So today is friday?? ...which means I missed yesterday's update for no reason other than I'm seriously disoriented and don't even know what day it is anymore 🙄

Sorry guys 🤦

We sat in the gold drawing room as our etiquette teacher, Miss Pontiac Neves drawled on and on about proper mannerism during brunch.

I couldn't focus on a word she'd said and it wasn't even because of the headache the gold drawing room always gave me.

Mate bond ...even he can't fight it and we're going to use that to our advantage.

I had to get on better terms with Rhydian. That was the start of our plan to make me Queen Luna and consequently, help our kind.

I sighed. Me. Queen Luna of Aradia?

Queen Luna Devenity Rivinlyte of Aradia.

It didn't sound right. I liked the surname part but the titles...

" Miss Pontiac?" Milah asked suddenly, cutting the teacher off in the middle of her talk about proper use of napkins.

Pontiac regarded Milah haughtily. It was something she'd picked up from being around the Dowager Luna a lot. She was an omega but a high ranking one. She didn't do any chores instead, she trained ladies and children of the royal pack. She dressed better than the other omegas and hated being interrupted.

" Yes, Lady Milah?" She said after a long suffering sigh.

" I was thinking," Milah continued keeping her voice cheery. " That we could continue our lesson in the Fidem garden. It would be nice to get a breath of fresh air and I'm certain the change of scenery will help our concentration."

Pontiac raised her eyes to the heavens, muttering inaudible words. She didn't like any of us so I wasn't surprised by her reaction.

" I really think it's a good idea, Pontiac." Sierra said playing along. " I'm sure the Dowager Luna wants us to do whatever is possible to learn all the valuable things you're teaching us."

Pontiac pursed her lips.

" If you must." She said through her teeth.

〰️〰️〰️

The plan to get on better terms with Rhydian was simple yet so hard.

I had to apologise.

Ugh. The only person who really had to apologise was Rhydian ...ok, maybe I did somethings last night that were wrong but still.

I grudgingly followed the others as we made our way out of the castle to one of the gardens ...the one where I'd first kissed Rhydian.

A smile tugged on my lips as I caught sight of the huge Fidem tree, remembering how he'd ran his hands all over me and the feel of his tongue ...his breath against my neck.

As much as I didn't want to apologise, I really wanted to see Rhydian again. A day had passed since we last saw each other and that was because he and Carrison were held up at the Eastern border. According to Aspen, they would be arriving today and they would have to pass by the Fidem garden to get into the main building. Milah had decided that we would use the opportunity for me to talk to him ...and apologize. Ugh.

" Here we are." Pontiac announced and gestured at a long white bench. We sat down and Sierra glanced at the castles main gate which was visible from where we were seated.

" Still hasn't arrived." She whispered to Milah and I.

We weren't worried about Pontiac hearing even though she was a werewolf. She was still an Omega and her hearing was only a little bit better than that of a human.

" Don't forget," Milah whispered to me. " Bat your eyelashes at him, even more than usual."

" I don't bat my lashes at him." I whispered, heatedly and Pontiac narrowed her eyes at me, questioningly.

" Pay attention Lady Devenity!" She snapped. " Always so rude." She muttered shaking her head angrily at me.

As soon as Pontiac continued with her pointless lesson, Sierra whispered,

" Let's see how much her behavior towards us changes when you're Queen, and you do bat your eyelashes at him. We've seen you."

At that moment, the gate was opened and all four of us turned in its direction.

Rhydian and his beta came through. Carrison was talking, using his hands expressively and Rhydian was listening, a pensive look on his face.

" The Alpha has arrived." Pontiac announced excitedly. " Do not forget to curtsy in greeting."

As the duo passed by, we got up and gave a curtsy in greeting, our heads slightly bowed.

" Your highness." Pontiac said in a high flirty voice, as she bowed low.

I glanced up at Rhydian. His eyes were on me, completely expressionless.

I looked away, my heart pounding. He always had this effect on me. I had no doubt of his interest in me but knowing that he didn't want to acknowledge our mate bond still made me mad even though I knew why. I wasn't ready to talk to him, not to talk of apologizing.

Milah subtly nudged my shoulder but I ignored her, suddenly even more nervous. I hoped the duo would just go on into the castle.

