Hesitant laughter circled the room, then grew into a relieved sound.
“It's time, Sken Dread,” she went on. “Come forward and cast your judgment.”
Chapter Fifty-One
Several hours later, I sat at the high table beside my mate, who was still King of Sken, and stared across the room at all the Dragons who had accepted me. They celebrated with abandon, random toasts and cheers popping up, and dancing going on nonstop. The Argaiv community was a little more reserved, but they were enjoying the festivities as well. Especially Raef and Arena, who were busy telling stories about the beginning of the royal romance.
My parents and sisters sat to my right, and just having them there was a blessing. It had been over a century since I'd seen them. They kept smiling at me, beyond proud. My father told me I was the first Argaiv mate to a Dragon King, and he had been interviewed by our most lauded historian to record that very fact. But what shocked me most was my family's pride and joy upon seeing my shop. They loved my inventions and were even taking a few home with them, and my father said he planned on speaking to the historian again to add my status of inventor and savior to the list of my accomplishments.
On the other end of the table sat Rian's family. As much as my family's reaction to my inventions shocked me, Emmavane's reaction to my speech shocked me even more. It was her acceptance of me that kept circling my mind as wedined. I kept seeing her walk up to me, smiling. Not smirking, smiling. And she didn't just shake my hand as others had done. No, Emmavane Langras hugged me and whispered into my ear how proud of me she was. Then, in a loud voice, she welcomed me into the Sken Dread.
The Gods were truly smiling upon Rian and me.
“Another dance, my jewel?” Rian asked as he sprawled back upon another throne, twin to the one in the throne room.
“Not unless it's on the way to our bed,” I whispered.
Rian grinned. “You've stolen the words from my mind.” Then he stood up, and the room went silent. “My people, I have thoroughly enjoyed this celebration of my mate's acceptance into the Sken Dread. I'm grateful my new family was here to participate.” He paused to nod at my family. “And that my old family has been so supportive.” He lifted his mother's hand to kiss it. “Thank you, all of you, for joining us in our joy. But the night grows shorter, and I'm a freshly mated Dragon who's been without his mate for most of the time we've been mated.” He made a face that had the guests laughing. “I'm sure you'll forgive me if I whisk Duke Galin away to celebrate a bit more privately.” The laughter turned lascivious. “Goodnight to all of you!”
As Rian helped me to my feet, the room applauded. We said goodnight to my parents and sisters, then to Rian's family as we passed by them. On the way out of the room, people bowed. Dragons. They bowed to me. I'd gone from courtier to inventor to Duke of a Dragon court. It was mind-boggling.
Glancing down at Vashana, I couldn't help but think of Rontor. I had wanted him so badly, but I found someone betterfor me, and in doing so, I followed his path, mating a Dragon king. How odd. Oddly wonderful.
The King's Guard fell into formation around us as Rian and I headed for the royal apartments. It was an honor guard to show their respect but also their joy that Rian was still King. Maybe they were showing me a little respect too. I hoped so, but, honestly, I didn't care. It was enough for me that Rian respected me. That he loved me, and I was certain of that love. And that I hadn't lost him the throne.
Because let's be truthful; if his dread had rejected me to unseat him, it would have been my fault.
But they hadn't, and there I was, entering the royal bedchamber with my mate, a royal now myself. We paused before the bed and grinned at each other.
Then Vash jumped up onto the bed.
“No!” we both said.
Vash went still, then whined.
“I'm sorry, girl,” I said. “But not tonight. Go on. Rian bought you your own bed for nights like this.” I waved at the miniature version of Rian's bed that he'd commissioned for Vashana. It was even hung with the same emerald bed curtains.
With a huff that sent her fur whipping, Vash jumped off our bed and headed for hers.
“Thank you, sweetheart,” I said.
Rian was already undressing me.
I chuckled. “We have all the time in the world now, love.”
“No, we don't.”
“Excuse me?”
“I'm going to explode in my pants if I don't get inside you soon.” Rian tossed my coat and shirt away.
“All right. All right.” I stepped back. “See to your clothes then. I don't want you ripping mine.”
Rian let out a frustrated sound, but then I started to slowly unbutton my pants and peel them open. His jaw went slack, his hands absently removing his clothes while his stare locked on me. I grinned and stopped with my pants unbuttoned to remove my boots. Rian groaned. Once I got the boots off, I went up the steps to the bed and slowly pushed my pants down as I bent over.
“Oh, great fuck,” Rian whispered.
I propped myself on my forearms and looked over my shoulder at him. “Don't forget the oil.”
