Court of the Shifter 5 Chapter 4

“It’s about time,” Zolas teased as soon as I stepped off the train. “We were expecting you days ago.”

“We didn’t get the message for days,” Calantha countered as she shot the blond vampire a sharp look. “And hello to you, too.”

“Why, princess, did I offend?” Zolas placed a hand over his chest as he gave her a fake surprised look. “How could one ignore such a commanding presence?”

Willow and Luxe hung back for a moment, but the blond vampire’s eyes quickly landed on the pair of shifters, and he gestured for them to come forward.

“Princess Willow, what a pleasure.” Zolas winked. “And Luxe Ursidax in the flesh at last.”

“You… You know me?” Luxe blinked in surprise. “Who are you exactly?”

“Yeah, I’m curious about that, too,” I said.

“Really, Eli,” Zolas tutted. “I obviously saw her in a dream. You could have warned her about me.”

Servants rushed forward to unload our belongings from the train, and I hurried to grab my personal pack containing the talismans before they carted off the rest. I slung the straps over my shoulders and turned to Zolas with a grin, but he was in the middle of a sentence.

“We really must hurry back to the king and queen,” the blond vampire was saying. “I promised no detours would be made.”

“So, now you’re the king and queen’s messenger?” I smirked. “And why do I get the feeling you know way more than you’re letting on?”

“I simply sense the urgency of the matter,” Zolas countered with a good natured smile. “When King Aleister gives me that look… I shudder to think of the consequences for stalling.”

Nicolai and Rostra emerged from the train with Cecil slipping between their legs, and the older vampire whispered some instructions to the younger man before they separated. Rostra joined the servants piling the rest of the train’s contents onto carts, and Nicolai joined our group as Zolas turned toward the palace.

“They couldn’t even let me take a bath first?” Calantha rolled her crimson eyes. “I’ve got a lot of travel grime to dispose of.”

“Gross,” Zolas teased. “You can stand over there. You know, away from me.”

“You’re just jealous you didn’t come with us,” the vampiress retorted. “We had all the fun while you were stuck back here doing everything my parents said.”

“Actually, Hendrik and I have been making some serious headway in our research,” Zolas said. “In fact, I think we are close to a major breakthrough. I would love it if all of you would come see for yourself.”

“We will.” I grinned. “It’s good to hear you are making some progress. We’ve accomplished a lot as well, so it won’t be long before we’re kicking the prophecy’s ass.”

“I take it you found another talisman?” Zolas lowered his voice as we passed by some servants headed in the other direction.

“More than one,” Willow said in a low voice. “But we can talk about it more later once we have some privacy.”

We continued to catch up with the quirky young vampire, but I knew Zolas was much older than he appeared. We’d formed a fast friendship when I’d first arrived at the vampire capital, and I’d turned to him to guide me through this new world. He was one of the only vampires who I’d discussed the multiple versions of the prophecy with, and I knew his loyalties were to the entire world.

While we traversed the hallways of the palace, Zolas peppered Luxe with questions about her upbringing in Ordrya, and it was obvious he knew more about her than she was expecting. The white-haired shifter glanced around at the vampire palace in awe, but she hugged her arms against herself like she was a touch intimidated.

This had to be quite the cultural shock for someone who had never ventured outside Shyfeterran, but I knew she was quick to adapt to any situation. Plus, she had me by her side for every step of the way.

“Did you ever fix your shifting problem?” Zolas asked in a curious tone.

“I did.” Luxe blinked in surprise. “How did you know about that?”

“I know things.” Zolas gave the shifter a sly smile. “When I heard you were summoned, I had to do my own research. Can’t have our Eli gallivanting around with just anyone when he has a prophecy to fulfill.”

“I hope I met your standards,” Luxe said in a dry tone.

“Oh, absolutely.” Zolas held back a laugh as he glanced at her face. “And I hope you get used to my humor style before too long.”

“Zolas is harmless enough,” I said to the polar bear shifter. “Although, I know how startling it can be for someone to have intimate details about you before you meet.”

