand reassuringly. “All will be well. My friend Talbot is a good man. He will help you adjust to your new role.”
Rose bit her lip. “This Talbot… What’s he like?” If she had to marry a stranger, she wished to know something about him, at least.
Nico smiled. “Ah, curious about your destined mate, are you? That’s a good sign.” At her blush, he chuckled again. “No shame in that. Let’s see, how to describe Tal?” He idly rubbed his hand across the five o’clock shadow on his face as he gathered his thoughts.
“He’s brave, that’s for certain. Takes after his warrior mother more than his silver-tongued father. A tad too serious at times, but he has a kind heart beneath the solemn exterior.” Nico’s voice softened with affection. “And devoted utterly to his kingdom and people. He will be a wise and fair ruler.” Nico winked at her. “And as for looks, well, the boy was blessed there, too. Much like all Damarian males. Tall, classically handsome. You’ll have the finest arm candy in the realms, Flower.”
Rose flushed again at his gentle teasing. But she couldn’t deny Nico’s words painted an appealing picture of the man theCreator had supposedly chosen for her heart. Perhaps she could grow to care for this Talbot in time.
“How long have you known him?” She was curious about Nico’s relationship with her intended mate.
Nico narrowed his eyes as he glanced out the plane window. “Oh, I helped look after him a fair bit growing up. His parents were good people, just busy doing Azure’s bidding. Talbot had a proclivity for running off, and his destination was all too often the Kingdom of Chaos. So I did my share of mentoring the lad on the sly.” His eyes crinkled in a grin. “Taught him how to throw a proper punch, how to kiss a girl. All the important things his tutors neglected.”
Despite herself, Rose laughed aloud at the thought of the wild-eyed shaman giving romantic advice. “He’s lucky to have you,” she said warmly.
“It’s me who’s lucky to see him come into his own.” Nico regarded her seriously. “You will be, too, Rose. I promise.”
Rose nodded slowly. Perhaps if Talbot had earned this eccentric man’s faith and care, he truly was as good as Nico claimed. She would just have to meet him herself to know for certain, but the anxious knot in her chest eased a bit.
Glancing down at her marked arm, she traced a finger over the shimmering snake. “Why did he always run off to the Kingdom of Chaos?”
Nico brightened, clearly eager to share about the kingdom he represented.
“A better question is why would younotwant to come hang out with Chaos?” He waved his hands with a bit of flair. “Ours is a kingdom of wonders. You can’t just look at a member of Chaos and know what they might shift into one day, because sometimes they don’t even know themselves. You see, the Kingdom of Chaos are the outsiders. The have-nots, the never-has-beens, the black sheep in a pasture full of fluffy white ones.”He leaned back in his chair, getting more comfortable. “The Damarians that find themselves as members of the Kingdom of Chaos have something amiss in their DNA. They can be born to two perfectly healthy shifters, but for some reason they end up half lion and half horse. Or perhaps they have a slithering bottom half and a human upper body.”
Her eyes widened. “Are you serious, or are you pulling my leg?”
Nico’s silver eyes swirled, as she’d seen other shaman’s eyes do when they got emotional. “I would never joke about my people. They have it hard enough because once they are old enough to fend for themselves, the weak—or what some kingdoms perceive as weak—are kicked out of the kingdom they were born into and sent to Chaos.”
Rose listened raptly as Nico wove vivid tales of his kingdom. He made it seem a place of myth and adventure, dangerous but beautiful. “The members inhabit several different cities in the United States. They like it where it’s bright, busy, and no one asks questions. Many of them work for circuses, or in theme parks, where their abilities—believed to be fake, of course—aren’t questioned. Or people assume they are wearing elaborate ‘costumes.’” He made air quotes around the last word.
She tried imagining herself being a member of such a place, instead of the Kingdom of Venom. Rose thought she’d actually feel more at home with Nico’s kingdom. She’d always been the odd man out. But the snake tattoo didn’t lie. Jaxine had made it clear that each tattoo put on a female set their destinies in motion.
Nico finally sat back with a satisfied grin. “So, think you could have handled a dash of chaos in your life, Little Flower?”
She nibbled her lip thoughtfully. “Well, since I don’t really know what KOV is going to be like, I can’t say for certain which would suit me better. Though I’ll admit what you have describedis intriguing. And I honestly feel like I’m more suited to the Kingdom of Chaos and its outcasts.”
The shaman reached over and gently turned her arm until the shimmering snake was displayed. “This says otherwise. The marks do not lie.” His gravelly voice held conviction. “I know it’s much to take in, but you were born to stand at Talbot’s side. And Venom sorely needs you both now if we are ever to have peace again.”
At his solemn words, unease prickled along Rose’s spine. “This enemy you mentioned, the former King Azure…” She hesitated, almost afraid to ask. “How dangerous is he?”
Nico sighed heavily. “More than most realize. There is a madness in him now, a lust for power that drives him to dark deeds.” His craggy features creased with worry. “Long has he covetedanimi,and having as many of them as he can possibly get his scales on. If he learns of your coming…”
When Nico trailed off ominously, Rose prodded. “What? What would he do?”
“Nothing good, because you will make Talbot stronger. He will be a formidable foe to Azure.” Nico shook himself slightly. “Forgive me. I should not burden you so. You are under my protection, and Talbot would never permit any harm to you.”
Nico gave her a reassuring smile. “This is a happy day. Let us speak no more of shadows.” He took her hand gently. “Soon you will stand with your mate, and together you will lead KOV into a healthy place and time. That is all that matters now.”
Rose clung to his calloused hand like a lifeline. In the space of two days, her whole reality had shifted beneath her feet. It had for all theanimi. But she could choose to accept the upheaval with courage, as Nico seemed to believe she would. The love promised by this bond might yet be found. And perhaps she truly could make a difference in this mess of a tattered kingdomthat Azure had fled. Wasn’t the chance to change lives for the better worth any risk?
Meeting Nico’s earnest gaze, Rose slowly nodded. “I’m ready,” she said with growing conviction. “I’m tired of just being a gilded-cage bird.”
The shaman smiled wide, pride shining in his eyes. “There’s a brave female.” He lifted her hand and gallantly brushed a kiss over her knuckles. “Adventure awaits, Little Flower. Destiny calls, and we must answer, and possibly raise a little hell while we’re at it.”
