Chapter 50: Mates At Last

It has been two days since Eliana’s friends helped her force out the rebels. Drake’s men continue to watch over the castle’s walls, keeping them safe. Olisnia, without the replenishment of her magic, has helped the others by bandaging their wounds and finding the medicinal herbs within the court doctor’s quarters.
Eliana has tried to give Jasper as much distance as she can. Every time she spots him, he always gives her a pained expression before turning away. She does not know why he still lingers, when the danger has subsided. Drake has already sent word back to his father that the war is to be stopped.
“Princess,” the Prince states, walking up to her, “I mean, Queen Eliana.”
She cringes, not yet used to the idea of ruling all of Drein. “Please, you do not need to be so formal.”
“I fear I must,” he counters, smirking. “For I must keep our countries on hospitable terms.”
Confusion causes her brow to furrow, “What do you mean? Once we bring my citizens back to Zaline, we shall be married. What is more hospitable than that?”
Drake’s smirk softens and he sighs, “I fear that I cannot go through with the wedding.”
“What,” relief fights against her nerves, but she pushes it away. “Why not?”
“I cannot come between two mates. The bond that is formed, whether you want it to or not, is unbreakable. If we were to marry, you will be unhappy for all of your days.”
Jasper.
Eliana’s chest is pulled into knots and her throat closes. Composing herself, she retorts, “I am Queen. I have a duty to my people to do what is the best for the kingdom. Uniting our countries is the only way to create peace.”
“There will be peace, even without a marriage,” Drake explains. “I will keep my father in line the best I can. Do not worry about that.”
“But,” the Queen is unable to come up with another good reason why they should be married. If he does not want to go through with it, where does that leave her? “What will you do, then?”
He stares out at the expanse that is Drein. Sighing, he says, “I shall go home. I have a lot of messes to clean up. I may form another contract with the Vojik to help me with the King. I know they enjoy those duties,” he grins.
Eliana cannot help but smile with him, watching the sun glint off the walls of her castle.
“Thank you for all that you have done for me. How will I ever repay you?”
“Rule well,” he chuckles. “That is the best you can do.”
She laughs softly, “Alright, I will try.”
They stand in silence, reveling in the beauty of the country.

>><<

“What do you mean you are leaving?” Eliana stands in the courtyard that has already been cleared of the countless bodies. Olisnia stands at her side as she faces Alma.
“I have stayed long enough. I saw you to your home, and I am glad that I was able to help as much as I did, but it is time for me to return to Pyrion. I have someone waiting for me.” She shifts her injured arm, the bandage still tainted red.
Olisnia’s magic is slowly replenishing, but it is still taking time.
“You have to pass through Climont, thought. It is too dangerous to go alone.”
“That’s why I am going with her,” Evyn states, walking up to stand behind her.
“What,” Alma’s mouth drops open, her eyes widening.
“I cannot allow you to go alone,” he explains. “I will help you to get home. I have no one missing me back at Viptan, anyway,” he shrugs.
“But,” she begins. She soon gives up though, a blush building in her ears as she looks away.
“I wish you both would stay,” Eliana sighs.
“Thank you, your majesty,” Alma grins, “But I cannot.”
“I understand,” she nods.
Biting her lip to stop the tears form building, Eliana rushes forward to embrace the werebird. She tightens her grip, holding on until she knew that she was composed enough to let go.
“I hope you come visit.”
“I will try, your majesty.”
“Stop, just Eliana.”
Alma giggles, “Alright.”
The two of them turn, slowly walking out of the courtyard, their bodies close to one another.
“You are not leaving me anytime soon, right?” Eliana says without taking her eyes off her friends’ receding backs.
“Of course not,” Olisnia huffs. “You are stuck with me for a while.”
The Queen laughs, “Good, I am glad to hear it.”

