Royally Mated

LIAM

Somewhere deep in Liam’s psyche, his optimism had gone missing. While Arron and Rask debated and theorized regarding Arcadia’s communication blackout, Liam could not help but be drawn into a mindset that suspected something sinister was afoot.

He and his brother dragons were the leaders of Arcadia, a planet of primal shifters with limited technology. Recently that technology had become unreliable. They’d gathered at the large burbling fountain next to a private courtyard for meetings lately when discussing the issue. They had a room for this purpose, but being outdoors helped inject some ease into the tension.

“Keep me aprised,” he muttered, closing the discussion after a particularly lengthy and jargon-ridden speech from Arron.

“Of course.”

Rask sighed and shook his head. They were all frustrated. Liam felt his brother’s annoyance at the situation. None of them enjoyed feeling helpless. The average shifter on Arcadia could live a lifetime without personally relying on the planet’s communications system.

Liam himself could accomplish the correspondence he needed by using messengers, but the importance of their technology in the case of an emergency? That was what concerned him.

The fountain surged suddenly, and he turned toward it in time to see it spit forth a cascade of water onto the floor—water that fell away instantly to reveal a woman.

The woman wiped at her face and shook, but somehow she was entirely dry. Liam braced himself and drew the short sword from his belt even as Rask moved in front of him.

“What is this,” Rask growled. “Who are you and how did you arrive?”

Rask had brandished a dagger with a fierce, jagged edge. Arron held a similiar one and moved to flank the intruder.

Liam stared at the woman. Aside from a small puddle at her feet, there was no indication that she’d come from the water, and yet he’d seen it with his own eyes. He’d never heard of such a thing. His mind raced, wondering if she was a new type of shifter. One who could manifest from pure water.

The strange woman smiled at Rask—smiled. Liam now wondered if she was unwell. Women were not easily calm when confronted with Rask’s rough demeanor, but this one gazed kindly onto him with pale eyes and tucked a section of petal pink and chestnut brown hair back behind her gently pointed ear.

What was she?

“Speak,” Liam called. “This is a restricted area and you are unknown.”

Her brow furrowed and she seemed to be waiting for something.

“Do you understand me?” he asked.

Her smile faltered, and her eyes now flickered around, taking in each of the men as if sensing the threat only now.

“I’m Fianni of Sidera Luminis. I was sent by Geneva Harris—the matchmaker. From the Celestial Soul Mates agency,” she sputtered.

“That makes no sense,” Liam said, but lowered his sword. For the moment he sensed no threat from her. If she was a shifter, it was a kind he’d never encountered before. He sensed no animal within her, though. Glancing at his brothers, he switched to speaking in ancient Drákonha, their native dragon tongue.

“Who has heard of this? That is the fae planet, no? But a matchmaker?”

Arron replied quickly, “Yes, she must be fae. The ears mark that.”

Rask kept his dark eyes trained on Fianni. “Fae. Interesting.”

“I’ve heard of Geneva Harris and the agency, though we can’t confirm this fae’s involvement with them,” Arron said.

“Convenient for her, perhaps,” Liam mused. “The way she appeared indicates power, but I don’t sense that she’s a danger.”

Arron rolled his eyes, ever the skeptic. “We’ve never had dealings with the fae, but they are rumored to be troublesome.”

“I doubt she’s a danger to us. She appears…soft. And trusting. Claiming to be sent by a matchmaker would be a flimsy ruse,” Rask said.

“Our search for mates has hardly been secretive,” Arron countered.

“I wonder what the fae would do if we mistreated an innocent,” Rask said.

Liam took a more appraising look at the fae. She appeared afraid now, and uncertain. If she was a threat to them, she played the innocent well. He had enough problems without risking tension with the fae. If they could infiltrate the castle via water, they would be the sort to be dangerous enemies. He didn’t need more enemies.

“Weapons down,” he said, though his arm hesitated for a moment before dropping his hand to his side.

The other men obeyed, though Rask immediately cut through the symbolic peace with a sharp demand of, “How are you here?”

“And why,” Arron added, his short blade dissapearing into the leather brace at his thigh.

She was too silent, and her panicked eyes darting between the men as if searching for escape. “This was a mistake.”

“Damn. She’s terrified,” Liam muttered. After sheathing his dagger, he stepped forward, placing himself between Fianni and his brothers. “Fianni? If you intend us no harm, we aim none towards you. But you need to answer.”

She took a deep breath, and then another. Liam held out his hand, offering a token of comfort.

