At the end where Destiny awaits: Book 6 of the Kinstone series

(Arcturus)

I sigh as I stand with Viktor in the parliamentary chambers. The late-afternoon sun shines in from the windows high up in the rotunda. It’s slowly dying however as night begins its inevitable approach.

The master of House Titalos and I have been discussing a great deal of things ever since we arrived along with many of the others here. The topics seem to repeat over and over whenever we are together.

“Still no word of Lady Aria?” he asks.

I shake my head. “None still,” I reply. “Miriam has grown even more silent as of late.”

I clench my fists, worried for her, for the one who I prayed to God could have become my daughter one day. It’s been half a year since Aria fled her home, and each day I still wished I could have gone against the wishes of Miriam and retrieved her. I know I signed the documents giving her sister custodial rights in the event of something happening, yet still I wished to have gone for her.

I haven’t heard that sweet child’s voice in what seems like ages. We grew close since her battle in the summer, feeling the burgeoning bonds of father and daughter. Yet not once has Aria contacted us.

Not that I don’t blame the child. Seeing how a group of children from the Court appeared at her home with intent of claiming her life. I have little doubt her trust in us is suspect at best.

I peer up towards an empty seat, whose occupant has been taken from us. When news of her death reached us, the entire Court was rocked to its core. Rachel was someone whom all here respected highly, whose voice could quell the most tumultuous and heated of arguments. Yet now…stricken from us.

I miss her deeply, having regretted not asking Rachel for her hand. For six months, I felt a hole in my heart growing, without her to fill it.

I grit my teeth, wishing that I had stayed longer with her and Aria. If I had, perhaps things may have been different.

I peer over, watching as Sabine speaks with her husband Tobias and Josephine. Sabine herself cried for days on end when she heard the news, nearly becoming inconsolable by Tobias. Even her own children were unable to aid their mother. Yet in time she finally calmed, wishing like others to have gone for Aria. I know she and Rachel spoke often with the lilith growing more and more fond of the girl.

Tobias, however, has been the rocky foundation on which his wife has rested upon. He also has kept the Court together along with the primary council and myself. We have steadied the Court, directing its course in order to try and prevent or slow Regulus’ progress here in Europe.

Josephine has worried and feared each day for the pair, often keeping herself occupied with handling negotiations with our nations in the attempt to keep any innocents from reaching harm while we fruitlessly search for Regulus.

I then glance over to Andriy as he hovers about the room. The vampire lord has been in a malaise of fret and concern. I know he and Aria became close, with the former acting as a sort of mentor to her in certain matters.

He occasionally glimpses towards Arcohan, as if in a query over the dragon. The great wyrm merely smiles at the vampire. Yet it seems rather odd at how warm and strangely proud the ancient appears to be. He has gone missing in the past month, something that everyone took note of. Still strange of him.

Under him I watch as his son and daughter, both in their half forms, speak with a few others. They too have grown more and more concerned. Yet why?

Around me I hear the whispers of the others, some louder than they realize. Whispers of concern mixed with frustration and anger. I slowly pan my gaze around as several have formed into groups, all speaking amongst themselves.

I then glance towards the green dragons hailing from the east. They are joined by the elves from the same region of Europe. However as both groups speak with the other, I have seen a singular pair speaking more often than the others. I noticed this the moment Aria and her mother first walked through the chamber doors, and when Aria was introduced to us.

Oddly enough, they have been seen together in the past few months, and increasingly so after Viktor and I returned here in July. They seemed fixated on Aria for some reason.

I pan over as Kerrigan wanders the chambers, no doubt for the same reasons as her parents, yet with a far, deeper reason. I know and have known why and what she is feeling for Aria. The love of a lilith is a powerful thing, and Aria is the object of such feelings.

I glimpse Beltrok and his son Drakon mulling about, remaining quiet and hidden. While Irina acted on her own accord, separate from her family, they still feel the shame of her once more trying to kill Aria, attacking the daughter of a fellow member merely out of spite and revenge.

The vampiress’ whereabouts are known to us, with her under the strictest of guard at her home. Her mother personally seeing to her imprisonment, having become outraged by her daughter’s actions.

