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Chapter 18 : : : : : Sparking the Embers
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Bab terkait
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 19 : : : : : The Carnival
*Ember*Aside from the library, the garden was my favorite part of the manor.Though Alec had given me permission to explore the village on my own, I hadn’t been able to bring myself to leave yet. I told myself that it was because I would only get one chance at escaping, that I had to be absolutely sure that I could get away. If I ran away and was caught, I knew there would be serious consequences.That’s the excuse I told myself, at least, as I enjoyed the mid-afternoon sunshine slanting down into the garden. The space around me was alive with dense bushes boasting fragrant red and white roses. Bees hummed lazily through the air around me, alighting from flower to flower with bumbling enthusiasm. The grass was soft beneath my bare toes. It was as free as I dared to get.I had made it halfway through the romance novel that I had picked out from the library earlier when Lauryn appeared. She moved with such smooth grace that I hadn’t even noticed her approach, and I jumped as she
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 20 : : : : : King of the Rogues
*Ember*As I stared into the amber eyes of the strange man, I felt pinned by his gaze.“Thank you, but I’m not lost,” I lied, falling back on the manners that had carried me through my time in the court of the Silver Crescent and offering the stranger a bob of my head befitting for a female of my station.The man’s eyes widened slightly. “My mistake,” he apologized. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sawyer. Some call me the Rogue King, myself included.”Before I could pull away, he gracefully caught my hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing my knuckles gently before offering me a low bow.The action chilled my blood. That was the way a male would greet a queen or a princess; not even a Luna would be afforded that treatment. Was it possible that he recognized me as Ember Moonrise, Princess of the Silver Crescent?Feeling numb with fear, I willed my voice to remain steady as I answered, “It is a pleasure to meet you.”“Oh, the pleasure is all mine,” the man grinn
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 21 : : : : : Ember Goes Wild
*Alec*The night was cool, but Ember was burning up in my arms. I couldn’t believe the state I had found her in and wondered just how many drinks she had consumed. At the moment, she was bellowing the out-of-tune chorus to a singularly filthy pub song, drawing curious glances from villagers as they passed us on their way to the carnival.“Where did you even learn that song?” I asked, hoping that my amusement wasn’t showing on my face.“Drunken parties at the castle,” she giggled, taking a momentary break from yelling profanities into the night. “I wasn’t allowed to go to most of them, but they weren’t exactly quiet!” She began to sing again, restarting at the beginning of the bawdy chorus.I rolled my eyes. “I bet you don’t even know what half of those words mean, Princess.”“I do!” she protested, squirming in my arms.“You don’t,” I goaded, enjoying how ridiculous and unguarded she was being. Plus, I was sure that she would remember none of this in the morning, so this mig
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 22 : : : : : A Powerful Secret
*Alec*Sawyer smiled, but there was nothing reassuring in his expression. “Who’s asking?” he repeated, staring down at the knife thoughtfully. “I guess you could say… just a curious rogue. I have no loyalty to the Silver Crescent and the so-called Alpha King, as I’m sure you already know.”“What about the Grims?” I asked, disdain dripping from my voice.“Lukas Grimwood is a coward and a fool,” Sawyer replied smoothly. “I have no reason to tie myself to his pack, especially now that I’ve seen how easily the Whitelarks were able to overpower the Alpha’s best entourage.”I nodded in agreement. I believed that he spoke the truth. An alliance with either pack would be of no use to somebody like the Rogue King, who preferred to lounge in and mooch off of the southern territories. However, he had still recognized Ember, which could put her in a dangerous position. “What do you want from the princess?” I asked.“Who says I want anything from her?” he shot back. “It’s not me that you
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 23 : : : : : The Princess' Secret
*Ember*I woke with a start.For a moment, I didn’t know where I was or how I had gotten there, but then I realized that I was in my room at the manor, wrapping tightly in a pile of blankets.My head was pounding, and my mouth felt dry and cottony. The morning sunlight, which I usually loved, stung my eyes and caused me to duck back under the covers for the tiny amount of respite they could afford me.Even though I felt terrible, there was something in my chest that felt loosened, as though I had shaken off the yoke of all of those years of being a docile, submissive princess for my father in the night.Groaning, I extricated myself from the covers and sat up, squinting against the light. I was still wearing the same clothes I had been in yesterday, though somebody had placed my boots neatly by the door. I glanced around the room for any other clues about what had happened the previous night, and then my eyes fell on the vanity.A single red rose was laid out on the center
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 24 : : : : : The Shadow Princess
