Ira's Pov
"If I were as perfect as a daydream,
Would you love me alone?
Because I know men's hearts,
They're always on a hunt for something new.
So if I were a flawless queen,
If I had a voice like summer rain,
Would I be enough for you all days?
If I had all the good virtues,
Would your loyalty last for eternity?"
I practice the song in a low tone as the carriage with a dozen more singers nears the great palace of our kingdom, Lordland. The sight of the imposing castle steals my breath. It is the home of the angel kings, the most flawless of beings.
Lordsland is the only kingdom that is ruled by the race of angels, born after a weyr of rogue dragons attacked the kingdom and killed nearly all humans that did not have the protection of werewolves. The triplets angel kings, Tiras, Ronen and Aitan, are the mightiest of all beings. People also say they are the most stunning creatures to ever walk the earth. But I think their castle is most stunning. Because what could be more beautiful than this?
The towering buildings that are visible above the walls are made of gleaming stones. The main palace, which has the shape of a huge flame, sets at the centre, with the rest of the structures built in lines that project towards the walls of the palace like rays. Intricately curved statues of the angel kings with their wings spread out stands on either side of the massive gates.
"Kings would kneel before you if they knew of the special gift you possess," my father's last words dance in my mind as the carriage rolls towards the gates.
The angel kings will be hosting a grand banquet to commemorate their decade long success in saving the kingdom from the weyr of rogue dragons that had nearly wiped out the race of humansin the kingdom. It is rumoured that Royals from far kingdoms will be in attendance, including the famous Princess of Wolfsburg.
The angel kings may be the wealthiest and most powerful kings, but not even their kingdom can withstand attacks by rogue dragons for eternity. They need the help of foreign armies as the kingdom has lost too many soldiers, yet the attacks by the wild dragons are becoming more frequent.
They seek to form an alliance with the king of Wolfsburg, Ademon, whose beautiful daughter, Princess Andria, is known for her skill in taming dragons. Such an alliance can only be achieved through a marriage, between the angel kings and Princess Andria.
She is the reason they want an extravagant banquet that perfectly reflects their immense wealth and great influence. They seek to impress her as the future of this kingdom depends on it.
They want the best singers in the kingdom to perform during their grand celebration. I was lucky to get selected as one of the few singers that will have the chance to perform in front of them tomorrow so they can personally pick the best to entertain their valued guests. It will definitely be a tough contest. But I trust in the songs that I have composed and practised.
My father and I fled into this kingdom years ago after the death of my mother. We lived here for a long time before my father went missing. He used to say that our bloodline was being hunted down, because we possessed a gift that every king would die for. The ability to control all dragons.
He was probably insane, but he is the man that taught me how to take pride in the simple fact that I possess a kind heart. Because that's the only priceless thing that is rarer than gold.
Beauty and grace, those are the qualities of a fairly princess. I do not desire to be one, because beauty is shallow, and flawless grace is merely an act. My father taught me to be confidently myself, because there are things that are more important than dazzling beauty and pretentious grace. I may be a commoner, but I am a queen at heart.
I am overwhelmed by worry at the end of each day that passes without finding him. He is the only family I have left since the death of my mother. The more time passes without seeing his face again the more I fear that I may have lost all the family I had.
A close friend of my father who knew him before his disappearance told me of this rare opportunity to perform during the grand banquet of the angel kings. She knew how desperate I am to keep searching for my father. Hopefully the angel kings will find my voice worthy of entertaining their guests during their feast even though I am a human.
"I cannot wait to stand in front of the angel kings. I will probably lose my voice under their gaze," the girl seated by my side says in an anxious voice. She wears a pretty red dress and has styled her hair with colourful pins. She looks ready to impress them without even singing. "What do you think they look like?" she asks.
"It is against the laws of this kingdom to look upon the faces of the angel kings, unless you wish to be hanged," the boy by her side reminds.
It will be a tough performance indeed. Looking at the faces of my audience helps me know the kind of song they would love. Doing so tomorrow may cost me my head.
The angel kings must think they are an irresistible sight. I am certain I won't be tempted to stare at their faces because I only see beauty on good men. Their sense of pride is already killing my excitement towards meeting them.
Guards open the gates after our coachman explains that we are the singers that the angel kings requested. The carriage rolls into the palace grounds and we are even more dumbfounded by the sheer opulence of the place.
Lush, wet gardens grow in the massive spaces between the lines of buildings that surround the main palace, whose windows are framed by intricately curved bars of pure gold.
"I would give my life to live in this place for a year," the girl in red dress says, her eyes fixed on the main palace building while everyone else steps off the carriage.
"You would have to be Princess Andria for that to happen," the same boy that was by her side replies. "Your friend however has eyes that might tempt the kings," he adds.
