Chapter Eleven

As Long As You're Not A Dick…

"Queen. That is going to be my new title, not that I had an old title. I don't think my new reality has hit me just yet. But I have a feeling it's about to catch up with me, and it's probably going to smack me in the face at just the wrong moment." ~Rose

Aknock at the door startled Rose as she stepped out of the bathroom. Her sleep-muddled brain made her stare at the door as if it would magically open itself. The knock came again.

"Hello?" a female voice called out. "You awake? I hope you're freaking awake. I have no idea what I'm working with, so this could take a while." That last part didn't seem like it was meant for Rose's ears. The doorknob turned and then was pushed open all the way. At first, all Rose saw was a green dress, but then it was lowered, and she saw a woman holding the dress out in front of her.

"Thank Visata, you're up and pretty." The woman sighed. She walked over to the bed and laid the dress down. Then she turned back to Rose, who was still trying to get her bearings. "I'm Vreene." She rested her hands on her hips. Rose saw that her eyes weren't those of a human. They had slits, like a snake or lizard. She blinked, and Rose saw the clear layer that covered her eyes before the solid eyelids closed. "You got a name?" Vreene asked, not unkindly. But with a no-nonsense air about her.

"Oh, yes, sorry," Rose stumbled. "I'm Rose Corra. It's nice to meet you."

"Same." Vreene said curtly. "Now that pleasantries are over, let's get to work. The coronation is in T-minus three hours.

"It's going to take three hours to get ready?" Rose's voice rose. She couldn't remember a time when she took three hours to get ready for anything.

Vreene walked back over to the door, leaned down, and plucked up a large bag. "This is my bag of tricks."

"For some reason, I don't think these tricks are going to be very fun." Rose eyed the bag warily.

Vreene laughed. "Think of me as your own personal spa female. I promise to make this painless. Really, the only thing that might hurt is shaving, and I am not doing that part. That's all you."

"Agreed," Rose said, quickly.

"Excellent." Vreene nodded. "Now, you go shower and shave, and when you're done, I'll take care of the hair and makeup. Have you noticed any scales on you yet?"

Rose froze halfway to the bathroom door. "Scales on me?"

"You are mated to a snake, QR. That means your beast is going to be what his beast is."

Rose wanted to face-palm herself. Of course, she knew that. She'd lived with supernatural beings for half a decade. She'd seen some of the human females become mates to KOS males. How many times had it been explained to them why they were taken, the whole animus thing, and what would happen if they chose to take a mate? She'd even thought about it while on the plane ride with Nico, but then she met Talbot, and all she could think about was how gorgeous he was, and how sensual his voice had been when he spoke to her, and that it scared her a bit to desire him so much, so fast.

"No." She finally shook her head. "I haven't seen any."

"That's okay," Vreene said, perhaps hearing the disappointment in Rose's voice. "For some, it happens right after meeting their mate, and for others, it takes a little longer. It doesn't mean you're not meant for him."

"I'm that obvious?" Rose asked with an unamused laugh.

"Talbot's hot. I mean, don't worry, he's not my type. But I can appreciate a good-looking male. And he's very kind. I understand why you'd want him."

Rose's stomach churned uneasily. Did Talbot see that last night when they'd talked? Had she come across as desperate? She seriously hoped not. "He seems like a really good guy." Rose tried to be nonchalant. "It's a rarity these days." Good grief, like Rose would know anything about the dating scene when she hadn't been a part of it in a while. She mentally kicked herself. She was going to have to pull herself together and not act like a besotted, lovesick fool. Desperate was not attractive.

"He is. Now, if you want to not be late for your good guy, get your butt moving."

An hour later, Vreene had Rose sitting in a chair while she styled her blonde hair.

"Your hair is a very unusual color," Vreene pointed out. "It's beautiful. And it's going to be lovely against the dress."

"Thank you." Rose had always liked her hair. She didn't think that she was anything to write home about, but she got compliments on her hair.

"I'm going to leave half of it down. It's too pretty to knot on your head, even if the updo is lovely."

Vreene continued to work on Rose over the next hour. Once the hair was done, she moved on to the makeup.

"Should I take my nose ring out?" Rose thought people might be offended if she wore a nose ring while being named queen of their kingdom.

Vreene shook her head. "Nope, it suits you. Not to mention, you don't need to change yourself for the sake of KOV or Talbot. You be who you are, and as long as you're not a dick, everyone will be happy with you."

Rose couldn't help but laugh. "You're blunt."

"When you live as long as we do, you get tired of stumbling around truths. Just tell it like it is, in a non-dick manner. Okay, now let's see if we can get your beast to come out."