*Alec*Watching Ember train was like seeing a fawn walk for the first time. I had only ever seen her in dresses and skirts, but now she was wearing plain trousers, a blouse, and a new set of leather protective gear. She seemed uncomfortable in the outfit, moving stiffly and hesitantly. I knew from experience that the leather would soften with time and use, and that practice was the only thing that would make her more comfortable with this new experience.I doubted that the princess had ever had an opportunity to train before. From the way the Alpha King had treated her at the Silver Crescent, I guessed that he wouldn’t have wanted his daughter to be able to fight back against him or any of the other males that would end up around her. He would have wanted to keep her docile and submissive, easy to control.The thought made me angry, and I growled into my coffee cup. I had decided to take breakfast in my office that morning so that I could observe Ember’s first training session. T
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 25 : : : : : The Hidden Truth
*Ember*It was dark when I woke up.I blinked, trying to understand how I had gotten into bed again. I knew that I had gotten up and had breakfast, and I remembered arguing with Bryan and Rhys about training. I had changed into those stiff leather garments and then met the two of them out in the back yard. It had been painfully obvious after one attempted punch that I had no idea what I was doing, and Rhys had told me to sit and watch.But then what happened? I remembered that strange numb feeling and the thrill of power rushing through my veins, and then there was nothing but an image of Bryan sobbing in pain and Rhys’s eyes, haunted by fear.How bad had I hurt him? I didn’t know how I had done it, but I was certain that whatever had happened had been my fault.What would Alec think? I groaned inwardly. I briefly recalled him carrying me upstairs, saying something to me, but I couldn’t remember what. And then he had been gone, and the maid who had helped me the first night i
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 26 : : : : : The Savior's Kiss
*Ember*I stared deep into Alec’s eyes, and I knew that he was telling the truth. Relief and joy rushed through me. The man who had helped me and made me feel loved was here, standing in front of me, far more solid than the shadow he had been back at the castle. Everything he had said had made sense and fit with what I had known about the hooded stranger who had visited me all those weeks ago. I recalled the magnetic way we had been drawn together in the library, now sure that I hadn’t been misreading the situation.But then a trickle of anger soured my elated thoughts. I understood why he hadn’t been able to rescue me sooner, but why had he not just told me who he was when he ambushed the carriage? I would have gone with him willingly, enthusiastically. I would probably have even fought for him! Had he just planned to bed me and leave? Had he intended for me to never find out?As if reading my mind, Alec cast his eyes downward in shame. “I should have told you sooner, I know,” h
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An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 80 : Bearer of Bad News
*Ember*Life in Whitelark seemed almost idyllic compared to the life I had before. Between taking care of Evan and getting to know Grey, I couldn’t have asked for a better life. As I got up and headed to Evan’s room, I greeted a few servants. “Your Majesty.”I was still a little uncomfortable with the title, but I was learning to live with it. I walked inside and found Alec lifting Evan out of his bassinet. The room was bathed in a soft, warm light that filtered through the curtains, casting gentle shadows across the walls.“You snuck away again?” I asked as I entered. “I finished a bit early,” Alec sighed, shifting Evan in his arms. I came closer and found Evan still sleeping peacefully in Alec’s arms. “I wanted some fresh air. Are you heading out?”I nodded, and we left the castle together. The gentle breeze rustled through the leaves of the trees, carrying the scents of roasting meat and the movement of the town through the air. It was filled with peace and tranqu
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 79 : I Can’t Promise Slow
*Ember*The days had passed in a blur of recovery and adjustment, and finally, Chastine decided I was healed enough to start moving around on my own. I couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh as I stood in my room, stretching from the long days in bed. I was a bit sore, but I didn’t feel like I was in need of a nap."Don’t go wrecking your body,” Chastine said sternly. “I’m sure you can wait a few more days before trying for baby two.”My face burned with embarrassment. “Thanks. Where's Lauryn? I was hoping to talk with her."Chastine's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Probably not busy doing what you’re itching to. She has some measure of restraint.”I scowled at her. “Do you know where she is or not?”“She’s likely heading to the main hall. You might catch her before she gets there.”With that, she left, leaving me alone in the room. I took a moment to adjust my clothes and then made my way to find Lauryn. It wasn't long before I spotted her in one of the quieter co
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 78 : He Has His Father’s Eyes
*Alec*I walked down the hallway from the nursery to toward Ember’s room the way I had ever morning since Evan was born. The castle was quiet around us. I nodded at the maid near Ember’s room.“Good Morning, Alpha.”“Good Morning.”She opened the door for me, and I stepped inside. The room was as quiet as always. Ember’s breathing was barely a whisper of noise as I closed the door behind me and rounded the bed. The soft rays of dawn filtered through the window, casting a gentle glow over the room. I sighed and sank down into the chair beside Ember's bedside, my eyes fixed on her peaceful form as she slept. She had regained a bit of color overnight, though she hadn’t moved at all. Chastine said that there was every reason to believe that she would come through, but she still hadn’t woken up. It had been nearly a week already. In my arms, Evan slept soundly, his tiny chest rising and falling with each tranquil breath. I had taken to carrying him with me everywhere I went
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 77 : Our Son
