Page 86 of The Princess and the Pack

“I don’t understand.”

That doesn’t sound like my sister at all. If anything, I would think she’d be climbing the walls to get out of the palace and onto the ship.

“Neither do we,” he says. “But, I intend to check on her. After your coronation, we’ll stay for a few weeks, as we planned. Then we’ll travel to Glenndyre before returning to Lucernia.”

I don’t like the uncertainty surrounding my sister. But if she stayed willingly, perhaps Thorn’s theory is right. Maybe Rose just needed to come to terms with the scent match, as I have done.

“Are you worried?” I ask.

“For Rosie? Always. She will give me gray hairs one day,” he chuckles. “But she’s also capable, and smart as a whip. I have no doubt she will hold her own against anyone she comes across.”

He’s too right. Our Rose is one of a kind.

For now, I’ll trust in my brother’s assessment and hope she’s busy finding her happiness. I wish she were here to see me crowned—and just for the simple fact that I miss her. But Glenndyre is only a short voyage and I’m sure I’ll be seeing her soon enough.

“But, enough of that,” he says, smiling. “You have a celebration to prepare for. And I have the twins to wrangle.”

Thorn and I share another laugh, standing to embrace each other a final time before he goes to find what trouble Daisy and Oleander are getting themselves into.

“I’m so proud of you, Ivy,” he says, the sentiment mirrored in his eyes.

Pride flares down the bond from Cillian. From Sloan, and Oran too. Their love is a warm, rushing light I never want to live without.

And now, I no longer worry I might have to.

Since birth, I have prepared diligently for my role as Namara’s sovereign king. My coronation day was meant to be the most important of my life. But while I’ve always taken great pride in my responsibilities, wearing the crown is no longer the greatest achievement in my story.

Nothing could ever top the accomplishment of winning Ivy’s heart—of bonding with her, and finally tying us together as a pack.

Her heat that followed, and the way she gave herself over to us in all manners, physical and spiritual—changed me. With Ivy in my heart, my packmates at my side, and the bond that unites us, I’ll be a more capable alpha and king.

Sharing this day with them is an honor beyond what I deserve.

“How does it feel to be king now?” Callan asks, no doubt in an attempt to irritate me.

Even on my coronation day, my youngest brother offers me no peace.

“I’ve been the king since Father died, you overgrown infant. Today is just a celebration of that.”

Cal laughs, slapping me hard on the back. Ciaran says nothing, however, and I can’t help but notice the anguish in his eyes.

My brother’s betrothed, Prince Lanier, arrived last night, bringing with him the end of Ciaran’s love affair with Prince Aspen.

I want to offer my advice, my comfort, but I don’t want to place hope in his heart in case Aspen doesn’t feel similarly. But, if he were to ever try for a pack of his own, I would support him wholeheartedly

“You’ve done well, Ciaran. Thank you for all your work in planning such a beautiful day,” I say in an attempt to lift his spirits.

My brother offers me a soft, sad smile. “Anything for you.”

Fuck’s sake. I can’t cry today, not when there’s so much to be glad for. But beyond my pack, my brothers are the most important people in my life. As much as we like to get under each other’s skin, I would do anything for them, and I know they would do the same for me.

“Come here, you.” I pull Ciaran into a tight hug, and whisper, “All will be well. Do what you must, and we’ll deal with whatever comes of it.”

Ciaran sniffles, tucking his face against my shoulder as he cries softly. It reminds me so much of when our mother passed. I held Ciaran for hours as he wept over the loss of her.

He’s the most sensitive among us—has the most loving heart—while Callan does well to show little emotion. He prefers to make light of his life, rather than address what’s brewing inside.

I hug Ciaran tighter, patting him on the back until Cal decides to join in and wrap his arms around the both of us.

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