" Alpha prince Rhyd," Sierra called out cheerily and both Pontiac and I cringed. " Can we see you for a moment?"

" What do you think you're doing?" Pontiac queried heatedly. " The Alpha clearly doesn't have time to waste and -"

" It's alright." Rhydian said, moving closer. He couldn't get into the garden because of a long green hedge partitioning the path from the garden. " What is it, Sierra?" He asked and smiled at Sierra.

Good goddess he was beautiful. Especially when he smiled. His eyes softened and his face took on this boyish effect, making him look so much more younger and more approachable. Was he even aware of the effects his smile had on people, women especially.

Sierra opened her mouth but no words came out. Finally she breathed out,

" Wow."

Milah rolled her eyes and pushed me forward.

" Deven wants to talk to you." She said to Rhydian and I shot daggers at her as she dragged Sierra away.

His eyes settled on me. He wasn't smiling anymore and all of a sudden, my throat dried up. I refused to look at him and preferred to inspect the green leaves of the hedge separating us. I had no idea what to say. The fact that Carrison stood beside Rhydian, watching silently made it harder for me to talk.

" Um ...good morning." I whispered, pulling gently on a leaf from the hedge as a reason to avoid his eyes.

Suddenly, a huge hand was by mine, almost covering it as it pulled the leaf I'd been touching out if the hedge.

" It doesn't look interesting." Rhydian commented, inspecting the leaf. " Why are you so focused on it?" He asked.

" Um..." I began still unsure of what to say.

" Deven look at me." His deep voice sent shivers spiraling down my spine and I glanced up timidly at him. There was no anger in his eyes and I relaxed a little but I was still a bumbling mess. I racked my brain for any words it could form.

" I ...I wanted to say hi." I said and he arched an eyebrow. " So ..um, hi?"

Hi?

" Deven," Rhydian said. " I really don't have time to linger and chat so if that's all?" He looked at me questioningly.

I sighed.

" I ...wanted to apologise to you." I said and suddenly, the dam in my brain burst and words came spilling out. " I'm so sorry for what I said yesterday. It was so childish and stupid of me. I was so unfair. I was just ...upset over the crystal and I said those stupid words. I've never been more stupid in my life, Rhydian I'm sorry."

Rhydian shook his head, his forehead furrowing.

" You were right. I made you a promise and then broke it seconds later."

" Unknowingly. You didn't want to hurt me." I interrupted and leaned closer over the edge to take his hand. I distinctly heard Pontiac gasp. " And frankly, the one person that I know for certain will never hurt me is you, Rhydian. I trust you. Completely."

I said it and I meant it. Rhydian smiled, not the gorgeous full watts smile he gave Sierra. This one was calmer, a bit uneasy and a lot pleased.

He reached up and tucked some of my hair behind my ear, using the side of his fingers to caress my cheeks after. I knew then that he wasn't angry with me anymore and that I was willing to work things out with him.

" Deven," he said, his voice low, " I've been thinking and I've realized something."

My throat went dry and several thoughts sprang to mind.

What had he realized?

That he wasn't really into me?

That he wanted to reject the mate bond?

That he really couldn't forgive me for last night?

My heart was threatning to burst through my chest as I asked in a whisper,

" What?"

Rhydian leaned close to me and whispered,

" That I can't help it. I'm going to fuck you." He whispered with a shrug and a grin on his gorgeous face.

I stared on for a few seconds as I digested his words. Those were the last words I'd expected from him but they caused a smile to slowly spread across my face.

Beside him, Carrison coughed discreetly but I ignored him. I ignored my sisters and Pontiac who were all watching and pulled Rhydian down ...and kissed him.

We'd kissed ...maybe five times since we met but kissing him still caused shivers to resonate through me.

Rhydian put his arms around my waist and pulled me closer despite the hedge separating us, deepening the kiss. The hedge and the people around were practically non existent to us.

Rhydian suddenly pulled away.

" But, we'll be careful." He said and I pulled him back quickly, nodding. He laughed against my lips at my eagerness and whispered. " My Deven."

I pulled back to look into his eyes.

" Yours." I whispered back and I wasn't just saying it because I wanted to be Luna. I wanted to be his. His and his alone to do with, however he pleased ... majorly in bed.

