I smile at my young friend who waves enthusiastically and then tugs on his dad’s shirt. “Didn’t I tell you how pretty she is, Papa? She and I are going to get married. She agreed to wait until I finish high school. Colbie, you promised to sit next to me.” Unfortunately for him, Adam was taking a drink when Archie announced this, and he chokes on it in surprise.
“Archie, honey, Queen Colbie’s mates are chosen for her by the goddess,” Gracelin says gently, and he stops bouncing, crosses his arms, and pouts his bottom lip.
“But I love her,” he argues plaintively.
“And I love you,” I assure him, seeing he’s close to tears. “You don’t need to be my husband for me to love you,” I tell him, and I can see him thinking.
“Fine, I will be your sidepiece.”
The table explodes into laughter and surprise at his announcement. I’m slightly bemused at a child knowing that kind of term and using it correctly.
Mia frowns. “Where on earth did you hear that?” she questions her grandson who leans in conspiratorially.
“I heard Councilor Mason telling one of the maids that she was his sidepiece before they cuddled and kissed in the supply closet down the hall from Grandpa’s office. I don’t want to kiss Colbie, but cuddles are nice, and she said we could play Shifter Quest together.”
I said nothing of the sort, but the mischievous little kiddo is resourceful.
The laughter cuts off, and there are looks of surprise all around the table and a number of rumbled growls, which sound slightly aggressive.
“Councilor Mason is a mated man,” Lucas tells me quietly.
“Mated vows are sacred to shifters, so being in a relationship outside of them is taboo,” Layla adds. “It’s the ultimate insult. It’s disgusting, and it marks a shifter as untrustworthy. I would suggest that Councilor Mason not make the cut for your new council.”
I make a mental note. I hate cheaters anyway, but it sounds like it’s worse as a shifter.
Lucas clears his throat, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere.
“I know you know Brodie and Hunter, but what about the other two rascals, Liam and Gem?” He points to both men who incline their heads. Gem gives me a wink, and I can see Liam is trying and failing to contain his scowl.
“We’ve met before,” I tell the king who continues.
“Our son is a part of their team, but he couldn’t be here for this dinner,” he says through slightly clenched teeth, and I get the feeling he’s not impressed. “The five of them will be your security until you are crowned. They will also help you with shifter 101. They are going to be your go-to for any questions you might have, and of course you can come to any of us as well.” He gestures to himself and his wives. “I will be giving you lessons on the politics of ruling, and the girls will be teaching you all the etiquette. It’s exhausting, and a lot of it is mind-numbingly boring, but it’s all essential.
“Lastly, let me introduce General Bryson, his wife Sable, and his son and daughter, Talon and Ember. He is the night watch and shifter army general and one of your advisors if you choose to keep him. I can’t give him a reference worthy enough to encompass how helpful he has been, and despite the fact that he’s my best friend and confidant, he’s also very good at his job. You can also go to him for advice.”
“He is also Hunter’s father,” Layla murmurs quietly so I have that important information. “They are all dragons and extremely loyal and protective. They are a good family to have as your support system.”
I give a small nod of acknowledgement for her recommendation before smiling at the family.
“It’s lovely to meet you all, and I look forward to getting to know you over the coming weeks,” I say, hoping I’m not portraying how nervous I am. The four of them give me polite but genuine welcomes, and the food starts to come out, servers placing plates in front of us and offering a range of drinks.
Nothing official is discussed over dinner, and instead, we enjoy the meal, the conversation light and flowing authentically. I thought I’d be uncomfortable around all these strangers, but I almost feel a kinship with them, like we’ve known each other for years instead of only just a few hours. There’s laughter and teasing, and I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a meal quite so much.
Chapter
Twenty-Four
Colbie
Once dessert is cleared away, Lucas turns the conversation back to me. “Colbie, I was wondering if you would like my help to learn to shift? I think it would be a good idea if we don’t leave it too long before you shift for the first time. You might psych yourself out. If you’re too much inside your head, it’s more difficult,” he suggests, and I agree.
“There’s a special room inside the palace where we help shifters shift for the first time. It’s magic proof to protect the rest of the castle in case a mythical’s magic gets away from them, or they have trouble controlling their animal. Shall we all move there?” Layla stands up, and it seems to me she’s inviting the whole group to observe, but I don’t know how I feel about that.
I bite my lip with worry, scared to question her, but then I remember I’m queen. I don’t need to be afraid of these people. “You want me to get naked in front of everyone?”
My question shocks Layla, but she quickly shakes her head. “Oh my goodness, no. I’m sorry you thought that. That dress is shift proof, which means you can shift in it without worryingabout it being destroyed. It’s a special fae magic that’s applied to the fabric.”
“Shifters aren’t too worried about getting naked, but we are a little more reserved in the palace. A clothing optional policy is not something we encourage. You never know who might be wandering about. We regularly get visitors from other kingdoms and representatives from the human zone. We don’t want to scare anyone off with naked bits flapping about,” Gracelin’s husband, Adam, explains with a wink, and I heave out a sigh of relief.
