5

Hudson had about the same reaction after he tried it and also gave me a kiss that was anything but appropriate for his parents to see. Others tried it and everyone was excitedly talking about it. My dad was beaming with pride, and I promised I had a spot for Darby even if he'd already graduated.

"You give me so much already, agra," he whispered as he cupped my cheek. "You didn't have to include me in this."

"It felt wrong to leave you out of it."

"Thank you." He gave me a soft kiss and went to go try it out now that Hudson and Lucca's families were done.

Julian was standing off to the side looking a bit lost. I moved over to him and ducked down so I moved into his view, glad when he instantly smiled and seemed to snap out of what he was thinking.

"I had a plaque and place picked out for you as well," I told him quietly.

He frowned. "Why? I didn't just graduate."

"Didn't you?" I hedged, giving him a soft smile. "You really did though. In a way. You graduated years ago, but that place still had such a hold on you. You became your butterfly of what you wanted." I moved in closer, glad when his arm immediately went around me. "Plus, it didn't feel right leaving you out of this when you saved so many of my people."

"I love you more than anyone has ever loved another person, Tamsin Vale," he whispered as he lowered his lips to mine.

"I love you too, Julian." I searched his eyes. "Will you really sell the condo? I know living with Neldor isn't probably what you wanted—I wasn't going to suggest that but—"

"I don't care where I live for now, Tams," he whispered, tucking my hair behind my ear. "Because I plan to live wherever you are for many years to come. If his house right now will help you sleep at night knowing I'm protected or bring less drama to our lives then I'll pack tonight."

"Thank you. Thank you for hearing me that this is about your safety, not my jealousy."

"I like when you're jealous over me, but I would never do anything to make you jealous. You never do." He kissed my nose and then went to go see the crystal himself.

And I saw Mr. Von Thann drag Lucca off to the side away from the others.

Fuck.

"Who is Harry? Dammit, Lucca, I'm trying. I'm really trying here, but if there is now a sixth mate—I feel like my head will explode," Mr. Von Thann hissed.

"You won't upset me if you tell him," I said quietly, letting them know I was there. Lucca did a double take and gave me a look of love when I nodded. "Yes, it's private and probably intimate between us, but—I keep thinking how my dad would explode into pieces if I was mated to someone who had four other women. He'd flip." I snorted.

Amusement filled Lucca's eyes as he probably guessed what I'd thought of. "Like he flipped when Julian called him ‘Father?'"

"The warlock plays dirty," I chuckled. I realized Lucca didn't know how to tell his father though. It was probably not something accepted or done between bears. I went over to stand next to him and squared off with his father. "Promise you won't judge. It's not another mate or man. I'll explain, but it's not for you to judge."

The Alpha adjusted his neck and gave a swift nod. "I will do my best."

Close enough. "You understand the issues we had because I thought Lucca's bear was Mason's and the trauma there." I waited until he nodded. "Part of what blew up with us was Lucca's bear not understanding. I bonded with Hudson's dragon from the start. His bear—"

"You named his bear," he breathed, tears filling his eyes. "You cared enough to name his bear as you did the dragon." He waited until I nodded this time, rubbing his chest. "Oh, thank the gods."

"I thought you would get mad that she named him like a pet and something uncouth like Harry," Lucca hedged.

He shot Lucca an incredulous look. "I don't care if she called him ‘dumbfuck' if it was special between you both. No, it's not normal for a partner or mate to name our animals or a dragon, but I saw the bond and how she—you were so jealous and in pain." He turned to me. "Thank you."

And then the unthinkable happened and he went to hug me.

"Nope, nope, not there," I countered and practically ducked behind Lucca.

"Right, yes, okay, I don't know what came over me," he muttered, clearing his throat.

"Thanks, Dad," Lucca whispered.

"I love you, Son. I'm an asshole. I've always known that. I won't excuse or defend. Part of it was how I was raised. The rest is what I had to do to keep this family and sloth safe and the paranoia that comes with that." I peeked out to see tears in Mr. Von Thann's eyes. "But there is nothing I love more than your mother and my children. Nothing matters more to me than you."

He spun away and went back to the party.

And I hugged Lucca, letting him use me like a comfort pillow or just… For comfort. I rubbed his back and told him it was a good step.

We returned to the castle to finish dinner after I promised I would let everyone see the crystals and places they would stay another time when it was all done. Even their families. I hadn't thought of that, but it was a great honor for someone in their family to be given such acknowledgment by the future queen of Faerie.

"We have to announce your invention to the realms, Your Highness," Taeral said excitedly.

