Chapter Six

Tough Little Thing.

"Snakes. There are ten damn kingdoms, and I get the snake one. Why couldn't it have been the Mouse Kingdom, or Butterfly Kingdom, or something that doesn't slither and have scales? Any place where I don't have to keep an antidote on hand in case I get bitten." ~Rose

Rose peered out the small window of the luxurious private jet and watched the clouds drift by far below. She still couldn't quite believe everything that had happened in the last few days. Her life as an animus had become routine, even ordinary, if you will. After five years of living with the arachnids, she'd accepted her fate. She was content to remain in their gilded cage forever and never have someone to love or be loved by in return.

And now… Now she was apparently the destined mate of the new snake king and en route to rule at his side. She inwardly snorted. Rose had never ruled anything. She preferred to stay to herself and people watch. People did funny things when they thought no one was watching.

"Enjoying the view?" a gravelly voice asked.

Rose turned to see Nico leaning casually against the cabin wall, watching her with a smile crinkling the corners of his intense, silver eyes. They fit in well with all the silver piercings on his face and ears.

"Just trying to wrap my head around everything. It's not every day you find out you're destined to be mated to a king, who also happens to be a shapeshifting snake. It's kind of … a lot."

Nico chuckled. "No, that's not a common occurrence. But then, not every day does a kingdom find its fated leader and lady in the same era." He gave an exaggerated bow. "Truly, the tattoo on your skin proves you are meant for this, Rose. I know it seems unbelievable."

Rose glanced down at the shimmering emerald snake coiled around her upper arm, apparently the match to one adorning the future king. When Jaxine, the arachnid tattoo artist, had done Rose's tattoo, she hadn't acted like she had seen it before.

"I'm twenty-four years old. I don't have a college degree. I have very little employment history. I've never even been in a serious relationship, and yet, you expect me to basically get married and run a supernatural society." Her tone grew more agitated. Rose shook her head. "I'm no queen, Nico. I'm just a girl from northern California who happened to walk into the wrong herbal tea shop at the wrong time."

The shaman came over and took the seat across from her. "None of those things matter any longer." She opened her mouth to speak but closed it when Nico held up his hand. "I'm not saying your life before wasn't important. But you've made the choice to stay when you were given the option to go. You could still change your mind, you know?"

"It's not that simple," she said briskly. "If I walk away, I doom this Talbot dude to a pretty crappy existence. How is that a choice?"

Nico's brow rose. "It shows what kind of person you are that you have considered what his life would be like based on your choice. If I had to bet, I'd bet on you being a damn good queen. Visata chose you for a reason, Little Flower." His raspy voice held warm conviction. "The greatest kings and queens were not born to it, but had greatness thrust upon them when destiny called." He patted her hand reassuringly. "All will be well. My friend Talbot is a good man. He will help you adjust to your new role."

Rose bit her lip. "This Talbot… What's he like?" If she had to marry a stranger, she wished to know something about him, at least.

Nico smiled. "Ah, curious about your destined mate, are you? That's a good sign." At her blush, he chuckled again. "No shame in that. Let's see, how to describe Tal?" He idly rubbed his hand across the five o'clock shadow on his face as he gathered his thoughts.

"He's brave, that's for certain. Takes after his warrior mother more than his silver-tongued father. A tad too serious at times, but he has a kind heart beneath the solemn exterior." Nico's voice softened with affection. "And devoted utterly to his kingdom and people. He will be a wise and fair ruler." Nico winked at her. "And as for looks, well, the boy was blessed there, too. Much like all Damarian males. Tall, classically handsome. You'll have the finest arm candy in the realms, Flower."

Rose flushed again at his gentle teasing. But she couldn't deny Nico's words painted an appealing picture of the man the Creator had supposedly chosen for her heart. Perhaps she could grow to care for this Talbot in time.

"How long have you known him?" She was curious about Nico's relationship with her intended mate.

Nico narrowed his eyes as he glanced out the plane window. "Oh, I helped look after him a fair bit growing up. His parents were good people, just busy doing Azure's bidding. Talbot had a proclivity for running off, and his destination was all too often the Kingdom of Chaos. So I did my share of mentoring the lad on the sly." His eyes crinkled in a grin. "Taught him how to throw a proper punch, how to kiss a girl. All the important things his tutors neglected."

Despite herself, Rose laughed aloud at the thought of the wild-eyed shaman giving romantic advice. "He's lucky to have you," she said warmly.

"It's me who's lucky to see him come into his own." Nico regarded her seriously. "You will be, too, Rose. I promise."

Rose nodded slowly. Perhaps if Talbot had earned this eccentric man's faith and care, he truly was as good as Nico claimed. She would just have to meet him herself to know for certain, but the anxious knot in her chest eased a bit.

Glancing down at her marked arm, she traced a finger over the shimmering snake. "Why did he always run off to the Kingdom of Chaos?"

Nico brightened, clearly eager to share about the kingdom he represented.

