72: Ada's POV

Finn and Lilith followed us through the winding hallways of Oberon Castle to the Alpha King’s study. Nik rushed toward his father’s desk, digging through the top drawers. He pulled out a worn, blue leather notebook and held it up to all of us. Darius and Phoenix both nodded, and I furrowed my eyebrows.

With a shrug, he slipped the notebook into his tuxedo jacket and leaned against the front of the desk, crossing his ankles casually. His voice was dark, cold. “I suppose we should discuss our alliances with the two of you.”

His gaze flickered between Lilith and Finn. Before Finn could get a word out, Lilith bit out, “What the fuck is going on?”

I winced. With Phoenix around, I hadn’t been able to talk to her at all about anything. While that was a shame, I was more annoyed that somehow Nik had known exactly what my reasoning was for having her attend this event. Lilith’s people had grievances with Everett Ashford. It was part of why she’d landed here when her family had disowned her. Her witnessing his own son killing him would hopefully be enough to warrant a change in relationship with the High Fae as a whole... *if* she could be persuaded to return to her realm and her people.

As if he’d heard my entire chain of thought, Nik motioned for me to speak. I glared at him and took a step toward Lilith, “War. My father is organizing a rebellion against the Ashfords. I think he’ll strike soon now, while there’s chaos.” Her pale green eyes widened, and she shook her head, “No, I know you don’t want to, Lilith. And I wouldn’t normally ask. I’m worried, though. Something doesn’t feel right, and I’m not sure we can beat him with just us.”

“I can’t go back there, Ada,” her voice was shrill, “You have no idea what you are asking me to do.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but Phoenix piped up, “She may not, but we do. You may forget this, Lilith,” he crossed over and sat in a leather chair, running a hand over his jaw, “but you had to petition to be able to reside here. Do you really think it was my father who reviewed your petition?” Lilith stared at Phoenix as he continued, “It was my brothers and me. We know why you’re here, just like we know why you’re not honest about it with anyone else.”

Lilith’s eyes brimmed with tears, and she set her jaw. Her voice was strained as she returned her attention to me, “I need you to ask me as my friend and let me say no. Don’t let them force me into this as repayment for the reprieve. Please.”

My lips parted as I reached for her hand, but this time it was Darius who spoke before I could, “We are calling in your repayment to our Kingdom, Lilith of the Alpenglow. If you do not honor the agreement, we will have no choice but to exile you.”

She pulled away as his words made their way to us. Her eyes squeezed shut. I whirled, my eyes shooting daggers at the three Princes, “No. You do not get to force her into this. I don’t care what her agreement was,” Lilith sucked in a breath, “She is my *friend* and you—”

“You don’t know her very well for someone you consider a friend,” Nik’s voice was smooth, dark. “She could always tell you the truth as to why she’s here and see where your decision falls.”

Lilith’s hand rested on my shoulder, and I glanced at her. She sniffled, but shook her head, “I’ll go. I just ask for a few days with her before I do. Like we planned.”

“Done,” Darius stated, turning his body toward Finn, “Now, let’s discuss this alliance you promised.”

Finn bowed his head, smiling, “You have me, my shadows, and my armies at your disposal. I need nothing more from you in this alliance.”

The hair on the back of my neck stood up. Nik’s eyes locked on mine, and he gave a short nod. There was far more behind Finn needing Everett dead than he’d originally let on if that’s all he needed from this alliance. Though that was to be expected, given the usual tensions between his people and ours. Secrecy was a strength when it came to protecting yourself from current friends, but primary enemies.

Darius sighed, shaking his head as if he also knew that this could mean nothing but trouble for us, “I’ll take it against my better judgment.”

Lilith started toward the door, “If we’re done here, I need the rest of the night to myself.”

As she disappeared, the three Alpha Princes seemed to stare down Finn. After nearly a solid minute, he laughed loudly, “Alright, alright. I’m sure the four of you have plenty to discuss,” he waggled his eyebrows, “More tomorrow.”

The Vampire King placed a small kiss on my cheek before disappearing in a blink. There was almost a collective sigh of relief amongst my mates. I crossed the room and plopped down onto one of the couches, sinking as far as I could. Phoenix practically purred as he stood and came to sit beside me. His fingers trailed down my arm. My eyes fluttered shut. It was enough to distract my mind from absolutely racing with the events of the day. They moved down the side of my bodice, with the perfect amount of pressure.

I sighed. Footsteps sounded through the room, coming closer to us. Lips softly pressed into mine while Phoenix’s hand continued to explore my side and arm. Hands gripped my bare shoulder, kneading slightly. My eyes shot open. Darius was in front of me, on his knees. His hand brushed against my cheek. I didn’t fight leaning into it. I was so tired of fighting.

Nik was the one who spoke, “Do you forgive us enough, Ada?”

“For what?” I whispered, holding Darius’s gaze.

Darius grinned, a wicked glint to his eyes, “To let us worship you, *our queen*.”