I flashed the blond vampire a reprimanding look, and the smile on his lips grew larger. Then we entered the hallway outside the throne room, and the vampire guards all stood at attention. We lifted our chins as we marched toward the doors, and they were pulled open before us. The wide open audience chamber was empty, but Calantha and Zolas didn’t pause as they headed toward a door along a side wall.

I followed behind the vampires as they stepped into a lavishly decorated sitting room, and I came to a halt when I saw the king and queen of Vosrettera seated before us.

King Aleister Mithari the third had one leg crossed over the other, and the tip of his shiny black boots bobbed up and down in an impatient manner. His arms were stretched out over the rests, but his fingers clenched the edges, and his eyes brightened when our gazes met.

Queen Seraphine paused with a teacup raised halfway to her blood red lips, and her studious eyes scanned us up and down as her eyebrows lifted elegantly. Her dress was made entirely of layers of black lace, and I could see the paleness of her arms beneath the fabric.

They made for quite the intimidating pair.

“Your Majesties,” I said as I lowered myself into a deep bow. “It is a pleasure to see you both well.”

“Mother, Father,” Calantha said as she crossed the room to her parents, but after she gave them each a quick peck, the vampiress flopped down onto one of the sofas.

The rest of us filed into the room, and we occupied the remaining seats available. Luxe sat stiffly by my side, and Willow rested one of her hands on her stomach the way she did when she was nervous. Zolas claimed one of the arm chairs, and he folded his legs under him like a kindergartener. Nicolai stayed on his feet, but the tall royal guard crossed his arms over his chest.

“You must be famished,” Queen Seraphine said as she reached for a silver bell sitting on the low table. “I hear you’ve made quite the journey to get here.”

The queen rang the bell, and a moment later, Lor appeared from behind the bookshelf. After a quick set of instructions from Calantha’s mother, the fairy returned with a tray laden with drinks and snacks. She placed them on the low table and bowed her head as she backed out of the room, but I caught her flash a quick smile my way before she disappeared again.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” I said as I lifted a cup of tea to my lips. “But we managed to take care of ourselves fairly well.”

“And you’ve made some new friends along the way,” King Aleister observed as he turned his gaze to Luxe. “Zolas has told us enough to know you are Luxe Ursidax.”

“Um, yes.” Luxe shuffled nervously on her seat. “My father is Lord Urman Ursidax, the Bear Representative in Ordrya Court.”

“Perhaps that is the reason you were summoned with the others,” Queen Seraphine noted in a thoughtful tone.

“Wouldn’t you know?” I asked.

Queen Seraphine gave me a confused look, but she didn’t elaborate.

“In any case, Miss Ursidax,” King Aleister said. “It is a pleasure to meet you. If there is anything in particular you require during your stay, please do not hesitate to ask. We will assign a staff member to assist you with anything you need.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Luxe said in a quiet voice, and a cherry red blush darkened her cheeks.

“So, what of your adventures?” Queen Seraphine asked as her red eyes flicked between me and her daughter. “Tell us everything.”

“Well, we got what we went after,” Cal informed them. “And fixed a bunch of other problems along the way.”

“You retrieved the talisman you sought?” King Aleister clarified.

“We actually located two of them,” I reported in a proud voice. “Plus, I learned how to use my cat and bear form.”

“How fascinating,” Queen Seraphine breathed. “I am sure you learned so much about the shifters during your escapades and marriages.”

“Marriages?” I swallowed hard.

“Yes, it seems Zolas saw some sort of nuptial ritual and was giggling about it for days,” the queen sighed.

“Ah, well, my parents were pretty persistent,” Willow said. “We didn’t think it would affect you in any way, though.”

“How could it not?” Queen Seraphine tilted her head to the side as she narrowed her dark red eyes at my pregnant wife. “Our daughter is also involved in the prophecy, and I think it is only fair that she receives the same level of honor.”

“Are you… Are you trying to say that me and Calantha should get married?” I looked from the king and queen to the vampiress, but Cal merely rolled her eyes. “Is that what was so urgent?”

“Of course we want our daughter to share her life with yours,” King Aleister said.

