Page 153 of Royally Cursed

No, she absolutely wasn’t, but I didn’t say anything. I’d no idea how Darla managed to fool a psychic, but I’d have to ask her later.

“I always do,” she said sweetly. “It would ruin my reputation otherwise.”

The woman didn’t seem amused, but she waved us in and finally,finally, we headed inside.

We didn’t get far before several palace attendants greeted us. “Captain Reed, guest of Duke—”

“That’s us,” I said quickly before he let something slip. “A few more of our party and our supplies are still being scanned, though.”

“That is fine, I’ll leave Jezeira and Morgana to tend to them. I am Archus, and I will be your general attendant for today until your official staff is set up. Might I lead you to your quarters?”

“Absolutely.”

I knew I’d be moved once I officially spoke to my parents, as there wouldn’t nearly be enough security in such general quarters, but I was enjoying the last few minutes I could be Captain Reed instead of Prince Nikolai.

I looked around as we walked and Archus droned on, explaining halls and wings I’d run around since I was a child. I felt myself walking backward in time to more innocent years.

I was almost able to enjoy myself, but this quickly faded when Mad Dog cleared his throat and sidled up to me.

“Maybe it’s all in my head, sir, but it seems like everyone is staring at you.”

Ah, yes.

That.

“Must be a lot of gossip going on about the duke’s mission.”

“Right, why he came all the way out to Canid and wanted us? I imagine they’re pissed he sought out us hicks.”

“Yup,” I said, fighting to keep my heart steady. If I let it beat too fast, Mad Dog would instantly know I was lying. “That’s gotta be it.”

He seemed to buy it, and I thought maybe I wasn’t completely shit at espionage after all. That was until my eyes locked with one of the people I absolutely didn’t want to see.

Shit.

Shit, shit, shit.

The next thing I knew, none other than my father’s closest advisor approached, his face as smarmy as ever. I must’ve been in a state of shock because I couldn’t think of anything to say before he addressed me.

“Prince Nikolai DeLune! How good it is to see the alpha heir to our humble kingdom. Come, come, your mother is waiting for you!”

Chapter 7

Ayla

I didn’t think I’d ever been in such a beautiful place.

I’d thought the inn was incredible, but it was nothing compared to the wealth, luxury, and art I was surrounded by.

Everywhere I looked was beauty, whether it was a lush, flourishing plant, or an opulent painting, or luxurious looking draperies. It was clear no coin was wasted. That didn’t even mention the pottery and statues on display, or the intricate modern lighting ensuring no corner was in shadow.

Dear ancestors and gods on high, people weren’t kidding when they talked about how obscenely wealthy the royal palace was. I thought I’d had a real picture of how it looked in my head but, no, I was woefully mistaken.

It was a trip, for sure. Strange to think I’d spent at least a year of my life just living in caves while the nobles around me had likely never slept outside a single night in their entire existence.

“Prince Nikolai DeLune! How good it is to see the alpha heir to our humble kingdom. Come, come, your mother is waiting for you!”

Wait, what?

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