Page 43 of Fake Fae-Ancée

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," Yli-Pekkala replied. She rose, stalked to the tea cart and filled her empty teacup at the samovar. The rich scent of herbs and incense wafted through the air.

"I lost the throne a long time ago." Yuri's voice was strangely pressed. Bitter almost. "You of all people should know that there is no way back for my line. Even if Yegor thinks there is."

The Witch scoffed, gracefully taking her seat on the couch again.

"The Throne of Bears belongs to the House of Kalinin. You are the rightful king. And even if you had to flog your inheritance to Yegor, most of the Bears see it the same way as fate."

"What does fate have to do with it?"

The Witch grinned in response, her white teeth flashing.

"Fate gave you a return ticket." She pointed at me.

"Wait a minute. I have nothing to do with this," I blurted out, but the Witch waved it off.

"You're in this whether you like it or not, devushka." She produced a new puff of white smoke. "Nox saw the ring on your finger. As we speak, he will report to his employer that the woman from the prophecy is not only still alive, no, the exiled prince is now betrothed to her."

"So what? What does it matter?" Yuri grunted and flopped down on the couch with a splat.

The Witch ignored him, beaming.

"News will spread like wildfire among the Bears. The true king is engaged to his future queen. Rumors are already bubbling on social media. Word is out you may be making an appearance at the Ball of Falling Stars."

"What? No way!" Yuri shot up into an upright position and glared at the Witch.

"Things are already in motion, my prince. There is nothing you can do but roll with it."

"But the ball is only two months away..."

"What ball?" I was really starting to crack up. "Could you two stop just talking in hints?"

The Witch shot me a sugary smile.

"The Ball of Falling Stars is held every year for the biggest meteor shower. It’s the birthday of the Mother Bear, Sankta Polina. Lifebringer and Patron saint Ursa Maior. Everyone who's anyone in the Bear Shifter community will be in Helsinki to see the true king and queen make their grand entrance."

"What-"

"We're not going to do that," Yuri said tersely.

"You have to," the Witch said. "Yegor won't stop trying to kill your fiancée. You have to get your throne back."

"I'm not his fiancée," I interjected.

"The details are of little importance. The usurper will not rest until you are dead, and the prophecy of his predecessor can no longer threaten his rule."

The silence that now filled the room was heavy as lead. Yuri gave me an almost helpless look.

"You mean..." I said, my mind working in slow motion, "we have to be a couple at that ball-thing so that Yuri can reclaim his throne?"

"The bears will take his side with flying colors," Yli-Pekkala nodded. "They will swear allegiance to him. And with that backing, Yuri can challenge Yegor the usurper to a fight to the death."

"What?" I shot Yuri an alarmed look. He shrugged it off.

"That's how Bears do it."

"That’s your answer to everything," I hissed.

"However, Auntie." Yuri cleared his throat, raking a hand through his hair. "McKenn has a point. Your plan has far too many gaps. And we’re not engaged, but actually married."

---