A little bell dings in the train carriage, as it always does when we’re about ten minutes away from our destination. My head turns almost automatically towards Rafe and Jesse, who likewise turn towards me. We all nod, confirming that we all understand that we should prepare for our arrival to the ca
A smile slowly grows on my lips, because who on earth could resist such a sweet request? “Okay, Luca,” I whisper in reply, nodding to him once, leaning forward again. “You show me, and I’ll listen.” “Good,” he murmurs, grinning at me. His hand twitches in mine, and a muscle in his jaw feathers, an
I glance at Luca, who likewise looks at me curiously, picking up on the same vibe. Because – I mean – Jesse just said some really nice things to Daphne, but the way he delivered them…he wasn’t hitting on her at all. No flirting, no quiet looks of interest. Instead, he just laid out her compliments
Rafe scowls at him, but suddenly the door opens, and a man in a royal uniform steps inside, giving a sharp bow. I burst into a smile as he straightens up, because of course I recognize Captain Conner, who heads up the Royal guard and who we’ve known since we were babies. “Your Highness, your Grace
“You came!” I breathe, thrilled and relieved and nearly insane with happiness as Jackson laughs and lifts me up, holding me tight against his chest. “I could get used to this greeting,” he murmurs, his arms wrapped so snug around me, his face so close to mine that our noses brush. “You scared me
It gets a little awkward in the close quarters of the limousine, but Jesse does a good job of breaking the awkwardness by pouring more champagne – god, mom really made sure we were stocked – and pointing out all of the landmarks that we pass on the way to the palace to Ben and Daphne, keeping us all
“Not alcoholics,” he says, with a frown, “just your run-of-the-mill magical lycanthropes who know how to party. Finish up everyone!” he calls, leading by example and draining his glass. “We’re here!” I can’t help the little squeak of excitement that makes its way out of my mouth as I grab Daphne’s
As we walk up the steps, the paparazzi call out questions to us, asking where I’ve been and who the new members of our party are. I hear them also calling Luca’s name, but Luca is very professional about the whole situation, keeping his eyes focused ahead on my parents, who are waiting patiently for