Page 17 of A Crown of Fates

Jerome’s displeasure is clear, but the castle isn’t only mine. It’s an extension of our pack, and I want them to feel welcome. Not only that, but I also want Estee to know how much her presence is going to mean to our people if she chooses to stay.

She wouldn’t only be my mate; she’d also become the queen of Selaris.

Something that I hope to see happen because there has to be a way that I can still protect my motherandhave Estee in my life.

No matter what it takes, I’m going to fight for that future.

CHAPTER NINE

ESTEE

After returning from my run, the focused energy I’d clung to out in the forest stayed with me. But between the day’s emotional upheaval and the physical exertion, I’ve managed to sleep most of the morning away.

Getting up slowly, I stretch my arms above my head as I let out a deep yawn. A tiny smile breaks across my lips—one that feels almost foreign.

Secrets and unease aside, today I feel ready to deal with whatever I’ve stumbled on here in Selaris. I want to know the truth, and I’m going to have an open mind. There’s a reason I’m here. I may not know what it is yet, but I will soon.

I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, and the cool hardwood floor sends a shiver through me as my feet touch the ground. When I enter the ensuite bathroom to get ready for the day, my toes sink into the plush maroon rug covering the tile floor, but the smell of food hits me, and I go back into the room.

I somehow missed a tray of fresh food on the table by the window. A small envelope sits beside the towering plates, my name scrawled across the front in delicate, looping script.

Curiosity gets the better of me, and I grab the note.Did Theo leave this for me?I tear open the seal with a startlingurgency, but when I read the words inside, my chest tightens with unexpected disappointment.

Dearest Princess Estee,

My name is Keera, your royal handmaiden. I came to prepare you for the day, but you were resting so peacefully that I didn’t wish to disturb you after your travels yesterday. Please ring for me when you’ve awoken, and I will return to assist you as needed.

I’ve left your breakfast—a variety of local breads and fruits, along with some boiled eggs.

I look forward to serving you.

Signed,

Keera Brindle

The note is kind, formal, and carries no hard edges, but I can’t ignore the fact that a part of me was hoping to see Theo’s handwriting, to see his thoughts laid out before me. Why that absence bothers me, I don’t know, but my stomach twists with an odd sensation I can’t quite place.

I shake my head and force myself to focus, so that I can at least brush my teeth before my thoughts run wild. As I pass the tray of fresh berries and breads, I grab a ripe strawberry and pop it into my mouth. The sweet taste floods my senses, but I decide to clean up before sitting to eat. Leaving the food for now, I step back into the bathroom.

My shower is brief, but the heat of the water is soothing. Once I’m dried off, I dress in a pair of loose cream pants and a navy-blue sweater—a comfort outfit pulled from the depths of my steamer trunk.

As I brush my teeth, I realize the note mentioned that Keera was meant to help me prepare for the day, which would normallyinclude assisting with my clothes. While that’s part of the role for handmaidens, it’s not something I’ve ever taken advantage of—except when it comes to ballgowns. I’ve yet to meet a woman who can cinch herself into one of those torturous corsets.

Once I’m done, I go back to the table, piling a few things on a plate then butter some toast. As I lift the bread to my mouth, a soft knock sounds at my door.

“Come in,” I call before I take my first bite.

A young woman enters, wide green eyes, a sprinkle of freckles across her round cheeks, and a nervous smile on her face. “Good morning, Princess Estee. I’m Keera.”

She brushes a loose strand of deep red hair back behind her ear and keeps her gaze on my feet. Her light grey dress is clean but thin and almost stiff as it hangs from her lean frame, accented by a white waistband.

I offer her a warm grin and motion for her to step forward. “Please join me.”

She does, quietly closing the door behind her, but doesn’t come much closer. “What may I do for you this morning, Your Highness?”

“You can come help me eat this food,” I tell her, doing my best to keep my tone light. She reminds me of a frightened animal, one that might run at any moment.

“Oh.” Her cheeks somehow pale even further. “That’s not… I can’t?—”

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