Diplomacy: A Princess's Guide Pt. 07

Disclaimer: All characters, that engage in sexual activities are older than 21!

*****

Hi there!

I know it's been some time, but life is a wild ride sometimes! This one doesn't have a lot of spice, but I will make it up with the next chapter, I promise and the best news, it's already finished, so it will be published in due time :)

Until then, I still hope you enjoy this one and please let me know what you think in the comments.

xoxo Jackie

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Enya's POV

The next morning we had breakfast first before we packed up the tents and saddled the horses to be on the way.

When Asher told Kassandra that she had to ride with him today, she made quite the fuss.

"I will not have your attitude today, Kass! When you're fully healed again, then you can ride on your own. But until then, I will keep a close eye on you, whether you like it or not!" He snapped and Kass rolled her eyes in response.

Eventually she walked over to him and accepted the outstretched hand to help her get on the horse.

Aedan looked at her, then at me, a look of pure confusion on his face.

"He... She... Did she just...?" Aedan asked unbelieving, pointing at Kassandra who was just mounting Asher's horse and settled in front of him. Her back leaned against his chest and her fingers interlaced with Asher's, who had an arm around her waist to stabilize her.

"Listen to what Asher told her? Yes, she did," I answered, not quite believing it myself. Kassandra rarely listened to anybody apart from Aedan maybe. But maybe I read too much into that.

I made my way over to Asher and held the reigns of his horse so it wouldn't move away so I could talk to him.

"Aedan will take the lead, you'll follow after him," I told him while looking up at him and he nodded. Then my focused minded to Kassandra.

"If we move like this you can tell Aedan or Asher when you need a break."

Kassandra opened her mouth undoubtedly to argue but I put a hand on her thigh.

"Please don't overdo it, Kassandra. We'd rather make a few breaks than risk your condition getting worse. You're too important to all of us," I explained softly and she signed, but nodded, before she let her head rest against Asher's broad chest.

I noticed Asher mouthing a quick "thank you" then I let go of his horse, smiling at him as I did.

Since the day passed by rather uneventful except for a few breaks, we had made good progress by sunset.

As we hoped to reach Moira before sunset, we left early the next morning. While everyone was talking in hushed voices I was lost in thoughts, wondering how we should approach this, how I could even explain all of this?

What could we do?

How should I even bring all of this up?

How would I explain me staying in Asteria?

How would I explain everything with Mary and the other intruders?

Did my father know about the dam?

What would happen if the water was poisoned, even if it was contained?

Was all of this the work of a man, woman, or something else?

These questions all still burned inside my mind when we arrived at Moira and I saw the familiar gates. This was the town, my home I grew up in y but right now it seemed so foreign.

Aedan moved Leona closer and looked at me with worry in his gaze.

"You're quiet today, princess. Is everything alright?" he asked. I looked over at him and faked a smile though it probably wasn't really convincing because I saw his brows furrow.

"I'm okay, it's just... There's so much to think about," I explained and he nodded, knowing what I was talking about.

"We'll figure it out, love," he said, taking my hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze, "you are not alone in this."

I smiled up at him, "I know, thank you!" He nodded and looked forward, then stopped his horse when the soldiers that where riding in front of us informed the guards of our arrival.

They bowed deeply when they saw me.

"You're Highness, you've returned!" One of them exclaimed excitedly and I smiled at the young man. Then his gaze swept over to Asher and he instantly saluted.

"Captain Asher!"

"Steven, it's good to see you," he replied and nodded at the other guards who was starting at our party, flabbergasted. Then their gate swept over Kassandra and the others.

"Captain, who are these people?" Steven asked, obviously intimidated as he saw the golden ring around the irises of Aedan, Kassandra and Carr.

"They're friends and we will help them with a big problem," Asher explained and the guard nodded, his silver helmet reflecting the sun shining.

"Welcome to Moira."

As we entered the town, people kept starting at us and chatted excitedly but I quickly noticed the apprehension when they saw the Wolfborn. It would take a lot of time convincing the people that we didn't have to be enemies.

Asher was leading our party, talking to the guards while he did.

"Uhh, big, bold, authoritarian Captain," I heard Kassandra whisper to Asher, who chuckled, before he winked at her. He actually winked at her!

"What did you expect from the Captain of the Royal guard?" Aedan asked and grinned at Kassandra, who glared at him.

"You are not helping," she hissed and Aedan laughed.

"You're Highness, how can we help you?" One of the guards asked when we were in front of the palace gates. I'm front of my home that didn't feel like home right now.

"We are here to speak with my father," I explained and the guard nodded.

"Yes, your Highness, I will inform him of your arrival right away."

I got down from my horse and looked around the courtyard.

***

Aedan's POV

I had never been to Moira and other than the fact that it was significantly colder, we were on a mountain after all, it had its own beauty.

It was a wide space made from large, flat stones that had obviously been placed to form a level surface on the mountain. The stones of the palace had once been polished, they were still faintly cleaning in the sunlight that came through the mountain peaks.

