Callum’s face is pale, drained of all color. He wets his cracked lips and utters, “My king,” His voice hoarse. Attempting to sit up as I approach, he fails, thumping back into the bed. I notice the wet towel on his forehead, and a water witch by his left seems to be treating him. She bows in respect, and I wave her off.
“How?” I ask, standing by the foot of his bed, finger on my nose to block the pungent smell of the healing herbs.
“I pissed off a witch.”
“And she made you sick?” I question, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes.”
“Hmm, I didn’t know they could do that.”
“Me neither. I’m sorry, Your Majesty, for missing court these past two days, but as you can see, I’m actually sick.”
“Yes, I can see that, Lord Easterlin. I wish you a quick recovery.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. Don’t worry; I’ll be fine before The Bloodmoon Gala. It’s an important day for my daughter, and no witch sickness will stop me from attending.”
I nod, not expecting such confidence. He doesn’t seem concerned, even though rumors of me fucking Amelia are spreading. I narrow my eyes at him, wondering why he’s so sure I won’t change my mind about making his daughter the crown princess during the Bloodmoon Gala. People often develop feelings while fucking one another, and that’s what I’m counting on to unsettle him. I can’t help but wonder why he isn’t affected. Hmm.
“Take care, Lord Easterlin. I will arrange for the best healers to be sent to your manor as soon as possible,” I say, turning to leave his room.
“Thank you, Your Majesty, and forgive me for not seeing you out,” he says as I exit his room.
Eric walks over to my side, and we share a look as we descend the stairs. He must’ve noticed how calm and certain Lord Easterlin sounded about me announcing his daughter as the crown princess. We walk outside and get into the car.
“He didn’t even request an audience alone with you to discuss Amelia,” Eric comments, settling into the back seat after I do while the guards take the driver and passenger seats.
“I know, it’s as if he didn’t even instruct his minions to lecture me about how I shouldn’t be fucking her,” I reply, talking freely as the guards are men I trust with my life.
“I feel he’s up to something.”
“I fear the same.”
“You need to find out what, and quickly, because knowing Lord Easterlin, you don’t want to find out too late.”
“Of course, I know that, but how? The bastard has killed every spy I placed in his household in the past years.”
“Then use someone he wouldn’t suspect.”
“Like who?”
“Amelia.”
“Amelia?” I repeat, looking at Eric as if he just suggested the most absurd thing.
“Let me explain.”
Eric spends the rest of the drive back to the palace laying out his plan. I’m impressed by how his mind works and hope his strategy works.
AMELIA
I twist my fingers, walking to my mate’s office late at night. He didn’t call me to his room, which worries me. My day was good; I spent it riding with Eric, who, despite being a lycan, I actually enjoy being around. He didn’t make much conversation, but it was nice to be with someone who wasn’t plotting my death in a myriad of ways like everyone else here. I am praying my night also ends well.
I exhale, finally reaching Nickolas’s office door. Turning the doorknob, I cautiously poke my head in before summoning the courage to guide my body through the door. My mate sits behind a desk, his glasses perched on the bridge of his nose and papers scattered in front of him. It’s a reminiscent sight, much like how he looked on the second night he called me to his room. His raven-black hair is tousled as though he’s run his hands through it countless times today. The atmosphere carries a hint of deja vu, and a subtle tension lingers in the air. He reclines in his chair, peering at me through those glasses that somehow elevate his attractiveness to a whole new level. The way they frame his eyes adds an intriguing allure, making him look hotter than usual for some inexplicable reason.
“Not for some inexplicable reason. You know why?” Marie says, opening the connection between us.
“I don’t”
“He looks like the men in all those human novels you love to read. The age gap ones.” She says and it hits me.
“Yeah, you are right. He does. He gives off the perfect daddy vibe.”
“Yes, which is exactly your type. The universe couldn’t give you a more perfect mate.”
“Just because I enjoy those books doesn’t mean he is my type.”
“Yeah, right,” she huffs.
“Amelia,” Nickolas calls, pulling me away from my conversation with Marie.
“Yes, Daddy,” I reply, my eyes widening once I realize what I said.
“Daddy?” Nickolas says, lifting a brow at me as he tilts his head to the side.
“I’m so sorry. I don’t know why I said that.” I cover my face with my palm, embarrassed. I don’t understand why these things keep happening with my mate.
“I didn’t pick you for the kind of girl into such,” He stares at me with a new kind of profound interest. I don’t know if I should be happy or worried.
“Into what?” I ask, confused, but then understand what he is talking about and quickly squash his assumptions. “No! That’s not what I meant. I don’t see you that way. If anything, I see you as a monster,” I facepalm the second I realize what I just said. Did someone sign my death today because what the fuck is going on?
“Hmm, I see.”
“Please don’t kill me. I don’t see you as a monster,” I lie through my teeth because I see him as a very hot monster, but he doesn’t need to know that.
“Amelia, I couldn’t care less about how you see me because whatever kink you were into, it doesn’t matter because I would never fulfill them.”
Ouch! His words hit me like a physical blow, and my heart clenches painfully. The sincerity in his tone resonates through my bones. In that moment, I can’t help but entertain a disheartening thought-will I die a virgin?
“Sit down. I have a job for you,” he says, his expression stern.
“A job for me?” I respond, perplexed, settling into the chair opposite him.
“Tonight, you would join the water witches I am sending to Lord Easterlin’s estate.”
“Why? If I may ask,” I inquire, my confusion deepening.
“I want you to keep an eye on him while you’re there.”
“You want me to spy on him for you?” I question, my bewilderment escalating.
“I think that’s obvious,” he retorts, his tone sharp.
“Can I ask something?”
“What?” he sounds irritated before I even ask my question.
“Do I have a say if I want to do this?” I press on despite his irritation. He doesn’t respond, giving me a pointed look that answers my question.
“When do I leave?”
“Once the water witches are ready to leave.”
“Wonderful,” I reply with a tight-lipped smile, but the expression fades quickly as Nickolas leans forward. I instinctively edge back in my chair, curious about what’s unfolding.
“Ember is supposed to be away the whole time you’re in the estate. But if she returns before then, stay clear of her. Do you understand?”
I nod.
“Good, you can leave.”
I hastily vacate the chair, matching my departure speed with the urgency to exit his office. I can’t believe I’m headed to Ember’s house. My life couldn’t be any more fucked up.