Page 73 of The Cursed Queen

"Which is?" I asked.

"He asked you all to head to our hunting grounds to round up more food for the feast."

"I never heard him mentioning this to us," Andriel said, quirking a brow in suspicion.

"Well, of course not. That's why he asked me to give you the message."

"But why us?" Drayce asked.

"He said something about only trusting the task to you all." Baxus shrugged.

I could tell from the expressions on the faces of my men that they believed something was amiss. Even I could sense something not quite right in the air.

"Very well," Andriel finally said. "We'll leave right away."

Baxus' face brightened in delight. "Perfect. Now hurry along. We don't want our den to starve, do you? It would make a poor impression on the princess."

"Oh, don't worry, we'll make it back in time," I said with assurance, but also caution.

Satisfied, Baxus left us with our thoughts. It was when he was nowhere in sight that my mates let their tensions known.

"He's plotting something." Drayce was the first one to speak the truth.

"There's no doubt about it, but the question is what he's plotting," Andriel said.

"So, you guys really don't think Lord Igneel is sending us on a hunting mission?" I asked, just to be sure I was on the same page.

Ryu shook his head. "We normally have a team specifically for hunting for our meals. If this were a real necessity, Lord Igneel would appoint them."

"Unless he asked Baxus to report the task to them, but he gave it to us instead," Andriel pondered.

"Then what should we do?" For me, the logical thing to do would be to ask Lord Igneel if the request was meant for us. But he informed me earlier that he would be busy all afternoon preparing everything for the big meeting, especially since it was almost time for my coronation. I was supposed to meet him an hour before sunset to discuss how I would approach him on the dais.

"We'll take the mission. If there is some kind of trap Baxus set for us, I'd rather we deal with it than put any innocent shifters at risk," Andriel decided.

"But what about Virgil? If we all go, he'll be alone," I stated. I knew Virgil could take care of himself, but I didn't want him alone in case Baxus went after him while we were away.

Ryu raised his hand. "I'll stay behind to monitor Virgil."

"Are you sure, Ryu?" Andriel asked.

"I'll be fine. Besides, I already experienced a dangerous surprise once. Now it's your guys' turn."

I snorted, knowing he was referring to the ambush from the dragon riders. At least he could now make light of it. I'dbeen worried about his sanity when he seemed on edge after it happened. It gave me some relief knowing he was fine.

"I can't argue with that, but I also don't enjoy leaving you alone either," Drayce said, concerned for his love's safety.

Ryu smirked as he took a step closer to Drayce. "Are you doubting my survival skills?"

"Not a chance." Drayce dipped his head for a quick peck on Ryu's lips.

I couldn't get enough of how sweet they looked together. Their love was something I was both in awe and envious of. I felt immense gratitude and cherished when the two men included me, but I also couldn't help noticing the obvious difference in their dynamic. Was it fair of me to even compare? It wasn't their fault I discovered them much later in life.

I wouldn't make them feel bad or guilty over their display of affection. I only hoped I could develop a similar feeling from them both. Or close to it.

"Something troubling you?" Andriel questioned, looking down at me.

I shook my head. "No. I'm only on alert since we all agree that something may happen."

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