Siren's Kiss

20: The Secret of Eldoria

"Okay, hold yer horses. Ye expect us to believe yer me mother when it's clear as day ye're an alpha, just like me," Drake said, trying to calm Prince Ciel, who had gone momentarily hysterical at the revelation.

The queen expected their doubts and had her answers prepared. "And you're correct, child. I am an alpha, just like you."

Drake and Prince Ciel weren't the only ones confused. The rest of the crew stared in disbelief. Toby and Declan exchanged incredulous looks. Vic and Griff scowled so deeply it was a mix of disgust and cringe. Ori's jaw practically hit the floor.

"Woman, ye're not makin' any sense," Drake retorted. "Every soul in the Seven Seas, be it man or beast, knows an alpha only mates with omegas to create strong offspring."

"That's true," she replied calmly.

"An alpha mating with another alpha won't produce any offspring. There's a chance of havin' a beta child with medical help, but they won't be an alpha. It's impossible!"

"Correct again."

"I've heard tales of alpha unions producing children, but they're often sickly and don't live past toddlerhood."

Her smile widened. "I see. I take back what I said about your father raising you as a thick-head. Seems like your knowledge of reproduction is vast."

Drake earned a glare from Ciel for he had made it clear before that he had no experience in mating, let alone romance. He cleared his throat. "I like to read. Nevertheless, with these facts, I conclude yer lyin' and tryin' to lure us into stayin' on this island."

The queen chuckled, and for the first time, they saw Drake, the pirate captain, flustered. She moved with fluid grace, unlike the muscular female soldiers of the land. Her voluptuous figure certainly attracted the basic interest of every andromorphic being who dwelled in the Seven Seas. But there was power hidden beneath her finely sculpted features that both Drake and Ciel could sense. She was beyond the word "queen," and there was no denying her alpha status. Drake had to remind Ciel of this, and the siren prince realized it now.

She turned on her heel and motioned for the guards to take away the crew members, but Drake still refused to hand over Ciel. He had confidence in his crew and knew they could find a way to escape, but Ciel was different. Evidence of that was the extra guards around him, most likely because of his status and breed. Everyone knew that sirens had magic, and their voices alone could send an individual to their doom.

Seeing that Drake had no intention of letting Ciel out of his sight, the queen did not insist any further and waved the soldiers away. It was clear that she truly wanted an audience with Drake, and if the pirate captain asserted on bringing the siren prince to his side, then so be it.

They were ushered inside the palace of the queen, stepping into a massive cathedral-like chamber with walls covered in murals and carvings that depicted the life of the Amazons. It was easy to distinguish that this was indeed the throne room. She sat on her dainty high-backed chair made of stone, set firmly on the platform. The sound of a nearby waterfall had a soothing effect that made the scene less intimidating, and a sultry mood pervaded the air.

Drake and Ciel stood before the queen, neither looking afraid. The queen found their demeanor satisfying rather than disrespectful, even fancying a smile. Ciel was curious, but Drake, after the revelation, set his jaw firm.

"Everything I've spoken is true," she began. "I am indeed your mother, Drake. And yes, I am also an alpha, just like your father and his father before him. It's also true that I wanted to lure you into staying on this island. After all, you're my son. But I won't do anything that'll make you loathe me as your mother."