“Oh, this is great.” Zolas grinned. “What would you wear, Cal? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in white.”

“Shut up, Zolas,” Calantha groaned. “And please, can we not talk about this anymore?”

Zolas mimed zipping his lips shut, but his blue labradorite eyes glimmered with mischief, so I knew it wasn’t the last we would hear about it.

An awkward silence stretched on for an uncomfortably long time, but finally, I couldn’t take it anymore, and I cleared my throat.

“So, you’re right about one thing,” I said. “I did learn a lot about the shifters on my adventures. I learned there is more than one version of the prophecy I was brought here to fulfill, and it doesn’t just affect the vampires.”

Zolas flashed me an impressed look as the two princesses in my company inhaled sharply, but Luxe glanced around in confusion.

“What is the other version of the prophecy?” King Aleister asked in an overly casual tone.

“From the tone of your words, you already know,” I said, and I crossed my arms over my chest. “Please tell me that’s not the case, because that is certainly not how you explained it to me in the beginning.”

“We knew there was the possibility,” Queen Seraphine allowed, and she took a long sip from her teacup. “We just didn’t give it much credit since it seemed unlikely to come up.”

“What are the differences?” Luxe asked. “This is the first time I’m hearing about it. Eli just has to mate with one of each of the shifter factions, right?”

“No, he has to mate with the vampire princess prophesied to carry his child.” Queen Seraphine sat her cup down on the saucer delicately before she met the polar bear woman’s gaze. “But I wouldn’t expect you to understand.”

“What if it’s both?” I pressed. “I think there’s a chance that both versions are correct, maybe two halves of the original or something.”

“We will look into it.” King Aleister pressed his lips together, and I got the feeling the discussion about the prophecy was over for the moment.

“Your Majesties,” I said, and I cleared my throat. “While this has been a lovely discussion, it still doesn’t clarify why we were summoned so abruptly from Ordrya. I think we are all eager to hear what the urgent need of our presence is about.”

“As would we,” Aleister sighed. The king and queen exchanged a glance, but we all waited patiently for them to explain further. “Unfortunately, we weren’t given much more information than you.”

The queen reached across the distance between them to pat the back of her husband’s hand in a reassuring manner, but then she turned her dark red eyes on me.

“You see, Elijah, we were alerted by the Circle of Azurantha that the four of you were summoned before them,” Queen Seraphine explained. “They didn’t grace us with the knowledge of why, but I can assure you it is of the utmost importance if they are requesting you in person.”

“Isn’t the Circle of Azurantha the coven of elder vampire matrons who summoned me from Earth?” I frowned. “That’s kind of a big deal.”

“Yes, and it would have been nice to know that back in Shyfeterran,” Cal said in a dry tone. “We could have been saved from a lot of stress and anxiety.”

“That was our intention for keeping it until we saw you in person,” King Aleister said. “It’s best if you don’t have a lot of time to linger over their hypothetical reasons before you meet with them.”

“But you do have an idea of why,” I said, and the knowing glance the royal couple shared confirmed my suspicions.

“We’ve discussed a few possibilities,” Zolas said. “Now you understand all the urgency.”

“What were some of the things you considered?” I asked. “You don’t think they’re trying to send me back to Earth, do you?”

“I would hope not,” Queen Seraphine said as the corners of her lips tilted into a smile. “We still need you to save our realm.”

“We still need him, too,” Willow interjected.

“Of course.” King Aleister nodded.

“My parents actually sent me with a letter for you,” the shifter princess added. “I’d be happy to discuss a reply.”

“That is quite a huge step for King Frejit to make,” King Aleister said in a thoughtful tone. “We would be honored to discuss this letter with you more later.”

“If we could get back on topic,” Zolas said, and he shot Willow a wink. “We were talking about why the Circle could need all four of you.”

“Yes, what are you thinking?” I gave the blond vampire my full attention.

The mystic shared a look with the king and queen, but they gestured for him to continue, so he turned his labradorite gaze back to me.

“What if they know where one of the talismans are?” Zolas grinned. “It could turn out to be very beneficial.”

