Chapter 5: The Prince

I fall asleep in my dress after struggling to get out of it on my own and giving up. There’s no point in undressing just to put it back on in the morning anyways. It’s the only dress I have with me right now.

I quietly venture down the halls toward the ballroom. I made sure to pay attention to the twists and turns Ambrose took the night before.

The dining hall sits close to the ballroom and I happen to pass the open door.

I peek inside.

King Ambrose sits at a long table, his face in a book as he eats. He doesn’t look up as he says, “Good morning, Hera.”

I step inside the room and walk toward him. I plop down into the seat next to him, and at this, he looks up and smiles.

“Sleep well?”

“It would’ve been better out of my corset,” I respond dryly.

“I could’ve helped with that,” he smirks at me and I feel my face heat.

“I’m sure you could’ve,” I mutter. And I probably would’ve let him.

“I’ll get some fresh clothes and maids sent to you. Tell them whatever you need. Anything else you need, just let me know.” There’s a gleam in his eye suggesting his double meaning.

I smile at him with sarcasm in my voice, “Do you flirt with every lady like this?”

“Don’t tell me you’re not enjoying it, Hera.” He says my name like he’s tasting me on his tongue. The sound sends shivers down my spine.

Before I can respond, he looks up. “Morning, brother.”

I look over at the door and see a tall man moving toward us. He is built and dark-haired just like his brother. He has a layer of facial hair that somehow defines his jaw perfectly. His eyes are a shade lighter than the king’s, but their heat is just as intense as they land on me.

I’m starting to feel a little overwhelmed by the absurdly good-looking men in this palace.

“Hera,” Ambrose says, breaking me from my sexually tensioned thoughts, “This is Prince Sebastian.”

Sebastian bows and smiles, causing my stupid, stupid heart to flutter.

“What brings you to the palace?” the prince asks me.

Ambrose answers for me. “She is traveling. We had the pleasure of meeting last night at the ball, so I offered her to stay at the palace for a while as my guest.”

I don’t miss the glance Sebastian gives his brother.

If the king is a half-wolf thing, is his brother too? Not that I believed him but…was another one of their superpowers being ridiculously attractive?

“Join us for breakfast, Sebastian,” Ambrose says.

The prince sits on the other side of the table across from me. Some servants come in with plates of food–bread, fruit, eggs, and meat. I happily help myself. If I was stuck here, might as well enjoy the perks while I could.

I eat and listen to the brothers make small talk. After a while, Ambrose excuses himself to attend a council meeting.

Sebastian watches me in silence for a moment before finally speaking.

“Where did you say you were from?” he asks.

“I didn’t,” I say, with a smile. “So you are some sort of shifter too?”

His brow raises and he fails to hide the shock from my question. “He told you about that?”

“Sure did. Can’t say I believe him, though. You should probably get him checked out,” I wink before taking a bite of bread.

Sebastian chuckles, the sound was musical.

“No doubt,” he says. He’s quiet for a moment before saying, “Be careful, Hera. Palace life can be difficult to navigate for those that have bold tongues.”

He smirks at me and I internally smack myself for thinking a dirty thought.

The prince stands without another word, excuses himself, and leaves.

The pent-up tension might kill me here. Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t be imagining the way both brothers are undressing me with their eyes.

Or maybe I am imagining it. Who knows.

I finish the rest of my breakfast and leave the hall, taking my time to wander on my way back to the room. The palace is enormous with beautiful marble and gold floors. Despite my attempted disgust toward the rich, I can’t swallow down the awe. This place is incredible, and I’m a little excited to be here for a while.

I pass a few other nobles and people in the halls as I wander. They all smile politely but none introduce themselves. I wonder how many are guests of the king here, and who may have the motive to see him dead. I make a mental note to ask Ambrose for a list of the people staying here.

When I finally return to my room, there are maids inside. They’ve poured me a hot bath, help me undress, and then dress again. They’ve brought new beautiful gowns for me in various colors. While they aren’t as extravagant as the gown from last night, they are still fancier than anything I’m used to.

Once I’m dressed, I ask the maids for parchment and ink to send word to my sister. I scrawl out a quick note:

Thea,

Got held up, but I’m fine. Stay put until I can send for you.

-H

I feel better after sending it. Althea will be safe at the inn while I keep her away from whatever plots are in motion here.

Speaking of plots, it was time for me to figure out what the f*ck was going on. I didn’t want to waste any time solving this mystery. The sooner I bring the king his enemy, the sooner I can leave.

The first place is to start with the king. I need a better understanding of who his enemies are or who he’s pissed off enough to attempt an assassination. I need to understand the royal line. Could this be a coup from another royal family?

The extent of my knowledge is debilitating me. It was time to amend that.

I think I owe King Ambrose a visit.