A Curse of Shadows

A knock sounds at the door and I put the book I was flipping through onto the mattress before slipping off the bed and heading to the door.

Mali is on the other side when I answer. It’s usually him, Cain, or Declan standing guard, each of them just as nice as the other. Though Declan is by far the most entertaining.

“Good morning, Malimorte,” I tell him with a smile. “Is Asher done with his meeting?”

He left before I’d barely awoken, stating something about bickering wolves and that he had to go be diplomatic. He lost me at bickering.

Mali tugs at the bottom of his vest and nods. “Yes, Your Highness. His mother has requested the two of you join her for breakfast. May I confirm that you’ll be attending?”

This man is always so polite and professional that I wonder what it might take to really piss him off. He seems to handle everything in stride, but Asher assures me that he’s a warrior beneath the prim demeanor.

“Yes, I’ll grab my shoes and be right there,” I confirm, glad for breakfast since I was already craving food a few minutes ago.

I go to the closet that I now share with Asher and slip into silver flats that match the black, wide-leg pants and crisp, white blouse I chose for the day—a combination that feels suitably regal yet comfortable for whatever the day might hold.

When Asher told me that the people here were wolf shifters, I didn’t expect as many formalities, but I’ve grown somewhat used to them over the last week. I can even admit that the upgraded wardrobe has become something I enjoy each day as I pick out my outfits. The only thing I’ve yet to be fond of is the silly tiara Sosheena says I should wear more often.

It’s not like everyone doesn’t know who I am in the castle. I don’t see the purpose of the glitzy adornment, but I try to play by their rules for most things.

Going back to the door, I find Malimorte still waiting for me, golden eyes focused on the hallway and his fingers lightly stroking his auburn goatee.

“Mali?” I say quietly in case I’m disturbing his thoughts. “Do you know if my father is already at breakfast?”

He holds up a finger and does the mind speak thing with Asher that I can’t do myself. Though I don’t consider that a bad thing yet.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Mali replies. “He’s just arrived.”

“And my sister? Estee?” As furious as I am that she’s abandoned me, I’m mostly worried about her. Something is wrong and it won’t be much longer before I finally charge out into that forest, bringing her back home myself.

Mali’s gaze casts down. “No, Your Highness. She is still absent.”

Disappointment rolls through me, pressing in on my chest. Still, it doesn’t change my plans. “Thank you. Let them know I’ll be right there.”

“King Asher asks that you please head straight there or…” Mali pauses, likely uncomfortable with being the liaison between mates. “Or he’ll resume escorting you where you wish to be.”

Escorting me? More like guarding, but after the first two days of that overprotectiveness, we’ve settled on a compromise. Though I doubt I’m ever as alone as I think. It seems there’s always a staff member hanging around close enough that I’m not truly by myself even for these short walks through the castle.

I thank Mali again before leaving for breakfast and grin when I see someone dusting the same side paneling near the stairs that was just cleaned yesterday.

Though maybe this time, it wouldn’t be bad to have someone with me. I haven’t eaten in the dining hall since that time with my father. Paying more attention, I try to recall that evening, at least feeling confident that I need to go down the stairs.

As soon as I reach the first floor, I turn left, watching for anything familiar. I spot a portrait of Asher and his parents and feel rather positive that I’m supposed to turn right at this next corner.

Except as soon as I do, my nose smashes into a hard chest and I stumble back, seconds from falling to the ground before warm hands wrap around my waist.

“Whoa, are you okay?”

I look up to see Noen standing there and freeze for a moment. I haven’t seen him since Asher brought him to my room. Not because I’ve been actively avoiding him, but something felt off with that whole interaction and I wanted more time to try to remember him.

I’ve been told we were best friends, but Estee is that to me and I wasn’t ready for someone else to explain my past life to me. I want to remember it for myself.

“Isla?” A crease forms between Noen’s brows. “Are you okay? Did I hurt you?”

I finally shake my head and take a step back before someone sees another man with his hands on me. Probably not a good idea when I’m supposed to be the king’s mate…

“I’m fine,” I say, forcing myself to smile. “Just didn’t expect to, you know, run into anyone. I’m trying to get to breakfast.”

“Oh.” He holds out a hand for me to take. “Let me show you the way.”