Ashmaris Draven Morriethen POV:
I walked out of the Chamber, shutting the door behind me. My heart beat faster than I had expected. Her scent had sent all the blood in my body to my lower body parts, attacking all my senses.
It took all of me not to claim her, and when she asked me to stop, I almost did. But right now, she still hates me. I know she can't really feel the mating bond because her father already sealed it—and her true self—when he heard about the prophecy.
The prophecy that promised a peaceful future between all the courts. Orion's greediness destroyed it. After the War of Blood and Shadow, which almost wiped out every other kingdom except the Seelies, who tricked us.
"Your Majesty," a woman's voice called. She was standing to my right, bowing. It was Ishkara. She is one of the women in my harem. If I hadn't found my mate, I would have married her for politics. Her father is one of the Lords in my court who stood by me when I ascended the throne after my father's death. She is regal and of noble birth, a typical queen for the Dragon Court.
"Ishkara," I said. I knew she had questions. Her stance and her tone already gave it away. I wouldn't be surprised if the news of Junia being my mate had spread through the women's harem and the entire kingdom.
"Is it true?" she asked, but before I could answer, Ignara beat me to it, who showed up out of nowhere.
"Your questions shall be answered in the Court, Ishkara," Ignara said, her tone commanding.
She looked between me and my twin sister. She didn't argue, straightened her posture, and started walking, her maids behind her. Ignara and I could feel her aura. She was pissed and didn't care about hiding it.
"These women still think they will have a chance to become queen because they are now women of your harem," Ignara scoffed. She had never liked Ishkara, and the feeling was mutual between them. "How is Junia?"
"Fine."
"Did you argue with her?" Ignara turned to me, making a face that said she was about to scold me.
"No, I didn't. She's still angry."
"You shouldn't have killed her lover," Ignara said.
"He was also playing games. I can't let him live with such intent," I replied, standing by my decision.
"We should head to the courtroom. I am sure the Court members are reeling with questions," Ignara chuckled, seeing the Lords furious and agitated. "And your supposed queens will be angry."
I shook my head at her and increased my pace. We got to the courtroom. Ignara and I reached the entrance at the same time.
"Are you ready?" She schooled her emotions, wearing that icy look.
I nodded as the large doors were pushed open and our arrival was announced. I sat on my throne, my sister to my left, and the right seat was empty.
The seat every woman in the harem had her eyes on.
"I have called upon the Lords and Ladies of this court to announce that I, Ashmaris Draven Morriethen, have found my fated mate, and I shall take her as my Queen," I pronounced, command seeping through my voice.
They started murmuring.
"If you have something to say, come in front of the King and say it," Ignara's voice rang through the court, making everyone go silent.
Lord Ishkarune, Ishkara's father, stood up from his seat and walked in front of me.
"Your Majesty," he bowed slightly before returning to his full posture.
"We don't mean to disrespect you, Your Royal Highness. The Lords and Ladies are just wondering, because there is a rumor—" He paused and turned slightly to look at his fellow Lords. "That your mate is a Seelie, and not just any Seelie. She is the daughter of Orion," Lord Ishkarune continued calmly.
"Yes, she is," I answered, looking right at Lord Ishkarune. His face didn't reveal anything. He didn't look shocked or surprised. One thing I know about him—he knows how to play his game well.
A few of the Lords whispered among themselves before another Lord, Lord Serthkaar, came forward.
"Your Majesty, we are all happy for you. Finding a mate has not come easy in these past years," Lord Serthkaar started.
Ignara scoffed.
"Do you also remember what her father did?" Lord Serthkaar asked.
"I do. And what does she have to do with it?" I questioned. I knew where they were going. They wouldn't want a Seelie as their Queen—not because of Orion's deeds, but because of their greed. They want their daughters right beside me.
"Your Majesty, have you considered us? I mean, taking a Seelie as Queen," Lord Serthkaar expressed, trying not to piss me off.
"Yes. After all, it will do us all good that she is by our side, now that the Shadow-born are rising again," I said, shutting him down. This would silence them for a while.
None of them said anything. They knew better.
"This court session has ended," I said, standing up from my seat. They all stood as well. I stepped down from my throne. Ignara followed, snickering.
"Your Highness, you still have to consider our daughters who are in your harem," Lord Ishkarune's voice stopped me. "They have been in your harem for a long time. What will become of them?"
I turned to him. "They are free to leave."
I could hear gasps coming from the women's section.
"But you know that—" Lord Serthkaar chimed in, but I cut him off.
"It was your decision that your daughters entered my harem, not mine," I reminded them.
They were the ones who suggested the idea in the first place, thinking they could trap me. "And we agreed that the harem would not be sexual—only political."
The entire court went silent. I had beaten them at their own game. I started walking toward the door when Ishkara stopped me.
"Your Majesty." Her voice was soft yet firm and carried a trace of pain. "Why don't you have your mate and the other ladies of this court who are eligible to contest for the Queen's throne?" she suggested with too much confidence.
I turned to her, and Ignara was furious. If I wasn't there, they would have gotten into a fight by now.
"I will think about it."
With that, I walked out of the courtroom.