>><<

Easing her still aching body into the scalding bath water, Eliana releases a pained sigh. The water soothes her sores and releases the tension in her muscles.
She leans her head back against the tub, her heart twisting as she thinks of Jasper. She has not seen him today. With the wedding off and Alma and Evyn gone, her heart cannot take much more of emotion. She wants to share with Jasper the good news, but she worries how he may react.
He had turned his back on her, yet he returned to save her. He is not fighting for her, his mate, against Drake either, simply accepting the arranged marriage.
“Does he even want me,” she says aloud.
She lays in her own self-pity for a moment before a crash startles her. Voices drift through the bathroom door.
“Where is she?”
“Jasper, that is enough, this is the Queen’s royal chambers.”
“Does it look like I care?”
As the words reach her, the bathroom door is thrown open, bouncing against the wall.
Eliana tries not to squeak from the surprise, her arms shifting to hide her nakedness.
Jasper stands before her, a conflicting war raging under his thick façade.
“Why,” he heaves, almost not noticing the position she is in.
Junet stands behind him, shock and anger plain on her face. She takes a step forward.
“It’s okay, Junet. You can go.” Eliana nods, even when the maid’s brow wrinkles at her words. She hesitates, glowering up at Jasper before quietly bowing and exiting the chambers.
“Answer me,” he demands. His eyes are wild, confusion lacing through his emotions.
“I do not understand the question,” she says calmly, even though every part of her body is the exact opposite. She swallows as she grabs the silk robe next to the tub.
“Why have you called off the wedding,” he growls, his shoulders trembling.
Eliana places the robe over her shoulders carefully before trying to stand. Jasper’s gaze slowly shifts to her curves, a blush building in his face. He clenches his jaw before glancing away.
“To answer your question, I was not the one who ended the engagement. Drake was.”
“Why,” is all Jasper rumbles.
“Because it is not needed. He will convince his father to end this war. That was the only reason we made the agreement to begin with.” Eliana brushes past Jasper, making sure to touch his arm before doing so. She has to hold down the excitement lighting up her body at the contact.
She receives the reaction she wants, though. Jasper’s legs sway underneath him, a soft growl rolling through his throat at her close proximity and lack of much clothing.
“That cannot be the reason. Why would he want tot end the war a different way now?”
She presses her lips together, “Because he said that he did not want to come between two mates.”
“Mate?”
“Yes, Jasper. Not that his decision will change a thing. I know you still despise me. I am surprised you are even still here. I do not blame you for reacting the way you did. And I should thank you, because I have become stronger for it. I will not take a husband. I will rule Drein alone.”
“Eliana,” Jasper sighs softly, anguish rising up in his features.
“What, Jasper?”
“I do not hate you,” he all but whispers, closing the distance between them. He pushes a dangling lock out of her face.
Eliana wants to scream at their close proximity, but she holds herself together.
Jasper’s brow stitches up and sadness fills his gaze. “I am sorry I have hurt you so much. I have allowed my family’s rules and sway to dictate what I do, but not any longer.”
He runs a hand up Eliana’s bare arm, causing a shiver to bite at her neck. His fingers land on her collar bone where he then moves up her neck.
“Jasper,” Eliana gasps out, the intensity of his touch overwhelming her.
“No more running,” he growls. “You’re mine,” he leans in, breathing her scent, “And I am yours. If you will have me.”
The Queen blinks, hoping it will clear her mind, but to no avail. She falls into Jasper, her legs giving out.
“Are you sure you want this,” she whimpers. She cannot bear to be heartbroken again.
“I have never been so sure of anything in my life,” he states before bringing her lips close to his, gently brushing them. He smirks, “After this there is no going back.”
“No going back,” Eliana repeats, her mind already completely full to the brim of him.
Jasper sighs into her before connecting their lips. Fireworks dance in Eliana’s body, her brain shutting down. She grips onto his shoulders, her robe falling open slightly. She leaves it as is, relishing in the feeling of Jasper.
She is now Queen. She must rule over all of Drein. Now, with Jasper at her side, she is complete.