The Wolf Prince (9 page)

Dazedly, he thought if Hollywood ever saw her, she’d be an instant sensation. No movie star or model could even hope to hold a candle to her.

“My sister, Tatiana,” Willow drawled in a low voice. “And her fiancé, Prince Eric.”

Though he nodded, he couldn’t tear his gaze away from them long enough to respond.

As they advanced into the room, Ruben noticed an instant softening in both the king and queen. In contrast, Willow gripped his arm hard enough to draw his attention back to her.

“My darling,” the queen all but cooed. “Come, join us.” She held out one slender, regal hand, one side of her scarlet mouth turning up in a mocking smile. “Look at what your sister has done now.”

Tatiana’s tinkling laugh drifted through the room, making everyone smile in response. Everyone, that is, except Willow. She seemed resigned and apprehensive, an interesting combination. The undercurrents he sensed here would put his own royal court to shame.

Flanked by the tall blond man, Tatiana drifted closer in a cloud of exotic scent. His wolf twitched away from it, finding it distasteful. Part of Ruben agreed. The other part of him wanted to reach and touch her to make sure she was real.

“What have we here?” she purred, barely glancing at Willow as her bright purple gaze undressed him. Though she was undeniably gorgeous, Ruben knew her type. Man-eater, he thought. He’d do well to steer clear of this one.

Still eyeing him, Tatiana lifted one golden brow at her sister. “Willow, wherever did you find him? And tell me, dear sister,” she said as she leaned close, her smile seeming almost a snarl up close, “when did you start associating with humans?”

Ruben’s inner wolf growled. It took every ounce of willpower he possessed to keep from recoiling from her.

Willow straightened. She drew herself up to her full height which was, unfortunately, at least six inches shorter than her sister. “He’s here for a reason.” She pitched her voice loud enough to carry. “And that has absolutely nothing to do with me.”

“You brought him through the veil,” Queen Millicent pointed out, her dulcet tone dripping with malice. “Therefore, I would think his presence has everything to do with you.”

“Not of my own free will,” Willow answered.

At that, the entire room gasped.

“But he is here of his own free will?” the king asked, his tone making it plain the answer mattered.

Though Ruben decided he didn’t much care, he knew Willow did. Taking a step forward, he distanced himself from both the pushy beauty and her quietly gorgeous sister. Willow released her hold on his arm.

“I am,” he answered.

Crossing half the remaining distance to the throne, he wasn’t surprised when six guards moved forward to intercept him. He stopped and spread his arms, addressing himself to the king and queen. “I mean no disrespect, your Highnesses.”

The royal couple glared at him, but the king waved his hand, indicating he should be allowed to continue.

“I am Prince Ruben of Teslinko.” Straightening his shoulders, Ruben brushed past the guards, aware his title should give him some special consideration, even though they’d chosen to ignore it when he’d been introduced. “I have come here to ask your leave to hunt down the killer and bring him back to my home for justice.”

The king and queen exchanged looks. Neither expression revealed a clue as to their thoughts. Both focused their intent gazes on Ruben.

Every time they moved, the light shattered, sending shards of brilliance reflecting off everything else in the room. Willow hadn’t been joking when she’d said her people favored bright and gaudy. Ruben’s head began to hurt and again he longed for a pair of dark sunglasses.

“We will consider your request,” King Puck said. “And we will talk more in private.”

“Yes,” Queen Millicent echoed. “We are very interested in learning about this crime, particularly how our daughter the Princess Willow came to be involved.”

Tatiana laughed again. “Perhaps my sister’s fiancé should stay closer to her. Eric, where is Prince Chad?”

Silent until now, the tall blond man at her side frowned. “I haven’t seen him. I must find him and warn him about this interloper.” With a sharp glare at Ruben, Eric strode off. Tatiana watched him go, the expression on her lovely face something akin to relief.

Beside him, Willow stirred restlessly.

As Ruben was about to speak, the king waved his hand. Just like that, they were dismissed. The guards surrounded them again and escorted them from the room. Willow went willingly, appearing both calm and happy. Ruben really couldn’t blame her. His head ached.