He isn't referring to me of course. I am human and no one likes humans. Not to mention I am not nearly as nicely dressed as everyone else. So I turn away to study the palace. A female servant in white uniform is headed towards us.
"Good evening. I am the person in charge of guest accommodations in this great palace," she introduces in a proud voice.
So she is an official of the palace, but still a servant regardless.
"Since none of you commoners hails from a noble family you shall rest in the servant quarters tonight. You will performing for the angel kings early tomorrow so they can see which one of you is worthy of standing in front of their valued guests. If you no longer feel like you would kill for this opportunity you have to sing in front of our mighty kings I suggest you leave now," she states in a stern tone.
I wish I didn't need the money so desperately, because I would love to make a show of turning around.
Ira's PovI wake up in the middle of the night, unable to sleep. We were brought to rest in the servant quarters just like the proud official of the angel kings promised, but the place isn't bad at all, not for poor commoners like me at least. The beds are soft and the covers clean, too bad I cannot stop thinking about my missing father and actually fall asleep. I am not tired enough to overcome mt endless fears. So I step out of the bed. Everyone around me is sound asleep. I quietly make my way towards one of the wide windows. I draw the blue curtain just a little to stare at the night sky. But something else catches my eye. A stunning figure of a tall angel with long, braided hair and his massive, golden wings spread out, stands on one of the colourful flower gardens outside the main palace. What a sight to wake up to. I marvel at his beautiful face while his eyes gaze up at the night sky. His body is muscular and his skin smooth as silk. His square jaws look like they were cut
Angel Ronen's Pov"Cold air couldn't calm your nerves? What was bothering your sensitive soul this time?" Tiras asks as I walk back into our imperial chambers. He is the only other person awake at this hour as Aitan is deep asleep by his side. I have always had a strong sixth sense, which means I get an awful gut feeling when something is happening and we are unaware of it. Sometimes it's awful enough to wake me up in the middle of the night. But this time I found the cause of my discomfort, and it's beyond appalling. "I just met our mate outside. She is the worst form of shame that has ever befallen us," I inform in a sad tone. "What?!" Aitan exclaims despite having pretended to be deeply asleep. "You heard me. She is not just a useless commoner but a weak human as well," I tell. "That's ridiculous. It was probably a bad dream. How can a human commoner have gotten inside the walls of our palace?" Aitan says dismissively. "She is one of the singers that came to compete for the c
Ira's PovWe have nothing alike. And apart from their beauty there is nothing else they possess I would like. They have infinite wealth, acquired from the taxes and tributes of their countless subjects and close allies. But I value a person's character more than gold and silver. "We had hoped for a beautiful, royal and useful mate. You're a wretch compared to the princess we desired," the angel in leather coat fumes.Why can't they just reject me? They are monsters compared to the kind of man I would want."I had hoped for a kind, sweet and wise mate. I share your disappointment, your majesty. So let's not waste more time on useless ravings when we could have gotten rid of the unwanted bond. I will gladly welcome your rejection," I reply.Everyone in the room gapes in shock while my beautiful mates seem extremely infuriated. They must have thought I would beg them to accept me. Or is it that no one has ever made them feel like they are not perfect in every way?"Do not dare pretend
Ira's PovI had thought I died. That blow made my brains dance in my head. But since I am thinking and breathing I am assuming I survived. How did I get so unlucky? First I lose my mother, my father goes missing and now I get mated to three monsters that abuse me. Even a beggar would think twice if they were offered my life. I crack my eyes open and it happens that I am in a room. Not an exquisite one of course. But I am laying on a slim bed and there is a wooden table at the corner, a few bottles of herbs set on it. Someone clears their throat and I notice there is a man standing at the farthest corner. "I will let the kings know that you're awake," he says and immediately makes his way out. I want more explanation. Was he my doctor? One side of my head still hurts and is probably very swollen. I would appreciate something to ease the pain at least. I wonder how long I have been unconscious. I close my eyes again briefly only to get startled by the sound of the door busting open
Ira's PovI stand and walk to the only window the room has after hearing shouts outside. Why does it sound like there is a celebration already? My breath catches the dazzling sight of Princess Andria's arrival. Her exquisite escort extends for almost half a mile. Her golden carriage and polished armours of her guards shimmers brightly under the light of the afternoon sun. 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's carriage halts outside of the main palace.Tons of people have stepped outside to watch her grand arrival, all the three angel kings and their assistant included. One of the visiting guards opens the carriage door and holds the princess's hand as she steps out. She is as beautiful as the rumours claimed. 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
