“According to our research,” Aurus says, “the Stone King stole the Omega serum from the Ogsul. He paid for magicians to bring Hoo-mans through a portal, and convert them. But the delivery went awry. The magicians panicked, and dumped all the Omegas.”
“How many Omegas?” A deep voice, like darkness itself, rasps from the black orb. The Demon King. Haley shudders in my lap and since I can’t purr for her here, I stroke her arm.
“No one knows. My warriors are combing the countryside as we speak. There’s possibly only one, possibly more. So far, only one has been recovered. And she brought about the Stone King’s demise.” Aurus swivels his head to me, then his gaze drops to Haley. “How did you manage that?”
There’s a slight pause, then she whispers, “Inxi.” My chest swells with pride. Even though she was too scared to use that tricky weapon when I tried to teach her, she mastered it when she had to defeat the enemy. Nevertheless, she did kill someone. A king. Will Aurus seek to punish her for that? A protective growl erupts from my throat before I can stop it. My hands tighten on Haley’s body.
“No matter.” Aurus waves a hand. “His death is ruled just.”
I force myself to relax my grip.
“But now we must decide what to do with his kingdom. The land is barren and most of the people are dead, if my reports are correct.” Aurus keeps his gaze fixed on me. “Perhaps the King of the Forest can confirm?”
I remain quiet. The silence stretches on. I wish I could find the words. This is as awkward as the public audience in the throne room where the refugees asked for help. Except here there’s not even Brokk to help answer questions. And no councilors who turn out to be ulfdamn backstabbers.
Every muscle in my body is rigid as rock. I hate this. But I must do it for my kingdom. For Haley. My little lysia flower.
Aurus sighs. “My reports tell me a forest has appeared where there once was desert. If this is true, then it could be seen as an invasion of the Stone Kingdom by the Forest Kingdom. So, Hunter King… if you wish to correct this conclusion, now is the time to speak.”
How do I tell him my intentions? I want to roar with frustration. Haley is vibrating against me. I look down to see her tugging her hood back to reveal her exquisite face.
Her stunning dark eyes meet mine, and warmth floods my chest. She presses her little hand to my skin, covering the lysia tattoo with her palm.
We share a quiet connection, a deep knowing. She understands me. We just don't communicate with words.
Gradually, she stops vibrating against me.Calm, my little flower, I urge her silently.
She turns and clears her throat. “I speak for the Hunter King.” Her high-pitched voice echoes off the golden walls. I ache with pride.
“We do not allow Omegas to speak at the King's Council,” Aurus says.
She rears up in my lap. “Have you told this to Kim? I'm sure she'd be interested to hear that.”
Aurus’s mouth snaps shut. I bite back a smile.
She settles back against me. “I am the queen of Arboron. At this time, the forest has spilled over into the Stone Kingdom, but we have no wish to annex their borders. The land is barren, and at this point, we are merely providing aid to the people who have suffered under the Stone King’s rule for so long.”
“Omega—” Aurus begins tersely.
“Let her speak,” Khan says, folding his arms over his chest. “This is the most I've heard from the Forest Kingdom in a while.” He shoots me a pointed glare, and I bristle.
Then another wave of Haley’s sweet honey scent tinged with my musk reaches my nostrils, soothing me. The last time Khan and I met, he was clutching his tiny pink Omega in his arms. Now the roles are reversed, only instead of having to protect my mate from several Alpha kings in the room, I must deal with only one. And he has a mate. I have a newfound respect for Khan. Everything changes when you discover the soul bond.
My focus returns to the Hoo-man in my lap who is proving with every word why she is perfect in every way. Perfect for Arboron. Perfect for me.
“Like I said, the Arborii people wish to aid their neighbor,” Haley continues. “Arboron will support the Stone Kingdom. Just until the Stone Kingdom is restored.”
“Then who will be king?” Aurus asks.
“We will have them vote on it.”
“A vote?” Aurus echoes.
“Yes.” She takes a breath. “Each refugee camp or village will elect their own leader. In the meantime, we'll have an interim ruler who helps guide the kingdom to stability. The Forest Kingdom stands ready and able to aid wherever necessary.”
Unable to give voice to my pride, I squeeze her knee.
“And how do we know Arboron will not annex its neighbor?” Khan asks.