“That would be awesome,” I said as I looked from vampire to vampire. “What are the chances of that happening?”

“There is really no way to predict the intentions or motivations of the Circle of Azurantha,” Queen Seraphine said with a sad smile. “All we can do is theorize.”

“Eli found two talismans in Shyfeterran,” Zolas bragged. “We are getting a lot closer to our goals.”

“Plus, we don’t have any leads on the rest,” I said. “This could really point us in the right direction.”

“Well, I hope you get what you wish for,” King Aleister said. “For all of our sake.”

“Eli always gets what he wants.” Calantha shot me a wink as she reached across the table for a mini sandwich, and the vampiress placed the bread delicately between her lips.

“There’s no doubt you’re backing the right horse,” I said. “But a lot of things could go wrong. When does the Circle of Azurantha want to see us?”

“They will send someone,” Queen Seraphine said.

“Good.” I nodded. “Well, I have more than a few questions for them myself, so it will be nice to finally meet the people who summoned me in person.”

“The Circle aren’t known for sharing their reasoning with others,” Zolas said. “But I expect you to relay every word they say back to me for analysis.”

“Nicolai, you will escort them to the Circle when the time comes,” King Aleister instructed his royal guard. “While I don’t foresee any trouble in the streets of Marbrooke, safety is always the best practice.”

“We don’t need a babysitter, Father,” Cal said with a roll of her eyes. “We were just fine roaming the wilderness of Shyfeterran without him, after all.”

“I will do as you command, Your Majesty,” Nicolai countered, but he gave Calantha a taunting smile. “Even if I have to hog tie the princess to keep her safe.”

“Oh, that’s funny.” Cal turned to the tall dark-haired vampire and smiled sweetly. “I’d like to see you try.”

“Is it just me or did she get more hostile during her absence?” Zolas asked no one in particular.

“You mean she used to be nice?” Luxe asked, and the room burst into laughter.

“Hey, Calantha’s always been a peach to me.” I grinned tauntingly at the vampiress. “Nothing but the perfect hostess from day one.”

“If there’s nothing else you need to mock me over,” Calantha said as she lifted her nose into a haughty angle. “I am ready to sleep in my own bed.”

“Carrying around that ego must be exhausting,” Zolas teased. “Do you need help finding your room? I know you’ve been gone for a while, so it can be hard to remember where everything is.”

“I grew up here, remember?” Calantha smirked. “I think I can manage.”

“Well, um, I did not grow up here.” Luxe’s cheeks burned bright red. “And I don’t know my way around, but I would love a bed as well.”

“I’ll have Lor show you to your room,” Queen Seraphine said, and she gave the polar bear shifter a polite smile. “I hope you will let us know if there’s anything you require.”

“I’m pretty easy to please.” Luxe pressed her lips into a tight smile. “I do appreciate your hospitality.”

“It was lovely to meet you,” Queen Seraphine said, and she reached for the silver bell once more.

It didn’t take long for the orange-haired fairy to appear from behind the bookshelf, and she led us away from the royal couple at a brisk pace. Zolas and Nicolai stayed behind with the king and queen, but the rest of us were beyond ready to get some rest.

Lor led us down the corridors until we reached the wing of the palace that housed Calantha and myself, but Luxe and Willow had also been given rooms nearby. The polar bear woman gazed around at the prestigious decor in awe, and she almost didn’t notice when the fairy paused by her chamber door.

I watched as Luxe’s eyes widened while Lor gestured to the room, and I realized the polar bear woman was experiencing the fairy’s telepathic speech for the first time. Then the orange-haired servant turned to me with a smile on her face.

Any requests for your evening meal, Master Elijah? Lor blinked curiously at me while her voice rang in my head.

“Anything is fine, Lor,” I chuckled.

“Wait, so you hear her in your head, too?” Luxe looked from me to the fairy. “I thought I was losing my mind for a second.”

“Things are just a little different around here,” I said in a comforting tone. “You’ll get used to it soon, I promise.”

“It’s not every day you hear voices in your head that aren’t your own,” Luxe pointed out with a disbelieving shake of her head. “It will take some adjusting.”

