Page 12 of A Crown of Fates

I shake my head, trying to find my voice. “I don’t feel the bond with Theo. But he does, and even my wolf thinks something is there. Yet, I just ripped him apart, blaming him for everything when maybe…it’s my fault.”

My wolf rises within me, her presence steady and calm, trying to soothe my racing heart. I wish I could hear her voice—any reassurances that I’m not going insane.

Drea clasps my hands in hers, her grip warm. “It’s not you. At least, notallyou. Even Orion says there’s something off with King Theo. He only makes appearances when he must. He doesn’t have any real friends and keeps his advisors at arm’s length. Supposedly, the gods chose him as the next king since the previous one got sick and had no heirs, but the pack talks, and everyone believes something’s being hidden.”

I want to smack my head against the wall just to stop the emotional whiplash, but at least Drea’s words are grounding. Somethingisoff here. I wasn’t wrong to be cautious. And while I might be at fault for not feeling the bond, there’s more to this kingdom than meets the eye.

“You and Orion should go back on the boat with the others to Polaris,” I state firmly. “If things are as bad here as they sound, you’ll be safest back home. I’ll make sure Asher knows that I sent Orion with you, and he’ll get his transfer approved.”

Drea’s head is shaking before I’ve even finished speaking. “I’m not leaving you here on your own. You’re going to need me.”

“No offense, but what can you do that I can’t?” I ask, genuinely.

She slowly smirks. “I can get the staff to talk. You’re royal, I’m not. With the situation being that you forced me to stay behind, ignoring my desire to return home to Polaris with my newfound mate… Once they believe I’m one of them, I might be able to find answers for you. The help always knows.”

While she makes a good point, just the fact that she’s willing to put herself in that position makes me reconsider.

“You can stay, but you won’t be talking to anyone on my behalf,” I tell her with authority. “I don’t want you puttingyourself in a situation where you might find more trouble than we’re already dealing with. Do I make myself clear?”

She chuckles and reaches to hug me, tears shimmering in her eyes. “Thank you, Estee. Thank you for seeing me as a person.”

“You’re stuck with me now,” I promise her, and I mean it.

It doesn’t matter that she’s never lived as a royal. Drea’s quickly become a dear friend, and I intend to make sure she’s taken care of.

Just as soon as I figure out what the hell is going on in this kingdom.

CHAPTER SEVEN

ESTEE

Later that evening, I finally convince Drea to go back to Orion, leaving me to have dinner alone—a moment of solitude I desperately need. The grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and buttery rolls are a comfort, each bite easing the tension in my shoulders, leaving me with only the gentle hum of my thoughts.

After eating all of my dinner, I keep the candles that came with the food burning so that I can begin my healing-and-letting-go ceremony.

Nothing is physically wrong with me, but my mind and heart aren’t seeing things the same, and before I do anything else, I need clarity.

Staying at the small dining table with a piece of paper and pen in front of me, I take a moment to center myself, breathing in and out slowly until I can feel my mind and heart start to open. Only then do I list the beliefs that have plagued me since arriving here. Each statement, raw and unfiltered, spills onto the page like inked wounds.

1.King Theo is a lazy alpha

2.Something is wrong with Selaris

3.Theo can’t possibly be my mate, making him a liar

4.I don’t want a mate

This last one is the hardest to write, but I force the words out because if I don’t let go of this belief, I’m never going to know the truth, and that will be worse than any other possible outcome.

5.I’m better off alone

My hand trembles as I finish. There it is. My thoughts laid bare, confessions that feel both damning and liberating. I fold the paper in half, hold it close to my chest, and whisper, “I willingly let these beliefs go, with the intention of returning to an open mind about my future and the king of Selaris.”

I lift the paper to the flame above the pillar candle. The edge turns black before catching fire. Gently, I set it down on my empty plate, letting the flames devour my words. The parchment curls and dances before disintegrating entirely. Breathing deeply, I will the tension to release from my body.

The truth is, whatever secrets Theo holds don’t matter. Not really. I can’t control him or whatever forces are pulling the strings here. All I can control is myself. I need to let go of the outcome I’ve already decided on, trusting not only in my wolf’s intuition, but the Universe to guide me. And as much as I don’t want to trust Theo, I’ll have to extend him an olive branch if I’m going to get answers.

Seconds after the paper is gone, I feel lighter than I have since Isla first asked me to make this journey. This won’t solve all my problems, but it’s a step in the right direction, at least.

---