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Chapter 19: Heat
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The Shifter King Chapter 20: Different Life
Althea waves with a cheesy grin, her eyebrows raised at me. I rush forward and toss open the door. She steps inside and whistles. "D*mn, Hera, I was over here worrying about you. Needlessly, it seems!" "What are you doing here?" I ask. "And how did you get on my balcony?!" She shrugs, walking inside and taking in the room with wide eyes. She turns to Sebastian. "Sorry to interrupt," she says to him with a smile. He smirks. "And you are?" "My sister," I answer for her. "Althea, this is Prince Sebastian." She looks at me and mouths, 'Prince?'Sebastian chuckles before glancing at me. "I should go, it's getting late," he says. "Right–" I say, nodding. He looks back at Althea, takes her hand and kisses it. "Next time, you are more than welcome to come through the front door." Before we can say another word, he leaves. I turn toward my sister whose fanning herself dramatically."Looking like that is just not fair," she says. I laugh, the shock that she was actu
The Shifter King Chapter 21: Some Noble
"You could've told me that sooner!" I say. Althea shrugs. "I wanted to catch up first. You would've been eager to go after him." "I am eager to go after him. Where is he? When did he return?" "It's weird," she says. "I found him at a bar, banged up and downing beers faster than he could order them. Seemed a little off, so I followed him." I ignore the fact that she took it upon herself to follow him, and the fact that it could've been seriously dangerous. "He ended up at some cottage outside of town. Almost seemed like he was hiding out," she tells me. "F*ck," I mutter. "Where?" "Can take you first thing in the morning, sis," she smiles. "Fine," I relent. "But you follow my lead, Thea. No arguing." She nods. We lay down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. "This place is pretty incredible, Her," she mutters. "Mmhm," I say quietly. A moment later, she falls asleep. A short while after, I follow. In the morning, we make our way to the dining hall. Ambrose looks
The Shifter King Chapter 22: Ambush
"It solidified one thing, right?" Althea offers. "We know it's a noble…has to be." "I already figured that," I tell her. "Although, a female's voice helps narrow it down. Not by much." She shrugs. "Sleep on it, sis. I'll help you figure this out." I shake my head, staring out the carriage window as we travel through town. "Do you miss the inn?" she asks suddenly, her eyes also on the town outside. "Sometimes. It always felt simpler. Meet Lucas, track my mark, get paid. I was good at it, too. There wasn't any mystery or questions keeping me up at night." "Sounds boring, though," she grins. I roll my eyes. "It was safe." "The king would keep you safe," she says quietly. I glance at her. "I don't need a king to keep me safe, Thea." "No, you need a king and a prince," she winks, laughing as I playfully kick her. "Do you love them?" "How can I love two people?" I ask. As soon as I say it, I realize I'm asking myself the question, too. How can I feel this way toward bot
The Shifter King Chapter 23: Rest
I wake up in my room, my head pounding against the bright sunlight streaming through the windows. I sit up, my side aching. Ambrose is there in an instant. He sits on the bed and smiles at me. "Althea?" I ask. "She's eating with Theo," he tells me. "They've taken quite the interest in each other. She's okay, though." I shake my head. "What happened? Who were they?" "I don't know. They took off shortly after I arrived." "I don't understand. Why would they attack us?" Ambrose sighs, lifting his hand to push a lock of hair behind my ear. "I suspect you're getting close to the truth," he says. I can't help but smile at that. That was the first good news I'd had in a while. If someone was determined to kill me, he was probably right. I was on the right path to discovering the truth. He laughs. "You look beautifully manic." I look at him. He looks stunning in the sunlight, and the way he's looking at me…"Are you okay?" I ask him. "I'm fine. You, on the other hand,
The Shifter King Chapter 24: Elysia
I heal irritatingly slow. I spend the rest of the week in my room, moving from my bed to pace around the room, thinking. That's all I'm able to do is think. Occasionally, the king and prince visit, but mostly Althea keeps me company when she isn't spending time with Theodore. Sebastian's warning has left a weight in my chest. If Theodore is a part of this, it would break my sister's heart. But it didn't seem right. None of it did. And it was frustrating the ever-loving f*ck out of me. Sure, Theodore had time to send off a letter letting the attackers know where we would be. H*ll, he probably had time when he was waiting outside the cottage while we spoke to Lucas. But no matter how I tried to piece together the story, I couldn't find a reason. Theodore's family was raised alongside the king's. He was Ambrose's best friend and most trusted advisor. He didn't seem power hungry. Unless there was something I was missing? Some crack in their relationship that was large enough to cause
The Shifter King Chapter 25: Suspect
I tap my knuckle against Theodore's door. "Theo?" I say. "It's Hera." I knock again, but the door doesn't budge. I press my ear against it. There isn't a sound on the other side. I heave a sigh. Maybe I should come back later…I glance down the hall. It wouldn't hurt to peek inside. This was the man spending a lot of time with my sister, after all. The door is locked but it doesn't take me long to pick it with a pin from my hair. It swings open with a heavy thud. I slip inside and shut it behind me. Theodore's room is charming. It's plain compared to some of the rooms I've seen in the palace, but it feels refreshingly modest. If his personality matches his style, it's no wonder Althea likes him. She's never been one for flashy things. He's lightly decorated his space with plants, maps, and books. I immediately notice the tall bookshelves along the far wall and the collection of books. The shelf stands as tall as the ceiling, and almost every one is filled. I walk over, sca