“I’m just down the hall if you need anything,” I said, and I squeezed her hand warmly. “And I can show you the library later if you want.”

“That sounds lovely.” Luxe smiled softly, but then she slid behind her chamber door.

Willow and Calantha had already gone their separate ways, and I told Lor I could find my room on my own, so the small fairy flitted off to fetch our evening meals. My room was almost exactly as I’d left it, but the fire burning in the fireplace looked recently made, and there were some loungewear style clothes spread across the bed.

The fairy servant always seemed to be one step ahead of me.

I didn’t want to put my dirty body into the clean clothes, so I headed into the bathroom to run the hot water. I felt every muscle in my body relax once I sank below the surface of the bubbles, and I leaned my head against the edge of the tub as I closed my eyes.

After the many nights we’d spent on the road and staying in the Night Folk village, the luxuries of the vampire palace were a welcome relief. It wasn’t like I was spoiled by all the pampering I’d received in this world, but I was beyond grateful I could wash off the road dirt caked into my skin.

My mind wandered over everything I’d experienced since arriving in this medieval fantasy world, and Earth felt more and more like a vague dream than an actual memory with each passing day. I had created a whole new life here, and I had a family for the first time.

With Willow pregnant, my role in this world was about to expand to include being a father. I only hoped I could guide the little one through all the confusion of being alive without messing them up too much, but I knew instinctively everything would be fine since I wasn’t doing it alone. The shifter princess was going to make a wonderful mother, and I had a feeling Luxe and Calantha would turn into adoring aunties as soon as the baby was born. While I was eager to meet the little prince or princess, I was glad I had some time to process the idea of being a dad, and I made a mental note to talk to Willow about my thoughts later.

Lor eventually returned with a silver tray, and she set it down on the table before she brought me a fresh towel. The fairy flitted out of the bathroom while I dried off, and I tucked the fabric around my waist before I walked into the bedroom. The orange-haired fairy eyed my bare damp chest, but she didn’t comment on my semi nudity.

“What’s for dinner?” I asked as I made my way over to the tray.

Conrad calls this a “burger.” Lor smiled warmly. He said you would understand.

“Is this what you served the ladies?” I chuckled. “I don’t know if they’d appreciate it the way I do.”

Everyone’s meals are customized to their particular tastes and needs, Lor explained. Is there anything else I can do for you, Master Elijah?

“No, thank you, Lor.” I grinned. “This looks delicious.”

The fairy inclined her head before she flitted out of the room, and I sat down to eat the second I heard the door click shut behind her. The burger consisted of ground meat sandwiched between two buns, and I could see the sliced vegetables sliding out the sides.

I took a generous bite out of the burger, and I couldn’t hold back the groan of pleasure as the flavors overpowered my tastebuds. Conrad had outdone himself again, and the meat was cooked to my preferred temperature like he’d somehow read my mind. The Nulmancer chef had always had an instinct for my food preparation, and I didn’t realize how much I’d missed him until I took the first bite.

After I ate my fill, I washed it down with the cold beer sitting on the tray, and finally, I pulled on the sleepwear laying on the bed. I’d thrown my pack into a corner of the room when I’d first come in, but I crossed the space to it and carried it back to the bed. With a hand on either side of the bottom, I turned the bag upside down and dumped out the contents onto the blanket.

Books, clothes, daggers, rope, and the two talismans I had acquired toppled across the blanket, and once the pack was empty, I discarded it behind me. I filtered through the contents on my bed, and I stuck my belongings into various places around the room. The talismans were too precious and important to leave laying around, but I didn’t feel comfortable keeping them on my person at all times either.

For the time being, I stuck them inside the drawer of my bedside table, but I made a mental note to discuss with Zolas the possibility of a safe being brought to my room.

Once everything was cleaned up and put away, I grabbed one of the books, and I climbed into the bed. The downy pillows sank beneath my weight, but it felt like I was resting on a cloud, so I wasn’t complaining. I opened the book to where I’d stuck my marker, and I began to scan over the words, but my mind wouldn’t stay focused on what I was reading.

