<i>Zephyrine </i>


    Finished


    I watched the massive gates of the Lycan Kingdom open wide for my carriage as the guards cleared the way to the Royal carriage stand.


    When it stopped, I stepped down. My long ck hair cascaded around my waist, and I wore a gown that hugged my form perfectly. With calm determination, I made my way into the hall.


    I moved straight toward the ck Tower, ignoring hesitation. All the maids I passed bowed respectfully, and the guards paused at attention.


    Even the doors ahead seemed to open itself for me, as if an unspoken decree allowed me <i>to </i>enter the Kingdom whenever I wished.


    I reached the dining hall, but it was empty. Not even Chantel, who usually lingered in the shadows, was there. I nced at the stairs, debating for a moment, before beginning my ascent.


    Emerging into the dimly lit hallway, no one appeared in sight. I continued toward his living room, each step slower as memories of our time there pressed in.


    I paused in the doorway, my eyesnding on the table where he had once seated me and whispered those intimate instructions.


    A rush of heat curled up my legs, and I quickly looked away, only to notice the floor where we had spent the night, where I had rested my head against his chest and slept like nothing in the world could harm me.


    My heart clenched.


    I moved forward toward his bedchamber, the one he had said was strictly forbidden for anyone to enter. The bed was empty but tidy. I bent to pick up a goblet lying on the floor and ced it beside a bottle of potion on the table.


    Then I walked to the corridor window and gazed out at the Kingdom.


    “Vast” felt like a small word to describe the world Lycannar ruled. Lycans went about their daily lives,ughter carrying across the streets. My heart swelled; it was clear his reign had brought them peace.


    I was lost in thought when movement caught my eye. Princess Serena appeared on the lower floor, two maids behind her carrying scrolls.


    “Princess Serena?” I called, and she froze, almost everyone stopping to look upward. Her eyes widened in


    astonishment.


    “Zephyrine? My gods… what are you doing here? You were supposed to be in bed!”


    “I want to see Lycannar. He’s not in his chamber,” I replied.


    She smiled. A knowing smile that made my cheeks heat.<fn6ed5> Follow current nov?ls on fin?novel</fn6ed5>


    “Come on down. I’ll take you to him.”


    36%.


    Finished


    I nodded and hurried down the tower. Bursting out into the open, Serena paused, staring at me head to toe, then back at my face. With prideful amusement, she entwined her fingers with mine.


    “You are one fine woman. Come on,” she urged, smiling at everyone watching. “She’s my baby brother’s


    woman.”


    “But…”


    “Don’t be shy. Everyone should know you’re off–limits,” she said with a chuckle.


    We entered a new hall that led to a section of the Kingdom I hadn’t explored.


    Before we could continue, a guard rushed forward, bowing slightly.


    “Princess Serena, you are needed at the market square. It’s urgent.”


    Serena paused, then turned to me with an apologetic smile.


    “Let’s go to Mearez. She is nearby. She will take you to the King.”


    I nodded, allowing her to pull me forward once again. This time we entered the healing wing, which had a soothing, peaceful feeling.


    Passing through chambers of the sick and weary, all healers bowed before us, even as they worked.


    Finally, Princess Serena opened the door to a lecture hall where she was tutoring aspiring healers about potion–making. The healers, seeing us, immediately bowed.


    Mearez paused mid–lesson and quickly approached me.


    “You really want the King to be mad at you, Zephyrine, hmm?” Her tone was teasing, but affectionate. My chest heated at her words, and I shook my head.”


    “I came to say thank you,” I whispered, the lump in my throat making my words catch. Mearez’s smile softened.


    “I have to solve a problem at the market square. You should take her to my baby brother,” Serena instructed her sister before leaving with a warm smile.


    Alone with the gentle healer, Princess Mearez smiled brightly.


    “You look beautiful. Come on, I’ll take you to him. Wait… it’s almost noon. Lycannar will need his potion.”


    She retrieved a bottle of potion and a goblet, bidding farewell to her students as she led me out. We moved through a quieter, heavily guarded hall, tidy, with maids standing at attention. Finally, we slowed near a chamber where I could hear the King’s elders speaking, sending goosebumps across my skin.


    Lycannar Blood. A King. Seated at the head of the table, his gaze fixed on the table while listening to the discussion of his eight elders, including his advisor, his uncle. My eyes swept over him, and my heart fluttered.


    Handsome was too small a word. Power didn’t evene close. The rings on his eyebrow, the runes curling from his chest to his neck, his ck attire, his posture. Lycannar exuded dominance and danger. He was a man who belonged to only one woman. Me.