Sabine looks up and knocks her head towards Andriy. I nod, stepping over to the vampire along with Viktor while Andriy remains in his corner as Tobias and Josephine joins us.

I sighs, shaking my head. “I should have taken Aria into my home. With me, I perhaps could have given her fatherly love to help in her grief.”

Sabine rests her hand on to my arm. “Noble and sweet as it is, Miriam still told us not to enter America. She was safer with her coven, hidden from everyone.”

She then smiles to me, “It’s also a bit too early to think of her as your daughter.”

I smirk, nodding. She’s right on both accounts. If I, or anyone here, would have gone for her, Regulus would immediately take notice and track us. As for the other, I know it’s presumptuous to think of Aria as my own child. Call it wishful arrogance.

However, even with Aria’s coven sheltering her, she still was put into danger and fled. Since then, Miriam went dark, giving few details to us.

“I haven’t slept much these past few months,” says Josephine. She then sighs in frustration, “I still wish I could have visited them more often. Perhaps even coming earlier in the summer before all of this began.”

I nod softly to her. Josephine has often desired to visit Aria and her mother, a fact she expressed at the start of last summer. However, she never truly was able to find the opportunity in order to do so. After Aria’s linage was revealed, she worked tirelessly to keep the nobles of Europe from constantly hounding the poor girl. However a few still managed to slip by her.

Andriy crosses his arms, hearing the fabric of his coat creaking. He glances to the side, then at us. His crimson eyes are filled with such concern for his little pupil, a feeling that’s grown more prevalent as he furiously has attempted to search for Regulus, yet oddly came up with nothing.

I can still recall the abject fear I saw in his eyes the day Aria was revealed to be the heir to Shyair. He knew she possessed the Xur’canah, a secret he kept from everyone. He then spoke of it to me under hushed tones, making sure that no one heard him.

He grits his teeth. “I wish I could hear her voice again,” he says softly. “I miss our chats, our little sessions together.” He then looks to me. “You may already know this, but I grew to love speaking to her, telling her all I knew of Dewloura.”

I smile, “She told me, old friend. I know she thinks highly of you.”

He smiles softly, nodding.

“Gah, this is yet another session of Court we have no reason for,” I hear coming the chamber.

“That’s correct,” speaks up another. “The suddenness of the summons is aggravating.”

I pan over, seeing a goblin angrily tap his foot as he then scans the room. “Regulus and the undead witch of Nethune aren’t here are they?”

A few more whispers erupt from the group, whispers filled with concern and even fear. With Selene revealing her presence, several did indeed answer the call of Nethune, with many openly pledging their support for her and Regulus. This act has made many here nervous and even paranoid.

“I can assure you that neither are here,” declares Tobias. His voice is booming yet tries to calm to crowd down.

“I personally can attest that they aren’t here,” I add. “I doubt they would come here to threaten us. Even Regulus isn’t that arrogant.”

However, that is after he somehow managed to enter the castle without raising the alarm in the first place. When he was declared a traitor, his access should have been revoked, violently I might add. Yet still, he stood at the center of the chamber, unharmed.

I scan the room, feeling the tension growing ever more, with the sounds of aggravation rising. The room is thick with anxiety however as I gaze at Arcohan and his children, they appear rather calm, if not happy. Why? Why are they an island of calm in a sea of tension and nervousness?

“THEN WHO CALLED THIS SESSION?!?!” angrily shouts a dwarf.

“I did.”

Everyone quickly shifts their gaze towards to the source of the voice. My eyes grow wide as my mouth nearly plummets to the floor as I see little Aria standing in the door. Her nine pink tails swish through the air, with her golden eyes fiercely, yet calmly, staring at us.

She’s always seemed to be truly lovely in her kitsune form, more natural. Yet now even more so.

Flanking her, I see Fenris, appearing as a proud and confident father. Yet now he seems more for regal than the last time I saw him. Then to my supreme surprise I see another wolf, this one more of the typical silver.

“Aria!” shouts Kerrigan. This is repeated by her parents who are in complete shock of seeing her.