In the courtyard was a huge garden with lush green grass and a few bushes and flowerbeds, creating a little oasis in the otherwise rather colorless environment.

Around the courtyard were stove benches for people to relax and look at the water fountain that was in the middle of the courtyard. At each corner of the hexagon shaped courtyard were towing sculptures from the same white stone that had been used for the palace of people I didn't know.

I heard water cascading down from a waterfall on of the mountains nearby, stone bridges had been built before them to be able to enjoy this beautiful scenery.

The palace itself was nothing like the castle I lived in at home. It looked like it had been carved directly into the mountain as it was made from the same white stone that surrounded us everywhere. Large windows let in the sunlight. The only thing that want made from the white stone were the large castle doors, they were made from stainless steel. The doors had intricate patterns that showed mountains ranges, waterfalls, so pretty much the surrounding of the palace.

"Impressed?" I heard Enya's soft voice and looked down as she came closer and put her small hand on my thigh, while I was still mounted on the horse.

"Yeah. This is something else I've never seen anything like it," I answered and watched her eyes shine, reflecting the sunlight, "it's breathtaking." As was she when she was so proud. My mate. I had been to Moira once before, but I hadn't really time to appreciate the beauty of it all. I had only seen the library to look for the book that she had given to Asher in the meantime...

She nodded, then looked back at the palace, sighing.

"The people of Moira are very proud of their home and its history," she said, as if she had to justify her affection for this place.

I dismounted slowly and pressed a soft kiss to her temple, which made her blush. A familiar voice approached us, her feet quickly running towards us.

"Enya!", Mary yelled and nearly ran her over, when she hugged her tight. At first I wasn't quite sure if Enya would allow the contact because she felt so deceived by her best friend but apparently she's didn't mind, as she hugged her back.

"Mary, how are you?" Enya asked and Mary stepped back, smiling at her, looking her over. She lingered a bit longer on her eyes that were now swirling with silver and I couldn't blame her.

"I'm great, really! Gosh, it's so good to see you again I've missed you! How are you?!"

"I'm fine, it's been... a lot has happened, let's put it this way," Enya said and I saw tears filling her eyes. Not sad tears I hoped, but she didn't smell sad. More overwhelmed and happy.

Mary obviously had to smell the marrying bond but didn't mention it.

"I am so sorry, Enya, I didn't...," she looked over at Asher and froze.

"Captain Asher...,"she breathed and paled.

"Lady Saffron," he greeted her in turn, his voice cold as he bowed quickly, "you are well?"

"Yes, I am, thank you," she replied, but the look in her eyes was full of fear and she stepped behind Enya, who looked at Asher.

"Let's talk about what happened later," I said and put myself between Enya and Asher. If I had been on the receiving end of Asher's state right now I would have probably not liked it either, but though I couldn't blame her I didn't like the fact that Mary used my mate as a shield. I got to know where a bit better the last few weeks and while he could be fun to be around he was still the Captain of the Royal guard. And anyone who was brave enough to put up with Kass was wicked...

"No need to worry I'm not here to cause trouble," Asher said and took a step back, arms raised.

"We should go inside and talk to your father, he will be over the moon to see you!" Mary told us and grabbed Enya's hand to pull her inside the palace.

***

Enya's POV

The guards led us into the throne room, where my father was standing in front of his throne, obviously waiting for us. He had a worried look on his face that vanished as soon as he saw me. He hurried over and pulled me into his arms.

"I was so worried, Enya", he said softly and put me at arms length to examine me as if he feared I had been hurt.

"I am very well, father," I said, smiling, "I didn't want to worry you." I somehow felt bad for needing so much time to come back here but there had been no other opportunity to do so before we knew what was going on. And before Asher was alright.

"What happened to your eyes?" he asked, shocked, when he stared at them. The silver wasn't something he would have missed. I took a deep breath, then let it out with a sigh.

"That is a very long story, father."

His gaze swept over to where Aedan and Asher were standing. The rest were waiting outside as we didn't want to overload him with more wolfborn in the beginning and risk escalating the situation.

"Why are you bringing Wolfborn in here, Enya? What are Wolfborn doing in my city? In my palace?! Captain Asher?" he asked with his face hardening and his voice cold.

I reached for his hand and squeezed, trying to reassure him that everything would be alright.

"Let me explain this, father. It's important. I have a lot to tell you and explain why they need our help."

"Help?!" he asked with a raised voice and Asher took a step forward.

"Your Majesty, you should probably sit down for this," Asher advised and nodded to the small table and four chairs that there standing in the corner. My father usually ate his meals there, when he was alone. "There is a lot to tell you and some of it will probably not be easy to hear."

To my surprise my father nodded and gestured the guards and servants to leave. They all bowed before they followed his command.

He walked over to the corner and looked at the bar, then back at us.

