Burning Hearts

Chapter Twenty-Five

Casen

We all settled down to enjoy an evening of Christmas movies. They set an oversized chair almost dead center for Tana and I to sit in. They really want her to get to watch the movies without obstruction. Solay placed movie names in a hat and let Tana pull out what the first movie would be.

I chuckled that she chose the Grinch cartoon. She sat diagonal on my lap, and we shared our plates. She would feed me, and I would feed her. She sat raptly watching. This is how it went most of the night. I think she liked the Nutcracker the most because there was dancing.

She fell asleep shortly into Miracle on Thirty-Fourth Street. She was snuggled into me and that’s all that mattered to me. I held her thinking about how her flame caressed me while I made love to her before we started watching the movies. I wasn’t expecting it to, but the way the fire caressed my body was a pleasure I wasn’t prepared for. The only thing that topped it was when she bit my mark. I couldn’t hold back, and I came hard as the pleasure coursed over my body and throughout it.

~~~

Robyn stole Tana shortly after air training in the afternoon. I know the women are getting ready, but I just want to be close to her. I’m nervous about tonight. I don’t want to stand with my father and brother knowing what my father has planned.

“You okay dude?” Orien asked. I looked up. “Yeah, just nervous about my dad.” “Don’t worry. Tana will be well protected.” “I know, but she’s my wife, my mate, my love. I know you don’t have someone of your own right now, but can you imagine if it was your love at risk?”

Orien placed his hand on my shoulder to comfort me. “She may not be my love, but I care for her deeply. She is my sister by your mark of Comet. She is my queen. I will not let harm come to her.” “Thank you for not calling her a mother figure to you.” His lip curled in a smile. “That’s pushing it and, technically, Robyn holds more of that title because of our situations.” I smiled and chuckled and he joined me.

“Let’s get this over with,” I said. I moved to the dresser and placed my crown on my head and made sure my prince's ring was properly displayed. I hate wearing a tux, but I have to say I look pretty good when I glance at myself in the mirror. “You’re s*xy you know that.” Orien teased. I smirked. “It only matters if Tana thinks I’m s*xy.” “I hate to break it to you, but she thinks I’m far s*xier than you. We were waiting to break the news to you.”

I elbowed Orien in his side, and he grasped it, feigning pain. He was laughing and I was laughing along with him. “Better?” He asked. I nodded. I do feel more relaxed with talking with Orien and his joking around with me.

We went downstairs and it seemed as if all the men were waiting in the main sitting room. We didn’t wait for too much longer before the women descended. They were all so beautiful. My legs wanted to buckle as Tana came down the stairs last. The red dress she was wearing suited her as the queen she is. It caressed her torso snuggly. It flared out at her hips and I’m certain she chose the dress that way to be able to dance more freely. It fell to just below her knees. She had ruby encrusted heels on which made me think of the Wizard of Oz, except Tana’s heels were the s*xy version.

Her hair was left down, and she had waves of loose ringlet curls all over that blended with her natural waves in her hair. She had a ruby and diamond necklace, matching earrings, bracelets, and a ring. She is wearing a diamond-encrusted tiara with a huge ruby in the dead center. The lights are sparkling off the tiara. I noticed her mark was covered with make-up. We planned it, but my dragon doesn’t like that his mark is being covered.

I stepped forward. “You look amazing.” I complimented her. She blushed. “It’s not too much?” She asked. “Absolutely not. You look like your true self. How did I end up being lucky enough to land you as my wife?” I asked rhetorically before I leaned in to kiss her bright red lips.

We climbed into the limos rented for the evening. They drove us to my father’s palace. When I stepped out, I had some trepidation looking at the building. Everything flooded back the last time we stood at the entrance to be brought to the dungeon. Tana took my hand and squeezed it. “You, okay?” “Yeah. Just remembering last time, I stood in front of the palace.” She gave an extra squeeze.

“You’re late.” Callum accused me. We really weren’t. I noticed him looking at Tana and I felt her revulsion. I had to hide my response to it. I tried to send soothing energy mixed with my desire to her because I could feel her ready to call upon her flame to protect herself. I kissed her hand and Orien stepped up to her other side. She took his hand when he offered his hand to her.

