The heavy wooden door of the cottage creaked open, and Prince Marcus stepped inside like he owned the place. Which, I suppose, in a way he did. This was his sister's retreat, his family's kingdom, and I was nothing more than an unwelcome intruder in his eyes.But God's bones, he was handsome - like the female version of my beautiful mate Stella. Marcus had the same golden hair that caught the light, the same sharp cheekbones, the same green eyes that seemed to see straight through to your soul. He was taller than his sister, broader in the shoulders, with the kind of presence that commanded attention without trying. I guessed he was about five years older than Stella, maybe twenty-five to her twenty, and those extra years had given him a confidence that radiated from every movement.He had all opposite qualities of mine - noble, rule following, while I was a rule breaker, conquer. Ricky and Shawn scrambled to their feet as he entered, their hands moving instinctively toward their we
Orion's Pov:The cottage that Stella led us to was nothing like the rough camps and cold caves I had grown used to over the past weeks. It sat nestled among ancient oak trees, just close enough to the holy river that I could hear the gentle sound of water flowing over stones. The building itself was modest but well-built, with thick stone walls and a thatched roof that looked like it could weather any storm."This is my private retreat," Stella had explained as she showed us inside. "I come here when I need to think, when the palace becomes too much. No one knows about this place except my most trusted servants."The relief that washed over me was overwhelming. After so many nights sleeping on hard ground with nothing but my cloak for warmth, after so many days of cold rations and constant hustling about being discovered, this felt like stepping into paradise itself.Three servants had already arrived before us, and they moved about the cottage with quiet efficiency. One was prepa
Orion's Pov:The maids giggled softly to themselves as Ricky, Shawn, and I emerged from our hiding place among the trees. Their knowing smiles and amused whispers made it clear that they had been expecting this moment, that they had known all along we were watching from the shadows.But it was Stella who held my complete attention. She stood at the river's edge like a vision from a dream, her wet hair gleaming in the morning sunlight, the fresh white dress clinging to her form in ways that made my heart race. Water still dripped from her skin, and she looked every bit the goddess I had thought her to be moments before.As we approached the riverbank, I saw her take a deep breath, her chest rising and falling in a way that seemed almost... relieved? As if she had been holding her breath until this moment.It was our mating bond. She had felt my presence, sensed my scent even from across the distance where we had been hiding. The connection between us was stronger than I had dared t
The next few days were the most difficult of my life.Gone were the disguise of rich merchants as there was no point in going back to that disguise - the one where we had been exposed. I was obliged to restrict myself and my brothers Ricky and Shawn to not spend too much gold at a time - or else we would be exposed. Now living in a simpler disguise, constantly looking over my shoulder, never knowing if the next person I passed might recognize my face—it was exhausting in ways that conquering entire kingdoms had never been. Every morning I woke up in whatever abandoned barn or forest clearing we had found for shelter, my body aching from sleeping on hard ground, my clothes dirty and torn from days of hiding.But every time I felt the urge to give up, to ride back to Valdris and forget about the stubborn princess who had captured my heart, I remembered the look in Stella's green eyes when I had stood in her bedroom. The conflict I had seen there. The way her voice had trembled when
Orion's Pov:"Still," she said, and her voice was softer now, less certain, "it's not fair for people to be ruled by a foreigner. You can't just do it. "The words hit me like a physical blow, not because they were harsh, but because I could hear the conflict in her voice. She was trying to hold onto her objections, but her heart was wavering."I understand," I said, and I meant it completely. "And hereafter, I give up my ways of being a conqueror and tyrant, if that is what you want, Stella."Her eyes widened in shock, and the dagger in her hand trembled slightly. I don't think she had expected me to make such an offer, to be willing to change the very foundation of who I was."For you, I'll do anything," I continued, my voice dropping to an intimate whisper. "Please give me a chance."The weapon in her hand wavered, and I saw her internal struggle written clearly across her beautiful features. Part of her wanted to believe me, wanted to accept what I was offering. But another pa
The silence in the room was thick with tension as Stella and I stared at each other. The red dagger in her hand caught the moonlight streaming through the tall windows, its poisoned blade gleaming like a deadly jewel. But I wasn't afraid. If anything, I was impressed."You are very privileged," I said softly, my voice calm despite the weapon pointed at my heart, "to even point a dagger at me and not get attacked in return."Her green eyes flickered with something that might have been surprise, but her grip on the weapon remained steady. Professional. Deadly.I took a small step closer, ignoring the way she tensed at my movement. "You can do it, my love," I whispered, letting all the emotion I felt for her color my words. "My whole life belongs to you."For a moment, something cracked in her composed expression. I saw her blink rapidly, saw the way her breath caught slightly in her throat. She was feeling it too—this pull between us, this undeniable connection that grew stronger ev