"Can I offer you a drink? It's been a long journey, I guess?" my father asked, but we all shook our heads.

My father sat in the chair, motioning Aedan and me to sit. Asher stood behind me. Even if we weren't together anymore he was still incredibly protective of me, probably just because I was the Princess of Moira.

"Father, let me introduce you to Prince Alexander Athanasios of Asteria."

My father raised an eyebrow at Aedan, who nodded politely, "your Majesty, it is a pleasure to meet you."

"Thank you, Prince, the pleasure is mine, I suppose," my father said and sighed, "so, why are you here? With my daughter?"

"Please, let me explain everything from the beginning," I proposed and shot a pleading look towards my father. this could go bad in so many different ways, so we needed a very good explanation for all of this.

"I can do that, too," Aedan offered, before he turned to my father, "please, listen to me first, before you start asking questions."

My father looked at us, before he nodded, "go ahead."

Aedan explained everything, starting with my kidnapping, Ester, my meeting with the goddess Selena, the dam, the Lucanae.

In the meantime my father stood and filled a glass with an amber liquid, whiskey perhaps, before he sat down again. I couldn't blame him, it was a lot to take in and Aedan hadn't even started with the mating bond.

"I should execute you, for kidnapping my daughter," my father finally said, after Aedan had finished.

"Father, please, listen to me," I said, while I grabbed his hand and squeezed, "they were desperate!"

"Still, he took you, the princess of Moira! I can't let that pass!" My father was furious.

"He is my mate," I blurted out and he looked at me, as if I had slapped him, then to Aedan.

Aedan had remained calm all throughout, never showing his nerves, never panicking. It was probably the complete opposite to how I was acting now, tense, nervous, on edge. When Aedan smiled and put a hand on my lower back, reassuring, steadying, I thought my heart would explode.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" my father asked in a lethally quiet tone.

"My mate," I repeated and grabbed Aedans hand, squeezing it, while I looked into his eyes, "Aedan is my mate. I love him, father."

He stared at me in shock and shook his head, before he turned to Aedan.

"She is a human," my father started, while he looked at Aedan, "I have never heard that you would be able to mate with a human."

"I never heard either, but here I am, mated to a human," Aedan answered and shrugged as this was a Sunday afternoon conversation and we hadn't just told my father that we would probably spend our lives together. "It's not like we have a say in who we mate," Aedan added and my father sighed.

"That's true, I guess," he said, while he turned back to me, "so, you are mates? I always thought you and Asher were...," my father said and I felt Asher stiffen behind me and he cleared his throat.

"I would rather not talk about that, your Majesty," Asher said and looked away, while I noticed him blush. Asher never blushed!

I, however, blushed deeply as well. Never had I thought, that my father had suspicions about Asher and I.

"Very well... So this sounds all very... unbelievable," my father said as he leaned back in his chair. He sighed deeply and it almost sounded as if the burden of the whole world was on his shoulders alone. His gaze drifted to the window and I followed his gaze, watching two birds that were playing on the branch of a tree.

"Your Majesty, I have seen it with my own eyes and everything Prince Alexander said is true. There is a huge dam which blocks the water route for several villages of the wolfborn," Asher insisted. His large hand came down on my shoulder and sqeeuzed softly, if to reassure me or himself, I didn't know.

"What does that have to do with us humans?" my father asked, while he crossed his arms over his chest and furrowed his brow. I hadn't expected for this part of the plan to work this easy. I just knew he was too stubborn to see what could be done about that.

"We can't just ignore it, father!" I argued, "surely we can come to an agreement with the wolfborn, but we cannot just leave it like this, knowing that they will starve! If magic has anything to do with that, I highly doubt that that magic has good intentions."

"I agree with her, your Majesty," Asher said and my father massaged the bridge of his nose.

"Okay, let's drop the formalities for a second, you two," he pointed at Asher and me, "you leave this village and come back completely brainwashed, telling me something about helping the wolfborn, after they had attacked us. It was a miracle that they didn't kill any of you! Why should we trust them now?" He had already started raising his voice and I understood, how impossible it must sound to him. After all that happened and the way we came back.

He hated the wolfborn. We all knew that. However he had to understand why we wanted to do something about it.

"The wolfborn didn't kill our people, your Majesty, they took the carriage, that is true, but they never harmed anyone," Asher said and his fingers dug into my shoulder. He was angry, but tried not to let it show in front of his King. I reached up and put my hand on his and his grip eased instantly.

"And on top of that they had taken the carriage, because they were starving! Because of the stupid dam!" I burst out, my voice higher than I had porbably ever raised it in front of my father.

"Enya...," my father warned but I stood up, so that I could face him properly, to prevent him from looking down at me. Aedan was on his feet just as fast, making sure he'd stand behind me, in front of me protectively if needed.

"You know we can't ignore them, father! You have to see that we need an agreement with them as much as they need an agreement with us!"