On the way out, Ruben caught one more glimpse of Tatiana, as her gaze followed them with barely disguised dismay. He couldn’t help but wonder why.

When they’d proceeded through a set of ornately carved double doors and into the hall, the guards finally left them, turning back the way they’d come.

“Phew,” Willow let out her breath in a sigh. “Thank the stars that’s over.”

She said the words like she’d never attended court before. About to ask, he stopped himself. What did it matter? He was here to find a killer and prove his sanity, even if only to himself, not to make friends with Willow.

His wolf slinked close to the edge of his awareness. The beast had retreated, repelled by Tatiana. Now that Ruben was alone with Willow, the wolf sidled near the surface, intrigued and attracted.

Ruben ignored it. He glanced at Willow. When he did, she quickly looked away.

Suddenly, he realized why. “You didn’t tell me you were engaged.”

Lifting one shoulder, she grimaced. “I’m not entirely sure I am. My parents are trying to arrange a marriage between me and Tatiana’s fiancé’s younger brother. Neither of us has committed to it.”

The idea of her and another man rankled. Surprised and disturbed, he pushed the thought away. What Willow did with her life didn’t matter to him. Finding the killer did.

“What now?” he asked, eager to begin his search. “I’m ready to go.”

“You don’t yet have permission,” she reminded him, making him wonder how she’d known his thoughts. “Until you do, let me find you somewhere to stay.” He couldn’t help but notice that she still wouldn’t look at him.

“Wait.” He stopped her with a light touch on the shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong? Honestly?” Bitterness tinged her tone. “Let’s start with you handcuffing me and forcing me to bring you here. Which of course, brought me to the attention of my parents, especially my mother.”

“Attention of...” This, he didn’t understand. “You’re a royal princess.” He thought of his sister, and how often Alisa had complained about what to her had felt like constant scrutiny. Willow probably felt the same. “Surely they are well aware of your activities,” he finished.

“I take pains to make certain they aren’t,” she said darkly. “Especially my mother.”

He almost smiled at this, then remembered the strange, almost vindictive way the queen had behaved a few moments ago. “Is she angry at you?”

“Perpetually.” She grimaced. “Actually, she finds everything I do, including breathing, both humiliating and embarrassing.”

In her tone he detected bewilderment and hurt. For the briefest of instants, he wanted to pull her close, hold her and tell her everything would be all right.

Of course he immediately pushed that thought away. She wouldn’t appreciate his pity. “I want to apologize for involving you in this,” he said, meaning it. “While my intention isn’t to hurt you in any way, I don’t see how I could have done this differently.”

When she began to speak, he held up a hand to indicate he hadn’t finished. “But you should understand, I really have no choice. Murder is not taken lightly among my people—among any people. I must find this killer and bring him to justice.”

Her entire body, which had gone tense, relaxed slightly. “Follow me,” she said, and turned away. He kept pace with her as they marched down one glittering hallway after another. The palace appeared so deserted, he began to wonder if they all were in the throne room holding court with the king and queen.

When they finally ran into a servant, Willow asked the golden coated footman to stop. Ruben stared in disbelief as the man ignored her, continuing on as though she hadn’t spoken.

Stunned, Ruben cleared his throat. “Wait,” he ordered.

Immediately the man froze in his tracks. Slowly, he turned and walked back to them. “Can I help you, sir?” he asked, addressing Ruben as if Willow didn’t exist.

“Your princess called you,” Ruben said, his cold tone letting the man know he’d better listen this time.

Willow stepped forward. “This is Prince Ruben. I need you to make sure a room is made ready for him.”

The footman darted his gaze from her to Ruben and back again. Expression like stone, Ruben dared him to protest. He wasn’t sure what exactly was going on here, but first impressions told him there wasn’t anything friendly about this palace, especially toward Willow.

“Yes, my lady,” the man finally said, the faintest sneer in his voice. Then, directing his gaze back at Ruben, he dipped his head. “Sir, if you’ll follow me...”

Ruben glanced at Willow, who plainly had no intention of going with him. She waved him on, smiling slightly. “I’ll meet you at the noon meal. Maybe by then, my parents will have made up their mind about you.”

