Mated To Rival Kings

CHAPTER FORTY

Raven's POV

The carriage was impossible to ignore now. It was making a beeline for the mansion, kicking up a trail of dust as it rolled forward. As it drew closer, I noticed it wasn't alone. Behind the large, modern-looking carriage were horses with riders in matching liveries. I couldn't help but scoff at the ancient, almost ceremonial feel of the procession. Don’t they have vehicles where they come from?

It didn't feel like an imminent danger, mostly because Darian wasn't agitated. He just looked... worried. A deep kind of worry that made his brow furrow. I felt a pang of sympathy for him. I really hoped it wasn't bad news about his mother; I knew he definitely cared for her.

Darian excused himself and went to his room. When he came back out, he was dressed impeccably in a tailored tunic that screamed royalty. Standing there in my plain, slightly wrinkled house clothes, I felt like a total bum.

"I’ll handle this," Darian said, his voice tight. He didn't wait for a response before heading downstairs.

I decided I wasn't going to meet what looks like a royal delegation looking like I’d just rolled out of bed. I took a quick, cold shower to sharpen my senses and went to my wardrobe. I made a mental note to go to the library later to check on that book that disappeared though he can't remember the name the Elders had called it.

I finally settled on a peach, slightly off-the-shoulder gown that hit just at the knee. It complimented my brown eyes and struck a balance between casual and professional. It felt right. I brushed my hair until it shone and headed downstairs.

The main hall was noisier than usual. The quiet atmosphere of the mansion had been replaced by the rustle of silk and the hushed whispers of servants. I reached the landing and stopped.

Sitting gingerly in a large, comfortable chair in the center of the hall was a stunning woman.

She was a natural blonde with hair so long and silky it looked like spun moonlight. Her skin was fairer than jade and looked more delicate than a flower. I froze for a second, feeling a sudden sting of inadequacy. I felt like a peasant approaching a Queen.

Darian was standing a few feet from her. They looked like they were in the middle of a heated argument, but they both went silent the moment they noticed me on the stairs. Darian looked upset and conflicted, while the woman maintained an air of practiced innocence.

Who was she? To know the King of the South so closely that she’d travel across kingdoms to find him... then it clicked. My stomach did a somersault.

"Hey," the woman said, her voice melodic. "Pass me my fan."

I moved involuntarily, picking up the large, ornate hand-fan from a nearby side table and handing it to her. She took it without looking at me.

"And who might you be?" she asked, her eyes finally flicking to mine with a clear sense of arrogance.

"Celeste, don't talk to her like that," Darian interjected, his voice stern.

The woman—Celeste—looked at Darian and pouted. "I was just asking a question, Darian."

Oh Goddess. It was her. Darian’s promised Queen. The woman the South expected him to marry.

I forced a tight smile onto my face. "I am Raven."

Celeste looked unimpressed. She fanned herself slowly, her eyes roaming over my dress. "Okay. And what do you do here? Are you a cook? Part of the cleaning staff?"

I felt a hot flush of embarrassment creep up my neck. I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Darian beat me to it.

"What are you doing here, Celeste?" he demanded, ignoring her jab at me. "You haven't answered my question yet."

Celeste's expression shifted. She pursed her lips, and her eyes welled with unshed tears. "I am here to apologize to you. I am so sorry for running away, Darian. I was just scared for our future. I know how much you like order and things going according to plan. I wasn't sure I wanted to be mated yet... but I've thought about it. I’m ready now."

Darian rubbed his forehead, a gesture I’d come to recognize as his "problem" signal. He gestured toward me. "Celeste, I found my fated mate. It's Raven."

Celeste’s eyes slowly returned to me. The innocence vanished, replaced by a look of utter disgust. She actually sneered. "This girl is your mate? Jeez, the Moon Goddess really did you dirty, didn't she?"

She let out a short, nasty laugh. "I heard a rumor that you found a mate who belonged to King Valen too. I had hoped it wasn't true. Tsk."

She looked at me over one more time, and I wished the floor would just swallow me whole.

"What do we have here?"

