by Leigh Walker
“You don’t know that.” Thalia shook her head. “Try to think positive.”
But Maya only nodded. Her spirits seemed low.
I, for one, had no idea what to expect. I knew that Rhys and I had a connection. I also knew that I had risked it. Too afraid to admit to either myself or him that I had feelings for the wolf, I’d backed myself into a corner. And then I’d spent the last few days locked away in full-on planner mode, and I’d missed any opportunity to connect with him.
All of a sudden, my plan seemed quite perilous indeed.
Werewolf guards lined up outside the barn doors. Two of the men blew their trumpets, a triumphant, celebratory sound. Then the rows of men dropped into deep bows, a processional for us to walk through. There were cameras everywhere. I glimpsed Mira inside the reception, her crew already filming; every moment of the evening would be broadcast.
I imagined watching the episode later and swallowed hard. I hoped, I prayed, that Rhys would keep me on. It had nothing to do with the possibility of humiliation; it had everything to do with me not being ready to leave him, to leave all this messy emotional business unfinished. If this is my last night in the Realm… I shivered as we made our way into the barn. I couldn’t bear to think about saying goodbye to the werewolf just yet.
“Ladies.” A server carrying a tray of champagne flutes approached our little group. “Would you care for some—”
“Yes please.” I grabbed two glasses, chugged one, and replaced it with another. “Ah, that’s better. Thank you.” The other girls followed suit, grabbing two flutes apiece.
I nodded at the server. “Keep them coming. You’re going to be very popular with us tonight.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Thalia clinked her glass against mine. “Tamara, before I forget, the reception is stunning. I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
The other girls murmured in agreement.
“Me either!”
“It’s breathtaking!”
“How did you do it?”
“Ah, thank you. Some of the staff helped.” I beamed at them. With all the champagne and nerves, I’d forgotten to take pride in the presentation of the reception. But the interior of the barn was worth ogling. As instructed, Archie had strung the fairy lights around the beams across the soaring ceiling. In addition, I’d used the flowers and herbs we’d gathered from the gardens to make garlands that crisscrossed the upper echelons of the barn. Riots of color bloomed above us, set off by the twinkling lights. Enormous centerpieces of fresh flowers from the gardens commanded the table centerpieces. My favorite detail was the mural I’d constructed along the far wall. It was comprised entirely of flowers, greenery and herbs from the Realm’s gardens. I’d secured fairy lights behind it, so it looked as though the plants were a glowing work of art.
My pulse raced as I spied Rhys near the mural. He was with Austin, Blake, Eve, Balkyn, and Shaye. Prince Austin said something that made the werewolf throw his head back and laugh. Maya frowned as we watched him. “At least His Highness is enjoying himself.”
Joely patted her on the shoulder. “Come now, drink your champagne. There’s no use fretting. What will be will be.” She raised her flute in a toast. “To my four new, but dear, friends. It’s been a pleasure spending time with you these last weeks. No matter what happens tonight, we’ll always have each other. So cheers to friendship.” We clinked our glasses together, and I felt a knot in my chest.
Joely blinked back tears. “Gah, I’m a bit of a mess.”
“Me too.” Dae finished her first glass of champagne and started right in on her second.
Across the room, Prince Austin clinked his champagne flute with a fork. “I’d like to make a toast. To the king of the Realm!”
“Here here!” the crowd roared. The band struck up a merry tune. King Rhys finished his champagne and after clapping Austin on the back, headed toward us.
“Here we go,” Joely said. “He’s coming our way.”
Rhys grabbed another flute of champagne from a passing server as he made his way over. He raised his glass when he reached us. “Ladies, Mira has told me I’m to make my announcement soon. I will ask three of you to dance. If I’ve asked you to dance, it means I’m asking you to stay.” His expression darkened. “I have no desire to send anyone home. I’ve come to care for all of you, each in a different way. But I must follow the contest rules.” His gaze flicked to where King and Queen Black stood, off to themselves. “I just want you to know that this decision was difficult for me. I thank you all for coming here and for giving me a chance.” With a deep bow, he swept off toward the front of the barn, where the band was set up. Mira and her camera crew followed close on his heels.