Josephine is speechless, holding her hands over her mouth. She seems elated to see the girl once more, relieved. Andriy however is utterly shocked to see her, standing much like a statue. Yet I see a warm smile rising on his face, happy to see her once more.

“Y-Your Highness,” I hear several others declare.

I personally cannot believe she is actually standing here, alive and rather composed. Her tails continue to wave through the air behind her. Her arms hang low at her sides, a gesture of both calm yet still projecting strength.

“She…she’s beautiful,” says Sabine. “I’ve only seen photos of her as a kitsune yet now…I can’t help but marvel at her. She looks so much like her mother, far more than before.”

I nod, still in awe again that she is actually here.

“Look at how confident she is,” whispers Viktor.

“I agree. I can still recall how nervous she was the first time she was here,” I add. “Her eyes project a level of maturity you don’t see in a girl her age.”

“Uldulvan wolves,” sounds a voice behind me. “I can’t believe I am actually seeing true Uldulvan wolves.”

I turn my gaze back to Fenris, again seeing him project a regality befitting his name. The massive, black wolf easily towers over his little girl, yet is calm and watchful. His ice-blue eyes exude power and serenity.

Yet, as I gaze to the right of Aria, I once more see the other wolf standing next to her. I can’t help but be in awe of its beauty. It seems sleeker, softer in appearance when compared to Fenris. A female perhaps?

The other wolf looks to Aria, giving a soft smile, motherly. Yes…yes, a female Uldulvan wolf. Incredible. But how did she find another wolf? Where did she come from?

Behind me I again hear the soft whispers of the others, most are muffled however. The room is once more filled with tension as all eyes lay upon the young kitsune standing before us. I will admit her outfit truly is befitting of the girl, a true kitsune princess.

She smiles to us, her tails swishing behind her. Aria folds her arms in front of her as her eyes remain locked on the crowd before her.

“Hello, everyone,” she greets. “I’m grateful to see all of you again. Granted for most this is only the second time you’ve seen me.”

“Your Highness,” I hear several more again exclaim, some even bowing to her.

Her smile continues, which seems to light up the room. A fact I know all too well. Aria beams like a beacon the more she smiles, no doubt attempting to calm everyone present.

“F-forgive me, Your Highness,” bravely speaks up a man to my left. “But I am you are aware of the rule that you must be in your true form while in court. For we know you to be human.”

This is true, however it doesn’t exactly apply to a few present.

Her smile continues, still as warm as always. “I am kitsune now. While I was indeed born a human, over time I truly became kitsune.” She then giggles softly, “As one of my aunts told me, ‘a kitsune not born of kitsune’.”

The man nods.

It’s a rather cryptic yet true statement. The more I stare at her, the more I can only see a kitsune. Her aura, presence, even how she is merely standing there, is not how a human would be. She’s changed even more then when I saw her in the summer.

“Are…are you here to disband the Court?” asks another. “I know we have failed many times in our attempts to locate Regulus. Yet even more in our failure to prevent the attack on your home by children tied to the Court.”

She smiles, shaking her head. “I don’t blame anyone of you for what happened in the summer. Nor for not capturing Regulus.” She sighs, nodding, “He’s too clever to be caught so easily.”

Her tails then coil around her feet while other floats through the air. Her wolves act in kind, with each taking hold of one of hers. They truly are her parents, something I know Fenris to be, yet the other is also. Truly incredible.

“However,” she continues, “I am thankful for your concern and worry for us. Your forebears and my ancestors would equally be grateful.”

She then turns to me, her smile beaming heavily. She seems truly happy to see me, yet also restraining herself from simply leaping into my arms.

I too feel the same, wanting to rush over and snatch up into my arms. I want to hold her like father should with his daughter, yet I know I am not her father. However, a question then comes to mind as I look to her.

“Aria, what do you mean by ‘us’?”

I know some might scowl at me for using her name so causally, yet we are far more than simple strangers to each other.

Aria peers over her shoulder, then rolls her eyes, sighing heavily, even drooping her shoulders in frustration. I almost want to chastise her for unladylike demeanor. However…she is still a teenager after all.

