Ella - POV Henry entered the room, taking his designated seat. "So, what's the latest intel we have?" Darcus asked a frosty look in his eyes that echoed the gaze he once directed at me when we first collaborated. "The execution order for Arya couldn't be carried out. The assassin turned on our troops, freed Arya, and escaped," Henry reported, his words igniting a fire in Darcus's eyes. "Why is she still alive, Henry? Why can't you follow simple orders?" Darcus's frustration was palpable. Henry dropped his gaze, a mark of his remorse. "What's the status with Ladon and Blair?" Mr. Archer Taylor interjected, attempting to steer the conversation. "Mr. Taylor, I'm afraid I can only answer that question if his majesty requests it," Henry replied stiffly, earning a scowl from Mr.Archer Taylor. "Henry, remember that Mr. Archer Taylor and James are my allies. Feel free to share information with them," Darcus clarified. Henry's gaze shifted towards me as Darcus spoke, causing discomfort. C

Darcus - POV Many Dragon Aristocrats in the royal court appreciated my presence, while others were enraged. I received hostile gazes from my mother's followers, who despised my power. Though I considered eradicating them, I needed more proof to take action. However, I found another way to undermine them by imposing strict laws and taxes on the products they dealt in, leading to the downfall of their businesses. As I ascended the throne, Ella's surprised expression met my gaze. I could imagine how strange it must have been for her to see such a different world from the human realm. "Thank you all for being here. Today, we gather to celebrate our Kingdom's alliance with the Hope and Wolf families," I addressed the crowd. "However, some members of my own family have committed treason. Former King Ladon, former Queen Arya, and my stepbrother Blair is considered crown criminals. Any support given to them will result in imprisonment and the stripping of titles." The dragon aristocrats mur

Ella - POV Darcus had lost consciousness, and his breathing became shallow. James, Archer, and Henry carefully transported Darcus back to the castle while Henry hurried to summon the physicians. I stood by, watching as they laid Darcus on the bed, feeling a heavy weight of grief and anguish in my chest at the sight of him in such a condition. "He'll be just fine, Ella. I called Dave, and he will heal," James reassured me. I listened attentively to James's words and nodded in agreement, never taking my eyes off Darcus's figure. "James, the pain of losing him is too much for me to bear," I sobbed uncontrollably, and James enveloped me in his arms, offering comfort. "You will not lose him," Archer stated firmly, causing me to release my grip on James. Dave arrived at the scene, and James approached him, explaining the situation. Henry burst into the chamber, followed by the castle doctor and Zac, who hurriedly stepped forward to console me. "I'm sorry, Ella. So much has happened in t

My name is Alice Brooks, and I am a dragon shifter. Today, I stand inside a cave known as the Mating Rejection Chamber. The trial results will be announced; the accused is my abusive mate, Jeffrey Claire. The monarch of the dragon kingdom, Darcus, and his mate, Queen Ella, sit on the judgment seat together. I anxiously await the hearing on the proceedings to reject the fated mate who abused and betrayed me. I pray to the gods for a harsh punishment for the wicked mate. "I, King Darcus of the Dragon Kingdom, have gone over every piece of evidence and statement made by Alice Brooks and Jeffrey Claire. The trial verdicts will be revealed by the queen," King Darcus stated, gazing at his queen, who had risen from her throne. My pulse pounds anxiously in anticipation of her words. "Alice Brooks, the court rules in your favor, and you will reject your mate with the help of the witches' ritual. I will condemn Jeffrey Claire to three years in a dungeon for the crimes he committed." The words

Alice - POV As Jeffery's eyes scanned the paper on the desk, Isha's voice cut through the air with a venomous hiss. "Get out of my house, Jeffery." My heart raced as I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I turned to see Isha standing beside me, her persistent presence giving me the strength to face my monstrous mate. Jeffery's eyes flicked at her, and anger rippled through his features. "Let us go home now," he commanded, his voice cold and controlled. I shivered, feeling the weight of his dominance pressing down on me. "She won't go anywhere," Isha shot back sternly. I gripped her hand, silently urging her to stay calm. "Stay out of this, Isha," Jeffery growled, his gaze fixed on me. "She is my mate and wife. She will stay with me." I knew better than to argue with him. If Isha continued to challenge him, it wouldn't be long before Jeffery's violence erupted again. I couldn't risk putting her in danger. "Isha, please let me go," I whispered, hoping she would understand. "No, he wi