What did the Circle of Azurantha want with us?

Could it really be about a talisman?

Would they even answer my questions?

I shook my head to dispel my wandering thoughts, and I tried once more to focus on the book in front of me, but I sighed with relief when a knock sounded on the door.

“Come in!” I called out.

Zolas stepped into my bed chamber, and the blond vampire closed the door behind him. He walked around the room and looked around like it was the first time he’d ever seen it, and I watched him with amused curiosity until he settled into one of the arm chairs.

“To what do I owe this honor?” I asked with a teasing smile.

“Just the dry humor I’ve been missing all this time,” the mystic said. “It is certainly nice to have you back, Eli. I almost thought you’d never return.”

“Well, I couldn’t let you have all the fun without me.” I grinned. “Besides, it sounds pretty important. How could I miss out on meeting the Circle of Azurantha?”

“I haven’t even had that honor,” Zolas chuckled. “Who’d you have to kill?”

“I didn’t keep a list,” I countered. “But I have certainly killed a variety of things.”

“I’ve heard Shyfeterran is riddled with mysterious monsters,” Zolas said. “I’m surprised you made it out of there alive.”

“While we did encounter one or two weird creatures,” I said, “there was nothing we couldn’t handle. You should have seen us struggle against the owlbear, though. I’m sure you would have found it hilarious.”

“Especially considering they don’t exist,” Zolas scoffed.

“So, I killed the last one?” I smirked. “Because there’s no other name that describes it quite like owlbear.”

“Sounds entertaining.” Zolas pushed himself up from the armchair, and he crossed the room to flop onto my bed.

“It was when we were on our way to find the Night Folk,” I said, and I began to explain our journey to find the nomadic tribe of bear shifters.

Zolas listened attentively, and there were several points that caused him to lift his eyebrows in surprise.

“So, you had to jump through a bunch of hoops to become a member of their tribe,” Zolas summarized. “I can only imagine the crazy excursions they sent you on.”

“Nothing horrible.” I shrugged. “Although I could have done without the psychedelic trip.”

“You had a vision?” From the way the blond vampire asked, I had a feeling he was already privy to some aspects of my story.

“Let me guess,” I chuckled. “You already know what I saw.”

“How could I?” Zolas smirked. “It’s not as though I know everything. Just most things.”

“So, you don’t already know about how I saw Jarvald and Azurantha,” I countered, but judging from the shocked expression gracing his face, Zolas was not aware of that particular tidbit.

“What were they doing? What did they say? Did they see you?” Zolas peppered me with questions faster than I could respond, and I laughed as I held up my hands to fend off his verbal tirade.

“I didn’t understand what I was seeing at first,” I admitted. “A part of me deep inside just knew, but I couldn’t explain how. It felt like I was being given a clue, but I have no idea what it is.”

“Tell me everything,” Zolas instructed, and he hopped up onto his knees to fix me with an intense stare.

I proceeded to explain to the best of my ability about the vision I had of the ancient couple, and to his credit, Zolas didn’t give me any grief over watching them make love. When I got to the part where Jarvald shifted into multiple forms, however, the blond vampire held up his hand to stop me.

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Zolas’ eyebrows rose into his hairline. “Are you sure it’s even possible?”

“If by that you mean I think Jarvald was an Ulvant, then yes, that is what I’m trying to say.” I grinned. “And I have no idea if it’s possible. Why do you think I didn’t share the information with the entire royal family earlier?”

“A wise choice, my friend,” Zolas agreed. “This will require extensive research before the possibility is presented to the king and queen. I have a feeling they won’t be very accepting at first, so I want to make sure we can gather some evidence beyond a hallucination before I bring it up with them.”

“I trust your judgment,” I said. “I just wish I understood why they showed me that. It seems like there was a message for me, but I haven’t been able to decipher it yet.”

“Give me some time to analyze all my sources, and I will get back to you.” Zolas steepled his fingers beneath his chin. “The really important thing to ask, though, is if you enjoyed it. You know, the part where they were naked?”