"A better question is why would you not want to come hang out with Chaos?" He waved his hands with a bit of flair. "Ours is a kingdom of wonders. You can't just look at a member of Chaos and know what they might shift into one day, because sometimes they don't even know themselves. You see, the Kingdom of Chaos are the outsiders. The have-nots, the never-has-beens, the black sheep in a pasture full of fluffy white ones." He leaned back in his chair, getting more comfortable. "The Damarians that find themselves as members of the Kingdom of Chaos have something amiss in their DNA. They can be born to two perfectly healthy shifters, but for some reason they end up half lion and half horse. Or perhaps they have a slithering bottom half and a human upper body."

Her eyes widened. "Are you serious, or are you pulling my leg?"

Nico's silver eyes swirled, as she'd seen other shaman's eyes do when they got emotional. "I would never joke about my people. They have it hard enough because once they are old enough to fend for themselves, the weak—or what some kingdoms perceive as weak—are kicked out of the kingdom they were born into and sent to Chaos."

Rose listened raptly as Nico wove vivid tales of his kingdom. He made it seem a place of myth and adventure, dangerous but beautiful. "The members inhabit several different cities in the United States. They like it where it's bright, busy, and no one asks questions. Many of them work for circuses, or in theme parks, where their abilities—believed to be fake, of course—aren't questioned. Or people assume they are wearing elaborate ‘costumes.'" He made air quotes around the last word.

She tried imagining herself being a member of such a place, instead of the Kingdom of Venom. Rose thought she'd actually feel more at home with Nico's kingdom. She'd always been the odd man out. But the snake tattoo didn't lie. Jaxine had made it clear that each tattoo put on a female set their destinies in motion.

Nico finally sat back with a satisfied grin. "So, think you could have handled a dash of chaos in your life, Little Flower?"

She nibbled her lip thoughtfully. "Well, since I don't really know what KOV is going to be like, I can't say for certain which would suit me better. Though I'll admit what you have described is intriguing. And I honestly feel like I'm more suited to the Kingdom of Chaos and its outcasts."

The shaman reached over and gently turned her arm until the shimmering snake was displayed. "This says otherwise. The marks do not lie." His gravelly voice held conviction. "I know it's much to take in, but you were born to stand at Talbot's side. And Venom sorely needs you both now if we are ever to have peace again."

At his solemn words, unease prickled along Rose's spine. "This enemy you mentioned, the former King Azure…" She hesitated, almost afraid to ask. "How dangerous is he?"

Nico sighed heavily. "More than most realize. There is a madness in him now, a lust for power that drives him to dark deeds." His craggy features creased with worry. "Long has he coveted animi, and having as many of them as he can possibly get his scales on. If he learns of your coming…"

When Nico trailed off ominously, Rose prodded. "What? What would he do?"

"Nothing good, because you will make Talbot stronger. He will be a formidable foe to Azure." Nico shook himself slightly. "Forgive me. I should not burden you so. You are under my protection, and Talbot would never permit any harm to you."

Nico gave her a reassuring smile. "This is a happy day. Let us speak no more of shadows." He took her hand gently. "Soon you will stand with your mate, and together you will lead KOV into a healthy place and time. That is all that matters now."

Rose clung to his calloused hand like a lifeline. In the space of two days, her whole reality had shifted beneath her feet. It had for all the animi. But she could choose to accept the upheaval with courage, as Nico seemed to believe she would. The love promised by this bond might yet be found. And perhaps she truly could make a difference in this mess of a tattered kingdom that Azure had fled. Wasn't the chance to change lives for the better worth any risk?

Meeting Nico's earnest gaze, Rose slowly nodded. "I'm ready," she said with growing conviction. "I'm tired of just being a gilded-cage bird."

The shaman smiled wide, pride shining in his eyes. "There's a brave female." He lifted her hand and gallantly brushed a kiss over her knuckles. "Adventure awaits, Little Flower. Destiny calls, and we must answer, and possibly raise a little hell while we're at it."

Settling back in her seat as the jet soared through the clouds, Rose allowed herself a small, hopeful smile. Whatever this strange life held, she would face it with courage and an open heart. This was a new chapter in the story that started five years ago with her abduction. It was time for a change.

"Give me a moment." Nico released her hand and stood up. He walked to the back of the plane. Presumably, nature called. As he left her alone in the front, Rose stared out into the clouds, still trying to picture what Talbot could look like and what his expectations of her might be.

Talbot paced the polished stone floors of his chambers, too restless to sit still. Now that the moment of his ascendancy to the throne was imminent, doubt plagued him. Was he truly ready to lead?

Buzz. Buzz. Talbot jumped. Snatching up his phone, he saw a text from Nico that simply read:

Call me. NOW.

Pulse quickening, Talbot hit the contact icon. The Chaos Shaman picked up on the first ring.

"There you are," Nico said without preamble. "Been trying to reach you. I've got news, and you're gonna wanna sit down for it."

Talbot's brows drew together. "What is it? Has Azure made a move?"

"No, no, your uncle's still hiding like the coward he is as far, as I know." Nico's voice held a grin. "This news is of a more … personal nature. I'm on my way to you now, bringing someone special."

Confusion filled Talbot. "Special? What are you talking about?"

