Mountains Vast and a Kingdom So Red

Chapter 51

In favor of Aux Duvrex's values, my father and mother deliver a speech together in bow one. The citizens adoringly clap for my father's restoring health, likely relieved to see him in a wheelchair and not guarded in the estate walls. My mother says that he will take the cure within these next few weeks and will walk again and she officially excuses me from my post as Queen Regent. The title has given me a tinge of joy, especially saying it aloud, but my return back to princess should still afford me the privilege of overseeing a quest. If there is a chance to convince my parents, I need Gerran backing and potentially Simmons' consent to traveling to the fairie kingdom once the winged female is found.

But my uncle does not seem interested in tending to my needs. He insists we give it a day and I accept because I have no choice. In the crowd, I spot Urisis speaking to someone and I track down Ryder as well who chats with the defender maiden from before: the perfect woman. Now that my required time to play royalty has passed, I mount my hoverboard and return home, finding the emptiness comforting. I wish Delphina had Grenia's response for me, but on this celebratory day carrier birds have clearance from work. My clothing constricts me, so I begin to unlace the corset, but a wolf's howl suspends my movements. After I walk out the front door, I am greeted by Leviys's wolf form. His tail wags and he comes near me. I give my handsome wolf compliments and pet his head, running my fingers over his ears. He licks my face. I laugh and look into his eyes, willing him to transform and when he does and is his full human height, he gives me the embrace I asked for.

"Welcome back my love," I say, tucking a hand against his waist.

"Mikah, fuck, I missed you," he says, pulling away and giving my ridiculous outfit a long look. "What have we here?"

"Before you remove it, just know I am on my cycle and I do not advise we make love."

"I respect that, but just know I do not mind the blood. It gives me more to play with," he says, fangs protruding as he smiles. My face heats and I envision painting his pecs with my blood.

Leviys seems to snap himself out of a daze. "How is your father?"

"He is well. He put myself and everyone in a scare yesterday by almost dying but we saved him in time and my mother arrived home and she gave him the cure. Paralysis will no longer burden him," I share. Levis is about to speak but I nudge him to follow me inside. The estate is vacate; I do not know for how long, but it will please me to show you my bedroom."

"Let's do it. So you know, Rian, Taiomah and Zuni are all here with me. They have a hostel reservation so–"

"There are enough bedrooms in the guest house. Wait, there is not, but my mother can use her magic to produce another one. You should stay with me."

"No, we do not want to burden you sweetheart–"

"It is not a burden. I want you to meet my family, and my family can meet your pack." My face falls. "Unless that is not what you want."

Leviys worries his lip with his teeth. "I have not thought that far ahead. I came on this trip to see you and to take care of you, but, yes we can arrange that."

"You are my boyfriend," I pronounce in a not so sweet tone.

"I know, but, my packmates, we are common. I am not like you," he says.

"That is why I like you. You are perfect. Get in here," I say and he follows me through the kitchen and up the stairs and into my quarters.

Though his past letter was steamy, I have no stuffed animals, no dolls, nothing to illuminate our sex role play except my room follows gender norms. Poorly; the walls are cream. He seems impressed however and sniffs the air. Leviys groans. "Smells good in here."