41

B E A U

✿

Georgie's hand was still in mine as we entered the royal palace and I wanted to grab her and carry her outside, away from any danger that might lurk here.

The king rose from his throne. "Reyna?"

"Shiyan!" Reyna's hazel hair swished back and forth as she sprinted across the red carpet, up the stairs, and flew into his arms. "How I've missed you!"

He hugged her. "Are you all right? Are you okay?"

"No." They broke the embrace as Xenos, Arya, Rowtag, Arrow, Georgie and I stood in the middle of the spacious entrance hall. Red flags depicting a fire-breathing dragon hung from the massive pillars that flanked the main aisle.

"I've brought guests, brother," Reyna said, gesturing toward us with a sweeping arm gesture.

The young king, who, apart from his dark hair, was the male version of Reyna, eyed us. "I see. Imagine, my sister's friends!'

“Nice to meet you, Shiyan, son of Kenshin, King of the Fire Isles. My name is Xenos, king of all Semeeras. And this is my wife, Arya.” Xenos wrapped an arm protectively around Arya's waist and pulled her to him while Arya slipped her hand under his shirt and placed it behind his back. It had to be a familiar gesture because he seemed to relax a little.

After we all introduced ourselves, Shiyan said, “Well, the pleasure is all mine. I suspect there are several things to discuss. Let's have lunch together and we can talk in peace.”

We followed him through his palace. The wooden panels creaked under my boots and my wolf growled as we entered a large hall in which a long, deep table was set, with colored cushions surrounding it. But it was the two pools of water flanking the dining table that disturbed him.

It's amazing how even a werewolf could feel comfortable on these crazy floating islands, surrounded by so much water. I suppressed a shake.

Georgie, who seemed to have noticed my grumbling, chuckled softly at my side. Everything inside me warmed as she snuggled into me and I could feel her cheek against my chest.

"Grandfather." Reyna, as well as the king himself, bowed to the older man, who was already seated at the end of the table, sipping from a glass of tea.

I eyed him, trying to smell his scent. He couldn't be a werewolf or a gi when he got older. I asked myself the same question as with the pirates. What was he?

“Reyna.” The man smiled, and little laugh lines creased his face. After greeting her, we all sat down around the table. I pulled Georgie, who had just laid off her bow, close to me on the pillow, our sides touching. I needed her warmth, needed her unrestrained devotion and affection, every damn second of my life.

Georgie giggled again.

"What?" I asked.

"I take it our honeymoon won't be on an island?"

"Hell no." I couldn't help biting her ear and then kissing her neck. I didn't care who was watching. I would never hold back.

Her hand clawed at my thigh and my wolf roared. I had to pull myself hard not to grab her and dig her nails deeper into my flesh.

Steaming plates appeared in front of us, followed by warm tea and two chopsticks.

The older man took the chopsticks between his fingers. "Where's June?"

"I'm sure she's outside again." Reyna smiled, but it was strained. Then her gaze landed on me and her smile widened. "But let's talk about something other than my sister."

I had to suppress a growl. My wolf only knew one word for women like Reyna. Line. He didn't understand why I didn't say it to her face. And to be honest, neither does the man in me.

"Reyna told me about your deal." Shiyan popped one of the dumplings into his mouth. “Well, our people have been suffering from pirate attacks for several solar cycles. It would be of the greatest benefit to us if we could eliminate them. As for the Deathbringer. None of us know him. We don't know who he is or whose blood runs in his veins. But no one has ever defeated him."

Arya placed the teacup on the table. “Aramis will fight too. None can defy a demigod who has the goddesses at his side.”

The king nodded. “I'll give you a whole troop of my dragon warriors. The ships should be ready this afternoon.”

"We can portal travel," Rowtag said, then looked stunned as all the rice between his chopsticks spilled back onto the plate.

"With so many people who are inexperienced?" Reyna shook her head. "No. Our warriors know their way around the sea, you'll be in good hands.” She winked at me. She actually did! I could have laughed out loud if I hadn't noticed Georgie suddenly pulling away from me. What the-?!

I held her tight, looked at her questioningly, but she just shook her head silently and then stared despondently at her plate. I wanted to follow that sad look, but Arya was already talking. Later, I said to myself.

"Good. Make the ships available to us. Then our people will follow and we will leave together today.”

Xenos, who seemed no better at using the chopsticks than Rowtag, said, "Some of my people will stay here to discuss with you the anti-piracy and anti-slavery measures. I also request one of your family to accompany us.”

The double doors flew open and a blond-haired girl entered. Red ribbons wrapped from her light shoes up to her knee. She had two straps buckled across her chest. Belts full of small daggers. And her blood-red cloak billowed as she walked swiftly.

She stopped in front of our table, put her palms together and bowed. "Forgive me grandfather, I'm late."

“Never mind, June. Come sit with me.” The older man patted the pillow beside him. The girl sat cross-legged next to him.

"June, you're just in time." Reyna toyed with her yellow amulet and smiled at Xenos. "My sister will accompany you."

Xenos looked at Arya and when she nodded, he announced, “Deal. If June agrees.”

June had clenched her teeth hard, but she nodded anyway. "Of course." Her cold voice, however, was anything but agreed.

A murderous glint entered Xeno's eyes. "The Deathbringer is as good as finished."

I agreed.

After we had eaten and the dishes had been cleared away by the kitchen staff, Reyna announced, 'Tomorrow is the New Year celebrations. It's a big tradition here and is celebrated extraordinarily. You should be a part of it.” Her gaze, which she'd kept on me throughout the meal, shifted to Georgie. "If you want, I can take you into town this afternoon, show you around, and we can choose clothes together."

A dry laugh rose up my throat. "Georgie doesn't leave my side."

"Beau, Reyna's suggestion wouldn't be bad," Xenos protested, looking at me intently. "I need you for war planning."

My wolf clawed out, clawing at his inner walls. It was irrational behavior, but I couldn't help it. They wouldn't take my girl from me. "Then she'll come to the session with me."

"Hey." Georgie tugged at my shirt and I looked away from Xenos with a growl. "Can we talk for a minute? In private?"

"We'll be right back." I knew exactly what she was going to do, but I wasn't going to contradict her in front of everyone. Not knowing their deep respect for Arya and Xenos. So I followed her along the pools outside, out through the glass door.