Page 41

I wake up in a cold, empty bed, slightly disappointed Riven isn’t still here holding me.

It’s probably for the best.

My sorrow is short-lived when I find a steaming cup of what I hope is coffee on the wooden table. I don’t even question where it came from as I take the first sip, its warmth spreading through my body. I’ve always joked that coffee was made from magical beans—maybe I was onto something.

“Mmmm.” It’s surprisingly delicious. An earthy cocoa flavor that rivals my favorite blend back home.

Hearing voices outside, I hold the cup in my hands and walk to the tiny window, watching through blurred glass. I can’t make out what they’re saying, but it seems like Riven is arguing with two large men dressed in brown leathers and furs that look like they belong here in these woods.

One of them nods toward the cabin, and Riven looks over at me standing in the glass. I quickly finish off my coffee and use the restroom, not knowing when I might get another chance to use a private chamber for relieving myself.

I come out to find Riven gathering his things up and rolling the quilt from the bed before holding out my cape for me. “We need to get moving.”

“Who are those men?” I look past him as I put my boots on, where the door is cracked open, letting particles of snow blow inside. “Did the queen send them?” Panic threatens to bring the coffee back up.

“No, come on. I’ll introduce you.” He escorts me outside, and for some reason, I put my trust in him… again and follow.

As soon as I’m outside, away from the shelter, the cold stings my skin like a thousand tiny needles, and I want to run back inside and never come out. But I can’t. I need answers, starting with who are these two men looking at me like they might eat me alive.

“Princess Adelaide of Winter Haven”—Riven gets all formal—“allow me to present the Brothers Lycan—Lucien and Bastien.”

I remember hearing about them at the party. Surely their last name is just a coincidence and they aren’t really… wolves.

“Princess,” they say in deep, rumbling unison as they both drop to their knees on the frozen earth before me, and my jaw nearly follows. They are bowing. To me.

My gaze jerks over to Riven, who nods his own head in reverence. It’s like I’ve woken up in a parallel universe… again.

“Hello, I’m pleased to meet you both.” I don’t know the proper etiquette or protocol to follow. My blood might be royal, but I’m certainly not.

“It’s nice to finally meet you.” The brothers rise in perfect harmony, towering over me. The tallest of the two steps forward, his wild, dark hair hanging around his angular face, framing kind chocolate eyes. “I’m Lucian. This is my brother, Bastian—Bash for short.”

“You’re even prettier than he said.” Bash pushes forward, reaching for my hand, and lifts it to his lips for a quick peck, earning him a growl from Riven.

“Show a little respect, Bash,” Lucien warns, giving his brother an elbow jab in the belly.

“What?” He winks, his white-blond hair and pale green eyes a striking contrast to his brother. “Sorry, Princess.”

“Oh, it’s fine.” I smile at them both, and Riven stands guard, scowling with his arms crossed. “No need to apologize.”

Riven stomps off and walks toward where a large ebony horse is tied to a fallen log.

Lucien laughs, and a loud roaring sound tumbles out. “I like you.”

“Watch yourself,” Riven calls over his shoulder.

“We’ve brought you our finest stead, Eclipse, for your long journey, Your Highness.”

“Thank you so much,” I reply, not really having a clue what Riven’s plan is, but I don’t want to seem rude… or like an idiot. “And Adelaide is fine,” I remind him.

“Princess,” Riven commands, reminding everyone that I might be the daughter of the king, but he’s still in charge. He places one foot in the stirrup and flings himself atop the magnificent horse with practiced ease before reaching out for me. “Climb up.”

“I can’t—” Before I can finish my protest, strong hands grip my waist and lift me from behind, placing me on the back of the saddle.

“I could have done that,” Riven snaps at Lucien for lifting me up, placing me behind him.

“But you didn’t.” The twinkle in his brown eyes lets me know he’s enjoying goading him.

“Thank you. I hope we meet again.” I wave at them both as Riven moves, and I nearly lose my balance.