She turns back to us, and holding up her finger, “Give me just one moment.” She then dashes out into the corridor, leaving her wolves behind. Fenris appears to smirk, grinning as he looks outwards. His counterpart however merely shakes her head in disapproval.

The sounds of whispering can be heard coming from the other side of the door. No one can discern what’s being said, but given the frustration in her voice, Aria is slightly annoyed with someone.

“You’re embarrassing me,” I can vaguely make out coming from her. The sounds of muffled chuckles are then heard coming from the hallway. Everyone waits on baited breath at whatever conversation is occurring.

Just who else did she bring with her?

A moment later, Aria finally returns but now holding someone by the hand. My eyes grow wide as I hear the sounds of numerous gasps echo throughout the chambers as I see Rachel coming into view. Many nearly faint as they all stare at her.

Rachel smiles, “Hello, everyone. Now... as a great man once said, the news of my death has been gravely exaggerated.”

I nearly want to chuckle are her little joke, yet I can’t help but find it true. Once more I cannot believe my eyes, both women are standing here before us, before me. For the first time in months, I couldn’t be happier.

(Me)

I grin as I stare up at Arcturus. Hey, a little theater is a part of this plan of mine. One that’s done for several purposes. I still cling to Mom’s hand as we step a little further into the chamber. It’s a bit jarring being in here again with Mom. I think back to when I first was here and how nervous I was back then. I’m still in awe at how big it is, just truly gigantic.

My ears flick back as I hear everyone else slowly make their way into the chambers. For everyone else here, it might be a bit surprising that I’m accompanied by so many people. However they are my family.

I grin softly as Kenji enters the chambers. The look of sheer nervousness is apparent all over his face. He’s exactly as I was the first time I came here. I almost want to reach out with a tail and wrap it around his, just to make him feel more comfortable. However I know he’ll do fine, given Yukari’s training and some experience in courtly manners while in the fairy realms.

“I hope you will forgive me, Your Highness,” says a man coming into view. His attire reminds me a bit of Arcturus or Tobias. So maybe he’s also part of primary council.

“While you are indeed the heir of Shyair,” he continues, “you are not a formal member of the Court. Nor are you of age to send out the summons.”

Well…that’s true. Yet…there’s something else that’s true. Plans within plans.

“I am the one who sent out the summons,” I hear a gentle yet booming voice that rises over the chambers.

A massive red dragon stretches out his neck, easily moving over the crowd until his snout reaches me and starts to nuzzle my face.

I giggle softly, “Hey, Grandpa.”

“Grandpa!?!?” exclaims several in attendance. I look over and watch as dozens look at us in shock.

I merely giggle more as I start to stroke the dragon’s jaw.

“'Grandpa'?” asks Mom as she also stares at us in shock. She then chuckles, shaking her head, “You sly, old wyrm. You were the one who looked after Aria and Marron.”

He chuckles, dipping his head to her. “It truly is wonderful to see you again, Rachel.”

I grin, still stroking my dragonic grandfather. It’s really great seeing him again after we left the Outpost.

“Care to explain this to us?” asks another from the crowd.

The old dragon smiles as he shifts his head slightly, yet not enough to where he wants to leave me. “My true name is Ddraig, one of the founders and leaders of the coven of Colburn. I assumed the identity of ‘Arcohan’ in order to make sure the Court did not venture too far into America and possibly interfere with my family.”

He then nudges my face again, his eyes venturing towards Beltrok who is standing in shock at us. I nod softly, still stroking the hard scales of the dragon.

“Have you been lying to us this entire time, you old drake?” asks Sabine. The lilith seems to smile, yet I can tell she’s a little hurt by this revelation.

Ddraig grins, “Not exactly. I truly am a member of this court, representing the isle of England.” He then leans in a little, “Yet I hold a few secrets, some of which I have shared with my granddaughters here.”

He then fixes his gaze onto Marron as she strolls over, reaching up and stroking his jaw. She smiles, laying her head on him which he too smiles warmly.

Arcturus sighs, shaking his head. “I knew you and your kin held some tie to Rachel. However, I could have never thought of something this deep.”