"Your mate, Tal," Nico said gently. "I found your destined mate. She was in the Kingdom of Silk, of all places to be captured to. Her name's Rose. She bears your identical tattoo. At this very moment, we are on the Chaos jet, and I'm bringing her to you now."

Talbot nearly dropped the phone in shock. His mate? Here? Now, a scant two days before his coronation as king? His head spun trying to process it.

Nico's gravelly laugh sounded through the phone. "Take a breath, Tal. I know it's a lot." His voice softened. "But Visata is handing you a gift. The snakes will rejoice to see you take the throne with your queen by your side. You'll be able to fully shift, making you a much more formidable foe for Azure."

Talbot slowly sat on the edge of his bed, knees weak. A mate. He'd never dreamed his beloved would be found in time. But if the tattoo matched, then it was clear. Visata had blessed him.

Dragging a hand through his hair, Talbot asked shakily, "Does she know of me? That she comes to be queen?" The thought of such pressure on one unprepared…

"Don't you worry. I've explained everything. She's nervous, of course, but she also seems curious and excited. You just focus on getting the coronation ready. Leave the rest to me for now."

Talbot wasn't sure if he should be comforted by Nico's reassurance or not. Nico was a tad unconventional when it came to … well, anything, really. Talbot took a bracing breath. "Very well. I'm not staying at the mansion. There's too much smoke damage. I'm at the house on 2nd Street. We shall be ready. Travel safely, and please pass my warm regards to … my mate, I guess." Just saying the word sent a jolt through him.

"Will do. See you soon, Your Majesty," Nico said warmly before hanging up.

Talbot slowly lowered the phone, almost afraid to trust the sudden joy blooming within him. A mate, on the eve of his reign. With this portent, how could he doubt Visata supported him? But there was still a chance Visata might support the mating but not the throne. It was a real possibility that he could be overruled by the Creator.

An hour passed as Talbot paced the length of his lavish chambers, too anxious to sit still as he awaited Nico's arrival with his newly discovered mate. Though desperately eager to meet her, trepidation also filled him.

There was still so much uncertainty, and Rose's life would be irrevocably changed the moment she set foot in his kingdom. Talbot prayed he would prove worthy of the faith she placed in him as her destined mate and king.

Tap. Tap. Talbot whirled toward the door. "Enter," he called, his pulse kicking up.

Nico slipped inside, grinning like a fool at Talbot's obvious nerves. "Relax. Your girl's getting settled in the adjoining chambers. I wanted to check in first."

Talbot blew out a shaky breath. "You should have let me know when you arrived. I would have been at the door to greet her. Does she seem well?"

The shaman clasped his shoulder reassuringly. "She's a tough little thing. Don't worry. Once the shock wore off, she was eager to meet her mate." His smile turned sly. "Couldn't stop asking questions about you the entire flight."

Heat rose in Talbot's face at the thought of Rose's curiosity about him. "What did you tell her?"

"Only the good stuff. How you forget to put your dirty clothes in the hamper, that you leave the toilet seat up, and that you chew like a cow when you eat." Nico gave him a gentle shake. "She didn't seem bothered by any of it. She knows you're one of the good ones, Tal. Trust me on that."

Talbot managed a small smile at Nico's teasing. "I pray she is not disappointed when she meets me in person. And I hope she does know that I am nothing like my great-uncle."

"Not possible for her to be disappointed," Nico scoffed. "That girl's gonna take one look at you and be done for."

His smile faded. "The Council will approve? Even with the coronation so near?"

Nico nodded. "Rose bears Venom's mark—your mark. None can refute her place at your side."

Talbot straightened his shoulders. "I'll kill them if they try."

Nico looked pleased. "Okay, that got intense really fast, and spoken like a king. Now"—Nico bounced his eyebrows up and down—"ready to meet her?"

Drawing a bracing breath, Talbot inclined his head. He could face a new mate with the same courage expected of him as a ruler. This was his destiny.

With an encouraging pat to his back, Nico left to collect Rose. Alone again, Talbot tried to calm his racing heart. Anxious as he was, beneath it lay a profound wonder that fate had brought him a beloved on the very eve of his rule. A good omen.

At the soft creak of the door opening, Talbot turned slowly, his heart in his throat. His breath caught at the shy vision peering uncertainly into his chambers.

She was a petite thing, almost waif-like. But there was a core of quiet strength in the set of her slender shoulders and seafoam eyes that met his directly. Her cascade of white-gold hair gleamed in the low light, giving her an ethereal glow, like moonlight made flesh.

As he continued taking her measure in silence, the young woman lifted her chin almost defiantly, as if giving him permission to size her up but refusing to cower. In this delicate vessel, a queen's spirit was already awakened. Talbot's nerves settled. Not frail, but resilient. A worthy queen for Venom's king.

Remembering himself, Talbot stepped forward and gave a respectful bow. "Rose, I am honored." He extended a hand in greeting.

After only a heartbeat's hesitation, her cool, smooth fingers—snakelike, just like his own—slid into his grasp.

She took a small fortifying breath that lifted her graceful shoulders, then she met his gaze directly, removing any doubt he might have had with only two words. "My King."