Settling back in her seat as the jet soared through the clouds, Rose allowed herself a small, hopeful smile. Whatever this strange life held, she would face it with courage and an open heart. This was a new chapter in the story that started five years ago with her abduction. It was time for a change.
“Give me a moment.” Nico released her hand and stood up. He walked to the back of the plane. Presumably, nature called. As he left her alone in the front, Rose stared out into the clouds, still trying to picture what Talbot could look like and what his expectations of her might be.
Talbot paced the polished stone floors of his chambers, too restless to sit still. Now that the moment of his ascendancy to the throne was imminent, doubt plagued him. Was he truly ready to lead?
Buzz. Buzz.Talbot jumped. Snatching up his phone, he saw a text from Nico that simply read:
Call me. NOW.
Pulse quickening, Talbot hit the contact icon. The Chaos Shaman picked up on the first ring.
“There you are,” Nico said without preamble. “Been trying to reach you. I’ve got news, and you’re gonna wanna sit down for it.”
Talbot’s brows drew together. “What is it? Has Azure made a move?”
“No, no, your uncle’s still hiding like the coward he is as far, as I know.” Nico’s voice held a grin. “This news is of a more … personal nature. I’m on my way to you now, bringing someone special.”
Confusion filled Talbot. “Special? What are you talking about?”
“Your mate, Tal,” Nico said gently. “I found your destined mate. She was in the Kingdom of Silk, of all places to be captured to. Her name’s Rose. She bears your identical tattoo. At this very moment, we are on the Chaos jet, and I’m bringing her to you now.”
Talbot nearly dropped the phone in shock. His mate? Here? Now, a scant two days before his coronation as king? His head spun trying to process it.
Nico’s gravelly laugh sounded through the phone. “Take a breath, Tal. I know it’s a lot.” His voice softened. “But Visata is handing you a gift. The snakes will rejoice to see you take the throne with your queen by your side. You’ll be able to fully shift, making you a much more formidable foe for Azure.”
Talbot slowly sat on the edge of his bed, knees weak. A mate. He’d never dreamed his beloved would be found in time. But if the tattoo matched, then it was clear. Visata had blessed him.
Dragging a hand through his hair, Talbot asked shakily, “Does she know of me? That she comes to be queen?” The thought of such pressure on one unprepared…
“Don’t you worry. I’ve explained everything. She’s nervous, of course, but she also seems curious and excited. You just focus on getting the coronation ready. Leave the rest to me for now.”
Talbot wasn’t sure if he should be comforted by Nico’s reassurance or not. Nico was a tad unconventional when it came to … well, anything, really. Talbot took a bracing breath. “Very well. I’m not staying at the mansion. There’s too much smoke damage. I’m at the house on 2nd Street. We shall be ready. Travel safely, and please pass my warm regards to … my mate, I guess.” Just saying the word sent a jolt through him.
“Will do. See you soon, Your Majesty,” Nico said warmly before hanging up.
Talbot slowly lowered the phone, almost afraid to trust the sudden joy blooming within him. A mate, on the eve of his reign. With this portent, how could he doubt Visata supported him? But there was still a chance Visata might support the mating but not the throne. It was a real possibility that he could be overruled by the Creator.
An hour passed as Talbot paced the length of his lavish chambers, too anxious to sit still as he awaited Nico’s arrival with his newly discovered mate. Though desperately eager to meet her, trepidation also filled him.
There was still so much uncertainty, and Rose’s life would be irrevocably changed the moment she set foot in his kingdom. Talbot prayed he would prove worthy of the faith she placed in him as her destined mate and king.
Tap. Tap.Talbot whirled toward the door. “Enter,” he called, his pulse kicking up.
Nico slipped inside, grinning like a fool at Talbot’s obvious nerves. “Relax. Your girl’s getting settled in the adjoining chambers. I wanted to check in first.”
Talbot blew out a shaky breath. “You should have let me know when you arrived. I would have been at the door to greet her. Does she seem well?”
The shaman clasped his shoulder reassuringly. “She’s a tough little thing. Don’t worry. Once the shock wore off, she was eager to meet her mate.” His smile turned sly. “Couldn’t stop asking questions about you the entire flight.”
Heat rose in Talbot’s face at the thought of Rose’s curiosity about him. “What did you tell her?”
“Only the good stuff. How you forget to put your dirty clothes in the hamper, that you leave the toilet seat up, and that you chew like a cow when you eat.” Nico gave him a gentle shake. “She didn’t seem bothered by any of it. She knows you’re one of the good ones, Tal. Trust me on that.”
Talbot managed a small smile at Nico’s teasing. “I pray she is not disappointed when she meets me in person. And I hope she does know that I amnothinglike my great-uncle.”
“Not possible for her to be disappointed,” Nico scoffed. “That girl’s gonna take one look at you and be done for.”
His smile faded. “The Council will approve? Even with the coronation so near?”