Ira's PovI watch through the window for several hours as thousands of guests arrive into the palace grounds, all dressed in their finest attires and bearing gifts for the angel kings. The celebration will be extraordinary indeed. But only Royals from other kingdoms, close allies of the angel kings and their extremely wealthy friends will be allowed into the banquet hall where the most scrumptious foods will served and the most impressive performances made.I wonder if I am on the list of today's entertainers. I never got summoned by the angel kings to surrender our mate bond to the stunning Princess. She might have felt disgusted by the thought of getting a mate bond from a human with no royal blood. So I am unsure if the angel kings will still let me perform when they are not gaining in return. My face is no longer in pain so I am assuming that the swelling is gone too. I am a human so even swells take longer to heal. I must still be looking ugly.Another hour passes before the roo
Ira's POVThe dragons are wreaking havoc throughout the palace and not even the powers of the angel Kings seem capable of stopping them. Angel Tiras can create bolts of lightening like the skies does. Yet such a great power seems ineffective against the formidable skins of the dragons. Angel Ronen can create massive flames of fire like burning fuel, but it's useless against the dragons whose skins do not burn. Angel Adon has the power to create perfect illusions that seem to confuse the dragons. But the gigantic creatures are flying fast, making it impossible for him to fool them all. "Please help us!" A pair of female servants beg Princess Andria in fear. "I am sorry there is . . . nothing I can do against too many of-" she stammers in a terrified voice then runs for her life in her heels as one of the dragons dive down towards us. The assistant of the angel kings rushes forward with his sword to protect us, like the brave fool can fight a dragon. I do not like him, but he is t
Angel Tiras's PovPrincess Andria is a living miracle. It is a great luck that she is interested in marrying us without her own conditions. She could ask for half of our wealth and we would still find her worthy. Her exceptional gift will not just protect our kingdom against the rogue dragons, it also granta us power over them, such that we can turn them into our puppets, our own army, and people will marvel at our great might.We are the most powerful rulers in all lands. It puzzles me why the princess was not mated to us. Instead we got a disrespectful human. "You do not have to return to your father's kingdom. We shall send the tribute to your father tomorrow so that he knows we are marrying you," Ronen says."I wouldn't mind living a century in your palace. It's beyond opulent. My father won't mind either as long as he gets his tribute. I will write to him tonight to explain everything," she replies. Adon pulls her closer and kisses her smooth cheek. She gives him the most attra
Ira's PovI lay down on the bed to finally get a rest from this unpleasant day only for the door to burst open again, with unnecessary force this time. A group of furious soldiers rush in and I sit up. "There it is! Drag it out!" the one on the lead orders while pointing a finger at me. What did I do? Say no to Princess Andria's demands? They were incredibly foolish. But I bet she didn't tell the angel kings the truth of what she had demanded."I can walk by myse-" I am cut off by a heavy punch from one of the soldiers that lands on left side of my face. "You envious sack of human meat! You thought you could try to kill our Princess and just lay here?" the soldier roars, reaching for my throat with his wolf claws that have emerged from the tips of his fingers."Don't kill her yet! The angel kings wants her beheaded at the City Square," their leader yells, stopping the enraged soldier from ripping my throat apart. I would rather die here than in front of a crowd. Sounds like whatev
Angel Tiras's PovPrincess Andria is a living miracle. It is a great luck that she is interested in marrying us without her own conditions. She could ask for half of our wealth and we would still find her worthy. Her exceptional gift will not just protect our kingdom against the rogue dragons, it also granta us power over them, such that we can turn them into our puppets, our own army, and people will marvel at our great might.We are the most powerful rulers in all lands. It puzzles me why the princess was not mated to us. Instead we got a disrespectful human. "You do not have to return to your father's kingdom. We shall send the tribute to your father tomorrow so that he knows we are marrying you," Ronen says."I wouldn't mind living a century in your palace. It's beyond opulent. My father won't mind either as long as he gets his tribute. I will write to him tonight to explain everything," she replies. Adon pulls her closer and kisses her smooth cheek. She gives him the most attra
Ira's POVThe dragons are wreaking havoc throughout the palace and not even the powers of the angel Kings seem capable of stopping them. Angel Tiras can create bolts of lightening like the skies does. Yet such a great power seems ineffective against the formidable skins of the dragons. Angel Ronen can create massive flames of fire like burning fuel, but it's useless against the dragons whose skins do not burn. Angel Adon has the power to create perfect illusions that seem to confuse the dragons. But the gigantic creatures are flying fast, making it impossible for him to fool them all. "Please help us!" A pair of female servants beg Princess Andria in fear. "I am sorry there is . . . nothing I can do against too many of-" she stammers in a terrified voice then runs for her life in her heels as one of the dragons dive down towards us. The assistant of the angel kings rushes forward with his sword to protect us, like the brave fool can fight a dragon. I do not like him, but he is t
