Sins Among Royals
Chapter 18

Noah and Indie emerged out onto the patio to stares and gapes.

All guests were dressed impeccably and it dawned on Indie that Ebony either had no idea what casual was or she was trying to embarrass Indie.

Before long the pair were approached by a man and woman who smiled warmly as they bowed slightly to show their submissiveness.

“Alpha,” the man spoke with a smooth voice that sounded pleasant to the ear. “This must be your mate.” The man looked at Indie almost appreciatively as she stood next to Noah trying to hide from curious eyes.

She had never really been a shy girl but all the attention she suddenly found placed on her made her more than a little uncomfortable.

Noah looked down at Indie with amusement in his eyes, “you will have to forgive her. All the attention has been a little much.”

They seemed to take his words to mean more than what he said as the woman smiled a little more and gave a forced chuckle, “my lord I would have expected more for you.” She seemed rather smug with herself.

In an instant the look on Noah’s face soured. “And what do you mean by that.” His voice lowered and his eyes narrowed at the woman as the man tightened his grip on her hand.

“Please forgive me my lord. Verena has not been herself lately.” The tension between everyone seemed to increase tenfold in an instant.

“It is not you who should be apologizing and it is not to me who she should apologise to.” Noah eyed the man and woman furiously. He knew there would be many in his life that would take issue with Indie but he hadn’t expected it so soon and from people that he did not consider close to him.

“It’s fine,” Indie stepped forward and placed her hand against Noah’s skin which seemed to still him instantly. “I would ask however that you not judge me based on my appearance as I could easily do the same to you,” she bit back at the woman who looked more medical experiment than actual human. With a sweet smile Indie batted her eyes twice and smiled as sweetly as she possibly could.

The woman stood open mouthed and in shock at what Indie had just said but bowed in submission as the man she stood with squeezed her arm tighter. “It will be my pleasure to serve you Indie,” she replied through gritted teeth.

“You may leave,” Indie replied rather pompously. It all felt like a joke to her but as long as she could order rude people around with the wave of her little pinkie she didn’t mind.

The male was more obliging than the woman was and the pair turned and left quickly.

“I didn’t think you had it in you,” Noah smiled quickly as the next pair approached.

“What?” Indie questioned him, “a backbone?” To which Noah scoffed.

“People will be lining up all night to greet you with a mouth like that,” smiled the next woman with a chuckle. “I really would love to high five you but I don’t think that would be appropriate,” the woman smiled as the man hanging off of her rolled his eyes.

“Naira please,” he pleaded lightly, “you are embarrassing me in front of our leader and lord Noah.” He whispered rather harshly at his mate.

“Oh hush now Fred I will embarrass you more if you keep talking,” the woman’s nonsense drew a smile from Noah and a giggle from Indie as she playfully slapped her mate.

“Naira,” Noah smiled warmly at the woman who looked about his age but spoke with the wisdom of many more years. “You haven’t changed.” He held his hands out and greeted the woman warmly. “I would like to introduce you to Indie, my true mate.”

Noah placed his hand on Indies back gently. He seemed rather unsure of himself as Indie stepped forward to greet the man and woman.

“You must forgive Verena she always imagined herself with Noah and never made it a secret. She was rather disappointed when she ended up mated to Adam.” Naira frowned sadly. “Though of the two I feel more sorrow for Adam. The poor boy deserves someone who would love him as much as Verena loves herself.”

Indie wasn’t too sure what to make of the situation so shrugged her shoulders. “I’ll forgive her but if she tries anything I will end her.”

There was a darkness in Indies voice that not only surprised her but also surprised those around her.

“Well Indie I’m sure Noah can help you with that.” Naira laughed heartily. “He has plenty of experience.” Again Naira laughed and it drew a sigh from Fred.

“Please ignore her. She’s obviously been eating happy pills while I’ve not been watching,” they seemed to be a rather odd and mismatched couple just like Adam and Verena and as she thought about it Indie realised she and Noah were completely mismatched as well. Though she was beginning to see some similarities. Though they were very small they were something.