I shocked everyone when I sighed.

"She doesn't want to make it a thing," Neldor surmised. "Everything is such a thing when it concerns her. People were complaining she was playing with magic instead of doing what they wanted. Or focused on all her too many mates. Or want her inventions for themselves, upset when she won't teach them how to do these things."

"Even after I've repeatedly said I don't fucking know how I do this shit," I grumbled, apologizing for cussing like that given who was there. "I have shared when I can. The nutrients for the planet and animals. Fine, yes, I could show you and did. Other things I've shared. I don't always know what I'm doing and I'm not trained enough to teach."

"Something we have reminded people and they have backed off about," Iolas promised. "You touched all of your people when you made it clear your first, second, and only concern was the safety of the children. People saw how worried you were. They don't know you, Tamsin. It takes time to build trust and even change gears that people they thought to trust were vipers."

"Trust me this time, Tams," Neldor muttered. "Let me do a video and show it. We can put it on your information boards. I think there's a way to do it right."

I studied him a moment and sighed again. "I can't be objective on this. If you think so. It just sounds like me trying to boast I'm awesome and that always backfires to me."

Xavier and Ronald Von Thann both snorted, sharing a look that they were on the same page, Xavier explaining before I could even ask. "Being weak is dangerous, but what most don't understand is strength makes you a target as well. There is no right answer, and it's not your youth or sex, but something all leaders struggle with."

"Constantly," Ronald agreed. "Those bears you saved us from didn't come because we were an easy target. My sloth has a lot to offer and theirs was hurting. I wouldn't work with them or do deals because I morally object to how their sloth runs. They wouldn't come over this century or even last century to sanity, and their pride made them stupid."

I nodded. "I apologize if it upset you that I didn't follow up or… Shael told me your council handled it. I didn't feel it was for me to know."

Ronald stared at me a moment and then sighed. "I still worry that your heart is too pure and honor too strong to survive as a ruler."

"She has the support who has no problem going over every line to make sure she stays that way to do the dirty parts someone so perfect should never have to," Neldor said easily as he reached for his wine.

"Yes, even I heard the whispers of what you did with some nobles, Prince Neldor," he chuckled. "The councils weren't thrilled but too scared to retaliate."

"So they do have a brain among them then?" Taeral mocked.

"Thank you, but you also make me sound like I can't get my hands dirty, and I started this journey with a lot of dirt on my hands," I interjected. "Hell, I took out three cartels because I was in a bad mood. I get dirty just fine." I rolled my eyes when Hudson and Darby both coughed at the innuendo.

Men.

"Oh good, a palate cleanser," Lucca said as he glanced at the servers. I looked as well, but then he was standing by me with his goofy Lucca smile on his lips. He extended his hand to me. "A moment, Your Highness?"

I couldn't deny him anything when he smiled like that. He was up to trouble, but I knew it was the kind that would make me smile… And he was doing it to change the topic and mood.

He played "Dance the Night" by Dua Lipa from his phone and spun me under his arm.

Yeah, I smiled.

Lucca was a man with moves but was too bulky like a bear to be all that flexible. That was my job. After one spin, I kicked my leg up on his shoulder and he picked me up by my hips and twirled us around before flipping me over his back.

We were laughing so hard when the song was over and went to sit back down.

"I like that is the new tradition for palate cleansers at your events more than this sorbet," Julian said with mirth dancing in his eyes.

Yeah, I liked it too.

Even better?

The next palate cleanser, we weren't the only ones dancing. Lageos was dancing with Sasha and Julian danced with Lucca's sister. Taeral danced with Mrs. Von Thann and Neldor danced with Kagen.

And somehow Connor talked Jason into getting over himself and dancing with him. I wasn't the only one who looked at Connor with awe.

That kid had a bright, bright future in getting what he wanted.

Glad he was on our side.

Ronald and Xavier seemed to shrug and started dancing together as well.

"How many bottles of wine have we gone through?" I asked, setting everyone off into laughter.

"We never get the chance to be goofy like you young ones," Xavier answered as he twirled Ronald under his arm. "Plus, it's relief. So much has gone wrong and happened that sometimes I never thought my family would ever safely reach this day."

"Praise the gods we did," Ronald agreed. "But it is good fucking wine."

Okay then!

But I did understand, so did Neldor from the look he gave me. Not in a million years did either of us probably think we'd make it this far and with such amazing results, much less in a handful of years from the way we met.