"But they kidnapped you!" I knew he didn't understand, he didn't even try at this point. The prejudices had been tought to us for so many years that we didn't question them, that made my father no not even think about a compromise we all so desperately needed.

"But they never hurt me!"

"You are blinded by love or lust!"

"And you are blinded by hatred!" I snapped back and Aedan took a deep breath. I was angry, beyond angry. Aedan was smelling it, of course but it could also clearly been seen and heard. I was trembling with the overboiling emotions.

"Believe me father, I had made up my mind long before I knew that Aedan was my mate!" I crossed my arms to prevent me from balling my fists so badly, I would surely draw blood.

"This is crazy, Enya!" my father shouted. "This is not normal, we can't trust the wolfborn, they are dangerous!"

Asher took another deep breath behind me, probably calming his own emotions, before stepped closer and out his hand back on my shoulder. I slightly flinched at the contact, as I had been so focused on my father that I hadn't noticed it. The adrenaline in my body wanted to fight now and that contact wanted me to draw my weapon until I remembered who stood behind me.

"We should at least try to see this from their point of view, father," I tried, but he turned around.

"That's enough, Enya!" he warned and Asher tightened his grip on my shoulder, again.

"Your majesty, Princess Enya is right. We have common enemies and should work together to defeat them whoever they might be. As the goddess Selena said to Enya, the two kingdoms have to be united," he tried to reason and that seemed to do the trick.

My father sighed and sat down again, while he rubbed his face and shook his head.

"This is madness. Absolute madness. The wolfborns kidnap my only daughter, the crown princess and she comes back with a wolfborn, declaring that she loves him, the prince of Asteria, no less."

I sat down beside him, I was really trying to understand him, though my blood was still boiling.

"What would we have to do to help them?" he asked. "What can I even do? I am the King of Moira, and my people are happy. They don't need a war, especially not against a force we don't know anything of yet. You are their princess, do you want to send your people into a war, they have nothing to do with?"

I understood, where he was coming from, but still!

"Asteria shouldn't be alone in this! Who knows if whoever did this will attack Moira after that, as well?! And this is the best opportunity to make peace with Asteria at last! It has been centuries, don't you think we finally deserve peace? Let Aedan and myself be the prime example that it's possible, our mating bond... Selena... It's fate, father."

"Enya, how can you even think like that?"

"Because it's the right thing to do! And you know it!" I was on the brink to start screaming or smacking him. I wasn't sure yet which one. Preferrably both.

"This is not the Moiran way!"

"I know that, father! But I can't just let the wolfborn die, because of the decisions of someone long ago fueled by hatred and ignorance! Do you want me to live with that, knowing, that I could have saved them? Knowing that my mate will probably die to protect his people? I can help them and I will, with or without your help!"

I was trembling and my hands were shaking, but I could feel the tears forming in the corner of my eyes, as my father sighed deeply.

"Enya, you can't be serious."

"I am very serious, father. If you will not help me, then I will go there on my own," I said, while I stood up and glared at him.

I would go to the end of this world for those, I had already considered family. Those, I already loved.

"Do you really want to leave your home and kingdom?"

"Yes, father, if that's what it takes, then yes."

A small smile tugged at his lips.

"I can't stop you, can I?"

I shook my head, "No, you can't," I said, and he sighed.

"If that's the case, then I will help you," he finally said and my shoulder sagged in relief. "Moira will help Asteria and the wolfborn, if the Goddess Selena really chose you as our savior, then she has chosen wisely."

"Thank you, father," I said, smiling widely as the realization settled in.

He got up and hugged me tight, pressing a kiss to my forehead, "I don't have to like this, but I will follow your path. And as you said, Selena chose you and not me, so I can't stop you."

I smiled and hugged him back.

"I love you, father."

"And I love you, daughter," he whispered, before he looked at Asher, "and you, Captain, how are you feeling about this?"

Asher sighed deeply. "I support her decision, your Majesty. Asteria needs her help and if she wants to help the wolfborn, then I will do my best to help her."

He looked between Aedan and Asher.

"If anything happens to her, I will personally hunt both of you down," he snarled at the two males.

"Father! Don't be ridiculous!", I tried to debate and diffuse any potential hostilities, but Aedan straightened beside me.

"If anything happens to my mate, I will personally hand myself in to you, your Majesty," he said and looked directly into my fathers eyes. I saw his jaw clenching but Aedan remained cool and collective. He didn't averte his gaze while looking directly at my father, trying to prove he meant every word he said. Asher cleared his throat again.

"We will protect her with our lives, your Majesty!"

"Good, then we are agreed on this, gentlemen," my father said, his hands resting on the table. His voice left no room for arguments as both males bowed their heads in a saluting manner before straightening again.

"Now, you should all rest, and your friends are welcome to stay as long as you like."

"Thank you, father," I smiled and hugged him, before he let go of me.

"Oh, and Enya?"

"Yes?"

"I expect the three of you to talk to the council." He looked between the three of us and I couldn't hold in the groan. I had completely forgotten about them. They would probably freak out the minute Aedan stepped a foot into the great hall.