" Rhydian." Carrison said with another cough. " Meeting in like five minutes. You don't want the Alpha chiefs to come by and see..." He trailed off because Rhydian nodded in understanding.

We pulled away but he still held on to my hand, over the hedge.

" I'll send for you." He promised and those words held so many promises that I couldn't wait to explore.

I nodded, smiling back at him as he and his beta walked away.

I was so grateful to Milah for forcing me to make up with him.

I turned to my sisters and found them holding each other with hard to conceal smiles on their faces.

" Holy crap." Sierra screamed as soon as Rhydian disappeared into the building. " That kiss was hot!. Describe how it felt!" She ordered. " I want all the details."

" Later." Milah said then narrowed her eyes at me. " I mean it. You will describe it but right now we need to focus. I take it you're both -" she was interrupted my Pontiacs shrill voice.

" Class is dismissed." She said and I was shocked to see just how pale she looked. She looked like she'd seen ...twenty ghosts at once. She turned and rushed towards the castle.

" Miss Neves." I called out, smiling at her.

" What?" She snapped and suddenly her eyes widened. " I mean ...yes Miss Devenity?" She said in a lower tone, her face still pale.

" You mean, we don't have anymore classes for the whole of today?" I asked suggestively.

Her eyes widened and she immediately said.

" Of course. You can all spend the day doing what you want. Of course. Please excuse me." She said and rushed off.

" Please excuse me?" Milah shook her head at the teacher. " All she saw was Rhydian kissing you and look how rattled she is. When you're Queen, we're going to be on top of this place."

" So, we have the whole day to ourselves." Sierra said excitedly. " What do we do?"

" We could go into the city and get materials for our dresses." I suggested. " Remember we have the founding festival to attend soon and we are not going in Aradian style dresses."

" Of course!" Sierra exclaimed and I was certain it was the thought of new clothes that excited her more.

I had other reasons for wanting to leave the castle.

I had to see Czar.

〰️〰️〰️

It turned out to be a bad idea to try to find Czar in the huge Aradian market. I didn't know exactly where he worked only that he worked in a Jewelers shop but the Aradian market had many Jewelers.

We had finished our shopping and I had easily convinced the others to join me in my search for Czar. They were also eager to see him.

We'd been walking for about an hour and we were tired but what I had to discuss with Czar was important and I kept them moving.

Sierra groaned.

" My feet are aching. I can't walk anymore. Let's go back to the carriage."

Milah said nothing. I could tell that even though she was tired, she was also eager to see Czar.

I moved on to a stall that sold jewelry in hopes of that this was where Czar worked.

" Can I help you, my lady." Someone asked. I peered into the shop, looking for who'd spoken but all I saw was packages and jewelry on display.

Suddenly, a man floated down with a package in his hand. He was a Fae. His wings had a hint of green on them as they fluttered nonstop, lowering him to the ground slowly. He placed the package on a table and walked towards me.

I smiled at him, remembering Raelynn. I really had to keep in touch with her.

" I was wondering if a man named Czar works here?" I asked politely.

The Fae furrowed his brow, causing the marks of the Fae that decorated his temple to look like they were moving.

" Doesn't ring a bell." He said with an apologetic smile and my face fell.

" Alright, thank you." I said and turned to leave and instead, bumped into a man who was trying to get into the store.

I shrank away from him because I didn't want his scent lacing mine. Rhydian would hate that. The guard who had accompanied us was at my side immediately and he pulled the man away roughly.

" Hey, hey!" The man complained shrugging the guard off and I instantly recognized the voice.

" Finn?" I asked incredulous.

The man peered down at me and then his eyes widened in surprise.

" Devenity!" He exclaimed. " I can't believe you're here." He said and made to hug me but I shrank back for a second worried about my scent. But then I gave in and hugged him. I would have to take a long bath as soon as I got back to the castle to try to get his scent off. It wouldn't do for Rhydian to so much as perceive a man's scent on me.

I glanced up at Finn. He had changed so much. His hair was no longer dark. He'd dyed it a light blonde and now had a small beard that covered just his chin.

" I like your new look." I said with a smile.

" Of course you do." He beamed at me, pleased at the comment. " All the women do."

