I spent the next day with Audric, and then the next with Blaise. Then I went back to Lance. My days with the elder beast princes had begun with awkwardness, but they quickly warmed up to me. I found myself waking each morning with a smile and curiosity for what the day would bring.
We went through this routine for a few weeks, and I hated to admit it, but it seemed as if the falling in love part might truly be the easiest step in breaking the curse. Soon, I would need to tell the brothers about step two in my plan: the group date.
But not today. Today was Audric's day, and he had promised to show me the rose.
I went through my morning preparations quickly and was just finishing brushing my hair when Audric knocked. I hurried to the door and yanked it open.
“Eager, are we?” Audric purred.
His fur was darker than his brothers, a sleek sable, and it made him appear the most sinister. But his grayish-blue eyes were soft and always seemed to be full of thoughts that were more naughty than evil.
“I want to see the rose!” I declared.
“Yes, yes.” He laughed. “But first we must break our fast.”
“Breakfast can wait,” I insisted. “Take me to the rose.”
“Wasn't it a rose that got you into this mess?” Audric teased me.
I paused, realizing that I hadn't thought of my family, and what they must be going through without having any word from me. They were probably haunted by thoughts of what was happening to me.
“I'm sorry,” Audric said. “I didn't mean to put that look on your face.”
“No, it's fine.” I waved away his concern. “I just realized that my family is probably worried about me.”
“Oh.” Audric blinked. “Well, you haven't been a prisoner since the first few hours of your stay. If you'd like to go home, you can, Sylvie.”
“Really?”
“We may look like monsters, but we're not,” Audric huffed.
“You were holding my father prisoner,” I pointed out.
“That was just Lance.” Audric rolled his eyes. “He believes that you can't let people take advantage of you, and so thievery must be punished. But he would have let your father go eventually. As far as you, we just wanted to see if you were the one. When you offered to help us, we assumed that you were doing so of your own free will.”
“I was,” I agreed. “I just thought I was also being held for the theft.”
“You were never the criminal.” Audric shrugged. “And we never intended for you to feel like you were being punished.”
“So, all this time, I thought I was paying off my father's debt, when I was really just a guest?” I growled.
“Well, yes.” He stammered. “I thought you knew. How could we expect you to fall in love with us if we were holding you hostage? That's twisted.”
I laughed. I laughed and laughed until Audric joined me in my laughter.
“I guess I'm twisted then,” I finally said. “Because I care very much for the three of you.”
“You do?” Audric asked, his eyes going hopeful. “We lo– um, I mean, we care about you too.”
I smiled brightly and kissed his furry cheek.
“Take me to the rose, Prince Audric,” I commanded. “And then I shall go home for a visit.”
“Will you return, Sylvie?” Audric asked softly, all of his usual confidence gone.
“Of course, I'll return,” I whispered. “You know I will.”
“All right then,” he declared. “Let's go look at a cursed flower.”
