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Chapter 49: Take It
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Bab terkait
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 1: Your Mark
The smell of rain fills my lungs as I move quickly through the streets. My boots splash in the puddles and the edges of my favorite cloak turn muddy. I turn the corner and slip through the doorway of the dark bar. Inside, the smell of beer is overwhelming, but I scan the room from beneath my hood and find the man I'm looking for. I slip through the crowd, unnoticed, using the walls and shadows to stay hidden. People are eating, laughing, some dancing to the musicians that play loudly in the corner. It's easy to blend in here and remain unseen. For this meeting, I want to be unseen. I sit down across from the man in the corner. He also wears a dark cloak but his hood sits on his shoulders. His face is dimly lit by the candle on the table revealing a scraggly beard and tired eyes. I notice the dagger at his hip that he is trying to display without being overly obvious. I smile at him. "Hera," he says. "Lucas," I respond. "Lovely spot. A favorite of yours?" He scoffs, his hand
The Shifter King Chapter 2: The Palace
The seamstress shop sits on the corner of a brick building with a dim blue door. I approach, taking my time to reach the entryway. I've never had fancy gowns or attended a ball before. Most of my marks are ones I can reach in alleyways or dark bar corners. All I need for that is my cloak. The king will be more difficult. I will have to blend in, look like a noble who belongs in silk gowns and glittering jewels to even get through the door. I take a breath before turning the handle and stepping inside. The shop is filled with beautiful gowns from reds, blues, and purples to greens, yellows, and bright oranges. The silk is finer than anything I've ever owned. I approach the first dress and lightly run my fingers down the fabric, stunned. Was it cut out for this? "Hello, how can I help you?" I turn to find a woman in a plain dress–at least, plain compared to her merchandise. She looks a little older, her dark hair mixed with strands of white. She smiles kindly but I can tell the
The Shifter King Chapter 3: Shifters
We move away from the ballroom, up a staircase, and down a hall until we reach a door. King Ambrose opens it and I follow him inside. It's a small study, still as lavish as the ballroom, although it has a homey feel. Along the walls are books and journals, and by the tall window sits a desk with scattered papers, a quill, and ink. I glance at the window. We are on the second floor, but it may be my best route of escape. "I can't be gone for long, but you can rest here for a moment," the king says. He sits on a chair beside mine, his gaze glued to me. I lean forward and place my hand on his knee. "I appreciate it, Your Majesty. You are too kind." And a sucker for a good pair of tits. He stands and moves to a cabinet where he pulls out some glasses and a bottle of liquor. Oh, it'd be a little too easy to drink and sleep with him before cutting his throat. He was deliciously stunning and staring at his backside made it tempting. I shake the idea from my head. No. Kill him,
The Shifter King Chapter 4: Proposition
I don't bother hiding the shock or disbelief on my face anymore. This guy is crazy. His golden eyes haven't left mine for a moment, which only solidifies that he really does believe everything he is saying to me. "Aren't you rich enough to afford a head doctor?" I say, the irritation evident in my tone. This was supposed to be an in-and-out job. Easy? No, but I was so close to slitting his throat. And now I'm sitting across from him, a little worried that his insanity might be contagious and contemplating how to talk my way out of this one. King Ambrose laughs deeply, his chest rumbling. He sits back in his seat, relaxing as he drinks the dark liquor in his drink. He's so handsome, it's very distracting. I wait for him to speak, and he seems to consider his next words carefully. "You tried to kill me," he says. It's not a question but I respond anyway. "Sure did," I smirk at him. "Do you know who hired you?" "What makes you so sure I was hired? I could be here because I h
The Shifter King 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. Anyth
The Shifter King Chapter 6: Irresistible
As I open the door, a maid stands with her hand prepped to knock. "Sorry, my lady," she says, dropping her fist. "The king has requested your presence tonight for dinner. I'm supposed to help you dress and take you there." "Help me dress?" I say. "I'm already dressed." I gesture to my gown and the maid smiles like she finds me absurd. Right. I needed to blend in. Fit into the box of pretty, bimbo noble girl. I straighten and nod at her, standing to the side so she can come in. The next few hours are spent brushing my hair and pinning it into an updo on my head and tightening me into a corseted gown. When I look at myself in the mirror, I once again don't recognize myself. But I suppose that's the point. The maid leads me through the maze of palace halls until we stop at a door. She bows and leaves me to it. I knock gently on the door. "Enter," the king says inside. The room is a study, similar to the one he first brought me to the night before. This one, however, has
The Shifter King Chapter 7: Into Town
"Good morning, Hera," Ambrose says as I enter the dining room. He's sitting at his usual head table, looking over papers in front of plates of food. I sit beside him and help myself to breakfast. "Morning," I say. "I need to go the town today." He glances up. "Alright." "Alright? That's it?" I didn't expect a fight but am surprised by his trust in me. He shrugs, returning to his reading. "You don't think I'll try to escape? Make a run for it and never return?" I ask. I hadn't been planning on it, but the thought had crossed my mind once or twice. It would be easy to grab Althea and escape to the docks, leave town, and disappear."I think you're intrigued enough to stay," he says nonchalantly. Intrigued? I guess that was a good way to put it. That or I'm truly stupid. I scoff but don't say anything. I finish my breakfast in silence and stand. "I'll be off then," I tell him. "Do you need anything else?" he asks. "I'd like my daggers back, please." I watch him as
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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