She only freely allows the males she’s come to get to know in the house to touch her and be close to her. I watched as he squeezed her hand gently as I followed Callum inside to take my place. My father’s warriors lined the perimeter of the palace on all levels.

You wouldn’t know that a little over a month ago he sentenced Tana to death and burned her alive. I looked at the spot where she was burned. I started to get angry, but I felt Tana calming me. The glass dome ceiling has been repaired and everything looks as it was. I moved to my dad. He looked at me expectantly and I took my place at his side. Callum looked at me with an incredulous look.

“Bow to me.” My dad said under his breath so only we could hear him. “No. And you can’t make me.” His eyes narrowed and I could tell I angered him, but I didn’t care. He should be bowing to me. I am Tana’s king. That caused me to want to smirk, but I schooled my face quickly as I looked out upon the space.

It is decorated beautifully now that I am really looking. It is very festive. There are several huge trees decorated around the edge of the space. The guests started to file in. Thankfully, we won’t have to greet everyone, only the royals. It will still take time, but I’m glad I don’t have to meet all the alphas that have arrived.

I watched as Rhistal and Sen stood to each side of Tana. She is dwarfed compared to their sizes. No one approached her because of them looming like dangerous statues at her side. They both gave a look of just try it. I smiled internally.

It took a little over an hour to greet all the royals from each group and species invited. I had to chuckle a little at greeting everyone from the house. They all surrounded Tana when they finished with their greeting.

The music turned up and everyone began dancing. I couldn’t leave my spot just yet. I lost sight of Tana in the crowd. I caught a glimpse of her hair. She was talking with a tall man with black hair shaggy hair though he seemed to have tried to contain it. He extended his hand and she nodded and placed her hand in his. He led her to the dance floor.

He was shocked when she took control and began to lead him around the floor. She turned him and I realized it was the prince from Australia. I wanted to be upset he was dancing with my wife, but honestly, I got good vibes from him, and she probably picked up on that too. It is most likely the only reason she’s letting him touch her and dance with her.

He adjusted quickly to her dancing style. He was smiling at her, and she returned it. I glanced over to see Robyn, Adrian, Michael, and Orien staring at Tana and Prince Brayon. I felt comforted they were close and keeping their eyes on them. I noticed Orien and Adrian approaching them.

“What is happening?” I asked. “Come to us now.” Robyn commanded me. I didn’t hesitate to make my way to them. I heard my father start to protest, but I ignored him. I maneuvered through the bodies. I wanted to be concerned, but Tana wasn’t filling me with any dread or concern. Robyn grasped my hand as Orien and Adrian brought Tana and Brayon towards us.

“Follow me.” Robyn commanded. Robyn released my hand, but I walked beside her. Robyn led us towards the perimeter where there was no one gathered. She turned and I turned. I noticed that everyone else had made a barrier. Orien and Adrian seemed to be on edge a little with Brayon in between them looking a little confused.

“Who are you?” Robyn asked bluntly. “Prince Brayon Bishop of Australia.” He responded. “It’s nice to meet you, Brayon. I am Queen Robyn of Faylinn and all fae.” She extended her hand, and he took it, shaking it. “I know this is a little confusing that I asked to speak with you and the protection.” She gestured to all of us. “It is necessary though. You belong with us.” She stated.

I was confused for a half second before I felt it. “What?” He asked, confused. “We are your family. We came here to find Comet, but we ended up finding Oberon as well. You were the last one to find and you walked through the front door.” Robyn beamed at him with excitement. He still looked confused.

I could tell Orien wanted to hold him in his grasp and hug him tightly. It was how I felt. “Here, let me give you your memories.” She stepped up to him and rested her hand on his temple. He closed his eyes, and I could see confusion turn into an expression of clarity.

“Juno?” He asked as she released him. She nodded and he picked her up in his arms and twirled her around. She laughed. He hugged all of us. Orien hugged him tightly and Adrian was almost in tears when he turned to hug him too. We are complete now. Badar has been found.