The ancient dragon chuckles softly, sending rumbles into my tiny body. I grin looking at Arcturus, happy to see him. I then watch as he and Mom’s eyes meet, each becoming lost into the others as she walks over to her. Yep…I really am more like my mother than I thought, given how I do the same with Kenji at times.

“You are still as beautiful as the last time I saw you,” he says.

Mom grins softly as she draws in closer to him. I almost want to watch them take each other’s and come even closer. I watch them closely, even though the eyes of the entire Court is bearing down on us. To them it doesn’t matter.

I grin as I lean in, still holding onto Ddraig. “You know…if you still want to marry her, then you have my blessing to.”

Mom quickly looks to me, her cheeks flushing completely red as her eyes go wide. Both Marron and Ddraig burst into laughter. I giggle as look up at my mother. Well, there are some times when certain issues need to be pushed forward.

Arcturus also chuckles, shaking his head. “Your truly are your mother’s daughter, Aria.”

I grin, laying my head onto the dragon’s jaw. “In more ways than you know.”

He smiles to me and then to Mom. “Well, with that kind of endorsement why not?” He takes her hand, holding it tightly. “We have been putting it off for far too long Rachel.”

She grins, cheeks still blushing. “I agree.” She then looks to me. “When this is all over, we shall.”

I grin. Well…it looks like another part of my rather ingenious plan comes to a close. Hehe yep, just had to get them back together again. Granted there’s still a lot to happen before that, lots more.

I peer back as Marron as gone back over to Kenji while my aunts and Silvi start to talk to a few people. I smile, watching everyone. I can still see that Kenji is nervous as he stands frozen. This is something far and beyond anything he could have ever thought of while still in the village. I know he’s nervous and I don’t blame him.

I eye Orga and Kateryna as they stand guard at the door. I peer beyond it, knowing something else is about happen, the next phase. I gaze back to my knights, motioning then forward. They nod, stepping further in and joining my sister and boyfriend.

My wolves on the other hand simply sit and watch, with Athena smiling to me. Fenris looks on proudly as a father does with his daughter. I grin softly to them, happy they’re here with me.

I watch as Tobias and Sabine walk over to Mom and Arcturus, with the lilith instantly pulling me into a hug. She holds me tightly to her ample bosom, which is still ridiculous. She’s not lulling me in this time, merely ecstatic to see me again. I giggle softly.

She smiles, stroking my hair. “I know you’ve been getting this a lot lately but I truly have been worried about you, Aria,” she says. “I think the world of you and have since I first met you.”

I smile, “Thank you, and you’re right.”

She smiles, gently stroking my ears, causing me to blush. “I, also like many others, would have loved nothing more than to bring you into my home. My daughters would simply be beside themselves having you around. I think even my son would love to have you with him.”

I giggle nervously, seeing Kerrigan smiling to me. “I think Kerrigan would have more than likely spirited me away to Rome.” Yeah…that may not be the only thing she’d have in mind for me.

Sabine peers over to her daughter, who is waiting patiently and nods. “Indeed, my little sweetie.”

I blush more, looking over. “I doubt she’d let me go if I were with her.”

She nods, still stroking my hair. “Again I agree with you, my dear. We liliths love deeply, and are rather clingy to those we love.” She peers to her husband who in turn smiles back.

Sabine then grins, looking down to me. “Now, I believe Kerrigan’s description of you as kitsune hardly compares to the real thing.” She leans over, “If she hadn’t already claimed you then I would have.”

I blush and grin, peering back over to her, seeing the woman beaming brightly. She’s…another person I really want to talk to. There’s a lot to in fact. However for now…just keep it simple.

Tobias looks to me and smiles. “I will say the Court has made progress in tracking down Regulus, however he always manages to slip away.”

I nod, looking to him. I already know how he’s doing it too. Next phase of the plan.

Tobias then turns to Mom and Arcturus as the pair talks to several people. “I might,” giggles, “on top of everything else I might have something planned in relation to Dewloura.”

He looks to me stunned. His gaze holds for a moment before he simply nods to me.

