Katie's Hellion

"I'll introduce you to the mates of the Ancients. Your place is there," Kris said dismissively. "Ully, take her to the royal wing."

She bristled, feeling as if she'd been sentenced to nothing more than a sewing circle for good little wives. Before she could object, Kiki took charge again.

"Rhyn, go get ready. Kris, can you spare a few warriors?"

"Yeah."

"We'll test this out and see how it goes."

Ully stepped aside as the massive men passed. She scowled. Rhyn slapped her on the butt as he passed. She cursed him quietly. When they'd gone, she turned to Ully and demanded, "What do the mates of Ancients do?"

"A lot of things," he said cheerfully. "They take on the roles the Ancients and immortals can't, like working with human counterparts, touring the Council's facilities all over the world. They're into the arts, and charities to raise money for our war. Most…well, all but you come from the elitist circles of their times. The Ancients and immortals could choose anyone they wanted as mates, and they chose from among the royalty, the wealthiest, and most influential."

"I really won't fit in."

"It really doesn't matter what they were when they were mortal," he assured her with an uncomfortable chuckle. "The rank structure in the immortal world is based on your mate."

She'd never in her life wanted to be a princess. She'd always wanted to be a financial planner, and the thought of becoming a socialite with no real responsibilities made her gut sink.

Eternity?

"Sounds awful," she said.

"You'll be the envy of us lesser immortals," he assured her.

She wanted to go home. In the face of a fate she doubted she wanted any part of, she felt homesick again.

You. Are. Mine.

There really was no chance of it. She felt she'd been a good sport since entering the immortal world, but she knew she'd never fit into a world where her sister surely would.

"When you see your room, you'll totally feel better," he said, and held out his arm.

She went grudgingly. He led her to the uppermost floor of the castle, to a hallway with magnificent views of a green valley with towering trees. She felt immediately out of place, even in the hall. The ceilings were gilded, the chandeliers dripping with crystals. Ensconced lights glowed in the midday, and antique furniture, rare paintings, elegant marble sculptures befitting a museum, silk Persian rugs underfoot, and many other priceless displays of prestige lined the wide hall.