Jason moved in front of me when the song was over and we were going to sit down. He cleared his throat and finally met my gaze. "Princess, I think the custom of sharing the food is nice. It's like family and a sloth."

"Thank you," I accepted, understanding there was more to this. He was trying so hard and seemed at a loss, so I cheated and turned on my telepathy. I nodded. "Yes, I fully understand. Thank you for bringing it to my attention."

"I didn't get to it yet," he mumbled, sounding relieved but also disappointed in himself like he'd chickened out.

I gave a half shrug and turned to Irma. "The Alpha's son wants his portions to go to the bears who are protecting the sloth while they're here safe having fun in Faerie."

Irma smiled and turned bright yellow before coming towards us. She patted Jason's hand. "Good lad. We'll make sure we get some extras to your people. The princess made sure we made ten times what was needed for you to take some home to your people and the Guardians on duty who could never afford these dishes."

"You did?" Jason whispered, blinking at me. "Why?"

I shrugged. "As long as the animals were available when we're having issues, it's fine. I wanted quiet for all of us. It wasn't about being cheap or cutting costs when I'm rich." I gestured to everyone else having fun and at ease. "I wanted this." I patted his shoulder and took my seat.

And winked at Lucca when he blew me a kiss.

If his family was willing to try, I would as well.

"Speaking of your situation and animals," Ronald hedged. "I heard things are going well, but like with any project, you need more resources. Namely, people."

"Clearly, you have an idea, and we're open to hearing it, but we'll get you the right person to contact and go through," Neldor cut in. He sighed when I shot him a look. "I know I don't speak for you. That's not what this was."

I sighed then too. "Delegating. Yes, I know. I need to learn to delegate better, and everyone cannot run to the ruler of a planet as it undermines my authority and importance. I agree. I do."

"But there are times we all sneak in this or that because we're so busy," Sasha said for me, nodding when I did.

"Agreed, but there is a deep trust built here that isn't with the Alpha," Neldor defended. "It also puts Tamsin in a bad spot if she'd have to turn him down or it can start trouble. My job as her second—my sole focus now that I've graduated—will be to make sure she shines and has less to deal with that puts her in any bad spots."

"He's right," Ronald of all people accepted, shocking his children. "And I'm known for not taking it well when people don't listen or agree with me. It's normally because I see something they don't or I understand the players better, but I am pushy, and that makes people nervous. I just want shit to get done and there's too much red tape always."

I snorted. On that, we agreed.

"I will say it is a good idea with a lot of possibilities and we do have the trust built," Mrs. Von Thann said, giving me a look to forgive her. "I wouldn't push, but it's an idea that could help you now even if it's not flushed out. Ronald doesn't know all of the parts this time, but it's an idea I think you could jump on."

I gave her a nod that I heard her and understood more than just listened to the words. I looked over at Lucca. "You're going to accept Neldor's offer, right? At least for now and have a role in the government we're build—"

"Your government," all the fairies there corrected… Plus, my dad.

Again, I nodded that I heard them but kept Lucca's gaze, seeing a bit of worry there. "You wouldn't work for me directly if that's your concern. We can discuss particulars, but whatever you want is fine with—"

Neldor sighed and set down his fork harder than needed. "Tams, you can't just give people whatever they want because you care for them. That is why too many think you're such a pushover. I have something set up and will handle it."

"I'm not okay you interjected this time," Lucca said firmly, people shocked as there was a bit of anger in his eyes. But he didn't back down, giving Neldor a hard look. "You interjected earlier to protect her because there wasn't trust built. You just implied there wasn't here either, and I don't think that's fair."

"You also took his chance to do the right thing, and he never takes advantage of Tams," Hudson added, his tone tight. "We all protect her, but we agreed never by undermining another."

Neldor sat with that a moment and gave a firm nod. "I apologize. You're absolutely right. Please, ignore my interjection and handle it as you would then."

Lucca dipped his head and looked back at me with a smile. "Neldor undoubtedly had something set for Cluym, but I don't have a hundred years of military experience. I'm also a recent graduate, but I bring other things to the table, like I've trained to become an Alpha young and worked with sloths, packs, and councils the way Cluym hasn't.

"But all of that is to the side. My worry wasn't my salary or maybe even living with my direct boss if that's where your mind was." He leaned over Darby and raised my hand to his lips before sitting back again. "My worry is if this is what you want or feel you have to do, Tams. I won't let people pressure you. Especially when it's for me, about me, or concerning me."

I beamed at him. "I think you are perfect for the job and would be a huge asset. Us and our relationship aside even. You just proved it. You are a different man than when we met, Lucca. We both are different people, and the man you've become is one I respect and want on my team—Faerie's team."