The Shifter King Chapter 26: Distraction
I run straight into Sebastian, nearly losing my balance as I let out a huff. Of course, he just happens to be here. He seems to have a habit of roaming the halls at night and being perfectly placed where I can bump into him. "Hera?" he says. "Are you all right?" I'm shaking uncontrollably, but I hide my hands behind me so he can't see. I don't know if I'm ready to share this with anyone yet. Not until I wrap my own head around it. Unfortunately, Sebastian's become good at seeing through me. He pulls my chin up so I'm forced to look at him. "What is it?" he growls. The sound sends a shudder through me, and it isn't from fear. If I wasn't stressed about the information I'd just discovered, I would let myself give in to the heat. But this isn't the time or place."I'm fine," I manage. "Don't lie to me, Hera," he says. For some reason, I find I can't. Or I don't want to. I want to share this with someone, so the burden isn't on me. And Ambrose isn't an option right now
The Shifter King Chapter 27: Need Space
Ambrose is in his study. I'm surprised he's up at such a late hour, but the fire still burns in his room as he reads a book beside the hearth. Sebastian steps inside first, clearing his throat to catch his brother's attention. The king looks up, his expression blank until he sees me. My face must reveal something to him because he frowns. "What is it?" he asks. He closes the book he's reading and stands. "We need to talk," Sebastian says. I close the door behind us and follow the prince. We both take a seat. The warmth from the fire is making me sweat worse than I was before. I expect Sebastian to lead but he glances at me. I take a breath, not sure where to start. How was I going to explain being in Theodore's room in the first place? "You're killing me with suspense, Hera," Ambrose drawls, his golden eyes flaring. "I found my missing dagger," I blurt out. "The one that was still in the arm of our attacker. From that night in town." Ambrose sits down and leans forwar
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The Shifter King Chapter 50: A True Queen
Ambrose wakes me with a kiss, bringing me back to the reality of the day. It's coronation day. Time sped by so fast, the weeks seemed like a blur I can hardly remember. I spent most of my time planning—approving this or denying that so that everything was ready for today. I had a custom gown made with royal colors and jewels to match. I'm not used to it at all, but the tailor was patient as I procrastinated on getting it done. Ambrose chose my crown. He told me it's a surprise, so I haven't seen it yet. I roll over into his arms and he squeezes me tightly against him. "You ready?" he asks in my ear. "No," I mumble. It's true. I'm not. I'm so nervous, I'm scared I might pass out when I'm up there. Since he offered everything to me, it had time to sink in. I'm going to be a queen. Me! The same girl who was an assassin not that long ago. A girl who was struggling to put food on the table for her sister and herself. I can't believe it's happening, and I'm terrified they won't
The Shifter King Chapter 49: Take It
I rush to Althea's room, pounding on the door. "It's me! Everything is okay!" I shout. She throws open the door, crashing into me with her arms wide. I laugh, spinning her around and squeezing tightly. "Theo?" she asks when I release her. "Waiting for you, I'm sure," I tell her with a grin. She kisses me on the cheek before she takes off down the hall. I smile, happy to see my sister so joyful. I would give anything to keep her in this state. And maybe we could. I make my way back to the king. We shut the bedroom door behind us, and he helps me take my corset off. The armor saved my life more than once and it showed. There were a few holes in the hide that prevented a puncture to my chest. He carefully bandages my shoulder, taking his time with gentle movements. I'm so exhausted, I almost fall asleep as he does. When Ambrose is finally done, he carries me to the bed and lays beside me, wrapping his arms around me. We don't say a word. We don't need to. I know he's awa
The Shifter King Chapter 48: The Lone Wolf
"No!" I shriek. "Hush!" Elric hisses behind me, but my voice has done enough. The disruption causes Sebastian to pause, glancing at me. The momentary distraction is enough for Ambrose. He shoves him off with a sudden burst of energy. Sebastian falls back, his focus returning to the fight. Then, they're at it again. I'm not sure how much time passes watching them fight. There are a few moments where I think one of them will finally kill the other, but neither is able to get the upper hand. Their coats are turning red. Ambrose's white fur is stained crimson and I've lost track of how many wounds he has. After what seems like an eternity, the fight shifts. Ambrose can tell his brother is getting tired, so he toys with him. I watch as Sebastian's exhaustion becomes more and more evident. Finally, Ambrose lunges, landing on the prince and pinning him beneath him. Sebastian lets out a roar, attempting to get up. But he can't. He's too tired, his energy is spent. Ambrose sta
The Shifter King Chapter 47: To the Death
