I have only talked with Noralla and Llyr a few times since our betrothal was announced. They are twins, nearly identical. With scales the color of the crystal-clear oceans and silver eyes, their elegant features and the regal set of the aquamarine horns spiraling from their heads give them a proud appearance. Guilt fills me as they turn to me now with questioning eyes.
Llyr’s nostrils flare when I move closer and Noralla’s brows furrow. Even though they would not recognize her species, they can scent my mate. I should have washed the evidence of our mating from my body, but my primal instincts demanded that I remain covered in her scent so that all would know I am fully mated and have claimed Lilliana as mine.
Llyr steps forward. “What is the meaning of this? Why did you miss the betrothal ceremony? Where have you been?”
It doesn’t escape me that his expression shows more concern than anger. This is good. Perhaps the Water Clan will be open to maintaining our alliance even without a royal mating.
“Forgive me,” I begin. “I flew into the desert before the ceremony and was caught in a sandstorm.”
Noralla appears equally concerned. She moves toward me, worry etched into her features. “But you are well now, are you not?”
My hearts clench. I have wronged this female and I am ashamed that I did not think to speak with her the moment I returned.
“Yes,” I reply. “But…” I hesitate, uncertain of how to continue. Drawing in a deep breath to steady my nerves, I meet her eyes evenly. “There is something else you must know.”
She blinks. “What is it?”
“When I was out in the desert, I found my fated one—my linaya.” I pause. “Forgive me, but I cannot go through with our betrothal.”
Something akin to relief crosses her features. I would be offended if I had not been the one to call off our bonding. She darts a glance at her brother; his expression mirrors hers.
“I understand,” she replies. “A fated bond is sacred, blessed by the Gods themselves. It cannot be ignored once found.”
Llyr steps forward. “I would be lying if I said this news did not please me.”
I gape at him. Am I really such a terrible match for his sister?
“It would have grieved me to say goodbye to my sister after your bonding. We are close, she and I. I admit that I dreaded the thought of having to leave her behind.”
She smiles warmly at me. “Do not be offended, Varus. You are a good male, but I am of the Water Clan. I do not believe my people are suited to your desert climate.”
Llyr nods in agreement. “This does not mean, however, that we will disregard the peace agreement we agreed upon between our people.”
Relief fills me at their words. A glance at my parents tells me they feel the same.
Llyr arches a brow. “Who is the female the Gods have chosen for you?”
Silence greets his question as I struggle to formulate an answer that does not reveal my mate’s race. However, I realize that my Clan’s newfound alliance with the Water Clan should not begin with an act of deception.
“She is not Drakarian,” I finally say.
He frowns. “Not Drakarian? Then… what is she?”
“A race we have never encountered before. They are called humans and they hail from a planet called Earth.”
“Humans?” Noralla repeats the word quietly to herself. “I have never heard of Earth before. Are they part of the Galactic Federation of Planets?”
I shake my head and the siblings’ eyes widen slightly. They are too polite to ask further questions. Many species have petitioned to join the Federation but were denied for being too primitive. I’m sure they believe this is the reason her species is not a member.
How do I know this? Because it was the same conclusion I reached when I first realized Lilliana did not have a translator chip. My mate is not primitive, however, and I am eager to introduce her to the Water Clan so they may see this for themselves. She is as brilliant as she is beautiful, and I am proud to call her mine.
It is easy to see that Noralla and Llyr have many questions, and I plan on answering them to the best of my ability, but first, they must meet my Lilliana.
“I will send for my mate,” I tell them, turning to one of the guards, who rushes to retrieve her.
An awkward silence hangs in the air as we anxiously wait for her to appear. I know the moment she enters because Llyr’s mouth drifts open as she walks toward us with Rakan at her side.
She takes my hand, entwining our fingers before she looks up at me with a dazzling smile.
I gesture to Llyr and Noralla. “This is Princess Noralla and Prince Llyr of the Water Clan.” I turn to my mate. “And this is Lilliana of Earth, my linaya. Her people are under the protection of the Fire Clan.”
Llyr blinks several times. “There are more of her kind?”
I nod, noting the question he doesn’t voice. Like every Drakarian who has met my mate, he is wondering if her species is biologically compatible with ours.
Lilliana looks up at him. “Our ship crashed in the desert plains. We did not realize this planet was already inhabited. I was out testing soil samples to begin cultivating crops when Varus rescued me from a predator.” She sighs heavily. “But my people probably believe me dead since I haven’t returned for days.” Her eyes dart to me, then back to Llyr and Noralla. “We are going to find them and bring them back to live with the Fire Clan.”
“When I was in the desert with my mate, searching for her people, Prince Raidyn of the Wind Clan saw her. And he saw this.” I gesture to the glowing pattern of scales upon my chest, indicating Lilliana is my fated one.
Llyr’s eyes widen slightly. “It is truth,” he mutters. “The Gods have gifted you