Ira's PovI watch through the window for several hours as thousands of guests arrive into the palace grounds, all dressed in their finest attires and bearing gifts for the angel kings. The celebration will be extraordinary indeed. But only Royals from other kingdoms, close allies of the angel kings and their extremely wealthy friends will be allowed into the banquet hall where the most scrumptious foods will served and the most impressive performances made.I wonder if I am on the list of today's entertainers. I never got summoned by the angel kings to surrender our mate bond to the stunning Princess. She might have felt disgusted by the thought of getting a mate bond from a human with no royal blood. So I am unsure if the angel kings will still let me perform when they are not gaining in return. My face is no longer in pain so I am assuming that the swelling is gone too. I am a human so even swells take longer to heal. I must still be looking ugly.Another hour passes before the roo
Ira's PovI stand and walk to the only window the room has after hearing shouts outside. Why does it sound like there is a celebration already? My breath catches the dazzling sight of Princess Andria's arrival. Her exquisite escort extends for almost half a mile. Her golden carriage and polished armours of her guards shimmers brightly under the light of the afternoon sun. 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's carriage halts outside of the main palace.Tons of people have stepped outside to watch her grand arrival, all the three angel kings and their assistant included. One of the visiting guards opens the carriage door and holds the princess's hand as she steps out. She is as beautiful as the rumours claimed. 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
Ira's PovI had thought I died. That blow made my brains dance in my head. But since I am thinking and breathing I am assuming I survived. How did I get so unlucky? First I lose my mother, my father goes missing and now I get mated to three monsters that abuse me. Even a beggar would think twice if they were offered my life. I crack my eyes open and it happens that I am in a room. Not an exquisite one of course. But I am laying on a slim bed and there is a wooden table at the corner, a few bottles of herbs set on it. Someone clears their throat and I notice there is a man standing at the farthest corner. "I will let the kings know that you're awake," he says and immediately makes his way out. I want more explanation. Was he my doctor? One side of my head still hurts and is probably very swollen. I would appreciate something to ease the pain at least. I wonder how long I have been unconscious. I close my eyes again briefly only to get startled by the sound of the door busting open
Ira's PovWe have nothing alike. And apart from their beauty there is nothing else they possess I would like. They have infinite wealth, acquired from the taxes and tributes of their countless subjects and close allies. But I value a person's character more than gold and silver. "We had hoped for a beautiful, royal and useful mate. You're a wretch compared to the princess we desired," the angel in leather coat fumes.Why can't they just reject me? They are monsters compared to the kind of man I would want."I had hoped for a kind, sweet and wise mate. I share your disappointment, your majesty. So let's not waste more time on useless ravings when we could have gotten rid of the unwanted bond. I will gladly welcome your rejection," I reply.Everyone in the room gapes in shock while my beautiful mates seem extremely infuriated. They must have thought I would beg them to accept me. Or is it that no one has ever made them feel like they are not perfect in every way?"Do not dare pretend
Angel Ronen's Pov"Cold air couldn't calm your nerves? What was bothering your sensitive soul this time?" Tiras asks as I walk back into our imperial chambers. He is the only other person awake at this hour as Aitan is deep asleep by his side. I have always had a strong sixth sense, which means I get an awful gut feeling when something is happening and we are unaware of it. Sometimes it's awful enough to wake me up in the middle of the night. But this time I found the cause of my discomfort, and it's beyond appalling. "I just met our mate outside. She is the worst form of shame that has ever befallen us," I inform in a sad tone. "What?!" Aitan exclaims despite having pretended to be deeply asleep. "You heard me. She is not just a useless commoner but a weak human as well," I tell. "That's ridiculous. It was probably a bad dream. How can a human commoner have gotten inside the walls of our palace?" Aitan says dismissively. "She is one of the singers that came to compete for the c
Ira's PovI wake up in the middle of the night, unable to sleep. We were brought to rest in the servant quarters just like the proud official of the angel kings promised, but the place isn't bad at all, not for poor commoners like me at least. The beds are soft and the covers clean, too bad I cannot stop thinking about my missing father and actually fall asleep. I am not tired enough to overcome mt endless fears. So I step out of the bed. Everyone around me is sound asleep. I quietly make my way towards one of the wide windows. I draw the blue curtain just a little to stare at the night sky. But something else catches my eye. A stunning figure of a tall angel with long, braided hair and his massive, golden wings spread out, stands on one of the colourful flower gardens outside the main palace. What a sight to wake up to. I marvel at his beautiful face while his eyes gaze up at the night sky. His body is muscular and his skin smooth as silk. His square jaws look like they were cut