“I…” she blinked and placed her trembling hand in his. Her gaze locked onto his and he was taken aback by the sparkling pink of her eyes. Looking at them was like looking into precious gems. She swallowed and her head swiveled to take in the fountain behind her, “I traveled with the undine.”

“What’s that?” Liam asked.

“Water spirit,” Arron replied. “Though I’ve only read about them. And one cannot travel with one without dying a most unpleasant death.”

“She doesn’t look dead,” Rask mused.

Indeed she didn’t, and didn’t look it either. Or feel it, for that matter. Her hand in his radiated with warmth, and somehow he felt lightened by it. Calmer. He leaned into his gut instinct. She wasn’t here to harm them.

Fianni gave a weak shrug. “I’m an aspect. I can’t drown, and my essence can’t be destroyed with magic. Or rather, not with magic that isn’t malicious.”

“I don’t understand,” Liam admitted.

“Sidera Luminis is a fae world, and I am one of the stronger inhabitants, you could say.” She paused and her head tilted as she eyed the men. “I came because you hired Geneva, but she hasn’t been able to get back in touch with you.”

Liam shook his head. “We’ve done no such thing.”

“The matchmaker has a reputation, but she’s never been to Arcadia, and we certainly didn’t hire her,” Arron added. There was certainty in his silver gaze.

Fianni pursed her lips. “Someone had to have. She told me about how you were seeking a mate and…”

“You’re to be our mate,” Rask finished. His eyes flickered for a moment as if the whites stretched away and were filled with blackness. A slender curl of smoke escaped his nostrils, and Liam internally groaned. Rask had the tendency of being too brash and aggressive. The idea that their visitor could be his mate would definitely cause trouble.

“Should I just…go?” she asked.

“No,” both Liam and Arron said quickly. They looked at each other. Liam knew his own objection to Fianni leaving so soon, but wondered about his brother’s.

“If Geneva sent you, then perhaps you could be our guest while we sort out this miscommunication,” Liam said.

“Maybe someone hired Geneva, and Fianni is intended for one of the other packs?” Arron questioned. “The Flame Hill clan has a few needy bachelors, I believe.”

“She doesn’t look like a fox mate,” Rask said to no one in particular.

“Either way, you will stay with us for now. You claim to be an aspect and that sounds like someone worthy of the highest consideration. We’ll find a room.” Liam stared deep into her mesmerizing eyes, then down at his hand which was still wrapped around hers. He didn’t want to let go, and though he didn’t understand his reasoning, he went with it.

“The bears will be here soon,” Arron said carefully.

Liam looked over his shoulder while gently pulling Fianni away from the fountain where she’d backed herself. “We have time. I’ll show Fianni to a suite, then we can go meet with the bears.”

“We?” Rask asked. “I’d sooner dive out a window—without my wings.”

“I know you want to present a united front, but they won’t see that. They’d be defensive, and likely bait Rask into confrontation,” Arron said, glancing sidelong at Rask, who growled and crossed his arms.

With a heavy sigh, Liam nodded. He wanted a break from the hidden agendas and suspicion. The lovely fae beside him was a mystery he knew he would enjoy unraveling. “Fine. I’ll show Fianni her room and then meet the bears alone, as usual.”

“Wait,” she said. “Don’t I get a say in this? Before you drag me away and lock me up in your castle?”

Rask arched a brow, amusement finally breaking through his intimidating features. “I don’t think locks were planned, though it can be arranged. Maybe chains. Ropes?”

Her jaw dropped, and Arron pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance while groaning, “Unnecessary commentary.”

“Did you really intend to leave after making a dramatic arrival?” Liam asked Fianni.

She frowned. “I just mean that it would be nice if you’d ask if I’d like to be your guest, instead of just announcing that you’re going to take me to a room.”

“I’m the King,” Liam said slowly as if that excused everything, which of course it did.

She pulled her hand free of Liam’s, and the warmth of her faded like the sun moving behind a cloud. “I appreciate your hospitality, obviously, and I would like a place to stay while we figure things out,” she said politely. “But it’s likely to get strange since I was sent for the reason of…well, meeting you all. And now it seems that you weren’t looking to meet me.”

“We’ll get to the bottom of this,” Arron said. “But in the meanwhile, I have to admit I would like to hear more of your planet. I’ve heard little of Sidera Luminis.”

“She should be lodged in the keep,” Rask added, eying Liam. “If she is a guest from off-world, we should offer personal protection.”

“True. We don’t have visitors often. It would be wise to keep her close,” Arron agreed.

Liam nodded, feeling patronized. “I’d already intended that much. It’s not like I’d very well throw her in the dungeon.”