I rolled my eyes playfully at his words. He was always such a player.

" Good goddess is that you Finn?" Milahs excited voice called out from a nearby stall where she and Sierra had been inspecting some goods.

" No it's not, Milah." Sierra said as they moved closer. " Finn has dark..." Then she gasped in surprise and hit Finn's shoulder fondly. " You scoundrel! What have you done with your beautiful black hair?" She asked as she and Milah hugged him.

" Made it even more beautiful." He grinned patting his hair lovingly. He had always been very particular about his looks and had been the second best dressed amongst us when we stayed in the cabins. Sierra was the first.

Sierra nodded approvingly.

" I love how that colour brings out the gold in your eyes." She said and I was certain if we left them to it, they would chat for hours about Finns new look.

" What are doing here?" I asked, interrupting them.

" My buddy Nyko works here." He said nodding at the Fae in the shop, who nodded back. " I want to get something for a special someone." He said with an almost shy grin.

" Ooh." Milah teased. " It seems love is in the air." She winked at me.

" Yeah," Finn said with a far of dreamy look on his face. " This girl ... she's absolutely ...mind blowing, you know."

I did know and I nodded with a smile.

" Anyway." Finn continued. " She's also incredibly hard to understand. I got her this," he produced a two huge fake Ruby earrings that made my eyes hurt. " And she hated it."

Milah wrinkled her nose.

" I hate it. It's too flashy."

" Maybe she doesn't like flashy things. Tell me about her." I said.

" Well, her name is Tatiana and she's an Elf."

" Oh." Sierra interjected.

" She's really bookish and -"

" What don't you just get her a book?" Milah asked and Finn gave her a look.

" How boring is that."

I refrained from rolling my eyes.

" To you maybe but I'm sure it won't be to her." I said and turned to inspect some of the Faes goods. " But if you still want to get her jewelry ..." I picked out a simple thin arm bracelet made of pure gold. It had a tiny Amethyst in the middle. Two things that the Elven women loved. Arm bracelets and Amethysts.

Finn took it from me, his eyes lighting up.

" As much as I'm sure Tatiana will love this, I can't take buy it. Don't forget I'm just a bartender now."

I turned to Nyko.

" How much does it cost?" I asked.

" Seventy gold pieces." Nyko said without batting an eye.

Whoa. I stepped back and let Milah handle this. She was the best at bargaining.

As Milah haggled the price, I said to Finn.

" Would you happen to know where Czar works?" I asked and he nodded.

" You're actually really close." He said. " I didn't dare go there to buy anything because it's one of the most expensive jewelry shops in Aradia." Finn shivered as though he remembered something horrific. " Really expensive. Anyway I can take you girls there."

Milah beamed as she joined us

" Forty-five gold pieces." She announced.

Finn sighed.

" Thanks for your help but I still can't afford it."

Milah waved him off.

" It's already paid for." She handed an embroidered gold jewelry case to him. " Go wow that girl. And maybe get her a book too." She said.

Finn looked short of words, then he beamed and said.

" I didn't know my sisters were so fucking rich otherwise I would have visited earlier." Then he sighed at our glares. " Thank you." He said seriously.

" It's nothing." Sierra said. " The allowance the Dowager Luna gives is us quite a lot."

" Alrighty then," Finn said. " I'll take you to see Czar."

〰️〰️〰️

The shop Czar worked in wasn't a joke. It wasn't even a shop. It consisted of three, two storied shops.

" Whoa," Sierra gushed out. " Czar has it made."

" Not quite. The owner, Alpha Quentin, he's an Alpha chiefs I think. He's so close fisted. All his apprentices have a hard time under him. His wife is better though." He shook his. " And so fucking hot."

Sierra shot him a murderous look and Finn laughed uneasily.

" But Tatiana is hotter. Anyway I have to leave you girls here. They don't like me coming around. Wish Willow a quick recovery for me. I'll see if I can come by to see her." Finn said and walked away.

I cringed as we waved at him. We had all decided to keep Willow a secret from the boys so as not to rile them up. She was getting better. She'd stopped screaming and trying to pull out her hair. She ate more and tolerated our presence more. Since she was getting better, we saw no reason to bother them about her.