Josephine then slips in to pull me away from Sabine and holds me close to her, hugging me tightly. I then watch as Mom and I are further pulled away from each other, however I don’t mind. I grin as Arcturus follows after her.

Fenris and Athena continue to watch as more and more people begin to surround us. I slowly start to feel smothered as nearly the entire Court is quite literally breathing over me. I’m pretty sure my knights are equally as watchful, ready to pounce if need be. However I’m pretty sure I’m safe where I currently am at the moment.

The elderly woman smiles to me. “I’m so happy to see you, ma petit renard. However, I truly regret not coming to visit you like I should.”

I grin, “It’s fine. I do have to thank you for everything you’ve done for me here in Europe.”

Yeah, keeping the noblemen of every little nook and cranny of an entire continent from constantly hounding my doorstep is a mastercraft of work.

She grins brightly, swaying us softly. “It was the least I could do for you, little one.”

I smile, then gaze back onto the crowd. “There’s a lot of people I have to talk to.”

She smiles, giving me one final squeeze before letting me go.

I stroll over to Viktor Titalos as he’s accompanied by a young woman. The patriarch of House Titalos bows to me. “My lady Aria. It truly is an honor to be in your presence again.”

I smile, “Farich kovut nelric jorin Titalos.” (The honor is mine, Master Titalos.)

He looks to me stunned, “You… can speak Alcoran. Not only that, but you speak as though you were native to it. Even the inflections are that of a native speaker.”

I grin, nodding. “I had a really good teacher. In fact, I want to thank you for everything you gave me prior to my exile. It really helped.”

He smiles brightly, bowing again. “As it was in time in memorial as is today, my house shall forever serve yours in any possible way we can.”

I grin, nearly blushing. House Titalos really has come through for me, not only in the present but also in the past.

He smiles, then looks me over, as everyone apparently love to do now. “It’s true as what Arcturus said, that you indeed look far more mature then you did when I saw you last summer. You even have a second wolf, which truly is astonishing. How may I ask?”

I nod, swishing my tails behind me. “I will explain everything soon.”

He nods, “As you wish, my Lady.” He then motions to the young woman beside him. “I would like to introduce you to my daughter, Alizia.”

I turn to her. She then curtsies to me. “A pleasure to finally meet you, Your Highness.”

I smile. Alizia is taller than me, yet slightly shorter than Marron and just as pretty. Her dark hair is braided into a tight bun yet not overly tight. Her soft pale eyes denote she’s gentle yet hides a passion. She’s obviously older than me, possibly early twenties.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well,” I reply. “Just wish it was under better circumstances.”

She smiles, nodding. “As do I, Your Highness. When my father went to see you last summer, he left before telling anyone, and I wished I had accompanied him. I do regret not keeping Lana and Mistral in check. They did enjoy abusing their status, despite myself being older than them. Yet when they did return, Kerrigan’s siblings and I went after them.”

I smile, “Thank you. I have so much to discuss with you both and your house. In fact, when my business here in concluded, I will be traveling to Dewloura.”

The pair looked to me with immense shock, their eyes wide as melons with the spark of hope shining within them.

“Is…is it true, my Lady?” asks Viktor.

I nod. “It is.”

Viktor and Alizia look to each other once more. Bright smiles stretch across their faces as excitement shows as well.

Viktor then looks to me, “If…if I may ask of you, my Lady, but may we accompany you?”

I grin, “I was actually about to ask you that.” It’s not only because their house has remained loyal to Shyair for all these centuries why I want to them to come. It’s a simpler reason; I want to restore them to their true home. A home that I claimed while there.

The pair beams brightly. “If you will excuse us, my Lady, but I must contact the rest of my house.”

I giggle, nodding. Alizia looks practically giddy as they both bow and leave, not that I blame her. Their entire house is about to return to where ancestors fled. Maybe it’s being a little vain of me to say that I’m also fixing a problem that I caused, and restoring them to where they belong.

I sigh softly as I scan the room, my ears still picking up the sound of several conversations, mostly my mother speaking to everyone. I’m actually surprised that no one is coming over and speaking with me. Perhaps my little act was a bit too much for them, or they’re simply afraid to talk to a sixteen-year-old princess. Either way, I think I’ll let Mom and the others handle the talking.

