Page 62 of Wanton for the Wolven King

The countess moved to another couple, and Phillipa slumped against him.

“Are you not pleased with the news, Duchess?”

“I am, for us, but it is still a sad ending for my mother and my family. With both my sisters married, and my father gone, I can’t help but think what will happen to Woodhaven?”

Wesley did not want to make promises he couldn’t keep, but he vowed to himself to save Phillipa’s childhood home. “Everything will be taken care of.”

“I still can’t believe it.” Phillipa shook her head. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to forgive her for what she did. She was ready to have me committed. She considered me shameful. And why, because I was a possible widow?”

Wesley paused. He’d hoped he’d never have to tell her this, but she needed to know. If they were to be man and wife, duke and duchess, King and Queen, there could be no secrets.

“She had known what happened to me, and it was my wish for her not to tell you.”

Phillipa’s mouth parted. “How could she—how could you…”

“It was my hope to come back to you, as a human, like this had never happened. But as time passed, she grew impatient with my request. She didn’t want you to spend your whole life waiting for someone who wasn’t coming back.”

“That would all make sense, if she didn’t threaten to send me to the Royal Hospital. And she lied about the Queen! Now, she could be punished. I appreciate this explanation, Wesley, but you do not need to cover for her.” Phillipa looked lost, but he didn’t regret telling her.

“I’m not. I asked her to keep my secret, and in that, she was faithful. I do not approve of what she did with the information once she thought I took too long. Perhaps she believed you were better off believing I was dead than ever learning of my beastly nature.”

Phillipa let out a sigh. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to forgive her.”

“Can you forgive me?” he asked. “I’m the one who asked her to keep such a terrible secret from you.”

She didn’t answer right away. “No more secrets, wolven.”

“I plan to tell you many things often.” He brushed his snout against her cheek. “Like how much I love you.”

“Ladies and gentlemen! May I have your attention please?” Master Bow was at his most splendid this evening in a silver suit jacket, white breeches, and a white wig. On anyone else it would have looked unfashionable, but on him, it was perfect. “Thank you so much for attending the Monsters Ball. We know that some of you didn’t come by choice, but it is our intention that you have a life-changing time at Broadstone Hall. And if you didn’t find what you were looking for, you are more than welcome to come back as often as you like until you are completely satisfied. We believe in happily ever after here, for all ladies and fine beasts.”

That earned a cheer from the crowd.

“We have received notification from Her Majesty, Queen Charlotte herself.”

Philippa’s eyes widened, and she clutched Wesley’s arm. His own heart raced as Countess Stalbridge came to the stage. She was stunning tonight in a dress of white and gold, but the finery didn’t make her any less intimidating.

“They wouldn’t tell us like this, my love. They do not want the spectacle,” he said, but he could only hope that he was right. He wondered how much the countess had known of his backstory when she stopped in front of his den that day in the woods after delivering Phillipa’s invitation. “I dare say Her Majesty wants us to be together.”

The countess opened an envelope. “We’ve had a very successful Ball. The Queen would like to congratulate Louis Lockhart, Baron of Grimwood, and Miss Antonia Santos Pereira, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Chelmsford, Wesley and Phillipa!”

Stonehenge

Wesley

“I think we should stay here, wolven.” Phillipa walked ahead of them on what had become their favorite path through town. “I find this little village to be quite delightful. It’s removed from society, but there are lovely gardens and I have noticed quite a few monsters here.”

Several of them had come to call, excited that one of their own, of such high social stature, had come to visit.

“You wouldn’t miss parties?” he asked.

“No, not at all. Well, not the boringtonparties full of humans and rules. If I long for some excitement, I shall have you take me back to the Monsters Ball. I’m sure the countess and Master Bow would be happy to see us.”

“We could.” He took her hand in his paw in twirled her, like it was part of her beloved waltz. “But I might not be a monster for much longer.”

“That is true. I suppose I need to make the most of my time with you like this.” She stopped and went up on her tiptoes to kiss his snout. “I shall miss my furry, feral beast.”

A rumble resonated low in Wesley’s throat. “I would be a fool not to take advantage of such an opportunity.”

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