“Willa, this is Prince Asmo. Asmo, this is my aunt, Willa,” I say, gesturing to Willa.
Asmo gives her a terse nod and says, “Nice to meet you.”
“And you,” is all she says in return. It lacks any sort of warmth.
“Willa,” I say. “Prince Asmo just saved my life.” I don’t know that to be true, but he did save me from something that could have ruined my life, at the very least.
“And how does that prevent him from shaking my hand?” she looks at me, one eyebrow raised.
Willa has always found manners very important, which I always fought against. Given her upbringing and my new title, I wish I had listened a little more on how to be a proper young lady.
I clench my jaw, locking it shut so it doesn’t drop at her lack of respect for Asmo.
“Willa…” I say cautiously. “He’s a High Prince.”
Her eyes narrow. “And I’m—”
I hold my hand up to stop her. “I’m too tired to do this right now.”
Asmo steps forward and reaches for me. “Let’s go.” I’ve never been so happy to be ordered around by him before. I let him lead me inside, every step forward feeling too heavy.
We all portaled back to the castle. Willa refused to come, saying she felt more comfortable in her own home and could protect herself. Ivan acquiesced only after Willa agreed to two members of the Royal Guard being present at all times, patrolling the grounds.
Ivan also called for an increase in the number of guards inside and outside my wing. Brynn dressed my wounds and gave me a salve for the pain, which I applied immediately, shuddering at the memory of the osseris’s claws on my skin, on my antlers. I spent the rest of the night locked inside my wing, feeling like a prisoner of fear.
The next morning, I attend the emergency meeting that Ivan called. When I make my way downstairs, William is waiting for me at the bottom with a coffee in hand. He offers it to me with a tentative smile.
“Thank you so much, William,” I say, a genuine smile spreading across my face. I know it’s only been a few weeks, but it feels like I’ve been here forever, and I appreciate the normalcy of William and a coffee.
“Did you ever propose to your girlfriend?” I ask as he escorts me to the library.
His grin lights his face up, and he says, “Yes, I did.”
“And?” I urge him on.
“She said yes,” he says, turning sheepish.
I lightly smack him on the arm. “Congratulations! I’d love to meet her one day.”
“Really?” he asks, looking at me.
“Of course! Whenever you both are free, she’s welcome any time.”
We reach the library, and he thanks me before returning to the front entry.
Ivan and Luca are already seated at the circular table when I walk in. They both give me terse nods before standing.
“Please sit back down,” I say before they can bow. They do.
“We’re just waiting on Elle and Holly,” Ivan says. There’s no warmth in his voice today, and it makes me nervous for the conversation we’re about to have.
“How are you both today?” I ask, looking at each of them, trying to re-set the tone of the meeting.
“We’re concerned, Your Highness,” Luca says, his tone hesitant.
Ivan puts a hand up, silencing him. “We have a lot to discuss today, Mae,” he says, more warmth in his voice than before. “How are you doing? After yesterday’s attack?”
“I’m fine. Thank you for coming,” I say, but I’m not. The incident left me shaken. I barely slept last night, terrified that I’d close my eyes and see the osseris staring back at me.