Valen’s voice boomed through the hall as he entered, looking large and dangerous. Celeste stood up hurriedly, gravitating toward Darian’s side as if seeking protection. It annoyed me more than I wanted to admit.

Valen looked at Darian, his eyes cold. "You haven't gotten this solved yet? I won't have anything in this mansion that makes my mate sad."

He turned his gaze toward Celeste. The moment his eyes landed on her, she lost every bit of her arrogant demeanor. She looked terrified. Good for her, I thought.

"I'll send her away soon," Darian said, though he sounded exhausted. "I didn't know she was coming."

"You can't send me back!" Celeste cried, gripping Darian’s arm. "No other man will accept me now! I haven't found a mate at my age, and if word spreads that the King rejected me for some... girl? My reputation will be ruined."

She squeezed his arm tighter. "Just give me a few days to figure something out. Your mother wouldn't want this, Darian. She dotes on me. How will she feel if she hears you just threw me out?"

Darian sighed, looking helplessly at Valen.

"What are you looking at me for?" Valen asked, crossing his arms. "You knew this would happen sooner or later. I’m sure your advisors hinted at it, but you said nothing to us. It’s none of my business, except for one thing."

Valen stalked over to them, reached out and plucked Celeste’s hand off Darian’s arm with a grip that made her wince. He smiled, showing a flash of his fangs.

"Your hand was making my mate upset," he told her. He looked at Darian. "Fix this."

Then, without another word, he grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the room. He led me straight to the study and sat me down in a plush leather chair. He paced for a few seconds, looking like he was about to explode, before leaning on the desk in front of me.

"Little mate," he said, his dark eyes piercing. "Who are you?"

I looked at him, confused. "What do you mean? You know who I am."

"Answer the question."

"I'm Raven. An Omega from the Inker pack."

"Is that all?" he challenged.

I stuttered, trying to find words.

"I don't hear you saying that you are mated to two powerful Kings," Valen said, his voice dropping to a growl. "I don't hear you saying that you might have a mage heritage that would make most Alphas tremble."

"I know, but...," I whispered.

"You are not inferior to that woman," Valen said, slamming his hand lightly on the desk to emphasize his point. "That's what I am trying to establish."

I sighed. "I understand. But I'm just an Omega with no family or status. She's a noble."

Valen’s eyes flashed. "Omegas are weaker in physical strength, Raven, but weakness does not mean worthless. Glass is more fragile than plastic, but it is way more expensive and precious."

He leaned in closer. "Next time you are faced with anybody—and I mean anybody—except me or Darian, you do not bow your head. You will be my Queen. My Queen is inferior to no one. Do you understand?"

I felt a sudden rush of heat through my chest, a surge of pride. He was right. I shouldn't have let her talk down to me. I nodded fiercely. "I understand."

"Good. Let's go."

He took me back to the hall. Darian and Celeste were now sitting on opposite chairs.

"I was just about to look for you," Darian said, looking up as we entered. "My mother... after losing my father, she’s in a state where I can't afford to upset her. It could affect her health. Because of that, Celeste will stay at the mansion for just three days. The Elders have approved it."

He looked at me, his eyes pleading for understanding. "She’s like a sister to me, Raven. Okay?"

I just nodded. I didn't know what to say to that.

"Thank you, Darian!" Celeste clapped her hands, a bright, fake smile on her face. "It’ll be just like old times."

Darian frowned at her. "It will not be like old times, Celeste. We grew up together, but I have a mate now. I expect you to respect that."

"Of course, Darian," she said smoothly.

But I saw the way she looked at him. There was nothing sisterly about the way she purred his name.

"Where will I stay?" she asked. "The staff mentioned a lounge earlier?"

Valen’s hand came down on a small side table, and I heard the wood splinter. He raised the side of his lip in a snarl. "You are testing my patience, woman."

Celeste swallowed hard, her confidence wavering. "I... I was only joking. I'll find somewhere else. When I settle in, though, I’d love to spend some time with Raven. Just to get to know the girl who became Darian’s mate."

"Sure," I said, meeting her gaze head-on this time. I wasn't going to chicken out. I wanted nothing to do with her, but I wasn't going to hide.