Chapter 9: Intense

A knock at the door wakes me from a deep sleep. I shoot up and curse. Who was knocking at this hour?

I throw on a long robe and walk over to the door, flinging it open.

Prince Sebastian stands, in all his refreshed sexy glory, waiting.

He smiles instantly, not missing a beat, as he averts his eyes. I'm all too aware of how much my robe doesn't cover.

"I was wondering if I could escort you to breakfast," he says quietly.

"I, uh," I'm too flustered to think. "Isn't it too early?"

He looks at me. "It's already 9 a.m., my lady. I can come back later if you prefer?"

"No, no, give me a minute," I shut the door again and take a breath.

It takes me a moment to dress on my own since there isn't time to summon my maid without keeping the prince waiting. I throw on a simple gown and lace my corset the best I can on my own. I brush my hair quickly, toss my head upside down and shake it.

"That'll do," I say with a shrug as I stand upright again.

When I open the door again, Sebastian is leaning against the wall opposite mine. He smiles, standing and offering his arm to me.

I slip mine through his, feeling the heat and the same chiseled form as the king. These boys made it hard to think.

"What's the occasion?" I ask him. He smells so good, I resist the urge to lean in closer.

"I wanted to offer my help with your investigation," he says. "I know the nobles well, I'm sure I can answer any questions."

"So can the king," I tell him. I'm not upset about his attention, just confused.

"The king can be oblivious to what's around him," Sebastian responds. "Always good to get a second opinion." He winks at me as he guides me into the dining room. For once, King Ambrose isn't here yet.

Sebastian pulls out my chair and sits across from me.

"How is your investigation going so far?" he asks as he fills his plate.

"Dead end so far," I admit. "My only connection has disappeared. Unfortunately, I don't have another lead right now."

"Have you set your sights on anyone within the palace?"

"No," I say carefully. "I haven't had time to question anyone yet."

Sebastian nods. "There is a ball tonight with the pack and nobles. You can join us and ask your questions, then."

"Pack? So you believe it all too?"

He looks up at me, smirking. "You didn't believe him?"

"I'm indulging him because he's the king," I reply. "Do I believe in half-man half-wolf creatures? No. I believe in what's in front of me, and neither of you seems to have fangs or fur."

The prince laughs. "Did you just expect us to walk around as wolves?"

"Why wouldn't you? Must be simpler than human life," I say quietly.

If I had the ability to shift into something that provided my freedom, I don't think I'd want to shift back. I could change into a wolf, run away and never look back. Better yet, I could've hunted for Althea and me. I wouldn't have been thrown into this life to provide for us.

Sebastian doesn't respond right away, but I can feel him watching me as I eat. I enjoy the heat of his gaze. His aura is so different from the king's…like he's exuding power in an overwhelming way. He doesn't seem to apologize for who he is, but his mystery is what entices me more.

"My brother told me you're his mate," the prince says.

I shrug, still avoiding his eyes. I still don't fully understand what that's supposed to mean.

"You could be queen."

That comment makes my eyes shoot up to his.

"I don't have any interest in being queen," I say firmly. And it's the truth. I don't fit into the pretty lives of the royals. I don't belong here.

"That's admirable, Hera," he says. "Though what person doesn't want power and security?"

"One that just wants enough to not worry about a meal on the table," I snap. "I don't have an interest in gaining security through power or control over others."

He's watching me like he wants to devour me. And I'm scared I would let him.

"Says the assassin," he says with a dark gleam in his eye.

Before I can respond, the king enters. He takes his usual seat and says good morning.

"Morning," I mutter.

The conversation with Sebastian has me flustered. I know I shouldn't be offended. The man barely knows me. Why wouldn't I be like everyone else? But the way he is watching me has my whole body heating like I'm on fire.

Sebastian stands. "See you tonight," he says casually, his eyes never leaving mine.

Ambrose is frowning at him as he leaves. "Are you okay?" he asks me. "My brother can be…intense."

That's one way to put it.

I nod, forcing a smile on my face. I didn't feel like socializing anymore. I needed to screw my head on straight and focus on the case. Not on the men tossing themselves at my feet.

Ambrose slides a few sheets of paper over to me. "The list of names you wanted. Every noble currently staying with us, and the significant members in my pack. The pack dinner tonight will have most of them there."

I glance at the list, most of the names unfamiliar to me.

"I have to admit," I tell him. "I'm grasping at air, here. The only lead I had has disappeared, and I don't know enough about your palace presence to know who would do you harm."

Ambrose nods thoughtfully. "Maybe don't think about who wants me dead."

I frown at him.

He smiles. "I'm not just a person, Hera. I'm a position. I'm power. So it's not about who hates me…it's about who wants me out of the way."

I'm silent as I think about that. This dinner party would be an opportunity to talk to more people…search for those with power-hungry ambition.

"Do you know anyone who uses a wolf sigil? With moon phases around the edge?" I ask him.

"No," he says thoughtfully. "I've never seen that before. But I'd advise not asking anyone else about it. If the plotter is using that sigil, you won't want them to know you've seen it."

Right. Because then I'll be a target for knowing too much. Although, if they wanted to turn their knives on me, I'd be ready. I wasn't easily scared of sharp things.

I'm shaken from my thoughts as Ambrose places his hand on mine. There are immediate sparks as I feel his skin against mine. I look up at him, his golden eyes piercing through me.

"Meet me before dinner. In my study. We can go over the list and I can answer any questions before we go," he offers.

He's so different from his brother. It makes sense to me why he is king. He acts like one–kind, respected, wise. They're almost polar opposites, the only thing in common is their ability to pull me toward them on a fast track with no brakes.

I realize he's waiting on an answer, so I nod before excusing myself. I have to clear my head.

I grab the list from the table and make my way outside. Apparently, the only place I would be able to think is away from the king and prince.

And right now, I need to memorize this list and think of how I'm going to subtly interrogate nobles without revealing that their king's life is in trouble.