The Delta's Daughter Chapter 271

CRIMSON

I walk out of the room, Gillian in tow and Tawny behind her.

Shit

I forgot all about Arnold coming to meet with us, the whole reason I needed to speak with Tawny. I have no idea what happened in there. How or why - I did what I did.

When Tawny told me she felt it every time I made love to Gillian, the guilt inside me filled my head with doubts and my heart ached for her discomfort. Pain that I had caused. The look in her tear-glazed eyes had my resolve breaking and I could think of nothing more than comforting her. Once in my arms, I could think of nothing else but being inside her, claiming her as mine. I wanted her for my own selfish reasons.

Was that the bond between us at work? An invisible thread drawing me to her? Whatever happened, whatever it was - it couldn’t and wouldn’t happen again.

I open the door to my office, Arnold Maydor, Gillian’s father is standing with his back to me his attention on whatever he sees outside the window that looks over the training grounds – beyond the gardens.

“Crimson,” He says not bothering to turn around, his hands folded behind his back. “We had a meeting ten minutes ago, you are late.” I seriously hated this werecat.

“Apologies lord Maydor, I was finishing up a meeting with the Princess.” I begin to give my excuse, which was as close to the truth as it got. It just wasn’t a meeting in the traditional sense.

He finally turns, his steel blue eyes narrowed and perplexed. He glances at his daughter behind me, before dismissing her presence with a look, then his glare lands on the second female that entered this room with me. Tawny.

“Well ladies, I’m sure you have some sewing or knitting to commence with. Why don’t you let the men talk.” He hardly spares any attention to Gillian, which is not uncommon. But his eyes look Tawny up and down, and one side of his lips curls up in disgust and I want to growl at him for the way he regards her.

“Lord Maydor, it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance again.” Tawny steps forward, her posture and tone full of confidence. Her attitude is poised, and she brushes off the obvious chauvinistic comment. “Actually, Crimson and I were just discussing this meeting and we feel it would be best for me to sit in on any meetings that pertain to the well-being of this kingdom and its citizens.”

Tawny stands in front of Maydor and holds out her hand for him to shake. Instead, he looks up at me, surprise and repugnance gracing his sharp features. “What is the meaning of this, Kolby?” His grinds out in a hiss.

I cock my head. I know exactly what he means, but I also know Tawny knows exactly how to get under his skin and she won’t back down either. I may just enjoy this meeting after all.

“The meaning of what Lord Maydor?” Tawny asks innocently. I hear Gillian try to hide her chuckle behind me, amused by the tiny female who dares to confront her father.

“War and politics are for men to discuss. Not a woman who is playing at being a princess.” I don’t think he could have been any more condescending towards her if he tried.

“Ahh, I see.” Tawny finally drops her hand and smoothly brushes by him and takes up a seat on the white leather couch, spreading her arms over the back of it. If she was annoyed or angered by Maydor’s chauvinistic dismissal, she wasn’t showing it. “What you meant to say is, ‘You are not used to being around females who know how to talk politics or have been in battle.” She leans forward, scooting up on the couch. “I assure you Lord Maydor, I have seen more bloodshed in my lifetime than you could fathom. I can also provide references from King Alexander of the Moon kingdom and Alpha Lamia Langley of MacTire that I was not only a personal consultant to the prince but also a trusted consort of Alpha Langley. Personally trained by her and her second in command.”

Lord Maydor’s face reddens with each word Tawny speaks. A sense of pride wells up inside me and I mentally fist-bump the air at her show of control and strength.

His lips purse and I can physically see him shaking. “Arnold,” I say breaking the tension “Princess Tawny will be crowned. It is her duty to weigh in on these talks and ultimately when she becomes queen, her duty to make the final decision.”

“She does not sit on the throne… yet.” He almost spits out.