Indie laughed and wasn’t too sure what do or say as Naira stepped away from Fred and towards her.

“Come Indie,” she looped her arm through Indies and tugged her gently away from Noah, “Let us get to know each other a little better,” she smiled broadly. “Fred and I are often in the region you’ll be living in and I know the importance of having friends.” She continued as she lead Indie to a small group of females.

“Why does it sound like I’m going to regret being Noah’s mate?” Indie questioned reluctantly.

“Oh no darling don’t let them know it gets to you. They thrive on any kind of weakness.” Naira smiled effortlessly. “Besides, it isn’t as bad as Ebony has probably made it out to be.”

It came as a relief to Indie when she heard what Naira said. “You aren’t going to laugh in my face and tell me it’s going to be worse?” She asked reluctantly again.

Naira threw her head back and laughed rather dramatically. She was odd but it was the same kind of odd as Indie and that’s what she liked.

“Oh heavens no Indie. It’s only bad if you let it be bad.” She smiled and rubbed Indies arm softly, “if you let it,” she paused and took a deep breath in, “it can be something beautiful.” The dreamy tone in her voice made Indie look at her again.

“Is that what was like for you and Fred?” Indie questioned her quickly.

Naira looked like she was barely breathing as the smile lingered.

“Is she bragging about Fred again?” One of the females asked as Indie and Naira joined the group.

“Does she ever do anything else?” Another laughed warmly.

“I do believe she often puts others down when she isn’t bragging about herself,” smiled another.

Indie couldn’t help but smile. Though they teased Naira none of it seemed malicious in any way. Indie liked it. It reminded her of her relationship with Poppy.

“So you’re the new girl everyone is talking about,” one of the girls held her hand out to Indie. As soon as Indie touched it however she quickly took it back.

“Show her some respect Darla.” Naira growled gently. “She is our future Queen and wife to the most wanted man in our world.” At that all the girls giggled and nodded.

“Oh thanks for putting it like that I feel really secure now.” Indie tried to hide the discomfort she felt but it was difficult.

“Oh look Naira you’ve made her uncomfortable.” One of the females sighed heavily. “Either way I suppose we should introduce ourselves.”

There was a chorus of nods as Naira stepped away from Indie and pointed to the five girls individually.

The first a light haired, dark skinned female smiled. She was short and heavy at the bust but looked friendly, “Darla is our little princess.” The next female had olive skin and dark curly hair, “Willow is our trained hunter,” Indie received a quick smile and wave. “And next we have Nova, Luna and Aurora. The troublemaking triplets.” The three girls were almost carbon copies of each other. Their blonde hair and fair skin made them stand out among everyone else who seemed to have either dark hair or dark skin.

“Don’t let her poison you,” one of them smiled broadly. The dimples in her cheeks deepening instantly. “We really aren’t that bad.” One of them shrugged innocently.

“We get a bit carried away sometimes when we’re having fun.” Mentioned another.

“The most important thing is that we mean well,” said the third. “Even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.”

Indie couldn’t help but chuckle. It was more than a little amusing. “But how does anyone tell you apart?”

The triplets looked at each other before Naira answered for them. “Aurora usually has pink hair, Luna is the tallest and Nova is the only one with dimples.”

“I think you pay too much attention to us Naira,” one of the girls teased easily.

There was a sense of togetherness and niceness when it came to the group, and Indie found herself feeling at ease.

“Oh Indie I wanted to commend you as well!” Willow added quickly. “Not everyone can pull off the shabby chic look so easily. You look wonderful.” The compliment seemed genuine as Indie couldn’t help by blush.

“I don’t like it,” Darla huffed as she crossed her arms. “Too dark! Need to add more pink,” she smiled as she looked Indie over from head to toe.

Before long everyone was ordered to take a seat as a buffet dinner was served. Indie barely saw Noah as she was made to feel right at home by the group of females she had met. For now she was comfortable with where she was and what was happening. A far cry from what she had experienced so far.