CHAPTER NINE
Jade leaned into his kiss and allowed herself to be placed on the bed. She knew in the morning they would have to deal with Leopold
and the events of tonight, but just for this moment, she wanted to feel Victor. To draw strength from him and his warm flesh. To feel
the weight of his body on hers and knowing that he was hers and would fight to protect her. The act of someone trying to take her life
made her suddenly need the reaffirmation of life and making love to Victor was the only way she knew to find it. Victor worked
quickly to remove his clothing. Never taking his mouth from hers, he positioned his body above her. Drawing back his head just
enough to look into her eyes, he smiled as he thrust himself into her warm, yearning womanhood. Letting a small moan escape her
lips, Jade closed her eyes and let Victor’s scent wash over her. She felt the small electricity in the pit of her stomach and reached out
to pull him closer. The fire inside Victor grew each time Jade thrust her hips up to meet him. God this woman was going to drive him
insane! She touched him like no other ever had. Her scent was enough to drive him out of his mind. She was so wild and free that
she was like trying to tame a wild stallion. Feeling Jade reach her climax, Victor thrust once more and let a groan escape him. He lay
spilling his seed inside of his mate.
They fell into a deep sleep that night, both lost in the feeling of love and contentment.
Early the next morning Mariah was waiting for them in the dining hall. She hadn’t slept much, it was obvious. Jade gave her a hug
and asked her to sit down. Speaking to the doorman Jade said," Please get Mariah something to drink and be quick about it.
Yes, my queen said the man and bowed before turning and leaving the room.
Waiting until she had drank some of the water, Jade looked at Victor with concern on her face. Once she was feeling better Mariah
turned to both Victor and Jade. I heard about what happened last night, I wanted to come and see you right away but was advised that
you had taken care of the situation and had no need of my assistance. I’m so ashamed and must apologize for this. I can think of no
one who would wish harm upon you.
Victor sat down in the chair at the head of the table. He took the cup offered to him by the maid and drank some of the hot coffee before
he spoke.
We have the boy in custody and I will ask him some questions after breakfast. I have a suspicion about who is behind this but I need
to hear it from the boy.
I could have the head of the palace guards interrogate him offered Mariah.
NO! said Jade. I don’t want the boy hurt and Victor can be very persuasive with such matters, so I think it’s best we let him handle it.
As you wish, my Queen, said Mariah. Now on to other matters, if you feel up to it.
Yes I’m quite ready to take on the day, said Jade. Please join us for breakfast.
I will have to decline as I had my breakfast hours ago, but I would like a cup of that delicious-smelling coffee, said Mariah with a
smile.
As you like said Jade shoving a fork full of egg into her mouth.
It’s good to see that the events of last night haven’t disrupted your appetite, said Mariah.
Quite to the contrary. It would seem the events of last night have increased my mates' appetite substantially, said Victor with a
wicked smile on his face.
Jade blushed and shoved another fork full of eggs into her mouth.
Mariah saw the look that passed between them and decided to change the subject. However, she was secretly happy to find her
Queen.
had such a loving relationship. Maybe this meant there would be an heir soon. Turning to look at
Victor, she cleared her throat and said, I hear you are to be challenged in a few days. His playful mood suddenly turned serious when
he looked at Mariah.
Yes, it’s true I have been challenged and the stakes are pretty high. But I could not leave those poor wolves to live under the tyranny
of Silas.
They came to me seeking refuge and I have made it a policy to never turn any wolf away that seeks asylum. Said, Victor.
I see said, Mariah. Does this policy apply to wolves only or does it apply to everyone, regardless of who or what they are? She
questioned.
Seeing that this was her way of testing him, Victor placed his fork on the table and crossed his hands in front of his face. My policy
extends to all, but for obvious reasons, not all may remain within pack lands. I do my best to find homes for all who come to me for
help regardless of station or species. Said, Victor.
Seeing that he gave a truthful answer, Mariah stood and motioned for the guards to come forward. Once they had reached her the
older guard removed the sword from his belt and handed it to her. He bowed deeply and stepped back to where his companion stood.
Taking the sword, Mariah turned toward Victor.
Victor, would you please stand for a moment? She asked.
Not understanding what was happening but knowing that it was important for both he and Jade, he rose from the chair and stood
before Mariah.
Turning to Jade, Mariah asked her to stand and take the sword. Feeling unsure of what was happening, Jade did as she was.
asked, and then looked at Victor with questioning eyes.
Victor shrugged his shoulders, but his mind linked with Jade that she should do as Mariah asked.
Right said Jade, it may be best not to cause waves on my first day as Queen.
Good girl" replied Victor. He smiled at her and Jade knew that she had made him proud of her ability to quickly assess the situation
and come to a decision that would benefit everyone.
But, said Jade through the link, if she asks me to harm you in any way she will lose her head!
Victor smiled at her. By the Gods how he loved her!
Raising herself from the chair, Jade stood by Mariah.
Please place your hands in front of you, Jade, asked Mariah. Jade put her hands before her palms upturned. Mariah placed the
sword into her hands and said," It is for you" my queen, to knight your mate and officially declare for all in the kingdom to know he
is your chosen and shall be shown the proper respect. We will prepare a banquet in your honor and everyone will attend so that they
may see their new Queen and hear for themselves you have chosen a mate.
Turning to leave the room, Mariah paused. One more thing, Jade, if you would allow me to send the royal Tailor so that he can get
you more suitable clothes for your station? Jade looked at Mariah with confusion. What is wrong with my choice of clothing? It is
what I wear every day and I must tell you, Victor has spent quite a lot of money on making sure I have everything I will need.
Mariah crossed her hands and smiled with a knowing smile. Yes my queen and those are fine for your life in the outside world, but in
the land of the Fae we dress a little more formally, especially our royalty. Seeing that she wasn’t going to win this discussion, Jade
bowed her head and said as you wish. Tell him or her they can meet with me this afternoon directly after lunch. Perfect! Smiled
Mariah turned to Victor, she said" I should like it if you could also attend Victor.
You will need new clothing as well.
Anything you say, said Victor, smiling at Mariah.
Now if you, will follow these men, Victor, it has come to our attention. As I mentioned earlier, you are to address a challenge, and
our best soldiers would like to know if they could assist you with a few pointers. Maybe you could give them a few of your own.
Victor smiled so big Jade thought his face would split. Yes! What a wonderful way to spend the morning. I was hoping to get in a
few hours of training, but I had no idea that any of your warriors would want to train with me.
Giving Jade a quick kiss on the cheek he turned to the largest guard, lead the way" I’m yours for the next two hours.
Shifting her attention to Jade, Mariah said," You my queen, are free to explore for the next hours, but you must return before lunch,
as I have your speech writer working on a special declaration for you to give concerning your mate.
As he is not of Fae blood, you must make it clear to all that he will be treated with nothing but the utmost respect and anything less
will not be tolerated.
Can I ask you about that, said Jade. Why do the Wolves and the Fae hate each other so much? They must have been friends at one
time for my parents to marry as they did.
It is because of your parents the feud started. But really your highness, I have many things to attend to I wish I could and stay tell
you more but I just cannot. You will find the answers you seek in the royal library, said Mariah.
I understand, said Jade, and thank you for pointing me in the right direction. I won’t keep you any longer.
The guard will be pleased to show you to the library. My queen said Mariah with that she turned and was gone.