Off in a corner I see Beltrok Velkoz. I take several deep breaths, knowing I really do have to speak with him. There’s just too much bad blood between us that I really hope to clear out.

I stroll over to him, with a few of the Court members giving me little bows as I pass them. I smile, dipping my head in return. I will one day have to properly introduce myself to them, however that really can wait.

As I approach Beltrok, the vampire lord stands and bows to me. “Your Highness.”

His voice still retains the deep, rich Bulgarian accent I remember from our first meeting. However now, there’s no arrogance or hint of superiority. He’s simply a man talking to me.

“I must deeply apologize for the actions of my daughter. Twice she has attempted to claim your life. As such, you may claim hers.”

Well that’s brutal, if not a tad excessive. I really don’t hate Irina per se. However her trying to kill Luna really set me off. Coming after me is one thing. Going after an innocent child is a whole other matter. Yet I still don’t hate her, merely annoyed with her grudge against me.

I shake my head. “I do not wish for it, Lord Velkoz,” I reply softly. “Even if I were to, it would create an even greater resentment between our families. I would be taking away your child, your daughter. I really don’t want that between us.”

I take another breath, looking up to him. “I hope this decision doesn’t either.”

He looks to me. His crimson eyes stare into mine, however they are warm and gentle as a smile slowly adorns his face. He shakes his head. “No, Your Highness, I am not offended by your decision. I also agree with your assessment.”

I grin, swishing my tails behind me. “Did you know you possess a warm smile?”

He chuckles softly as he continues to look to me. “I will admit something to you. I was wrong about you the first time I met you two years ago. You truly were meant for our world. When you defeated my daughter, I saw that you were far more that I had initially surmised. Yet now here you are, a true kitsune. Even if you were still human, you are a part of our world now.”

I smile, blushing a little even. “Thank you, sir.” I then lean into him. “I hope you’re not trying to butter me up.”

He laughs, “Oh no, my dear little one.” He calms down, still smiling to me. “I am truthful and honest with my words. Believe it or not, I have kept my eye on you. My ears ringing with words from the likes of Sabine and Andriy.”

I smile, “Then perhaps one day we can become friends.”

He nods, still smiling, “I would like that. Honest and true friends.”

I grin, swishing my tails even more. Well…it’s a start. Viktor told me he didn’t hate me after he left the Estate after my duel with Irina. I’ve also long since dropped my accusation that he killed my original family out of revenge. The blame for that falls on Regulus. As for Irina…that’s going to take a lot of work to deal with.

“Aria.”

I sigh, turning to see Drakon walking up to me, somehow having gotten separated from his father.

He smiles, looking very happy to see me again. It still irks me that he actually came to my home while I was away last spring.

“I hope you’ve been considered anything since last summer,” he says to me. “You’ve been on my mind a great deal and I truly hope you’ve been doing the same.”

I roll my eyes, looking to him. “Drakon, you and I can never be together.”

His smile drops, “But…but what of the numerous gifts I sent you? I hoped one of them might have sparked something between us.”

I sigh, shaking my head. “Gifts don’t make love, Drakon. It takes more than that. Any other girl night have instantly fallen head over heels for you, even without the gifts. You really seem like a nice guy, but the real fact remains that I’m still way too young for you. Plus…this is only the third time we’ve met.”

I turn to face him. “I’m gonna level with you. I’ve never, not once, felt any sort of affection towards you. If anything, you came on way too strong and way too fast.”

His eyes look softly to me, seeing the defeat and deflation settle in. “Is…is that true?”

I nod. I sigh, looking off to the side for moment, twiddling my fingers before looking up at him again. “This is the third time I’ve had a conversation like this with someone.”

He tilts his head, now confused. “Who else have you spoken with?”

“Savero of Nerazon,” my eyes then look away feeling a sense of loss growing within me. “The other is someone whom I think is long dead now.”

Again Drakon looks to me puzzled. He tries to say something however no words come out.

