“Penelope caused this?”
“Yes. She has a mind of her own.” I sighed heavily.
Father stated thoughtfully, “You must be stricter with her. You love her, I know. But she will not learn if you keep bribing her with blue apples to do what she should.”
My nose crinkled. “You know I do that still?”
“Of course.”
I thought I had been decent at hiding it. “Can I ever get away with anything where you’re concerned?”
Father chuckled, his shoulders shaking with it. “Most likely, no. I was young once, too, lest you forget that.”
I glared straight ahead. My father was too clever. I needed to be more circumspect with the underhanded exploits I pursued, my life far too complicated now to walk a straight line.
King Traevon bumped his elbow against my arm, grinning cheekily. “Do not be so sour. It is the way of life.”
I pushed his elbow away, tired and cranky. “I know.”
The fact that Ihadto lie to him hurt my soul.
King Athon knocked on the back door of a quaint building made of stone and mortar, waiting patiently to be allowed entrance instead of carelessly walking inside as a royal would do. He was playing the part well, doing as he should, a simple visitor to the city—seeking to hunt a dragon from the shadows.
The door opened easily. Bright light spilled down on him.
“Oh my Fae.” A shifter woman laughed deeply. “I didn’t think I’d see you back so soon, Athon.”
My head jerked back in surprise at her casual manner, her address to him completely unacceptable and improper.
“You know I can’t stay away too long, Coralee.” King Athon rubbed his flat stomach. “I am hungry for some mutton pie.”
“I’m sure you are.” She winked at him and then cast her solid green eyes in our direction. Her brows puckered slightly, confusion suddenly darkening her bold, strong features. “And you brought friends with you this time.”
“I did,” the King of Shifters said gently, gesturing inside the door. “May we come in?”
“Yes. Come, come.” She opened the door wide and stepped back. The woman asked candidly, “Is this about the royal elf who is here in the city somewhere? Everyone is abuzz about it.”
“It is something like that,” King Athon said as he stepped inside.
“All right. I can see this is not just a casual request to be here.” The shifter placed her hand on his bicep, stopping him from going too far. “After we talk business, are you here for the night?”
I cracked my neck, now understanding.
This shifter bitch wanted what was mine.
She’d already had him, too, if her brazen touching of his body was any indication. Many times would be my guess. That sugary, comfortable look in her eyes would have to go soon—very soon. I had to handle this delicately since everyone was here and use that possessive and deadlyburningin my chest with logic and not just emotions.
King Athon patted her hand, saying softly, “We’ll see.”
Oh yes. He would see.
The other rulers strolled past her. With each one who did so, her eyes rounded just a little more, now comprehending who was in her midst—even without their bloody crowns—with the shifter king by her side in silent support—his fingers twitching as I drew closer.
I walked by her last and peeked at her under my hood. I smiled sweetly atCoralee, gazing into her large, pure green eyes, and then continued past her person at her dumbfounded look. I sauntered to stand close behind my father, where the rulers had congregated inside the small, clean kitchen. I was very good at being patient when I needed to be, a crucial skill any thief needed—and I was an excellent thief.
Coralee closed the back door, locking it. The shifter woman walked into the room, her hips swaying, not because she meant to but because she was a full-figured woman with lush curves. She glanced around the room, ill at ease, and then decided to stand in front of her old, wood-burning stove to stir the broth that was boiling in a cast iron pot.
Thank you, Coralee. You simply made this easier.