Rose's eyes widened. "I'm sorry, what?"

She pulled Rose to her feet and walked her over to the big mirror. She almost didn't recognize the woman staring back at her. "You're good."

"Naw, I just had a great canvas to work with. I'll see you at the coronation, QR. You're going to do great. Remember, just don't be?—"

"A dick." Rose chuckled. "Got it. But what about the beast thing you just mentioned?"

She looked at Vreene's reflection in the mirror. A wicked grin curved her lips up. "Don't worry. You'll be in good hands for that part of getting ready. Not quite as good as my hands, but almost." With that, she walked out the door, whistling some cheerful tune.

Rose turned in front of the full-length mirror, still hardly recognizing herself in the emerald gown that hugged her curves before flaring out in a graceful train. As Vreene had said, the color set off her white-blonde hair strikingly, making it shimmer. The green also made her hazel eyes stand out. She looked like a queen from one of her favorite TV shows.

"You are breathtaking."

She turned to see Talbot watching her from the doorway, his green eyes glowing with appreciation and a hint of awe. Her cheeks warmed at the open admiration on his handsome face.

He cut an elegant figure himself in a black, military-style jacket decorated with a jeweled snake broach. The colors of his royal house suited Talbot perfectly, from the emerald shirt that matched her dress to the golden blond hair brushing his collar. Yet he wore the fine garments with an air of discomfort, tugging at the jacket sleeves absently.

Rose offered a tremulous smile, smoothing nervous hands down the luxurious fabric of her gown. "I feel breathtaking. And also like I might vomit." She tried to laugh, but it came out strained.

Talbot crossed the space between them and took her hands gently in his own. "There's no need for nerves. Today is only a formality." His eyes searched hers. "The only thing that matters is that we do this together."

Rose bit her lip, glancing away. "Easy for you to say. You're a prince, destined to be king. I'm just…"

Talbot's hand cupped her cheek, guiding her gaze back to him. "You are my mate. My queen. That makes you every inch the royalty I am." His thumb brushed lightly over her skin. "Whatever happens, we stand side by side."

His steadfast words eased some of the panicked fluttering in her stomach. Rose turned her head to press a kiss to his palm. "I'm still terrified," she admitted with a helpless laugh. "The closest I've been to royalty is watching The Windsors on TV."

Amusement glinted in Talbot's eyes, though his voice remained earnest. "I understand better than you know. I was groomed for leadership, yes, but the reality of wearing this crown…" His jaw tightened, and his eyes grew distant. "It's daunting."

Seeing her own fears reflected back went a long way toward steadying Rose's nerves. She shifted closer, laying a hand over Talbot's heart. "Hey, we've got this. Together, remember?"

Rose gazed up at Talbot, her pulse racing as his face hovered mere inches from hers. The air between them seemed alive, charged with anticipation that made her breath come faster. This was the point of no return, where words ceased and actions took their place. Something inside of her moved, changed her as she swayed toward him, but Talbot hesitated, searching her eyes intently. Was he looking for reluctance or fear? She hoped her expression betrayed only eagerness and longing, the same potent yearning that flooded her veins like molten fire. Still, he held back those last few agonizing centimeters.

Frustration spiked through Rose's mounting desire. Her own and something else's. Ours, a voice hissed in her head, and it was not her voice. "Your beast," Vreene had said. That's what Rose was feeling and now hearing. She was certain of it. Rose didn't have time to dwell on the realization because all she could focus on was the man in front of her. She ached to close that tiny distance, to feel his lips claiming hers at last. But some noble scruple held Talbot paralyzed, awaiting her unequivocal consent.

Suppressing a growl of impatience, Rose slid her hands up his chest, her fingers curling into the rich fabric of his coat. She felt the rapid staccato of his heart matching her own frantic rhythm. They were in this together. All she needed was some sign he wanted her just as fiercely in return.

Holding his smoldering jade gaze, Rose deliberately wet her lips. Talbot's stare dropped to follow the movement, pupils expanding with lust. His breath audibly caught when she leaned up on her toes, an unspoken plea for him to meet her halfway. Still, he did not move. His muscles were rigid beneath her urgent grip.

That iron restraint was her undoing. With a soft sound of surrender, Rose closed the scant distance herself, finally capturing his mouth with hers. For one breathless moment, Talbot was utterly motionless against her seeking lips, perhaps stunned by her boldness. Then his control shattered, and he kissed her back fiercely.