I bite the inside of my lip thinking of Piotr. I do miss him, greatly in fact. While I was aware of his affections for me, it still didn’t deter me from thinking of him as dear friend. I just wish I know what happened to him.

We then hear the barking laughter of his father, breaking what awkward silence had settled between us. “I know it would never work, my son.”

I look to Beltrok surprised. “Wait, you knew?”

He grins, “I speculated he had developed feelings for you, watching your little discourse in the gallery the first time you were here. However, it was confirmed when I began noticing the types of gifts he was sending you.”

He sighs happily, looking to Drakon. “Love is fickle, my son, and you were playing a rather dangerous game with this little fox.”

Drakon sighs, deflating even more.

I look to both of them, then back to his father. “I hope I didn’t offend you by not reciprocating your son’s affections.”

He shakes his head, still grinning. “None was taken, my dear, only that the truth is now out. I did hope something might have arisen, yet now I know nothing shall.”

I nod, looking to Drakon. “You okay?”

He takes a deep breath and sighs, nodding. “I will be.” he then smiles to me, “So I see you are well-traveled in such negotiations.”

I smirk, “A little.”

He grins.

I then feel arms wrapping around me as someone then pulls me back. I peer up, seeing a pair of turquoise eyes staring into mine along with a bright smile.

I smile up to her. “Hey Kerrigan.”

She grins, squeezing me tightly to her. “I’ve missed you, cutie. For the longest time, I’ve wanted to take you away from everything and back to Rome with me. There…well, I know what little fantasies run through that little mind of yours.”

She then winks to me. “And you know I would happy indulge in all of them.”

I blush deeply, feeling the fur on my tails stand on end as my heart starts to race wildly. “I…I do hope you also know that you have a lot of eyes watching you, right?”

Kerrigan looks up, seeing my aunts, sisters, and even my wolves glaring at her. She grins, “That I do.”

It…it’s no small secret that Kerrigan is in love with me. A fact that even Mom I think perhaps approves of. I haven’t the foggiest of a clue. However, unlike with Drakon, the major singular issue that I’m too young for her.

As for me? I…really don’t have an answer for that question.

Kerrigan smiles, holding me tightly to her chest. She then leans over, “So, is the strapping, young kitsune over there the one?”

I look over, seeing Kenji still standing with Marron. He’s watching Kerrigan and I closely, well mostly me.

I smile, “He is.”

She grins, rocking us gently. I won’t lie when I saying I’m actually enjoying this, however I do have to keep myself in check whenever I’m around her.

“As always, my little cutie, I will still be waiting for you,” she says affectionately. “I truly am in love with you.”

I blush deeply, just hearing her confirm what I just thought. Yikes this woman is scary at times. Liliths are able to read feelings. Actually to be more accurate, they possess an incredible sense of smell. So what she’s been doing is smelling what I’m thinking, and it’s not something I want Kenji to know about. At least not for a couple years.

I calm down for a moment, allowing myself to think. I then smirk, “Well, I still say you and Drakon could hook up.”

Kerrigan smirks, squeezing me even tighter to her chest. “Trying to pass me off, little cutie? Well we both know that’s never going to happen. You’re the only one that will ever be for me.”

I sigh, only to hear Beltrok chuckle while Drakon leans against the banister. He does smile to me, while still a bit defeated. I don’t even think he’s offended that I tried to setting him up with Kerrigan.

Yeah that’s another thing about liliths. While still being a higher order sex demon, loving their harems, being men or women, they will often chose a singular person to be their only true love. It just so happens that I’m the center of Kerrigan’s affections and her true love. Oh boy are my feelings conflicted on this one, which just might make things complicated for me.

I peer over, seeing Andriy. My vampiric mentor smiles brightly to me, having no doubt waited patiently for his chance to talk with me. Lord knows we do.

I pan up to Kerrigan. “I need to see Master Andriy.”

She nods, planting a kiss on my forehead before letting me go. I blush softly as I head to the vampire. As I do, I glance over, noticing a green dragon in his half form and a platinum-haired elf staring at me. Each seems to be eager yet watchful. I tilt my head at them but move on.