"Thanks, cream puff." He winked at me. "Then yes, I'd love it. I thought you had a plan for me, but then we kept dancing around it, and I wasn't really sure what was going on."

I lost my smile. "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry about that. For you and Hudson. Doing this meant accepting the full package really and—"

"You weren't ready to say officially that you wanted to be queen," Hudson forgave. "We get it. But I'm glad you're there because there's a conversation I want to have with you as well. Something I feel I can do best and want." He sighed when I looked at him. "If you say anything I want is fine, I'm going to get cranky that you were dismissive."

I shut my mouth so fast that I bit my tongue. I licked my lips and gave him my most innocent look. "Tell me when you want to meet about it."

"Seriously, they are like the most mature adults with the most complicated relationship that I cannot believe it," Sasha whispered, glancing between us when I looked at her. She focused back on me. "However do you manage five and have them all acting this well?"

"Sasha," Xavier groaned, most people wincing at her outburst.

I had the opposite reaction and burst out laughing. She thought it was because of me?

Oh, hell no.

Well… I looked at them and all five made it clear that it was because of me. I couldn't think of how that worked besides maybe being a bit too forgiving at times? More understanding than a human could be?

Fuck if I knew.

"I want to have five mates like Princess Tamsin," Kagen said wistfully. One of Lucca's sisters shared a look with her and nodded, both of them chuckling.

And Xavier and Ronald both went visibly pale to a degree we all caught it.

"See? See?" Lageos said loudly as he pointed between the two men. "Neither of you assholes have children, daughters. None of the commanders do. These two get it! They're men. Fine, their sons are a part of it, but I have to sit there while five men practically coo over her at early morning training and wag their tails at her. We all know what that means was—"

"Dad!" I blurted, shocked it took my mouth so long. "Kids here! I'm going to beat your ass. My future in-laws don't need to—"

"Father, I think we need to have another discussion about upsetting your daughter," Julian said smoothly, smirking at Lageos. "Maybe we'll take on another week of her training for her, Father? So she can—"

Lageos stood up and threw down his napkin before waggling his finger at Julian. "Enough of the ‘Father' shit, warlock. I might not be able to—I will find a way to get you back and—" He let out a growl when I cleared my throat in warning.

And then teleported away.

"Oh fuck, that's still the funniest fucking thing I've ever seen," Iolas wheezed before bursting out laughing. He laughed so hard he barely stayed in his chair and slapped the table. He wiped his eyes and looked at Julian. "Meira would have loved you. Seriously. She used to do the same thing when Lag was being too much. She'd just push his buttons until he caved or lost it."

Julian looked dumbfounded. "Glad she would approve."

Iolas instantly lost his amusement.

"So clearly, she wouldn't have approved of one of us," Neldor drawled, probably assuming it was him.

Which shocked Iolas. "Meira had complete faith you'd grow into a fine man. She had faith in the love and example your father set."

"Me," Darby whispered. "The queen of the light realm would never have approved of a vampire."

Iolas sighed, obviously having meant him. "That would have worried her but honestly, it's your passive nature, the mistakes you made. Being queen means never being passive. Tamsin will need strong support, and most of the time you've been great at that, but you missed a lot. Meira wouldn't have forgiven you for that."

And then he shot a look at Lucca as well.

Shit… Because Ronald saw it.

A miracle happened, and he didn't say anything though, griding his jaw but keeping his mouth shut. I was pretty amazed at that, but Iolas was my godsfather so yeah, he couldn't act like the fairy didn't have a right to say anything. And given how much the Alpha had interjected himself into our relationship… He had no leg to stand on.

Lucca nodded that he accepted the criticism at least. I just didn't know how to get us back on track after that.

Lageos reappeared with several bottles of wine, handing Ronald and Xavier a few each. "Meira said these were good years. Save them, and when your daughters mate, open it as if I'm there to have a drink with you and know I understand your feelings. Meira and I will watch over them that night and you can tie one off."

Pain sliced through my heart like I could never put into words. He talked about his death so easily and accepted it. Granted, he'd had so much time to accept it, knew it was the ending longer than I had. But it hurt so fucking much.

Julian immediately took my hand in his and squeezed it in comfort, and I felt Darby's hand on my thigh as well. I appreciated that and saw Sasha and Mrs. Von Thann shooting me pained looks as well.

But the dads had a bit to bond and get along. That was what was important and a memory that I would keep with me always.

Always.