I took a shaky sip of champagne as the band finished their tune and Rhys cleared his throat. “I have several toasts to make, please bear with me. First of all, I am filled with gratitude to the royal family for their generosity, their loyalty, and their friendship. Prince Austin, you have been a friend since we were children. Many years have passed, and the world has changed. But what hasn’t changed is the respect that I have for you, my brother. You lead with a clear eye and true love and respect for your people—for all people. I look up to you. Watching you rule has helped me be a better leader. Thank you, and thank you Princess Black, and King and Queen Black, for this opportunity. We love the Realm as we love each other and our neighbors; with a full heart and a fierce loyalty. So cheers.” He raised his glass higher. “To new beginnings, but to old loyalties—the kind that last for all time.”
“Here here!” The crowd erupted into cheers.
Rhys waited for them to quiet until he continued. “As you know, the crown has also afforded me the opportunity to take part in a process which will lead me to my bride. For this, I am imminently grateful.”
He bowed his head. “I am also thankful to the five young women who have left their homes and traveled to a new, strange land in order to meet me. I am forever in your debt, my ladies. I am tasked with eliminating two of the contestants tonight for the show. This is very difficult for me.” He turned his gaze toward us, his expression somber. “Thank you for coming to the Realm. You are so brave. I have enjoyed getting to know each of you. You forever have my deepest appreciation and respect.”
The five of us curtsied. When we rose, Mira nodded at the king. It was time.
Rhys faced the crowd again. “Now, I will ask the first contestant to dance.”
I held my breath. Thalia clutched my hand and I squeezed it.
Rhys said, “Joely Raine, from Settlement 12, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”
“Yes of course,” Joely said in a rush. She walked toward him and accepted his outstretched hand. The band struck up a waltz and we all watched as Rhys guided Joely around the floor, her golden gown flowing out around her. His dancing had certainly improved.
I felt as though I might be sick.
When the song ended, Rose intercepted Joely. The crew would likely be conducting interviews with each of us. Rhys went back to the front of the room, and Thalia clutched my hand again. I quickly looked at the other three contestants; Maya was pale, Thalia’s expression was calm, and Dae was visibly shaking.
Rhys bowed his head at us. “Dae Phillips, from Settlement 23, would you accept my invitation to dance?” Dae exhaled deeply and beamed at the king. When she reached him, he took both of her hands in his. Smiles lit both their faces.
One invitation left. There was a buzzing in my ears. I could barely catch my breath. I felt eyes on me and looked across the room; Eve was staring at me, her aqua eyes blazing. She mouthed the words, “It’s okay.” I nodded at her, but I wasn’t sure if I was in agreement.
I glanced around the room. The king and queen were watching Dae and Rhys with interest; my friends were watching me in sympathy. I spied Duncan and several of the other wolf advisors near the entrance. They were whispering to each other, probably making judgments about Rhys’s choices thus far. When the dance e
nded, it was my turn to clutch Thalia’s hand.
I had no idea what would happen next.
Rhys waited until Dae had joined Joely before he spoke again. “Now, for my final choice. I am very sorry to see two of you go—please know that I mean that.” He glanced our way, his expression dark. When his gaze reached mine, he stopped. “Tamara Layne, Goodwill Ambassador to the Realm, member of the royal court, and loyal subject of Settlement 11, will you accept my invitation to dance?”
“Y-Yes.” Tears stung my eyes.
Thalia squeezed my hand and whispered, “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you.” I knew that she meant it. Poor Maya looked at her feet, her shoulders shaking in silent sobs. Thalia wrapped her arms around her, talking in low tones.
I exhaled deeply when I reached Rhys. I wanted to be jubilant, but I only felt sad. “I feel so bad for them.”