And then, her back straight, she walked away, leaving him without a backward glance.

Chapter 9

A
bout to enter the grand throne room right behind his brother and Princess Tatiana, some sixth sense had made Chad hang back. As he listened to the uproar from inside the room, he was very glad he’d stayed out.

Especially when he’d heard this Prince Ruben person state unequivocally that he would recognize the man who’d been following Willow through the forest.

How was this possible? He would have sworn no one had seen him. Clenching his fists, he swallowed back a rush of fury. This man, this human interloper, could identify him? This he could not allow to happen. If what he’d done was revealed, his family and the entire EastWard Court would have their reputations ruined. His parents would never forgive him and he’d be banished to live among the Shadows. With his Bright coloring, he knew he’d be lucky to survive a week.

In that instant, he knew what he’d have to do. Unless he was successful in disguising his appearance until he could return home, he might have to take extreme action and get rid of the only one who could identify him. This Prince Ruben would have to die. Soon. And if Willow got in the way, he’d kill her, too.

* * *

Once she’d taken her leave of Ruben, Willow hurried down the hallway. She knew she wouldn’t be left alone for long. In fact, at any moment she expected Tatiana to come sailing around the corner. Or, even worse, her sister would find out where Ruben was staying and show up at his door, prepared to practice her considerable wiles on Ruben in order to learn everything she possibly could about Willow’s involvement with him.

Stress tightened her chest. Either that or Prince Chad—who was conspicuously absent—would come looking for her, though he certainly hadn’t seemed all that interested in staking a claim.

While she certainly didn’t welcome either prospect, if given a choice, she’d take Chad over Tatiana any day. The man seemed to be harmless. Tatiana was less complicated, but her intentions as transparent as glass. Chad appeared reasonable. Normal, even.

By the time the bells were rung for the midday meal, she’d relaxed. To her astonishment, neither Tatiana nor Chad had sought her out. She’d had several hours on her own, time she’d used to shower and change into a dress her mother would consider suitable for court.

When the light tapping sounded on her door, she nearly jumped out of her skin. So much for relaxation. Heart pounding, she opened the door. Looking thoroughly annoyed, Prince Ruben stood in the hall.

“What is wrong with this place?” he asked, storming into her room. “I simply asked to be brought to your chambers. Everyone acted as though you don’t even exist.”

Mouth dry, she eyed his rugged, beautiful face and debated whether or not to tell him the truth. “Actually, to most of them, that’s true. I don’t exist. They take their cue from the king and queen. I think my parents actually wish I’d never been born.”

She’d shocked him; she could tell from the way he recoiled. “Why would you say such a thing?”

“Because,” she said sadly, “it’s the truth. There are multiple reasons for this. It’s rumored that my mother had an affair and I am the unfortunate result.”

“That would be her fault, not yours,” he said, making her feel warm at his fierce loyalty. “And the other reason?”

She sighed. “My appearance is distasteful to them. Here, two things are valued above all others. Beauty and magical powers. Because I have neither, I am considered worthless.”

He frowned. “I don’t know about magic, but you have beauty.”

Unsure whether to laugh or blush, she considered him. Was he serious or was he making fun of her? Stars help her, she saw nothing but sincerity in his face.

“You really mean that?” she asked.

“Yes.” He gave her shoulder a quick squeeze. “I’m not trying to hurt your feelings, but if we’re going to work together, honesty is important, don’t you think?”

Again, she heard only the important part. “Work together? Are we?”

“Of course. I need you to help me get home once I’ve completed my quest, remember?”

Just like that, her spirits deflated. “Oh, I don’t think I’ll be forgetting that any time soon,” she said drily. “Are you ready to eat?”

Again she saw she’d startled him. Had he truly forgotten about the noon meal? Her stomach growled, letting him know she hadn’t.

“Sorry.” He flashed a rueful smile. “But if this place is what I think it is, I don’t think I’m supposed to eat.”

“Why not?”

“I remember reading something or hearing something.” Scratching his head, he seemed sheepish. “About if you don’t want to come under magic’s spell or be trapped in the land of the Fairies forever, you shouldn’t eat.”