*Ember*I clung to Alec’s hand as we walked inside. Alec’s arm was around my waist, steadying me at every pulse of pain. With every step, I could feel the weight of his concern and the depth of his love. Inside, the castle seemed to buzz with energy. Servants ran back and forth with cloth and other things to the birthing chamber. “Where's the midwife?” Alec asked as we walked down the hall. “A messenger went to get her,” a servant said.“I’ll fill in,” Chastine said, seemingly appearing from nowhere. Lauryn was just behind her. She opened the door and let Alec walk with me inside until I reached the bed. “Leave before you pass out,” Chastine said bluntly. Alec flushed. “Really?”She scoffed. “Really.”He looked at me, searching my face. I had no doubt that he would stay if I asked him to, but I shook my head and smiled. “I’m okay. I’ll see you soon.”“I love you,” he said gently. “I love you, too.”He hesitated another moment, but he retreated, and Chas
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 76 : I Think It's Time
*Alec*I sighed, sitting back in my seat and rubbing my forehead. It was a beautiful day, and I had been sitting at this desk since about an hour after dawn. The midday sun was high in the sky, my stomach grumbled, and I still had a lot more to do. Had it really been months since Lukas’ death? It felt like I had been working on all the little problems of Allusia for years. What the hell had the previous Alpha King been doing that everything was such a mess? I glanced at the letter from Sawyer. It was probably going to irritate me as all of his reports tended to, but it was probably the most complete and most detailed of all the updates I had left to go through. From his last letter, I knew that the capital was slowly but surely returning to a semblance of normalcy. The Grimborn Pack had scattered between those loyal to Lukas’ vision and those who just didn’t want to be bothered. If it wasn’t worrying about West Allusia, it was dealing with the management of East Allu
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 75 : Perfect
*Alec*We left Silver Crescent and met up with the forces in midwest Allusia on the way to the southern bridge. As expected, Ember couldn’t keep pace in her wolf form the whole journey, but she made it half of the way. The men greeted us, climbing onto whatever cart they needed to continue healing and embracing us. The journey south to the port city was filled with cheer. Once we passed over the bridge, it felt as though everyone started to pick up speed. The carts of the caravan bumped and creaked as we picked up pace through the forest, the sunlight dappling through the leaves as we neared Whitelark. It had been a long journey, both physically and emotionally. Ember tightened her grip on my fur as I started to pull ahead of the caravan. As we approached the castle, I could feel a sense of anticipation building in the air.The news of our impending arrival hadn’t reached Whitelark ahead of us as the defenses were still engaged, and archers aimed arrows at us. “Who is th
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 74 : Not Your Princess
*Ember*The morning sunlight spilled through the windows, casting a warm and inviting glow over the room. Beside me, Alec was still sleeping. I shifted, and Alec let out a soft sound, his grip on my waist tightening to crush me against his warm body. "Ember," he whispered, his voice husky with sleep and a little desperate. “Stay.”I placed my hand on his arm. “Alec?”He didn’t move or stir again until there was the sound of footsteps coming down the hall. Then, he shot up, grabbing his sword in a flash of movement. His body thrummed with tension. I placed a hand on his shoulder. “Alec?”The footsteps passed the doorway and faded down the hallway. He lowered his sword and looked at me. His eyes were still red-rimmed and a bit tired, but he smiled at me like I was his whole world. He set his sword down and gathered me in his arms. “Did I wake you?”I laughed. “I think I woke you.”He hummed, a low rumble coming from his chest as he nuzzled his face against my ne
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 73 : I Won't Break
*Ember*As Lukas stopped breathing, something in me gave out. A choked sob escaped me. My eyes filled with tears. The scent of his blood filled my nose and filled me with relief. His eyes stared out into nothing, and I knew that I was free. A hand landed on my shoulder. I turned sharply and looked up into beautiful purple eyes that I thought I would never see again. My heart thundered in my chest as the tears gushed down my cheeks, and I threw myself into his arms. He wrapped his arms around me, crushing me to his chest. "Alec," I sobbed into his chest as he stroked my hair. "A-Alec, I–""I'm here. It's over." He whispered, pressing me closer to his chest. "I've got you," The deep rumble of his voice was a soothing balm on my frayed nerves. I dug my fingers into his bag, gripping him desperately as if he would vanish if I let go. His grip felt no less desperate."I love you," I sniffled. "I tried… I didn't…"I couldn't get the words out. I didn't know what I wa
An Alpha for the Stolen Princess Chapter 72 : A Mistake I Won’t Make Again
*Alec*The night was thick with tension as we moved through the shadows, our steps muffled by the shadows under Grey’s control. As we neared the castle’s hidden entrance, my heart pounded in my chest, a mix of fear and determination coursing through my veins. Having seen Ember lying in that little room, one I knew too well had once been used by the former Alpha King’s breeder, had set a fire in me that would only be quenched when I saw Lukas’ cold, dead body at my feet. “This way,” Grey whispered, nodding down a dark alley.We followed him. The night was thick with tension as we moved through the shadows, our steps muffled by the darkness. The guards surrounding the castle were unsuspecting, their attention focused elsewhere, giving us the perfect opportunity to strike.Sawyer darted forward, quick and deadly, catching the nearest guard with a swift, silent strike. The man barely had a chance to grunt before Sawyer lowered him to the ground silently. Rhys took the next one and hi