"The council?" Aedan asked, confused.

"Yes, the council is a group of people, who decide on major matters for Moira. You three will have to explain everything to them too, and trust me when I say, talking to me has been easy in comparison to them," my father said, while he rubbed his temple. "Captain Asher or Princess Enya can fill you in."

"I can imagine," Aedan laughed, while Asher nodded.

"Yes, they are very... unique."

"Very unique," my father chuckled, "now go and rest, I will have the servants prepare rooms for you."

"Thank you, father," I smiled and squeezed his hand, before I turned around and walked out of the throne room, Aedan following closely behind me, while Asher stayed behind, to talk to my father.

*****

Obviously the others had questioned us as soon as we had stepped out of the throne room. While we made our way to our respective rooms, we told them about the development.

Kassandra and Carr would sleep in the guest wing. I didn't know whether to offer Asher a room there as well, or if he wanted to pursue his duties as Captain and sleep in his own room? Or in Kassandra's room? He quickly squeezed my upper arm though and excused himself to go to his own quarters with the soldiers. Well then.

I walked Aedan to my room, opened the door and let him in. I watched him, as he stood in the middle of the room and took everything in. Then he walked to the window and let his gaze linger on the windows outside.

I however was so tired that I steered towards my bed and let myself fall in the mountains of silk pillows that were in various shades of blue and silver. I sighed contently when I sank deep into their softness and the sun warmed my worn out body. Aedan then turned and looked at me.

"These mountains, the view, it's incredible!" he said and looked out of the window again as if he couldn't quite believe that he was here and neither could I.

He turned towards me once again and kicked his boots off his feet.

"You look comfy," he mused, while he unbuttoned his shirt and let it drop to the floor as he walked over.

"Hmmmhhh, very," I half mumbled into the pillows, but turned my head to watch him. His abs moved with every step and I couldn't stop staring. It took more of my restraint than should have been necessary not to lick my lips at the sight he presented and damn, I'd never get enough of this man.

"You're staring, love," he chuckled, then sat down brside me and kissed me softly, his hand brushing over my back before he pulled away again, grinning like a fool. "You still like what you see?"

"You know I do," I breathed and drew one finger over his abs, feeling the slight ripple of the muscles under my fingertip, "very much so."

"You are teasing again, princess," he purred as I lay onto my back and he moved forward, his weight supported by his hands beside my face and his chest hanging over mine as he lowered himself just a bit more to kiss my neck, before he added, "but it is working. I don't know if I can control myself."

His lips moved up to my jaw in a series of featherlight kisses and his nose followed the delicate line to my ear, his breath caressing me, giving my body the chills while goosebumps ran over my arms.

Fucking hell, I wanted him to pin me down and have me right here. Right now. I was already wet just thinking about him taking me. Rough. Hard.

"I can smell your arousal," he chuckled against my neck and sucked at the sensitive skin there, his warm breath sending chills down my spine, "so fucking teasing."

Think Enya, think. Now was not the time. Neither had either of us showered, nor did we have time.

"Aedan, wait." He sat up, concern evident on his face.

"What's wrong, love?" He tilted his head as he watched me for any clue of what might be bothering me.

"We have to shower and prepare for the council meeting," I said and pouted. Aedan chuckled, before he got up again and walked to his bag, grabbing a fresh shirt.

"That doesn't mean you have to get dressed, though," I added and Aedan turned around and smirked.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, that's so."

"You will never be able to concentrate on anything, if you keep staring at me like that, love," Aedan mused, while he buttoned up his shirt. "That look in your eyes tells me enough already."

I closed my legs tightly and sighed, trying to collect my thoughts before I jumped him. Again.

"I'll take a quick shower, I'll be right back," I said and walked over to the bathroom. Maybe a hot, or cold, shower would clear my head and take away the throbbing between my legs.

"Don't be long!"

"Or what?" I teased, while I closed the door behind me, but all I heard was his laughter and a mumbled 'no promises'.

"Damn that man," I sighed and smiled, before I undressed and walked into the shower.

My hand reached out for a handle to turn on the shower. After some moments the cold water stopped, slowly getting hotter. It was nice and comforting after such a long journey. The hot water sprayed down my shoulder and back, caressing the tight muscles and carefully loosening them up.

I quickly washed my body and hair before I got out of the shower to grab a towel and wrapped it around my body.

I walked back into the bedroom and saw Aedan, lying on the bed, fully clothed, a book in his hands. He smirked at me, when I came out of the bathroom.

He put his hand over the book to keep the page and smiled, "I like you with wet hair."

I rolled my eyes at him as he moved to stand.

"The shower is free, if you want to freshen up," I said but his eyes lingered on the towel around my body.

"Don't even think about it," I warned him and he smirked again. Part of me wanted him to rip it off, but I really should be responsible at least for today.

"Oh, but I do think about it," he purred, but didn't act.