“Shut up,” I chuckled, and I threw a pillow at the blond vampire.

“I knew you missed me.” Zolas grinned.

“Like a leech misses a blood source,” I teased.

“Oh, so a lot.” Zolas ducked another pillow. “Why, Prince Elijah, I had no idea you felt so strongly for me. I could have sworn your affections lay with the ladies alone.”

We spent the next few hours bantering and catching up, but it did my heart good to have my friend back. I knew with Zolas’ mind on our side, nothing would stand in our way. The mystic had a way of knowing what was going to happen next that I’d found unnerving at first, but now it was relieving to know he had a heads up in case things went south.

It was past midnight when Zolas finally headed to his own room, and it didn’t take me long to fall asleep after he left. The pillows nestled me in their loving embrace, and the blankets radiated warmth across my entire body. It was easy to envision myself sailing across the sky on a cloud as I drifted off to sleep, and my dreams were full of flying.

The next morning, I met the women in the dining room of our wing, and I scanned over the spread of breakfast foods displayed on the buffet table. I helped myself to generous portions of my favorite things, and I balanced a cup of coffee in one hand as I settled into my chair. Judging by the picked over remnants and empty cups, the women had all been awake for a while before I’d joined them.

“How did you sleep?” I asked as I glanced around at the three beautiful faces. “I ended up staying up late talking to Zolas.”

“I know,” Cal said in a dry tone. “I could hear the sound of him laughing until almost midnight.”

“Sorry,” I chuckled. “We had a lot to catch up on.”

“The beds here are so comfortable,” Luxe said, and she popped a blueberry into her mouth. “I didn’t think I would ever wake up again.”

“Someone took my clothes and left out this thing instead,” Willow complained as she gestured to the lavender colored high throated dress, and I had to admit it looked like something women wore on the Oregon Trail.

“I’m sure Lor just wanted to sanitize everything,” Cal said, and she flicked a bored glance over the shifter princess’s outfit. “Besides, you would look good in anything, even this tablecloth.”

“Thank you?” Willow tilted her head to the side in confusion.

“I’m not sure that was a compliment,” Luxe murmured to her fellow shifter under her breath.

“I know,” Willow laughed.

“You’re acting especially Cal-like since we got back to Marbrooke,” I pointed out to the vampiress. “Is there something bothering you? You know you can tell us anything.”

“It’s just strange to be back home after everything we’ve gone through together,” Calantha said with a forlorn look. “I’m not sure how to feel about it, and I’m sorry if that’s made me challenging to be around.”

“Not at all.” Luxe crossed the room to the vampiress, and she sat on the arm of her chair as she grasped the other woman’s hands. “This is completely new to me, and I feel a little lost, but it’s nothing in comparison to how I would feel without you here. I need you to help me maneuver through this strange new world.”

“You’re so sweet,” Cal murmured as she gave the polar bear woman a rare smile. “I can’t believe I’ve somehow convinced you to like me.”

“It wasn’t that hard,” Willow said. “You’re strong, brave, smart, and above everything else, you’re real. You don’t let bullshit slide. You don’t let things go that shouldn’t be dropped. You teach us there are battles everywhere, and you lead us on the charge.”

Calantha glanced from the two women to me, and I was surprised by the level of emotion welling up in her crimson eyes. The vampiress was truly moved by the two women’s words, and it was challenging to remember a time when the haughty princess had shown so much affection for them.

“Whatever happens with the Circle of Azurantha,” I said. “We will deal with it the same way we do everything else. Together.”

“We’ve got each other’s backs,” Luxe added.

“We’re a family,” Willow agreed.

The girls all lifted their cups into the air to toast ourselves, and I finished the rest of my breakfast before it got cold. Our conversation turned to discussing the differences between the vampire and shifter palaces, and I had to admit, it was nice to be back in Marbrooke again. Things were beginning to come full circle, but we’d come a long way from the day I fell out of the sky onto the streets of the vampire capital.

We were getting ready to head to the library when Lor appeared at my elbow, and I was barely able to restrain myself from jumping in shock at the sudden sight of her.

The king and queen said it is time.