96

96
My mouth turns dry. He looks incredibly handsome. Is this really my mate who wanders around in casual, loose-fitted tunics and black pants, his hair always unkempt?

Cedric sees me watching him, and when his gaze settles on mine, there is heat in it. I glance at myself in the mirror. My hair, which I’ve begun to let grow, is slightly past my shoulders, and Harriet has styled it so that the edges are dipped in some sort of dark, glittery substance. My eyes are lightly done up, as is my face. She has only used a little bit of makeup on me, but I look good.

“I never use makeup,” I murmur, touching my face. “I look so different.”

“You look like you, Mom. Just prettier,” Finn says bluntly. “Dad looks weird.”

Cedric smacks him gently on the back of his head. “She looks beautiful.”

“I just said that!” Finn grumbles, rubbing that spot. “She looks like Mom. Mom’s always pretty.”

I beam at him. “I raised you right.” Leaning down, I kiss him on the cheek. “Ready?”

He nods.

“You remember what we told you?”

“Don’t speak and don’t listen to anyone.”

“Harriet will bring you back upstairs to your room, and you’re not to leave under any circumstances,” Cedric warns him.

“I know.” Finn makes a face. “I’m not a baby. You don’t have to keep telling me!”

“Okay, then.” I give Cedric one final look. “Everything is ready, right?”

He nods. “Stop worrying. It will be fine.”

I believe him, but this lump of anxiety sitting in my throat isn’t going anywhere. Nevertheless, it’s time to get the show on the road. With Finn by our side, we make our way to the ballroom.

Erik’s staff has done a marvelous job of decorating the entire palace. While we stand by, waiting to be announced, I watch in awe as the lights glitter on the marble floor, causing it to sparkle. There is one large chandelier in the center of the ballroom casting a beautiful, warm glow over the entire room. I recognize most of the people in attendance, which is not surprising considering I’ve spent time in the East, the North, and the human world. From the corner where we are standing, my eyes search for Vivian, and I see her next to Xavier. His arm is around her waist, and the way the two of them are huddled so close together makes me wonder what’s really going on between them.

Royal families are always announced, and they are to formally greet the royal family of the hosting kingdom. Erik walks past us and gives us a nod. My hands tighten on Finn’s shoulders, and I whisper to Cedric, “It feels like I’m readying myself for battle.”

“I’ll be right here with you.”

His words are reassuring, but the fact is that I’m about to come face to face with people who have tormented me endlessly and whose cruel eyes will land on my son. I’ve always vowed to myself that I will protect Finn no matter what, but right now, it feels like I’m throwing him into the hands of the enemy.

“The king and queen of the Northern Kingdom!”

Cedric and I step forward, and Finn moves in behind us as he was told to do. I see Vivian excitedly walking toward the center of the three-tier, winding staircase, where Erik is standing. She must have known that Cedric was here.

She hasn’t seen us yet as we come to stand in the spotlight at the top of the staircase to the right. But others have noticed. A hush falls over the ballroom, and the announcer says loudly, “King Cedric Raine and Queen Leanna Avery!”

Vivian, who has nearly reached Erik, freezes. My eyes are fixed on her as she lifts her head and looks directly at me. I see shock enter her eyes when she meets my gaze. The announcer is not done, however.

“And the crown prince to the Northern Kingdom, Prince Finn Raine!”

Hushed whispers break out among the attendees, but my eyes are on Vivian. The color drains from her face when she sees Finn, who is a carbon copy of Cedric. Her lips part, but she can’t seem to utter a word. I see movement behind her, and my eyes dart to a figure heading toward the staircase.

Bella.

A wave of rage and protectiveness moves through me. I don’t know which one of them is the biggest threat to my son, but my fight is with both of them.

Bella’s eyes meet mine, and I see both shock and fury in them.

Holding her gaze, I give her a smug smile.

I survived.

I gave birth to the heir of the Northern Kingdom.

My mate is standing beside me.

She did her best to get rid of me, but she failed.

I won.

We reach the bottom of the staircase and walk toward Erik. Vivian is standing at the edge of the crowd now, and Bella comes to stand beside her. She’s whispering to Vivian fiercely.

Erik meets my gaze and gives me a small smile.

Cedric nods at Erik. “The North greets the king of the Human Wolf Kingdom.”

Erik reaches out and shakes his hand. “The North has been a great ally to our kingdom. It has given me great pleasure to host your queen and the crown prince here for the past eight years.”

The whispers grow louder, and Vivian is unable to control herself.

“What are you talking about?!” Her voice is tinged with hysteria. “I am the queen of the North, not that woman!” She pushes Bella away and strides to the front where we are standing. “The queen of the Northern Wolf Kingdom is me, Vivian! Not her! That woman is a slave and an imposter! She deceived the Northern Kingdom, pretending to be me—”

“Leanna is my fated mate.” Cedric puts his arm around my waist, his voice calm. “You are not and have never been my queen.”

Bella chooses this moment to come and stand beside Vivian, her voice tense. “Your Majesty, you are well aware of that woman’s status. Everything Queen Vivian speaks is the truth. The noble families don’t recognize this woman as our queen. Why are you dragging our personal matters out in front of all three kingdoms?” She looks at me, and I see the anger and disgust in her eyes. “If you wish to take this woman as your mistress, we will overlook the matter, but you cannot claim this bastard child as your heir.”

Her words are carefully chosen, each barb aimed to draw blood.

I open my mouth, but Cedric doesn’t give me the chance to speak. “Princess Vivian was always meant to be nothing more than a political prisoner. My intended mate was always Leanna. You are well aware of this. And since when do the noble families interfere in the king’s personal matters? You are crossing the line, Bella Asher. Step back.”