He winced. “I know. So do I. That is the downside to having a competition—someone must always lose. But we must dance, my lady. The king is watching, as are the cameras.” He brought me to the dance floor as the band started another waltz. “Mira assures me that Maya and Thalia will be well taken care of. You have my word.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
“Now, enough with being sad. We both knew this night was coming.” He leaned closer and whispered in my ear, “So can we be indulgent for just a moment?”
“Yes.”
“I am so bloody glad that you said yes to dancing with me.” His cool breath wafted over me as he flexed his hand against my hip. “I’ve been going crazy with you locked up in here all week. By the way, I’ll never be able to thank you enough. The reception’s incredible. It suits the occasion and represents the Realm perfectly. Everyone is saying so, even Queen Serena. You’re a genius, Tamara.”
“I wanted to do something nice for you,” I said, “after behaving so badly.”
“Ah, but it was I that owe you an apology.” He pulled back and looked me in the eye. “I was pressing you for an answer when you’d made it clear you weren’t ready to give me one. I need to learn to respect your boundaries, my lady, which is hard when all I want to do is tear them down and get closer to you. It’s all this civilization business, you see. I’ve no experience with it.”
“And I have no experience with this.” I motioned between us.
“What do you mean?” Rhys looked puzzled. “Is it because I’m a werewolf?”
“No, it’s because…” I took a deep breath. It was now or never. “It’s because I have feelings for you, Your Highness. Feelings which are out of my control. Feelings which don’t obey when I give orders. This is—this is uncomfortable for me. I am not used to feeling jealous or insecure; I am not used to sitting around and sniffing sweaters.”
He arched his eyebrows. “You’ve been sniffing sweaters, have you?”
“Don’t make fun of me.”
“I’m not. I wouldn’t.” He pulled me closer. “You’ve brought me great happiness tonight, my lady. More than you know.”
I rested my cheek against his broad chest. “I feel the same.”
He held me tightly until the dance ended, and we were forced to part.
Epilogue
After all the dancing, after all the drinking and feasting, I left the reception for the sanctuary of my room. It had been a long day, but I floated on cloud nine as I made my way back toward the castle. He picked me. I’m still here. Tamara Layne would fight on.
I relished my memories from the evening. My favorite part was dancing with Rhys. Wrapped in his powerful embrace, forgiven, I’d felt as though I was in heaven. Even now, I ached for him, to be cradled in his big arms, but he was busy with his men and the vampire royals. The supernaturals would stay up all night, celebrating the momentous occasion.
As I walked, I hazily revisited the events of the last few weeks. I couldn’t believe I’d fallen for a werewolf. Rhys had likely never held a salad fork in his life before I met him. He cared as little for fancy things as he did for shoes or shirts. He was wild, he was different, and… I loved that about him. He is so not my type, but whoever promised that life would go exactly as I expected?
Perhaps I could learn to give life’s twists and turns a fair chance.
Lost in thought, I didn’t pay close attention to where I was going. Perhaps all that champagne had gone to my head. But after a few minutes of walking, I realized I’d drifted off the red carpet and away from the fairy lights. I’d gotten close to the tree line, the side of the forest that bordered the wilds on the western side of the Realm. I started back toward the castle. Music drifted from the barn, where the party was still in full swing. The multicolored tiers of my dress dragged along the green grass. It was a good thing the night had gotten chilly, the grass stiff with cold, or my dress would have been stained.
Because no one was near, I stopped for a moment. I wanted to take the opportunity to enjoy my happiness and my gown fully. I twirled and twirled under the stars, laughing. I missed Elsa and Beast—the gnomes would love a walk under the night’s blanket of stars. Deciding to fetch them, I hastened back toward the palace.
“Not so fast, Lady Layne.” A lanky figure stepped out of the shadows near the forest.
“Oh.” I stopped abruptly. “Who’s there?”