Before the prince can make a move, Ambrose takes a step forward. I watch as he lets out a growl so loud and deep, the room seems to vibrate. I almost lose my balance, leaning against the king to catch myself. The room stops. I observe as the fighting stops, all the shifters turning to the king and prince like they have no other choice but to listen. I'm not sure what happened, but I can guess Ambrose used his authority to make them stop. I don't know why. Ambrose shifts, human beside me once again. Sebastian pauses but shifts a second later. "There won't be much of a pack left if we continue fighting, brother," Ambrose says. "Let's finish this. You and me. Whoever wins takes the crown and will be the Alpha." Sebastian glances at his pack, considering. There are already a few dead bodies, I can't tell how many. If they keep at it, everyone will be dead or wounded. Even with Elric, they are evenly matched in strength. "To the death," the prince says. "No," I gasp. "Ambros
The Shifter King Chapter 46: She-Wolf
It happens in a flash. Ambrose is beside me and then he's shifted, lunging over the table toward his brother. Sebastian meets him in his own wolf form and there's a clash of fur and snarling. I yank the sword from under the table, shoving my chair back and out of the way. When I look back again, the whole hall has shifted. They're tearing at each other's throats, snapping and biting. A moment of pure fear shoots through me. I'm not equipped for this. I don't know who I was kidding. I don't have time to consider options as Elysia stalks toward me, still in her human form. "I've been waiting a long time for this, b*tch," she growls at me. "Why? Because the man you love was in love with me?" I snap back. I figured she was in love with one of the brothers, but she just confirmed which one. "I should've known you were working with him. You were the noble that gave the kill order to Lucas and then imprisoned him. But he was able to escape, and you murdered him, didn't you?"
The Shifter King Chapter 45: His Choice
The time for the banquet arrives. I'm nervous. Despite all my preparation and instinctive skill, I'm worried it's not enough. Althea helps me get ready. She braids my hair and then pins it up on my head. The dress I'm wearing was made specifically for tonight. The corseted top is part of the armor. It stretches up my chest and down my arms, fashionable yet strong. The skirt opens in the front, revealing the tight pants I'm wearing underneath. At my hip is my dagger along with two more knives at each ankle. The back of the skirt is laced with silver and I've hidden additional weapons in the fabric. When the time comes, I can detach the skirt entirely and leave it behind. I look at myself in the mirror. I feel surprisingly comfortable in this outfit like it was crafted to be worn only by me. And in a way, it was. It's an assassin's dress. Mine. I'd come to this palace on a job to assassinate the king. Now, I would work by his side to eliminate the threat of his brother. How? I
The Shifter King Chapter 44: The Past Returned
Friday arrives faster than I want it to. The banquet is tomorrow night and there's no way to know if Sebastian will come. As Alpha, Ambrose has a way of speaking to his pack without saying a word aloud. The message was sent a few times: The ball at the end of the week is to honor the prince and the true king.A deliberate antagonization that was sure to hit its mark. Although, there's no way to tell if Sebastian was listening and would come. We had to leave that to fate. I haven't forgotten my conversation with Elysia, but she's managed to disappear. When I ask Ambrose about her whereabouts, he frowns, unaware that she is missing. "It doesn't matter," he says, taking my hand. "Hera…I don't want you there tomorrow night." "What?" "It's too dangerous. If he shows, he'll be bringing those that back him, too. There's sure to be a fight. I can't protect you while I'm fighting my brother." I glare at him. "I won't need it, Ambrose. I've taken everything into account by hidin
The Shifter King Chapter 43: Bait and Hook
It's been a week. The shifters can't find him. Every time they get close to where they think the prince may be, he vanishes. I have the theory that he's leaving false clues and we actually don't know at all where he is. Ambrose is starting to believe the same. We spend our time waiting for news. The king reinforces security, paranoid about my safety despite my protest. Even Althea becomes impatient as she waits for Theo to return with news. "This isn't working," I tell him. It's evening as I sit across the table from him. Our dinner has grown cold as neither of us has an appetite. "We need to lure him out." "I'm not sure how you think we will manage that," he responds.I consider that for a moment. If I was determined to kill my mark but they were in hiding, I'd research what could convince them to come out. Usually, it's an event or I would make someone they love appear to be in danger. Neither of those really apply here. Sebastian wouldn't reappear for his brother unless
The Shifter King Chapter 42: Understanding
I lift the dagger and swipe as he strikes out at me. The tip catches his skin and he recoils, hissing in pain. But it isn't enough to deter him. He moves in a flash, coming toward me with his teeth bared. I let my instincts take over, dodging him and slicing at him again. This time, my dagger meets the skin along his arm, blood beading to the surface. The silver does its job, making him pause for a moment."Hera," he growls. He takes a step back staring at me with fury. "I don't want to hurt you."I know he could, too. The silver will cut and hurt him, but he's faster and stronger than me. He could easily kill me and the look on his face is telling me he wouldn't think twice about it. Anything we may have had isn't taking precedence over his mission. "Then don't," I respond. I won't win a physical fight but maybe I can talk him down. "Come with me. We'll go to the king and he will decide your punishment. Ask for forgiveness, Sebastian. Please." Sebastian scoffs at me. "He'll