"Stop thinking about it or you will have to walk around with a hard-on for the whole day," I threatened, while I walked over to the wardrobe, where I wanted to choose what to wear for the council meeting, "also, stop looking at me like that!"

"Can't help it, princess. You're so incredibly sexy."

"You will have plenty of time to look at me, after the meeting," I promised and let the towel fall down. It fell to the floor and I took a step forward and put of it.

"Oh, fuck," Aedan groaned and stared at me. At my fully naked body. And yes, I was very well aware that I was walking an incredibly thin line here, but I enjoyed, when Aedan got this worked up. And as much as I enjoyed him taking me, manhandling me, I thoroughly enjoyed teasing him.

I chuckled and grabed a blue dress, but before I could put it on, Aedan stood behind me. He reached around and... Goddess I moaned, when both of his thumbs brushed over my nipples ever so lightly, once, twice, igniting a fire deep within my core with the lightest of touches. Sometimes I hated how easy it was for me to get this worked up.

"You always forget, that I can play this game too, love," he whispered against my ear, before he made another soft brush over my too sensitive nipples, making he arch my back and pulled away.

"Fuck. You. Fuck you so very much."

He chuckled again and grabbed some clothes out of his bag before he turned away from me and disappeared inside the bathroom.

"I need a cold shower," he mumbled and closed the door.

I took a deep breath to try to calm my racing heart and the insistent throbbing between my legs but it was no use. Still, I finished dressing.

When I sat down at the vanity I was sad that Cecilia wasn't here. She always knew which make-up or hair-do would be best for several occasions and now I had to do it myself. Of course I could have hired someone to do this for me but I didn't feel the need to before I came to Asteria and I doubt anyone would be as good as Cecilia.

So I only put some mascara on, brushed my tri-colored tresses before I gathered it all and put it in a high ponytail.

Just as I had finished the bathroom door opened and Aedan returned, already dressed in his usual simple pants and tunic. He gave me a quick kiss, before he out his hand around my waist and we made our way to meet the others for dinner.

As we went through the halls people kept staring at Aedan, then at his hand on my back. They all quickly bowed when they remembered who I was, even if they didn't necessarily knew who he was. I didn't mind the stares for now, as long as they weren't hostile. The humans would have to get used to Wolfborn eventually anyway.

Asher and the other were already sitting on a circular table. In the middle of the table where plates overloading with food, when we arrived. I just hoped that it wouldn't taste too bland, now that we have tasted the exquisite ingredients of Asteria.

Kassandra looked like she felt a lot better by now and she had told us earlier that her wound had nearly healed completely. She was sitting next to Asher, completely relaxed.

Carr was as silent as ever, it didn't really surprise me. Mary shot him a few glances, but didn't say anything either. She was probably still intimidated by Asher's presence and sat as far from him as possible.

"Kass, how do you feel?" Aedan asked when we sat down and she looked at him.

"I can't complain, the healing balm has done it's job," she said with a wave of her hand as if to wave away his concerns. Aedan simply nodded.

"When is the council meeting?" Asher asked, after he had taken a bite of the roasted potatoes.

"In two hours," I said and looked at him and he sighed.

"That's rather quick. Sometimes they take days to assemble for something important," he wondered and I nodded.

"Yes, I know. They really want to know why we are here and trying to assemble them so quickly. And I bet they heard the rumors of Wolfborn being in Moira, so..." Aedan groaned beside me and I gave his thigh a gentle nudge with my knee. "Just be calm and honest, I will take care of the rest. I can be very persuasive."

Asher snorted and Aedan nearly choked on the water he'd been drinking.

"That's..."

"Don't worry, they'll hate me more than they will hate you," Mary muttured and rolled a potato from the right side of her plate to the left. She seemed nervous.

"You'll be fine, Lady Saffron," Asher told her and leaned back in his chair, "though Lady Venda will try to gauge out your eyes. That could get interesting." Mary rolled her eyes at that.

"Mary, please. Just Mary."

"Alright, Mary," Asher smiled and I chuckled.

"Okay, so here is what we are going to do."

***

Aedan's POV

Their council room was huge! The wall were made from the same white stone as everything else in this palace. Two sides had large windows that let in the light streaming in through the mountain peaks. Well, if it started to get boring I'd have a nice view outside.

In the middle of the room was a large table to fit a least two dozen people, with chairs in dark blue surrounding it. Huge chandeliers hung above the table, ensuring the room had enough light for late night meetings.

The oil paintings at the walls showed people, probably former Kings and Queens. I wondered if one of them was Enya's mother.

There were already people sitting at the table, Mary among them and I suspected that those were the council members. The King was sitting at the head of the table, looking at us with a light frown on his face.

Enya skipped the empty place beside her father and instead sat on the long side of the table, still close to her father but it gave me te opportunity to sit beside her. Asher sat beside me, next to Mary, who stiffenened. I didn't really know what had happened between those two and I wasn't entirely sure if I wanted to know.

"Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on such a short notice," Enya started and looked at the people in the room, "I can imagine you're wondering why we gathered you here, so I will keep this short. Asteria needs our help and we want an alliance with the,. Their kingdom is threatened and if we refuse to help, ours will be threatened as well."

A heavy silence settled on the room and I could feel the stares on me, on my eyes. They knew I was a Wolfborn and they didn't like it one bit. A few seconds ticked by until the first person spoke up.

"With all due respect, your Highness, how do you expect us to trust the Wolfborn? They attacked my people not such a long time ago!" A woman with a grating voice asked and glared at Enya, who returned her gaze with a hard stare. Apparently this was nothing knew and Enya was used to be challenged like that.

"Lady Venda, they took the carriage with food to survive. They were starving! They haven't harmed the merchant, he was killed by someone, but we didn't know by whom yet." Lady Venda scoffed and I looked at her. Her name had come up at dinner yesterday, the difficult noble who despised Wolfborn moe than probably the rest of them combined.

"They kidnapped you, your Highness!" Lady Venda almost screamed and I had to restrain myself from growling for speaking to my mate like that. But Enya would hate me if I did. So instead, I clenched my teeth and forced my inner beast down, deep deep down, until it obeyed. For now.

"But they didn't harm me, Lady Venda, far from it, actually," Enya simply answered and added, "and I am grateful, that they did!"

Lady Venda was completely silent, as was everyone else. That was probably like a slap to everyone's faces, admitting that she saw the worth of her being kidnapped. By now I was pretty sure that the council members, at least some of them, questioned her sanity.

Asher shifted in his seat, before he spoke up.

"I agree with Princess Enya," he said with a stern voice and their attention switched to him, "yes, they took her. But they did so, because they were desperate! And they didn't harm her. And now she has returned, safe and sound." He forgot to mention the fact that he was hurt in the process but that wouldn't help our case at all. Though I noticed him rubbing his thigh subconsciously.

Another member of the council chuckled darkly, crossed his arms and let his fingers rake through his silvery grey beard.

"But they are wolves, partly beasts," he started and I had to refrain from rolling my eyes, "we can't trust them! They are not like us!"

"The Wolfborn may not be human, but they are not different from us!" Enya said, her voice rising as she got up, "they are not beasts! They have feelings like we do, they have emotions, like we do!"

"Listen," another man began and Enya glared at him. "I know, you're trying to help your Highness, but still..." Okay, it was my turn now. She shouldn't have to discuss this alone, so I cleared my throat.

"Excuse me interrupting," everyone fell silent and looked at me, "I am Prince Alexander Athanasios, Prince of Asteria, for those who didn't know. We are worried for our people. And if we don't unite our kingdoms, we can't fight our common enemy."

Lady Venda snorted and shook her head.

"What enemy would that be, exactly?" she asked, while she tapped her pen against her chin.

"We don't know that yet, Lady Venda," Asher admitted and her brows furrowed.

"Then how can we form an alliance with our enemies, when said ally isn't capable of solving their own problems?" another council member asked, furiously pointing at me.

The discussion went on for at least two hours and I thought they would never give in, but then Mary got up and took out her contact lenses, revealing her true self to them, the moment she had dreaded for so long.

"Lady Saffron, you are a wolfborn?" Lady Venda hissed, her face red with anger, as she looked at Mary, who stepped forward.

"I am Mary Saffron, daughter of Lord Arthas of the Moonwood."

"I will not tolerate a wolfborn in the council here in Moira, it is against our laws! I will have to ask you to leave immediately!" Lady Venda snapped and my eyebrow rose.

"You are not in a place to dismiss my council," the king snarled and Lady Venda gasped, but quickly collected herself and cleared her throat.

"As I said, your Majesty, this is against our laws and we should not allow it."

"It is also against our believes to let another kingdom starve to death. The Goddess Selena was very clear about it," Enya countered, as she leaned forward, "and as the Goddess Selena told me, we have to unite the kingdoms. She has chosen me and I have chosen to help the wolfborn, whether you like it or not." Enya tilted her arm to show them her mark, the mark that meant so much, that was so sensitive to my touch and my touch alone. "As her chosen one, the Goddess Selena has blessed me with this mark," she continued and put her wrist back down, "and I will do whatever it takes to fulfill her will."

The council was stunned and I knew she had them. It had been such a clever trick using Lady Venda's own words against her, I couldn't help but look at Enya, my mate, my heart swelling with pride.

"So, do we have a deal, Lady Venda?" Enya asked and Lady Venda turned to the King, who sighed deeply, "if this is what the Princess wants, then I will support her decision, even though I am not fond of it."

"The princess is a smart and resourceful woman, she knows what is best for our kingdom," Lady Venda added and I could tell, she didn't mean a word of it.

"I am grateful for your support, Lady Venda," Enya said, not meaning a word of it either, and nodded her head, before she turned to the council, "now, as far as the council meeting goes, we will work together to help the wolfborn."

