Alle Kapitel von The Alpha King's Lost Mate : Kapitel 41 – Kapitel 50

Elliott Esteria joined me with her bag held close to her side. There was still a little redness around her eyes, although she looked happier than she had when I found her buried beneath other people’s work. “Corvian has left?” “Yes. He stopped to see me before going home.” “I’m glad he did.” “So am I.” Her answer softened at the end. I waited while she closed her office door, then led her toward the private elevator at the other end of my suite. She had spoken easily enough a moment ago. Once the elevator doors closed, however, her attention settled on the changing floor numbers. I glanced at her. “Did you forget something?” “No, Your Majesty.” “Then you can stop looking as though you’re preparing an explanation.” She turned toward me, and the color in her cheeks deepened. “I wasn’t.” I looked at the hand gripping her bag. “Not a very long one,” she admitted. That almost made me smile. I moved slightly to give her more room, but she looked away again before I could decid

Elliott Esteria kept her hand in mine while the last of the daylight faded above the clearing. Her shoulder rested lightly against my arm, and neither of us seemed particularly interested in moving. Farther along the path, one of the guards quietly changed position. “We should go back before it gets colder,” I said. She looked toward the trees, then down at our hands. “I suppose we should.” There was enough reluctance in her voice to make me consider staying longer. Instead, I stood and helped her up. She released me to straighten her coat, brushing at the black fur caught on one sleeve. “I seem to be taking part of Setra home.” “He’ll be pleased to hear that.” Her smile widened. “Does he know we’re returning without catching anything?” “He was there, Esteria.” “Yes, but he seemed rather distracted.” Setra stirred inside me, entirely unashamed. I picked up the blanket, and she caught the other end before it touched the ground. We folded it between us while she tried unsucces

Esteria The week passed so quickly, and I didn't want it to end. Although work helped. I learned which calls belonged with Adrian, where Elliott expected his briefing notes, and how to send an unnecessary request back without apologizing three times. I continued taking Tamara’s tonic as instructed, although nothing unusual happened afterward. On Wednesday, the reports from the seven territories arrived, keeping Elliott, Alaric, and Damon occupied for much of the afternoon. By Thursday, the household’s welcome arrangements were nearly complete. Then by Friday morning, Adrian sent me to Crescent House with the final schedules while he remained at the Crown Residence with Elliott. I wore the deep-green knitted dress Vivienne chose for me, with low black heels and my hair pinned back. Maelis showed me where to leave my coat and work bag, then checked the copies I brought. “Thank you, dear. We were waiting for these.” “Adrian confirmed the last change this morning.” “Good. Come thr

Selianna For a week, I had been trying to understand how that wolfless bitch managed to leave Silvercrest in the Alpha King’s car. Now I was in Frostfang, staring at the handbag she refused to carry for me. It sat on the dressing table beside my jewelry case while I tried to get ready for the evening reception. Every time I looked at it, I heard her answer again. “The household staff will help you.” She looked straight into my eyes when she said it. And that in front of the other candidates, the royal housekeeper, and my parents, Esteria told me to find someone else. How dare she? I turned away from the table and went to the window. The gardens outside Crescent House were beautiful, although I barely noticed them. I spent years imagining what arriving in Frostfang would feel like. Esteria was never supposed to be the person who ruined it. When Elliott took her away last week, I told myself it was Father’s doing. He mentioned her degree, praised her intelligence, and made ce

Elliott Marielle placed her hand on my shoulder and followed my first step without hesitation. “You dance well,” I said. “My father considered it essential training.” “For diplomacy?” “For surviving his receptions.” I smiled. “A useful skill.” “He would be pleased to hear you agree.” She was easy company. She answered directly, listened when I spoke, and seemed able to enjoy the evening without turning every sentence into an argument for why she deserved a crown. I could understand the Council’s interest. As we turned near the windows, I saw Esteria beside Elowen’s abandoned chair. She was speaking to Corvian, smiling at him as he engaged her in a conversation. I watched her for a moment before returning my attention to Marielle. She was my guest and deserved more courtesy than a distracted partner. When the music ended, I thanked her and accompanied her back to the others. Selianna joined us, and I danced with her during the next piece. She asked about the old cere