“Your old friend, of course. Duncan.” The dark-blond wolf stepped out into the brighter part of the grounds. He wore no shirt or shoes, only the pants to his ceremonial uniform. His pale skin glittered in the moonlight. “What’re you doing out here, twirling around like a fool?”
“I beg your pardon?” I put my hands on my hips. “I was merely enjoying myself after a lovely evening.”
“Ah, you’re excited that Rhys is keeping you on—you’re giddy.”
I tossed my hair over my shoulder. “What I am is none of your business. Good evening, Duncan.”
“Not so fast, Lady Layne. I’ve got something I’d like to show you.” He grabbed my wrist and started pulling me toward the trees. Before I could scream, he clamped his ridiculously strong hand over my mouth.
As he dragged me into the darkness of the woods, I fought to remain calm. If I fainted, I’d never find my way out of the forest. But as I tried to manage my rising panic, I heard something. A growl. Two—then four, then six—sets of blue eyes peered at me from within the black forest. The closer we got to them, the easier it was to see. Six werewolves were waiting for me, plus the one dragging me into the forest. Bloody hell. Seven werewolves versus one me were not good odds.
“Here we go, boys,” Duncan told them. “We’ve just got to get her to the clearing.” We walked—or rather, Duncan dragged me—for what seemed like forever, traveling deeper and deeper into the woods. I tried to keep track of where we were, but it was hopeless. The wolves surrounded us as we moved, two in the front, one on each side, two in the back. They were guarding us.
I didn’t want to reach the clearing, because I didn’t want to know what they had planned for me. But we inevitably slowed, and Duncan brought me into a small plot of open land amidst the trees. “Here we are, my lady. Now, then. I am going to release you, but you need to understand something—if you scream for help or try to run away, we will rip you to shreds. Do you understand?”
I nodded.
Duncan released me and stepped back. “My mates and I here are testing a theory, my lady. We need to see what you’re made of.”
I struggled to catch my breath, not daring to ask what he meant.
“Our king kept you on tonight, but not all of us are pleased. We will ask him to consider our pack when he chooses his queen. For his queen will be our queen. She will rule us all.” Several of the wolves growled. “As I’ve told you before, I am not convinced that you’re cut out for pack life.”
“Why’re you doing this to me?” I asked, in a ragged whisper. “Rhys will not be pleased.”
“The thing is, I’m protecting him.” Duncan came closer. “We’ve learned that the rebels are on the move again. That’s why the King and Queen
Black are here—to hide. What I want to know is, what do you know of it? My sources tell me that the rebels are upset about the Realm, and that they’re coming for us. What did you do? What did you tell them?”
“N-Nothing—I did nothing, I swear to you. My family’s been loyal to the Blacks since they took over the settlements. I’ve never been a rebel sympathizer. Never.” I shook my head. “You don’t know that the rebels have learned anything from anyone here—”
“Perhaps it’s the publicity from the show. You could be right.” Duncan shrugged. “Or, you could be lying to me, human. There’s only one way to find out.”
“W-What way?”
But Duncan didn’t answer me. His whole body began to quiver. It moved as fast as a hummingbird’s wings. It took some time at first, but then it happened all at once. Flesh became fur. Duncan’s tall, lithe human body was traded for a shaggy pale wolf. His green eyes glinted at me. He turned, barking at the others, and they formed a line straight across the clearing. Then they advanced.
Seven werewolves were headed my way.
I so hope you’re enjoying Tamara and Rhys’s story! Their adventure continues in the next book, Vampire Royals 7: The Uprising!
You can keep reading here:
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Also by Leigh Walker
Vampire Royals
The Pageant (Book #1)
The Gala (Book #2)
The Finale (Book #3)
The North (Book #4)
The Siege (Book #5)
The Realm (Book #6)
The Uprising (Book #7)
The Crown (Book #8)
The Rebel (Book #9)
* * *
The Equinox Pact
Awakening (Book #1)
* * *
The Division Series
Premonition (Book #1)
Perception (Book #2)
Salvation (Book #3)