"Alright, I'll go now." Kieran nodded and immediately turned to gather the Elders. Lucien turned toward Edric and Corvin. "Emma hasn't had breakfast yet. Go make her something to eat." Neither Corvin nor Edric had any objections. They obeyed without hesitation and hurried off to prepare breakfast for Emma. Lucien's gaze shifted to Silas, resting briefly on the tiny fruit fast asleep in his palm. "Will Remy stay with you like this from now on?" Silas shook his head. "I'm going to have his vines reattach to me." "How?" Emma leaned forward immediately, her voice tinged with concern. Silas smiled. "I'll need a quiet room. For the next thirty minutes, no one can interrupt." He looked to Marcus. "Marcus, I'll need you to stand guard outside the room until I come out. Don't let anyone disturb me or Remy." Lucien and Emma both turned to Marcus. Marcus straightened, his expression calm but resolute. "Understood." "Thank you." Silas had known he could count on Marcus. When Kieran returned with several Elders in tow, Emma asked Thero to arrange a room quiet, secure, and isolated for Silas. Once Silas carried Remy inside, Emma stationed Marcus at the door, while she and Lucien followed the Elders to a nearby pavilion. The pavilion wasn't far. All Emma had to do was look up to see Marcus standing guard, a still, protective figure. Drake trailed close behind her. He was still brooding over how Emma had sided with Marcus earlier, though he kept his silence. He knew better than to throw a tantrum. Emma didn't like that. If he made a scene, she'd really ignore him for good.But Marcus' earlier words still echoed in his mind. That wolf had spoken of the dissolution of his bond with Emma. Is it true? How can I remember nothing at all? Thero sneaked a glance at his sulking lord, then turned to Emma with an ingratiating smile. "Ms. Tibarn, you called us here so early. What's the matter?" Emma spoke plainly. "I asked you here to inform you that my mates have all arrived. The matter with Remy has been settled. We'll be leaving the Aquadome soon." "Leaving?" The Elders froze in shock. Then their gazes slid toward Drake, filled with unspoken worry. None of them dared to plead with Emma to stay. The Aquadome wasn't her home, and she'd long since severed ties with their lord. So what now?But if she truly leaves, what will happen to him? No one said a word. They all looked to Thero. He was the only one familiar enough with Emma to speak freely. Thero's mouth twitched. These useless old fossils. When it came down to it, none of them could step up. He forced a smile. "Ms. Tibarn, since you've finally come to our Aquadome, why not stay a little longer? There are so many wonderful places here you haven't visited yet." The other elders immediately chimed in, "Yes, yes, that's right!" Thero ignored their chorus and continued smoothly, "Why don't you stay for a few more days? I'll have palaces prepared for your mates. And I'll assign some of our young, strong Drakonid males to accompany you. We have plenty of outstanding youths, each one handsome and—" "Mr. Thero." Lucien's voice cut through the air, sharp and measured.Is this old fool trying to make sure Drake never recovered? He actually dares to parade eligible males before Emma right in front of me. "What is it, Your Highness?" Thero blinked innocently, feigning confusion, his expression the picture of shamelessness. Lucien smiled, though the edge in his tone could slice stone. "Our huntress has other obligations once we return. We won't be staying. "Save your fine young males for some other huntress." Even Silas' little cub was already in the picture, and Lucien hadn't yet completed his bond. And this old dragon thinks he could slip someone between them? Keep dreaming. Lucien turned toward Emma. "Ms. Tibarn, what do you think?" That phrase—Ms. Tibarn—hit Emma like a spark to dry tinder. Oh, he was jealous. Not just a little. The jar containing his jealousy had been smashed wide open. It was the first time she'd seen Lucien jealous, and right in front of the Elders of Drakonid, no less. He was Aurelia's prince, raised on rules and royal restraint. Emma stared at him, startled, meeting those golden eyes that shimmered with warmth, and possessiveness. She sensed danger in that tender smile of his, and it sent a shiver down her spine. She wasn't exactly intimidated. But she just answered in her usual, completely carefree way, "Lucien's right," she said smoothly. "I've got important things to take care of back home. I really can't stay long in the Aquadome." The Elders of Drakonid could only stare, stunned by the prince's jealousy.