Ira's POV 

I stand and walk to the window after hearing shouts outside. Why does it sound like there is a celebration already? 

My breath catches at the dazzling sight of Princess Andria, stepping out of a golden carriage. Her exquisite escort extends for almost half a mile.  To add extra pomp to her already glorious arrival, a gigantic dragon flies above her entourage like a formidable guard and descends down gently when the Princess directs it to do so. 

Tons of people have stepped outside to watch her grand arrival, all the angel kings and their assistant included.

She is as beautiful as rumours claim. And her dress looks like it was made by a dozen genius tailors. The soft, silk fabric outlines the curves of her body perfectly. The angel kings appear most enamored as their smiles reflect their genuine admiration. 

The princess waves charmingly at the crowd before making her way to them. Her every step is graceful, and her smile never falters. She is indeed the kind of woman that is worthy of being the queen of this kingdom, even though it's obvious that her life is nothing but pretense. The amount of effort she puts to look flawless is insane. 

Both angel Tiras and angel Adon kiss the back of her hand when she halts in front of them. Angel Ronen doesn't peck the back of her hand. Instead he pulls her closer and pecks her left cheek.

 

Watching them kiss another woman hurts despite the fact that I no longer want them. But I suddenly notice that I too got a pair of mighty eyes gazing directly at me. Those of Princess Andria's gigantic dragon! 

I am standing behind a small window, but the dragon's eyes stare right at me. It's skin looks like it is covered with countless shields of steel. No weapon on earth can penetrate it. Tamed or not, it's a dangerous creature to bring near a palace like this. 

I am surprised when I frown at the dragon's intense stare and it lowers its head. Did it notice my disapproval and bowed in submission? Of course not. But I would like to think that way. 

Princess Andria turns her head and appears surprised by her dragon's submissive posture. 

"Draco, raise your head!” she shouts at it. 

The dragon doesn't seem to be obeying her order as it's head remains downcast. One of the Angel Kings says something to her and they head inside. 

Soon they will summon me to surrender our mate bond to her. I have no doubt that the ritual will be painful. But hopefully it will be the end of this nightmare. Then I can peacefully perform during the banquet and earn the money I need to find my father.

* * * * * *

Angel Tiras's POV 

Princess Andria is everything we imagined she would be - a perfect woman of royal blood. She is of course a werewolf as the race of angels only exists within Lordsland. But another angel would have been useless to us without the rare skills this Princess has in taming dragons. 

"You possess unrevealed beauty, dear. No wonder you're able to charm dragons into submission," Ronen compliments, resting his hand on her slender back as we lead her inside our opulent palace. 

"Your messenger said that you have a mate who doesn't meet your standards," the princess says. "Is she-" 

"A wretched human with the ugliness of a warthog and foolishness of a sheep," Ronen supplies. 

His honesty might give the princess the wrong sense of our worth. She might think that there is a reason we were mated to a human commoner. 

"The human might possess some valuable qualities. But we wanted a perfect queen. Especially one with the ability to help this kingdom win the war against rogue dragons," I say as we enter the palace's most lavish living room. 

Princess Andria remains standing even as we take our seats. 

"Your majesties, there is nothing I would love more than to become your queen. I hope you desire our marriage as much as I do as my father has demanded a tribute from you before he can agree to our matrimony or the ritual to give me the mate bond," she informs. 

We had expected that her father would want a token of appreciation for the work of raising a perfect princess. We were going to send him a few gifts of course.

"What kind of tribute does your father desire from us?" Adon asks.

"He has demanded half a ton of gold and other precious stones, a dozen warriors from your palace to act as his trusted bodyguards, fifty fabrics of silk satin and three hundred quality horses," she answers. 

Everyone including Lior looks utterly shocked. That is an immense amount of wealth to ask for a bride prize, even for a fine woman like Princess Andria. We are not even completely sure that her skills can work against rogue dragons. 

"With all due respect, as much as we crave your beautiful company, your father has clearly overestimated your value," Adon bluntly states.

The princess's lovely smile fades. It feels awful to disappoint her but there is no way we can pay such a fortune without knowing for sure that she can save our kingdom.

"If I may ask, what will we be getting in return of this great fortune?" I ask. 

"I can train dragons to protect your kingdom, to obey your orders like your loyal servants. And there is my beauty of course. My father would not demand so much if he thought that my presence in this kingdom is not worth it the prize," she answers confidently. 

"I believe I speak for all of us when I say that we are deeply enthralled by your beauty and impeccable charisma, m'lady. We must however take time to consider if your skills are worth the massive tribute your father has demanded," Ronen states. 

"You can take all the necessary time, your majesties. I trust that you will settle on a wise decision," she replies in the sweetest of tones. 

I am sure we wouldn't be burdened with tributes if she did not have to respect her father's demands. 

"You must be tired from the journey. Our assistant will show you to the best of our guest rooms where you can rest and prepare for tomorrow's banquet," I tell. 

She nods and flashes a smile in gratitude.