For a moment she was struck speechless, a major feat for her. A second later, she shook her head. “So tell me, do you howl at the full moon?”

He frowned. “Of course not.” Then, as comprehension dawned, he grinned. “Are you saying the food thing is superstition?”

“Yep. It’s only an old wives’ tale.” Taking his arm, she steered him in the direction of the dining hall. “Now let’s go eat. I’m starving.”

“I’m pretty hungry myself,” he admitted.

Since the luncheon was usually served buffet style and they were early, they had the place to themselves. Willow went through the line, filling her plate with brightly colored fruit and fresh crispy vegetables. Ruben followed along behind her doing the same, but stopped when they reached the end of the long table.

“Where’s the meat?” he asked, his voice pitched so low he sounded as if he was growling. In a way, he was. His wolf demanded meat, and plenty of it. “Beef or pork, or even chicken? Any of them would be fine.”

“We don’t eat meat,” she began, stopping at the pained look of horror he gave her. For a second, she saw the wolf again, teeth bared in furious hunger. At least now that made sense.

“I’m a carnivore,” he explained, unnecessarily.

Willow shuddered. “I’m sorry. You won’t find animal flesh here.”

Placing his plate on the nearest table, he dropped into a chair. “I can exist on fruit and vegetables for a little while. But eventually, I need meat. My wolf needs it to survive.”

She took a seat across from him. “If it’s protein you need, there are various nuts and—”

“Trust me. It’s not just the protein.”

Deciding she didn’t want to know, she ate her lunch quickly. When she finally looked up, she saw that he’d also finished his plate.

“It’s perfectly okay if you want to get more,” she said, smiling encouragingly.

“Maybe later.” He pushed his empty plate away and leaned across the table. “I’m not familiar with your court procedures,” he began. “But since it doesn’t appear your parents need me for anything, at least immediately, I’m going to take off.”

“Without permission?” Though part of her was stunned, most of her thrilled at the idea. He wasn’t one of their subjects, but visiting royalty. Surely there was a different protocol in this sort of situation.

He shrugged, unconcerned. “I’ve got work to do.”

By work, she knew he meant tracking down the killer. And suddenly, the idea of remaining trapped in her overly sparkly castle trying to trade witty remarks with a disinterested Prince Chad sounded about as appealing as jumping in a pit full of venomous spiders.

Quite clearly, she realized what she wanted to do. “I’m going with you,” she said, crossing her arms and lifting her chin for emphasis.

He looked at her, his handsome face unreadable. “Why?”

At least he hadn’t said an outright no. Encouraged, she leaned forward, too. “Because I feel responsible. This killer found your castle because of me. And you sent the maid to get my earring. So in a roundabout way, your maid got killed because of me. Honor demands that I help find the one who murdered her.”

This last she’d just made up, but once the words were spoken, they rang true. She’d only said the truth. If she’d never traveled to Teslinko, hadn’t attended the ball or borrowed her mother’s magical earrings, none of this would have happened.

He frowned and she realized he was about to say no.

“I’m very well-liked here and my people won’t talk to you without my assistance,” she rushed on, fully aware that he had no idea exactly how unpopular she was with her people. Most of them thought she was a Shadow Changeling, hanging out in the land of the Bright with the intent to bring about mischief and mayhem.

Ruben knew none of this and for that reason he actually considered her words. “I do need a guide,” he began.

“You’ve got one. Come on.” Afraid he might change his mind, she stood, motioning him to follow her. Once he did, she began shepherding him down the hallway, aware she had to get him out of the open before Tatiana or Chad or someone sent by her parents found them.

To her surprise, he went with her willingly, apparently still mulling over her proposal. She knew on the surface, it made complete sense. And, since she wanted desperately to be part of something besides castle intrigues and fake civility, she hoped it would be enough for him to agree.

They reached her room unnoticed. Taking a deep breath—well aware of the repercussions of allowing a man in her room unattended—she opened the door and practically shoved him inside. Once she closed the door behind them, she locked it for good measure. She took a deep breath, turned and faced him. How she wished she didn’t feel the pull of his masculinity so strongly.