His lips were warm and gentle as they moved over hers, one hand sliding around to cradle the back of her neck. His strength and caring enveloped her, as her blood heated beneath her skin.

Emboldened, Rose parted her lips, tilting her head to deepen the kiss. Talbot made a low sound of pleasure in his throat that sent a shiver down her spine. The hand at her neck tangled into her hair, angling her head farther as the kiss grew more intense. She clung to him tighter, her nerves sparking everywhere their bodies met.

When his tongue tentatively touched hers, Rose let out a breathy moan. Need flooded her, a desire for closeness she had never imagined possible. Her knees went weak, and her body molded itself to Talbot's solid frame. If not for his arm snaking around her lower back, she might have melted right onto the plush carpet.

They parted on a gasp, both breathing heavily. Rose kept her eyes closed, overwhelmed by the maelstrom of sensations. Her heart pounded erratically against her ribs, lips tingling from the passionate kiss. She had never felt so deliciously out of control. Restraint burned away by the fire Talbot's touch ignited within her.

Shaky exhales mingled as their foreheads rested together, neither yet ready to break the spell. Rose basked in the feel of Talbot's arms around her, the heady scent of him that meant safety. Home. Her mate.

At last, Talbot pulled back just enough to meet her dazed gaze. Awe and tender longing shone in his green eyes. Rose knew that fervent look was reflected in her own expression. Their souls had recognized one another instantly, but only now did their bodies fully awaken to the bond blazing between them. Any lingering doubts or fears had been seared away by the heat of their joining.

His trembling exhale brushed her cheek at the same time that his eyes widened. "Beautiful," he practically whispered.

"What?" she asked just as softly.

"Your scales," Talbot whispered as he leaned closer, his eyes on her cheek where his finger kept brushing back and forth. "You have iridescent scales. They're stunning."

Rose was honest enough with herself to not lie and say she was excited about having scales. Her first instinct was to cover her face because the idea of scales just sounded gross and ugly. But the way Talbot stared at her, with a new hunger, made her rethink her initial reaction. She looked at his face, seeing the emotions move through his slitted eyes. Rose watched as Talbot's own skin seemed to fade away, revealing green, brown, and black patterned scales on his face. They were shiny, as if they'd been polished. She wondered if they would feel soft or hard and cold.

"You can touch me," he told her, his voice in a trance-like state as he continued to caress her cheek.

Rose didn't hesitate. She reached up and ran a finger across those scales. More of his skin faded away, being replaced with scales until half of his face was human flesh and the other shiny, soft, and yet hard-as-steel scales. "They're like armor," she said absently. "I didn't think they'd be hard. Why is more and more of your skin changing?"

"Because you're making my beast curious. He's eager to see you." Talbot lowered his hand and visibly forced himself to step back just a hair. "I'm eager to see you, and it's for that reason we should go. The Council members will already be arriving. Being alone with you is testing my patience."

Her heart picked up the pace as she felt her body flush under his stare. "You want to seduce me?" She could be blunt like Vreene.

"Yes." He didn't even take a moment to consider his answer. "And you would let me."

Her brow shot up. "You're that good?"

Talbot shook his head. "We're mates. That alone will cause our beasts within to desire to complete this bond that has already begun. You and I are not humans. We're more. We have an animalistic nature that lives in us and, in many ways, is even more possessive of you than the man. He craves you, and that blends with my own desires. Now you can multiply that by infinity and have a small taste of how much I want you and what I'm willing to do in order to have you and keep you."

Rose's breathing caught up with her racing heart as she listened to his bold words. He was correct. They needed to go to where there were more people. Lots more people. Trying to quell her own desires, she attempted to lighten the atmosphere. Her lips curved in a teasing grin even as her pulse raced from their first kiss and his forthright words. "Right. Wouldn't want to scandalize everyone by showing up late to your own coronation."

Talbot's rich laugh filled her with joy. It was a feeling that, up until two days ago, Rose thought she'd never feel again.

From the moment he put his hands on her beautiful face, Talbot began getting brief glimpses into Rose's mind. He tried not to see. He didn't want her to think that he was trying to take something she might not be willing to give. Memories and thoughts were every bit as intimate as two bodies becoming one, maybe even more so.

But in those glimpses, what he saw brought him immense joy. Though he and Rose had known each other but a day, her emotions for him were every bit as strong as his were for her. She'd been unable to control her shift—he would have to teach her how—and had revealed the color of her scales. Their beauty had knocked the wind out of him. He'd had a tiny appetizer of her truly delicious soul, and now he was like a vulture circling his feast. Damn, he was glad she couldn't see into his mind as he could in hers. She'd have gone running for the hills. The tension between them, the attraction and desire, made him want to chain her to his side and never be parted from her.

