The Opalescent Kingdom のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 11 - チャプター 20

The second I opened the door to the Land Rover, my mother began to sniff the air. I knew she could smell it. Her eyes darted to mine, first with panic, then with pity."Oh my goddess, Aria. Who—"I saw her eyes fall on the door to the event center, where Bastion was watching me closely, both hands shoved into his pockets in a defeated posture."Please, let's drive," I begged quietly.She nodded, her eyes still wide as she waved to Bastion, and he nodded kindly in return."Holy shit in a biscuit!""Mom!""I'm sorry, Aria. I just... well, damn it, what are you going to do?"I groaned into my palms. "I don't know, Mom. What would you do?""Nu-uh, don't ask me. I thought your dads' and my relationship was messed up. This is... I mean, wow, Aria. Both a mate and a royal? What were the gods thinking?""Those two bastards are probably loving the show," I grumbled, earning a swat from my mom."Don't be sour.""What else is there to be when I'm hopelessly and spiritually connected with two differ

Bastion and James stood from the large mahogany conference table as we entered. My mate immediately crossed to me, gripping either side of my face to give me an affectionate kiss, seemingly ignoring Rory, who still had his arm on the small of my back."I missed you, baby," he whispered against my lips in that huskily desirable way before giving my cheek a peck and moving to the opposite side of Rory, his large hand encasing mine. That would certainly take some getting used to.I tried to settle my rapidly beating heart so I could focus on James, who was approaching me carefully. I offered my other arm for a hug, but he only smiled in return, staying a few feet away. His eyes were flitting between the three of us and gradually filled with tears."Aria. My queen," he stated through a gravelly throat, dropping to one knee with his head bowed. "King Bastion, King Rory. It is an honor to serve under you as your court Oracle."My heart stopped when he pulled his sleeve up, showing a tattoo

As I said before, we weren't new to the pack's abuse. However, they had never gone as far as to vandalize, no, destroy our stuff.I leaned forward on Misa, my abundant tears soaking her mane. How could they do this? And why? Did they somehow learn of my mating with Bastion? I could see them reacting poorly to that news, considering he was so loved and cherished for his strength and attractiveness.All of our memories, all of our cherished memories, were now piles of ashes before me. Sella's rage was trying to take over, but the sorrow of loss was too heavy on my heart. I whimpered, my body convulsing with sobs against Misa's chocolate coat until I felt large and soothing hands grip my waist, lifting me off with ease."Baby, shh. It's okay. It's going to be okay. I'm here."Bastion rocked me in his arms, the comforting smell of mint and Hugo permeating my nose and drowning out the smell of char. I didn't speak, instead releasing a loud and sorrowful howl into the black and orange sky.

I awoke to the feeling of a light caress on my brow. I scrunched my nose at the tickling sensation, hearing a deep and sensual chuckle in response. My eyes fluttered open slowly, trying to adjust to the bright light."Good morning, beautiful." Rory's hand moved to trace up and down my arm as I lay facing him."Good morning," I responded with a smile, stretching my aching limbs. I didn't realize that having sex three times in one day could make someone that sore."Would you like some blood?" Rory asked, concerned."I took quite a bit yesterday. I think you need a break." I responded, this time allowing my hand to trace along his soft and masculine jaw. His face felt so warm and smooth, where Bastion's was rough and firm.Bastion! I jumped, turning to my left. He was gone."He said that he wanted to go running, so I sent him to our private gym. He will meet us at breakfast."How did I sleep through all of this?"Oh." I winced, a subtle pain between my legs triggering as I adjusted benea

"The council is demanding justice for their taken warrior!""Woah, what do you mean taken?" I asked, standing from my seat."They believe that Bastion was kidnapped by the vampires. They are talking war!""What the hell? What bullshit are you talking, Dad? Where did they get that idea?"James ran his hand through his brown hair, a sweat droplet dripping from his brow into his full beard."They got a report from somebody who said that you were at ARIA. They claimed you were beguiled and the vampires were planning to use you against the pack.""Fuck." Anthony growled, hitting and splintering part of the table. "Hold on, why didn't you tell them the truth? They should believe you! You're his father!"He lowered his head in shame, crossing to collapse in the chair at the other end of the table. "I tried telling them that you were mated, but somebody testified against me."Bastion met my eyes and I could feel the anxiety rolling off of him."Who would do that?" I asked.His head slowly rai