He closed his eyes and slipped into Drákonha. “Any more statements of the obvious to undermine me in front of our mysterious guest?”

“Don’t talk about me like I’m not right here, listening,” Fianni stated, annoyance slipping free. Then she examined her surroundings. “And do you really have a dungeon?”

“Several,” muttered Rask.

“I’m sorry,” Liam offered. “You’re right. Let’s start over. Would you please join us while we investigate everything that seems to be colliding at this moment?”

“Who else lives in the castle?”

“Mostly family and family friends. All dragons, of course,” Liam replied. “If you wanted to stay someplace else, we could find something.”

Fianni bit her bottom lip for a moment, and Liam couldn’t look away from her mouth. A lovely full mouth.

“I’d be honored to be your guest,” she said with a gentle exhale.

***

Liam walked with his hands held behind his back and a serious furrow in his brow. He played the part of stoic king well when his council wasn’t around ruffling his scales. They were alone since Arron had to meet with the wolves, and Rask…Rask just had places to be, it seemed.

Fianni followed him through the maze-like castle, which was bustling with people. It was lively and crowded in some sections, quiet in others. It was a place of life, and he could sense Fianni’s wonder of it all. As much of a mystery the fae planet was to him, Arcadia was likely a substantial change from her home.

As they’d passed by, most of the shifters would pause and greet Liam. He lit up faces with smiles. He loved his people, and they loved him. And yes, today he did lay things on a bit thick, but Fianni had claimed she was his mate, and he felt a childish need to impress her.

He didn’t take her mate declaration seriously, of course. It had to be a misunderstanding, which was easily capable given their recent problems with communication on and off planet.

Liam pointed out a gated exit to the left. “If you are looking to explore the gardens and the lands attached, you would go through there. But I’d request you bring someone along. The circumstances of your arrival concern me.”

“I can take care of myself, even if it doesn’t look that way,” she replied.

“You’re new, and you aren’t a shifter. How you look isn’t changing my concern,” he said with a slight grin. “Besides, have you experience with our kind?”

“Dragons? Or shifters in general?” she asked, swiveling her head as they passed a group of young boys and girls racing through the courtyard.

“Either.”

She shrugged. “Many of the fae are shifters, and I’ve met many shifters from Earth before.”

“We’re different,” he stated.

“I’ve noticed.” She glanced over at him and a slight flush went over her cheeks. “I was told once that the shifters of Astreia were larger and more aggressive than those that dwell on Earth. It seems that if you three are any indicator, Arcadia is equally…primal.”

“Hmm. Primal. An accurate description. We are rebels and survivors on Arcadia. We fought change that we thought went against our goals for prosperity. As a result, we are harder. And maybe our edges rougher.”

She nodded to herself. “It couldn’t have been an easy decision to start over here. But I can’t say I disagree with the choice. Technology in particular…doesn’t agree with me. Sidera Luminis can’t support it, thankfully, but I guess magic provides the same excess.”

“I’d imagine magic means all matter of posh creature comforts,” Liam agreed.

“But I’ve seen the world when it was all mud, so I can do without,” Fianni replied.

They’d reached a door and Liam paused with his hand on the handle, pondering her statement. The stop had brought them close, as she’d kept walking automatically and now brushed his arm. The warmth returned, distracting him from his question.

“When you touch me, it’s calming,” he whispered. “Is this what you mean when you say you are an aspect? What is it?”

She bit her lip in clear contemplation. She was planning her answer, and that should have made him suspicious.

“The origins of the aspects are a mystery,” she said carefully. “We started as one. Life.”

“I mean you, specifically.” He lifted the handle and shook his head. “You just implied that you were as old as dirt, yet you look…” He pushed the door inward and she hurried through.

“There you are,” a husky voice boomed.

“Shit,” Liam muttered through his teeth. He stepped in front of Fianni and greeted the loud man. “Solomon, you’re far from our meeting room.”

“You weren’t there. We decided to explore,” Solomon replied tersely. “Nick, stop hiding.”

A second man walked up. He lifted his chin in subtle acknowledgment. The shifters were both bulky and tall, with sandy hair and stern brown eyes. Bears from the Blue Mountain Clan. Troublemakers.

Liam drew back and held his hand out, indicating the fae at his side. He kept the annoyance from his voice. “I was just escorting a visitor to her room. Solomon, Nick, this is Fianni.”

The two men’s gazes landed on her and seemed to instantly soften.

“Hello,” she said, her voice like a chime on the wind.

