Page 102 of Dragon Me Through Space

“Princess Xoe will surprise you, Prince Garron,” Preston said in a monotone voice that made him seem bored.

“If she’s so formidable, why not allow for a demonstration right now?” Prince Garron asked.

Turning to look at him would give him some satisfaction, so I stayed facing the thrones and the monarchs upon them. They both looked as bored as I felt at Prince Garron’s attempt to try to cause me some type of humiliation.

“You’ll get to watch her at the Games,” Zeke snarled. “Princess Xoe is not a toy for your amusement.”

“No, she’s yours, right?” Prince Garron said and I could feel his disgusting eyes on me.

“Enough!” High King Alaric snapped. “Prince Garron, you are out of line. This is a day of celebration, of the return of the crowned princes and Princess Xoe. If you’ve got enough energy to snarl like that, go assist with the eastern wall.”

There was some significance to that, but I didn’t know what it was. Mentally, I made a note to ask one of the guys later.

High Queen Seraphyne stood. “We are glad you have returned safely to us, all of you. Please, head to the banquet.”

“We look forward to seeing what you accomplish, Princess Xoe,” High King Alaric said.

It was clear he was looking down on me, but I just curtsied to them and said, “I look forward to finally acting in my role.”

Preston and I spun on our heels before clasping hands again and following the others out of the throne room and towards the courtyard, where the banquet was being held.

“Should I expect more attacks?” I asked softly, leaning closer to Preston to look like I was just leaning my head on his shoulder, loving on one of my mates.

“Yes, but there will be guards around the courtyard, so it will only be from those in attendance,” he answered.

That did not make me feel better.

“The other royals?” I asked.

“No,” Zeke answered. “My brother is the only moron who would speak out like he did. The others will not do anything.”

“The others would have hired someone expendable,” Gage said softly as he walked closer to us.

“Just maintain your calm exterior and let us handle your protection,” Zeke said. “Just like you did earlier.”

“Not going to lie, it goes against my instincts to stay still when there’s a threat,” I whispered.

Preston squeezed my hand. “We know and we appreciate you doing as we’ve requested.”

“Do I get a treat later?” I asked, teasing him.

He purred quickly and said, “Yes, perhaps even more than one.”

Now I wanted this to end as quickly as possible so I could get back to his room.

With a quirk of one side of his lips, he tapped the tip of my nose and said, “Focus, Princess. We have plenty of time for treats later.”

Wayne’s sisters noticed us first and rushed over, grabbing my hands and pulling me away from Preston. They dragged me towards the table they had been at, wanting me to sit with them. Not wanting to hurt their feelings, I sat on the bench seat between them.

“You look gorgeous,” Elira and Vexa crowed from either side of me.

Wayne pushed his way between Elira and me, ignoring her pout as he slid onto the seat, and Zeke pushed his way between Vexa and me on my other side, having a bit of trouble getting his long legs under the table without hitting either Vexa or me.

“Stop stealing my mate,” Wayne chastised, though there was only happiness in his tone and on his face.

Preston and Gage sat across from us, so clearly it was okay for us to sit at this table.

“We should have,” Vexa said and Elira finished, “lunch tomorrow.”