Her body trembled next to his as they walked down the corridor toward the back doors. Since they weren't in the main villa, and didn't have a room big enough for all the arriving guests, they'd been forced to hold the coronation outdoors. Talbot could sense her anxiety growing and got fleeting thoughts of inadequacy mixed with excitement and curiosity about this new adventure.

"You good?" he softly asked her.

"Yup." She sucked in a deep breath.

"You're not going to pass out?"

Rose shook her head. "I make no promises."

They reached the double glass doors. Two KOV warriors stood on either side, ready to open them on Talbot's orders.

He stopped just a few feet away and looked down at Rose. Her face was flushed and her eyes wide like a child seeing something new and awe-inspiring for the first time. "I want you to know that you come first. Always," he said fervently. "Not the kingdom, not myself, but you. I will always choose you."

Her eyes grew glassy with unshed tears. "I barely know you. Yet I feel like I've been with you my whole life."

"Or your soul just knew who it was waiting for, even if you didn't." Talbot ran a finger down her silky cheek. She was the most lovely creature he'd ever seen, and she belonged to him.

A throat clearing drew Talbot's attention, reluctantly, away from his mate. Turning his head back toward the doors, he saw that the Kingdom of Venom's Shaman, Link, stood in front of them.

Talbot inclined his head respectfully to Link even as irritation flickered through him at the interruption.

"Your Highness, all are gathered and awaiting your entrance," the shaman intoned. His sharp gaze took in Talbot's close proximity to Rose, and he gave him a nod of approval.

Talbot wrapped an arm firmly around Rose's waist and drew her against his side. She came willingly, molding her curves to him in a way that made his blood heat. But now was not the time to indulge such desires, no matter how enticing his new mate was. Duty called them both.

Drawing strength from Rose's presence, Talbot inclined his head to the guards who pulled the double doors open wide. Squaring his shoulders beneath the elegant cloak marking his royal status, he strode with measured steps into the courtyard beyond, Rose matching him stride for stride.

As expected, the expansive space was packed with representatives from all kingdoms, a sea of judgmental eyes focused on the new king and his mate. Low murmurs rustled through the crowd as they passed, curiosity and suspicion heavy in the air. He could understand some of their suspicion, considering Azure had sent him on errands, though they'd always been mundane business. And the only reason he'd done it was to keep Talbot from learning about Azure's treachery. He'd either forgotten that his great-nephew could pick up on his thoughts or he was so sure in his own abilities that it wouldn't matter what tidbits Talbot saw, and felt, whenever he came in contact with his uncle.

Talbot kept his gaze fixed straight ahead, hyperaware of Rose's anxiety bleeding through their bond. He projected back waves of reassurance and pride, hoping to drown out her nerves. By the way she lifted her chin and glided more smoothly at his side, some of the tension eased from her frame. That small victory reinforced Talbot's own resolve. It was amazing what you'd willingly endure if you had a comrade, whether it was a mate or a close friend, on your side.

The Council members, along with the full retinue of the Royal House of Venom, awaited. Those present represented the Kingdom of Fangs, Tides, Fur, Silver, and Hooves. He'd have to send out letters to those who hadn't attended, letting them know he was sorry they were unable to do so, but also to remind them he was aware that they'd chosen not to show their support.

As they took their places on the central dais, Talbot sought out familiar faces, subtly offering greetings. Link's stern and almost imperceptible nod offered cautious hope. Slick flashed a discreet thumbs up that nearly made Talbot chuckle. Even dour Crowley, the Shaman for Kingdom of Fangs, managed the barest upward twitch of his lips in acknowledgement. Isla, the Shaman for the Kingdom of Tides, offered him a raised glass and a slightly bowed head as her approval.

Only one absence really bothered him. He looked around but couldn't see… Talbot's phone buzzed with an incoming text. Checking it discreetly, he saw it was from Nico.

Nico: Congratulations, T. I'm proud of the male you've grown into, despite having that ass of an uncle. I'm sorry I can't be there today, but I'm currently hunting said asshat uncle. I know you're going to be amazing. And Rose is a sweet female. She is a good match for you.

Talbot: Thank you, Nico. I appreciate you and the time you invested in me over the years. You will be missed today. Be careful. Azure is desperate. Desperate, cornered animals don't go down without a nasty fight.

Nico's response was brief and very Nico.