“Correct, I do not sit on the throne… yet. However, Lord Maydor, One day I will. This kingdom is in shambles. The army is weak, it’s amazing we were able to survive the attack on the kingdom last month. It is also my understanding, Clowders, and small Prides had been attacked prior to my arrival here. Can you tell me as a high-ranking member and Lord what exactly you did to help these Clowders? Because, and correct me if I’m wrong, but those clowders happen to fall under your jurisdiction.”

“Gillian, leave us,” Maydor tells his daughter, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.

“Actually, Gillian will be staying.” Tawny counters, again her voice and actions smooth as silk, unnerved. “Gillian has been part of the royal court for what? Four months now, ever since her binding contract to Kolby Crimson? And is a valuable asset to this kingdom, she has become a trusted consort to not only myself but her fiancée too. She will stay.” Tawny’s last sentence was said with finality.

I could see Lord Maydor wanted to argue. He absolutely hated to be undermined. And to be overruled by a female was unheard of. I give Tawny a smile while Gillian’s father gives his daughter a scathing look.

At the end of the meeting, which I thought went splendidly, Tawny and Gillian departed my office. Instead of discussing what needed to be done, Tawny told Lord Maydor what would be done and what actions we were implementing amongst our warriors and citizens.

When we discussed the werewolves coming into our Kingdom to help rebuild our city, Maydor was not pleased, until the mention of money, and how much we could not only save but potentially make by trading with them and MacTire.

“I don’t like the princess. Armand and I had a deal.” Maydor burst out as soon as Gillian and Tawny had left the room. “You were meant to become king,” He hisses at me. “My daughter would be Queen, but now…” He stands and paces. “Now… I don’t trust her and over my dead body will she wear that crown or ring! Fix it Crimson, or I will.”

“Are you threatening the Princess, Lord Maydor?” I question his words, hoping to goddess Bastet he worded his sentence wrong. An overwhelming protectiveness came over me for the slight, dark-skinned beauty.

“I don’t make threats, Crimson. Get her out of here or I swear to the goddess, I will have her forcefully removed.”

“That would not be wise my Lord. Taking action against a princess who is well connected beyond our borders threatens our very livelihood and the citizens of Cambiador.” Surely, he cannot be that self-centered.

“She has no were-cat to rule with until she has taken a chosen mate to wed, she cannot sit on the throne. She will need to marry someone of our choosing, someone amongst the ranks. Otherwise, I assure you my hands will be forced to handle the matter, and no one wants a civil war.”

“A civil war? Lord Maydor that is taking things to the extreme, don’t you think?”

“No, I don’t think it is. She is unfit to serve as our Queen. She knows nothing of our laws or way of life. For fucks sake, she was raised by wolves – barbaric beasts with no class. She is impure! Remove her from this kingdom or I will!” With that Arnold Maydor storms out of the office looking angrier than when he came in.

I shake my head and run a hand through my hair, shit just got more complicated. He didn’t have to say it, but he had the backing of all the major players in this kingdom. Lord Maydor owned a majority of the gold mines in this kingdom and was the wealthiest Lord and ranked were-cat in the land. His underlying threat could not be ignored. If given the opportunity, he would have himself crowned King.

A thought that made my blood boil.

*****

TAWNY

“Hey, sorry I missed your call,” I tell Lamia once she picks up her phone, “I was in a meeting. Where have you been?”

“I miss you too, bestie,” She gushes down the phone “I don’t even know where to start, after I sent you that picture of the casino in Lonely City, shit hit the fan.”

Lamia proceeds to explain her mating with the bear king Mathias King Artos, her encounter with Ashe the first and the new enemy, the one responsible for the Crawlers and attacks on Cambiador – Orion Artos.

“He took Petra,” She finally concludes, “Travis almost died, and Orion has given us until the spring equinox moon to face him at Riocht.”

“We will be there,” I promise. “The were-cat kingdom will stand with you and the other kingdoms. This enemy is a threat to us all. This kingdom is affected too if he comes into that kind of power Lamia. He cannot become King of shifters, for all our sakes.”

“Tawny, I can’t ask that from your kingdom. I don’t want that pressure on you,” My best friend sighs.

