"So how do we take down the big bad guy, Baron?" Roman asked, making exaggerated air quotes.
Alaric replied flatly, "We can’t. His life’s magically tied to the Queen or something like that."
"No wonder he walks around with a swagger," Griffin muttered. "He’s got a free pass to commit crimes without fear of punishment from the crown."
"Well, he’s a king, duh. What did you expect?" Roman said with a shrug.
"He’s the Queen’s consort," Asher corrected him. "Same thing we’d be once Violet takes the Alpha King position."
Roman’s grin widened. "Fine by me. She can consort me all night long."
Alaric groaned and dragged a hand down his face. "We’re trying to have a serious conversation here, man."
"And I’m saying," Roman went on, "if their lives are tied together, isn’t there some way she can, I don’t know, magically take his life for herself — whatever bibidi-babidi-boo stuff they do — and dump the bastard for real?"
At that, the other Cardinal Alphas froze.
That wasn’t a bad idea.
"What?" Roman asked when they all stared at him like he’d just performed a miracle.
Alaric shook his head in disbelief. "Sometimes you’re a stupid genius."
"I am?" Roman’s expression brightened instantly.
"Don’t let it get to your head," Alaric muttered, already regretting saying it.
Griffin asked Asher. "Would that even work?"
"I don’t know," Asher admitted. "It sounds workable in theory. And I refuse to believe the Queen hasn’t thought of it unless she’s got some morbid attachment to the bastard. Being bound to someone, even your enemy, can be thrilling. Or maybe the procedure itself is too risky."
Asher exhaled, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "The point is, we’re working blind. We don’t know how things operate in this realm: the laws, the Queen’s true capacity, or how far Baron is willing to go. I believe if I can combine brains with Queen Seraphira—"
"We," Roman interrupted.
Asher blinked. "I’m sorry?"
"You heard me." Roman said casually, "You’re smart, yeah—but so’s Alaric. And I just discovered I am too—"
"Oh, Goddess," Alaric muttered, dragging a hand down his face.
"—and Griffin’s not bad either," Roman finished. "Together, we can come up with something. Everything’s not all about you, Ash-baby." He winked at him.
Asher made a low growl in his throat before conceding, "Fine. If we can reason with Queen Seraphira, we might find a solution. The Fae have their own ways of thinking, but we come from another world with different perspectives and maybe that’s what they need. But it’ll only work if the Queen is willing to cooperate."
"You’re right," Griffin said. "The Fae are as evasive as they are cunning. So far, they seem wary of us."
Before anyone could add more, the door swung open.
Violet stood there, her presence commanding the room. "Then I’ll make her listen."
At once, four pairs of eyes locked on her.
Asher’s voice rose. "Aren’t you supposed to be resting right now?"
"Oh please," Violet rolled her eyes. "Like I’d stay in bed while you guys hold a meeting about me and expect me to stay quiet."
Roman stepped forward. "But your health—"
"I’m fine," Violet cut in, her voice firm.
Griffin, however, wasn’t having it. "You had a real crisis out there, Violet. You might be strong, but even you need rest."
For the first time, all four of her mates were united against her. And though she wanted to argue, she could read the stubborn concern in their faces.
"Fine," Violet relented, sighing. "I’ll rest. But after this. So hear me out."
From the look they gave her, she could tell they were seconds away from hauling her back to bed by force, but her pleading expression made them pause.
Violet began, "I know I scared you all back there, but I’m sorry—"
"You don’t need to apologize, love," Alaric said softly. "None of that was your fault."
"I know," she murmured, "but I still can’t help it. I dragged you all into this mess. None of you signed up for this."
"That’s fucking bullshit, and you know it," Griffin cut in. "Your problem became ours long before you became our mate."
Alaric added, "You fought for me too, even before the bond clicked. So why would I ever let you face this alone?"
Roman said sheepishly. "I’m the one who put you in trouble on day one. If anyone should be apologizing, it’s me. And though I can’t promise I won’t fall into another trap—definitely not pixie-made—but I’ll try."
Then, as if they were taking turns, Asher finally spoke. "If this is about taking your place as the Fae princess, then I won’t stop you. I just want to keep you safe. And I apologize for stepping out of line with your mother. I was only worried about your well-being."
"You’re right," Violet admitted. "I don’t know if I’m ready to take my mother’s place. There’s so much happening — not just in my life, but in ours — that I barely have time to breathe, let alone rule a realm. But..." she drew a deep breath, "I want to prove myself to the Fae. I finally got to see the other world I belong to, and I’m not ready to let go. I won’t leave here with my tails between my legs, I’ll shake this place hard enough they’ll never forget Violet, their hybrid princess."
Roman and Griffin exchanged a look at that, identical smirks tugging at their lips. Even Asher and Alaric couldn’t hide their reluctant smiles.
"Alright," Roman said, lifting his hand, "that’s the Violet I know. Fine, we’ll stay and win this ’Trial of Ascension,’ or whatever ridiculous contest they throw your way. Who’s in on this with me?"
Asher started, "Your mother—"
"Will listen to me," Violet cut in, determination hardening her tone. "I’ll demand it of her. And if she refuses, I’ll leave the realm with you all. I can’t risk your lives. Not again."
That earned her four approving nods.
"Seems fair enough," Roman said, taking it upon himself to speak for everyone. "Now, if that’s all, it’s time for you to get back to bed, princess."
Before Violet could argue, he added with a mischievous grin, "Of course, if you’re having trouble sleeping, I can offer a few err... alternative methods. I heard some interesting news about what you’ve been up to in my absence early this morning." His eyes darkened, a playful glint flashing through them. "So, what do you say to that, princess?"