Chapter 5
Confession of a princess:
In my heart of hearts, I will admit that having my mother, my father, and my soul mate sit at the same table for dinner has always been a dream of mine.
This…
This is not what I’ve dreamed about.
Father and I stepped into the grand foyer, with our arms still linked to greet our “guests,” while Mother walked down the staircase in her finery and watched over the proceedings with an intrigued mien.
King Traevon dipped his head respectfully. “King Athon, thank you for coming this evening.”
My soul mate arched a black brow but bowed his head as well, stating, “With such a warm invitation, it couldn’t be ignored, King Traevon.”
Standing slightly behind him, Bishop snorted under his breath—with a sour expression on his face.
Between the two of them, the gorilla shifter was looking a bit…rough. Admittedly, it would have been hard for him to arrive here on time since he wasn’t a royal with a Fae-gift to fly. Dust streaked his pants and boots, and a little was even on his right cheek. The slight stench emanating from him wasn’t pleasant, either, as if he had slept with pigs.
“I’m pleased you see it that way,” King Traevon remarked, ignoring the surly guard. Then he tacked on a bit of snark. “I trust your travels were well met?”
King Athon’s lips twitched. “It was a wonderful flight. Thank you for asking.” His solid black shifter eyes turned in my direction. He lowered his head dutifully while scanning my person ever so subtly. “Princess Trixie.”
“Your Royal Highness.” I released my father to perform the perfect curtsy, keeping my nose low to the ground.
My soul mate touched my head gently and rumbled softly, “You may rise.”
I did so and watched as my mother welcomed him properly.
My king smiled then, his fangs flashing as he stated, “Let us eat and be merry. Our cooks have been working all day. I had them prepare that mutton pie you like so well…with a pinch of cinnamon.”
At the reminder of my soul mate’s previous lover, I had to work hard to contain my glower while I privately burned inside.
Thank you, Father.That was just what this evening needed.
The King of Shifters rubbed at his bare chest underneath the flowing, open white cloak he wore, his clothing matching his long white hair perfectly. He showed all of his teeth as he smiled. “That was so very kind of you. How fortunate for us that you have a perfect memory.”
Mother and Father led the way to the dining hall. My soul mate walked beside them, and my gaze wandered down his back. His choice of additional clothing had to be due to the chill in the air tonight. The damnable cloak flowed all the way to the ground, covering his beautiful ass that was clad in soft, white leather.
Bishop nudged me with his elbow, muttering too quietly for anyone else to hear, “Donotstare at his body like that, Your Highness.”
My attention instantly snapped away from where I had been ogling my soul mate’s large shoulders. Perchance…that was why he wore more clothing.
Wise plan. Quite so.
I fanned my face with my hand.Was it hot in here?
Bishop muttered a quiet curse. “This is going to be a disaster.”
“Hush, you,” I whispered.
Then I held my head up high as we entered the dining hall.
Bishop stayed back against the wall, playing the guard.
And the four of us took our seats.
Do not ogle my soul mate. Do not look at his bloody marvelous, muscular body. Donotdrool.