“Whether this kingdom aids in the upcoming war or not, I will be there. You are my best friend Lam’s and I stand beside you through thick or thin. You have my allegiance no matter what.”

“Thank you, Tawny. Kellen and I will keep you updated. Now tell me what’s going on with you. I sense some turmoil.”

“Don’t worry about me, Lam’s. You have enough on your plate.”

“I will worry about you; you are my best friend and the closest thing I have to a sister. You are family Tawny. Don’t ever forget that.”

I feel a tear slide down my cheek at her words. Gods do I love this girl. Even a million miles away she has my back. I decided to tell her the truth, knowing there is a chance she could show up here and rein down hell on every were-cat that has looked at me wrongly and would probably rip Crimson to shreds. “I met my mate, but it’s complicated,” I say, omitting any names “The way things work here... are different. The laws are mixed between humans and fucked up werewolf laws, with some added addendums.” I laugh at my own wording “Buts it’s fine, I promise. I’m handling it.”

“What do you need Tawny? What do you want me to do, name it.”

“You’re doing it, Lamia, just being my friend is all I need. The messed-up part is, I really like it here. It feels like this is where I should be, even though I miss my father and you guys - my best friends.”

“And Mason?”

“Mason is wonderful. Thank you so much for sending him with me. He truly is a goddess send; I may want to keep him forever.” I laugh.

“I’m only a phone call away, sis,” Lamia says at the end of the conversation before we say our goodbyes and hang up.

The conversation leaves me feeling lighter and happier. Just knowing our friendship is strong and unwavering has my spirits lifting. Even Juniper gives off a happier vibe as I feel her emotions pass through me.

*Mason, meet me in the King’s office* I open up a mental link with the warrior and he replies immediately. I find a maid as I make my way down to the late King’s office, now my office as I rightfully claimed it, and send her to find Crimson and Gillian. I meant what I said to Lamia, I will be at that battle and the were-cat Kingdom will stand behind her if they value their alliance with any other kingdom in this realm.

The four of us, Myself, Mason, Crimson, and Gillian find ourselves once again crammed into the king’s office – my office. I need to get used to the idea that I hold a position in this kingdom, even if it is just because of blood and hearsay at the moment.

I already know I will accept the crown, whether I’m wanted or not and despite what I originally said and thought.

In these short couple of months, this kingdom has grown on me. My heart bled for the citizens the night they almost lost everything. The night that took my Grandfather’s life.

I already feel connected. And Cambiador needs a leader. They need to see change and move forward in their misogynist thinking. I have no idea if I’m the right person to lead them or if I’m the best person - maybe it should be Kolby. But I want to, and I will put everything I am into being a leader and bringing this kingdom back to its former glory. Or I will, at least, die trying.

That simple last thought sends a shudder down my spine and brings my attention back to the room. I cast a glance at each of them, my eyes landing on Crimson lastly. A deep ache in my heart pulsing at the mate who doesn’t want me. The mate who doesn’t feel the bond.

I push the feelings of hurt deep down. I will deal with this complication when I know how to. Right now, I have no clue what to do about him.

My feline knows what she wants, I can feel her longing and confusion about why she hasn’t been claimed yet. I temper her thoughts as I begin to recite my conversation with Lamia, bringing these werecats and whatever Crimson is, up to date and informing them of the new enemy – Orion Artos.

“We are not strong enough,” Crimson interjects after I have relayed the details. “They are going to war in less than three months. I will be the first to admit our army has been weakened.” I watch Crimson as he runs a hand down his face and then through his dark curls. His yellow eyes flashed in a reptilian way.

I swear they change, not just the color because I have witnessed them turning a deep red. But the pupils sometimes seem to take on a different shape.

I pull my eyes from him, not wanting to stare at my fated mate for too long. The longing from my feline crept back to the surface.