The bears bowed awkwardly, and she glanced to Liam. Liam stared back. She’d done something to the men. No touching, no words, but they were different now. He could feel their energy as if they were being dampened by magic. Which they likely were.

“Should I…let you get to your meeting?” she whispered.

He shook his head and regarded the men. He wasn’t letting her go before getting to the bottom of this. “If you want to wait in the meeting room, I’ll head directly over once Fianni is settled down.”

“No,” Solomon said shaking his head. “It wasn’t anything important.”

“I can’t really remember what the meeting was for,” Nick offered.

“I believe it was about the Cloud Seekers hunting along the edge of your territory.” Liam frowned. “You were quite adamant about issuing a formal complaint.”

“We’d had an agreement with them for years, it’s probably something we can handle ourselves. It’s a misunderstanding,” Solomon insisted.

“Are you certain?” Liam asked, suspicious.

The two men nodded. “We’ll take care of it.”

They turned to leave, and Liam followed them through the room while Fianni held back. After a moment, he returned.

“That was strange.”

Fianni shrugged innocently. He gestured in another direction then led the way while she followed him in silence. After a few flights of stairs, they came to a stop at a heavy, dark wooden door. Her room for the time being.

“I keep wondering if the bears are up to some new ploy, or if they were caught off-guard perhaps. I must admit, when you first appeared, you stunned me.”

She glanced down, hiding her smile. “I suppose it’s not every day a strange woman walks out of your fountain.”

“No. And I certainly can’t recall the last time a woman’s beauty stole my breath.”

She looked up with wide eyes. “Oh.”

“So was that it? Is that your magic? Did you hypnotize them?”

“No…not exactly. And I didn’t target them, but first impressions can be like that.” She leaned her back against the door and stared up at him. “I have the gift of Harmony.”

He didn’t reply, only waited for words that would make sense of things.

“It’s my core. Woven into the fabric of my being. I ease tension between parties. I can help bring peace.”

“And you were sent here…” His words faded into a lilt of suspicion.

“Geneva sent me here. Not as a weapon or a spy…just as a candidate.”

“Right.” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “You bring me peace when we touch. When I’m close. But the Blue Mountain Clan?”

“The bears?” She asked and waited for him to nod. “It’s like that for some. Meeting an aspect can be like an overwhelming wave. The effect wears off over time, and the more exposure, the less likely the magic is quite so strong.”

“Why didn’t it work on us? My brothers and I?”

“I don’t know. I think because the bears, at least those two, don’t have a real conflict with you. The more someone wants peace, the easier they’ll gain it. I can’t make miracles happen since most problems have external ties, but I can ease the internal emotions.”

He scoffed. “You don’t think we want peace?”

“You do, if you feel anything from me. But I wouldn’t over-think it. It’s possible that it’s me,” she admitted. “Maybe I don’t have the oomph on Arcadia that I did on Sidera Luminis. You rule here. You’re tied to the land. I’m a foreign component, and I’ve never met a dragon.”

“Rask is wild, and Arron is too much in his head,” Liam said thoughtfully. “They’re stubborn. Would that matter?”

“Maybe.”

The leader in him instantly ran through the possibilities of her talent. “It’s strange having brothers when love has turned to tolerance. If you could help us regain even an ounce of what we had before, I would be forever in your debt.”

“I’m here. I’ll do what I can.”

He brushed his hand through her hair and leaned close. The air between them grew warm and inviting. “I’m sorry we didn’t invite you personally.”

“Uh…oh?” Confusion swirled through her.

“As you said, this makes it awkward. You came to be our mate, but we weren’t seeking you. And you may be intended for someone else.” His last words made his chest oddly tight. She was a beautiful little thing, but he didn’t know her. Why the thought of her with someone else bothered him, he couldn’t be certain, and he hated uncertainty.

“Oh…”

His thumb traced her jawline and he searched her eyes. He’d never seen pink eyes before. They were delicate and feminine. She was delicate and feminine. And maybe… “But you are lovely,” he whispered. “Forgive me.”

“Forgive wh⁠—“

He ducked down and trapped her lips with his, stealing her breath and combatting the questions floating in his thoughts. She parted her lips and welcomed his heat. He tasted her, and she was sweet, oh so sweet. The uncertainty blinked out of existence, but sometimes answers didn’t change anything.

He pulled away and stared at her lips, wondering if her kisses were more potent than the touch of her hand. She’d been still during the kiss, but hadn’t pushed him away. Now she looked dazed, but not offended.

And he wasn’t sure what he felt or thought.

“I had to see…” He straightened. “Someone will come by to refresh the sheets,” he said factually before turning away and leaving the beautiful fae behind.