“Have a seat,” she told him, patting the bed. “We’ve got plans to make and a lot to talk about. First up, I think we’re going to need disguises.”

He narrowed his eyes at her and waited.

“My people know me and you too easily stand out as a stranger,” she said.

“And you think you can fix that with a change of clothing?”

“No.” She grinned. “But with the right magical spell, we can fix anything.”

Though he didn’t relax his guarded expression, he did uncross his arms. “I thought you said... You can do magic?”

She felt her smile dim a bit. Then, realizing that even though she’d tried to tell him, he truly wasn’t aware of how her people looked down on non-magical beings like her.

“No,” she answered, managing to sound completely unapologetic. “But I know people who can. And with the right amount of coin...”

Jaw set, he considered. Then, apparently making a snap decision, he nodded. “Since I’d venture a guess that my money is worthless here, I’m assuming you can pay?”

Money was the one thing she had in droves, thanks to an untouchable and irrevocable trust fund her grandfather had left her. Since she rarely bought anything, she had a hefty amount available. Which was good, because any spell worth its salt didn’t come cheap.

Keeping her voice low, just in case, she began to outline her case.

* * *

His nerves still thrummed from learning someone had seen him travel through the veil. Chad knew he had to do something, and quickly. Stalking off from the castle, he went bow hunting while he tried to weigh his options. The simplest solution, which also was the most boring, would be simply to leave now and go home, back to EastWard castle. If not, if he remained, he’d have to disguise his appearance while he was here so the human visitor didn’t recognize him. And without arousing suspicion in the SouthWard Court.

That option and all the challenges it presented, made him grin savagely. Of course killing the human would remain on the table, especially since he secretly preferred this choice. For now, though, he would have much rather left no witnesses. The fact that he had, merely upped the game and sharpened the anticipation.

Life had suddenly become very, very good. No, more than good. Great. Awesome. Epic. Possibly even legendary.

And, he gloated, rubbing his hands together with glee, he hadn’t even examined the magical earring yet. Since it belonged to Queen Millicent, he imagined it would have fantastical powers.

Stalking through the forest, tension building, he thought again of the way the maid had died. Even thinking about it brought him a buzz, better than the finest liquor.

He also felt a familiar restlessness, making him jumpy and uneasy. And angry.

With these emotions all roiling within him, he knew the only way to ease the tension and feel better would be to kill. Something. Anything.

He shot three rabbits in rapid succession and, disregarding every rule about hunting, left their bodies either to rot in the sun or to be savaged by other wild creatures.

This made him feel marginally better, at least able to face his brother again. Until he figured out a way to implement his disguise without the SouthWards noticing, he planned to avoid the rest of the royal family, especially Princess Willow and her human visitor.

When he reached the castle, he slipped into the back door and made his way unnoticed to his room. Once there, he closed the door and began pacing. Some of his rage had been quieted by the kills in the forest, but his problem still remained. That night, King Puck and Queen Millicent were throwing yet another ball to celebrate Eric and Tatiana’s betrothal. Chad would be required to attend. Unless—he smiled grimly—he feigned an illness. A wretched, disgusting illness, the kind that couldn’t be masked by a polite smile and a napkin over the mouth. His grin widened. Disgusting and gagging and nauseating. This, he could do. That would give him time to perfect a change in appearance so that the human wouldn’t recognize him.

Now that he’d decided that, he took out the magical earring. Wiping it clean, he turned it over in the palm of his hand and began to try and learn its secrets.

* * *

Ruben listened as Willow outlined her case. He had to hand it to her. She sort of had a plan, and he definitely needed her help. She wanted to gather information, talk to people, see what they could find out. All in all, exactly what he had already planned to do.

The only problem he had was, despite his best efforts, every time he looked at her, he felt the strong tug of attraction. At the thought, his inner wolf grew restless. The beast wanted her, too—in other, more carnal ways.

As for his human self, Ruben admitted that her feminine vitality drew him on some instinctual level. He’d wanted her the very first time he’d seen her and his body craved her still.