Page 56 of Asking Fur Trouble

The transport pulled up to their final charity destination—a children’s home on the outskirts of the territory. As they exited the vehicle, Charov’s arm possessively claimed her waist, sending delicious heat spiraling through her body.

“Stay close,” he murmured against her ear, his breath tickling her neck.

The staff greeted them with reverence, sweeping them on a tour of the facility. Bess half-listened to the director’s explanation of their programs while her mind raced. If Charov wouldn’t believe her about Kynon’s ill intentions without evidence, then she’d have to find some.

When they reached the recreation room, a swarm of children surrounded them, their excitement palpable. Charov transformed before her eyes, his regal bearing giving way to playful energy as he dropped to one knee to speak with them at eye level. The children hung on his every word, completely enchanted.

“Your Majesty,” the director touched Charov’s shoulder, “would you mind saying a few words to our benefactors in the next room?”

Charov glanced at Bess. “Will you be all right here for a few minutes?”

“Of course.” She smiled warmly. “Go be kingly.”

His eyes crinkled with slight amusement as he rose to his full, imposing height. “I won’t be long.”

The moment he disappeared through the doorway, Bess slipped away from the children and out a side exit. Her heart pounded with both exhilaration and trepidation as she flagged down a passing shuttle. This wasn’t like her—the responsible, reliable Bess Campos would never sneak away to investigate a powerful nobleman.

But perhaps that Bess belonged to Earth, not Nova Aurora.

“Nuele Estate, please,” she told the driver, sliding into the back seat. “And hurry.”

She felt a rush of reckless determination course through her veins as the shuttle carried her swiftly toward the Nuele estate. She knew Charov would be furious when he discovered her absence, but she couldn’t shake the conviction that Kynon was manipulating the situation.

The shuttle pulled into the curved driveway of the imposing stone manor. Bess smoothed her dress and squared her shoulders.

“Quite unexpected, Lady Bess,” the butler intoned as he admitted her to the grand foyer with its soaring ceilings and gleaming marble floors. “The Duke and Duchess are taking afternoon refreshments on the terrace.”

Bess followed him through corridors lined with ancestral portraits, their eyes seeming to track her movement with suspicion. The terrace overlooked meticulously landscaped gardens where exotic plants from across Nova Aurora bloomed in vibrant profusion.

“Well, well,” Kynon’s silky voice sent prickles down her spine. “What brings our future queen to our humble home without her king?”

Nya rose from her chair, her high-necked dress concealing her throat despite the warm afternoon. “Please, join us. Tea?”

Bess accepted the delicate porcelain cup with a gracious smile that belied the hammering of her heart. “Charov is completing his royal duties. I wanted to speak with you both privately.”

“How intriguing.” Kynon’s blue eyes narrowed, calculating behind his pleasant facade.

THIRTY-NINE

Bess took a deliberate sip of tea, then placed the cup down with a gentle clink. “I came to inform you personally that Charov and I will be announcing our engagement formally next week. We’re quite excited to start a family right away.” She placed a hand on her abdomen with meaningful emphasis. “I’ve always wanted a large family—perhaps three or four children.”

The effect was immediate. Nya’s fingers tightened around her teacup until her knuckles whitened. Kynon’s smile froze, becoming brittle at the edges.

“How... wonderful,” Nya managed, her voice strained. Her eyes flickered with naked envy before she masked it.

Bess pretended not to notice, leaning forward with practiced enthusiasm. “We’re hoping you’ll help us celebrate by publicly announcing your support for Charov as king. And perhaps clarifying that you have nothing to do with this peculiar petition I’ve heard whispers about.”

Kynon chuckled, but the sound held no warmth. “My dear, I’m afraid you misunderstand politics on Nova Aurora.” He crossed one leg over the other, his posture relaxed but his eyes predatory. “The royal succession isn’t guaranteed simply by birthright. The people must believe their king is capable.”

Nya’s lips curved into an unpleasant smile. “And while we wish you both... happiness... we cannot in good conscience support a king who prioritizes pleasure over duty. The petition exists because the people have concerns.”

“Concerns you’ve manufactured,” Bess countered, abandoning pretense.

“We will do no such thing as withdraw our objections,” Kynon stated flatly. “The territory deserves leadership from those who understand sacrifice and duty—not from a reluctant ruler and his Earth bride.”

Bess felt cold certainty settle in her stomach. Her suspicions confirmed, she rose to her feet with newfound resolve. She had gotten exactly what she came for—the truth behind their saccharine facade.

“I see,” she said calmly. “Thank you for your honesty, at least.”

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