Nico: I've sharpened my blades just for this occasion. I will be fine, as will the rest of the hunting party. You just focus on the fact that you're going to have to weed out those that might still be loyal to Azure. Keep an eye on Rose. If Azure finds out you mated, he will try to have her killed.

Talbot cursed under his breath. Nico was right. Rose would be in danger if Azure knew about her. This hunt couldn't end soon enough, for all their sakes. And Nico's warning to watch their backs made Talbot's lungs tighten anxiously. He couldn't even guarantee his new mate safety in her own home.

Digging deep for calm, Talbot slipped his phone away and reached for Rose's hand. Her slender fingers twined tightly with his. Her hazel eyes were luminous with trust when they lifted to meet his gaze. His thumb caressed the back of her hand softly as the officiant—Link—stepped up.

"Are you ready, Your Majesty?"

Talbot raised his chin. "I am."

This was not how Talbot would have wished for his coronation or their mating ceremony to proceed—on display before biased onlookers. But he took comfort in the steady pulse beneath his fingers, Rose's courage flowing into him through their joined hands. She had embraced this destiny at his side without hesitation or regret. He could ask no more of her than that.

Link's voice rang out clearly in the hushed courtyard. "By the ancient rites, passed down since the dawn of our people, I now proclaim Talbot of Venom to be king. May his rule be just, his judgment wise, and his compassion enduring."

He turned solemn eyes on Talbot. "Do you so swear to take up the mantle and burden, to reign with equity and honor, holding this kingdom's welfare above your own?"

Talbot met the shaman's gaze unwaveringly. "I so swear it."

Nodding, Link continued. "Then by my authority as Shaman of Venom, and by the Creator's will, I confer this crown upon you, Chosen King."

The ornate silver circlet, with the bodies of interwoven snakes, was lowered onto Talbot's head. He straightened, feeling the symbolic weight of that crown and all it represented. This moment defined his life's purpose going forward: to rule with the wisdom of kings' past while illuminating the way to a new era of light.

"Rise now as Guardian, as Shield, and as True King, Talbot of Venom!" the shaman pronounced.

Before the cheers could follow, a blinding light filled the courtyard, stealing breath and thought. Talbot's heart pounded wildly even as serenity flowed into him from that divine glow. He was not the only one so deeply affected. Those around him knelt in reverence, even the visiting council members. The Creator himself had deemed this coronation worthy of His presence.

"Look upon Me, Talbot and Rose." Visata's voice boomed so that the very ground they rested upon shook like an earthquake.

Within the brilliance, a figure took shape, man-like but radiating infinite power and matchless grace. The face was ageless, neither old nor young, but etched with wisdom beyond millennia. His eyes brimmed with endless compassion and gazed upon Talbot and Rose where they had sunk to their knees.

"Rise, my children," Visata's voice filled their minds, rich with love. "You have chosen the hard path. The narrow way that few will even give eyes to. You have set aside future plans that may never come to pass because you've taken up the mantle I have given you. And instead of complaining, or turning your back on My will, you stand up and do the arduous thing. The wide path is easy. But the narrow path will reveal your character. It will test you and your faith until you think you might fall, but I tell you: Do not look to your right or your left. Do not turn your head to look behind you. Only look straight in front of you so that you will be ready for the enemy's advances." His light suffused them, blessing and welcoming their union. "Together, may you heal what is broken, mend what is torn, and gather the pieces of that which are shattered. My peace and joy be upon you both, as well as on the Kingdom of Venom."

When the Creator's piercing stare moved across the still kneeling crowd, a bolt of foreboding shot through Talbot. "The light still shines where shadows fall," Visata intoned. "But judgment comes on swift wings to all who embrace darkness. Turn now from wickedness or reap sorrow." His words rang with warning but also a tender invitation back to the fold.

With a final piercing look that reached the depths of Talbot's soul, Visata's form began to fade, the brilliant rays retreating last of all. "Keep your eyes fixed on Me alone, Dear Ones. I will guide your footsteps."

Then the courtyard held only awed silence once more. Talbot sought Rose's stunned gaze as all around them hushed conversations broke out about the Creator's miraculous appearance. Talbot cared nothing for gossip or novelty. All he knew was that they walked in Visata's will, and that was enough.

Rising on unsteady legs, he drew Rose close, pressing his brow to hers. "We do this together," Talbot whispered fervently. "Our lives, our rule. All of it. Just as we were meant to."

Rose's eyes shone like stars when she drew back to meet his gaze again. "Together," she agreed softly. Then, hand in hand, they turned to greet their people, heartened beyond measure by the Creator's blessing on their mating and reign. Whatever storms lay ahead, His light would guide them safely home.