"Your Highness, what do you have in mind?" the man who had spoken before asked and she looked at him.

"We will do as follows."

*****

Enya's POV

I was exhausted.

The meeting had gone on for several hours and by the time it was over, my head hurt like hell. The hours of arguing with the old stubborn fools had left it's toll on me and I was so ready to call it a night.

"I think that worked pretty well, don't you?" Asher asked, while we walked down the hallway.

"Yeah, I am really tired, but I think it went well, all things considered," I said and yawned, before I heard a soft chuckle and turned around, seeing Aedan walking behind me, grinning widely.

"What are you laughing at?" I asked and narrowed my eyes at him, while Asher chuckled as well.

"Nothing, just, that look on your face was kind of cute," he grinned and I pouted.

"I'll head to my quarters, goodnight you two," Asher said, as he patted my shoulder, before he turned around and left. I wanted to remind him that his quarters were in the other direction but he would probably check on Kassandra.

"So, what was so funny?" I asked Aedan with a hand on my hip.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me close. "Nothing, you were just adorable."

"You are so weird," I sighed and pressed my lips against his. The contact alone calmed my frayed nerves.

"I know, but that's why you like me," he grinned and winked at me, before he opened the door to my room, leading me inside. He closed the door softly, careful to mute out the sound as he leaned against the wood and eyed me.

"How tired are you?" he purred, his finger on his bottom lip, tapping along, while he grinned, baring those gorgeous white teeth, his fangs. I had never really paid much attention to his pointed canines, but today they stood out to me.

Slowly I turned around to face him and he placed his hands on my hips before pulling me close His fingers brushed over my side, sending shivers down my spine.

"Also, I had to carry on with my day with a boner, after you let that towel drop earlier, so you will take care of it now," he growled into my ear and I swallowed hard.

"Is that so?" I asked, as I wanted to lift my hands and get rid of his clothing but I dropped it quickly, when I remembered what happened earlier.

"You touched my nipples! Did you think that was fair?" I protested and frowned.

"But I can't help it, when I know, the simple touch can have such a big effect on you," he purred stepped to the side before he started undressing. His clothes landed in a pile on the floor and I couldn't help but watch. He then looked at me again, a smirk on his face.

Oh and what an effect it had on me and I hated him for knowing my body so damn well. I eyed his naked body up and down and considered how tired I really was, before I stepped closer and dropped onto my knees before him, still clothes in that blue dress.

"Fuck, I love seeing you kneel before me," he growled and wrapped his hand around the base of his cock. Oh my! I wasn't expecting that! I watched transfixed, as he pumped himself a few times, precum oozing out of the tip.

"Suck it, princess."

I opened my mouth and he slipped his cock between my lips, sighing in pleasure when my lips closed around his head and he thrust forward.

"Fucking hell, you have no idea what you do to me," he groaned and grabbed my hair. I was sure he would grab it forcefully, but instead his fingers were soft and he merely help my head steady, while his thumb brushed over my cheek.

I hummed in response and swirled my tongue around the thick head, before I sucked him into my mouth, bobbing my head back and forth.

I grazed my fingernails over his balls, drawing small circles on them, while I hollowed my cheeks and looked up at him, locking eyes with him.

"So fucking beautiful," he grunted and shivered, when he tightened his grip around my ponytail.

I loved doing this for him. Not because I particularly liked sucking cock, but because Aedan enjoyed it, and as much as I hated admitting it, the power he had over me was exhilarating.

And now, his face contorted into this pleasured expression. His breath grew ragged and his fingers dug into my hair, his irises glazed with lust.

I hummed around his cock, my hand around the base of his shaft, as my fingertips slowly stroked his balls and then over the sensitive skin right behind it. The lightest touches with the tip of my fingers and I could feel him trembling, as his breath hitched in his throat.

He didn't even say anything anymore, he was barely even standing. His legs started to tremble, his body was so tense that every muscle stood out and he had closed his eyes to relish the sensation. Goddess, I loved watching him lose himself in pleasure!

"Look at me," I said, before I sucked him in again, looking up at him from beneath my eyelashes and I knew that it would break the little bit of restraint that he still had.

"Fuck," he growled when his eyes found mine again, one hand on my face, cupping my cheek and stroking my cheek lightly with his thumb. His eyes were blazing with lust and I could feel his cock swell even bigger in my mouth.

Then his head fell back and a loud moan escaped his lips, when he exploded into my mouth. Stream after stream of his seed filled my mouth and I swallowed everything eagerly.

He pulled out, panting heavily, while I swallowed one last time and licked my lips. Then I looked up at him.

"Did you enjoy that, Aedan?" I asked and smirked, very well knowing he did. I leaned forward and let my tongue gather the remains from his head, earning a low groan from him.

"You are so fucking hot, princess."

"Oh, shut up and take me to bed," I giggled. So he did.