“Well,” I clear my throat and stand, making my way to the three decanters that sit on a wooden tray. I pick one up without looking at the label and turn over a glass pouring a few fingers of the clear liquid. Tequila, I observe, the scent of strong alcohol hitting my nose.

“Deep subject” Mason chuckles and I throw him a quirked look of exasperation. His deep brown eyes widen, the comical look in his eyes turning to one of seriousness. “Sorry, Princess.” He says adjusting his seated position out of embarrassment.

“As I was saying, what if we could build and strengthen the army? Would Cambiador fight alongside MacTire?” I ask Crimson, giving Gillian a glance hoping she too, would give her input.

“We would have to take it to a vote with the council.” Crimson supplies, scratching the back of his neck. “IF, big if, they agree we still have to bring the warriors up to par.”

“Right, but what do you think? You were my grandfather’s second in command. They will follow you Crimson” I say, looking at him earnestly.

I feel like I hold my breath for what seems forever, my eyes locked on the delicious male. His muscle taught beneath his white shirt. His thighs bulged from his black slacks, which hug the curve of his ass so nicely.

STOP! I chide myself. Once again, I draw my eyes from him and place them on Mason instead. Which is not much better. Because let’s face it, Mason is one tall glass of cream that I would mind lapping up. If my fated Mate wasn’t standing in this very room too.

His Cinnamon and baked goods scent fills up the room, overpowering any other scent that may be present.

This damn meeting needs to be over. As long as I am not alone with Crimson, I should be good. I should be able to resist the pull of his alluring scent and those come fuck me eyes. Did I mention his lips have me salivating to taste them?

I mentally slap myself again. This time I lock my gaze on Gillian. That doesn’t help much either because she has her eyes trained on my mate, looking at him with total adoration.

Fuck my life. I think for the thousandth time since being here.

“Who did you have picked for your second in command?” I ask Crimson, changing the trajectory of my thoughts with great difficulty.

“I hadn’t picked anyone. I didn’t expect King Arman to die… so suddenly” I hear the sorrowful pain in his voice as his words trail. I want to comfort him, but Gillian is already up and moving to put her arms around him.

I turn my back, pretending to look out of the window, not because my mate has another woman’s arms around him. I feel my feline stir and she wants Gillian’s blood for touching her male.

“Traditionally, the strongest warriors will fight for the position, the winner of the competition then fills the role they were competing for,” Gillian says.

I bob my head and am thankful that when I turn around, Gillian has sat back down and Crimson is closer to me, standing by the window. “I can just pick my second or will Mason have to compete? I mean, Crimson and I are sharing a role at the moment until it can be decided and confirmed which of us will take the throne.” I quickly throw in that last part, not wanting to seem too presumptuous. “It makes sense that we would both have a Beta – second in command,” I say.

“For tradition’s sake, he should compete.” Crimson states.

I look at Mason, waiting for him to accept “It would be my honor to fight for the right to be your second Tawny.”

I smile at him “Thank you, Mason.” I clap my hands together “Now, here’s what I propose, and let me know if I’m stepping too far out of Cambiador’s circle – We hold the competition for two Betas- seconds. Then once Mason has won, and you have your second in command” I gesture to Crimson, “We split the army into five groups and have each of MacTire’s warriors start training them to our – my, expectations. Two, maybe three of those groups will go to Riocht with us. At least three to four hundred warriors. Gillian, I know you manage the house and the maids, but I would like you to take on a bigger role.” Gillian’s bright blue eyes look at me with excitement and hope and I give her a smile “If you can help out with coordinating with the council and setting up that meeting for a vote, that would awesome. I was thinking as well as liaising with the Moon Kingdom and MacTire regarding, supplies, trades, and support that would be wonderful.”

“It would be my pleasure. Anyway, I can help I would be happy too. I will also set up a luncheon with the wives.” I scrunch my nose up ready to protest “before you say no, even though the wives are not privy to be part of the council meetings, they sure do have sway with their husbands” She smiles wide and wickedly.

How could I even think of clawing her just moments ago? I really do like this werecat.