Stories from the Realm: Claimed and Hunted

By Jessica White

Welcome to Stories from the Realm, a page-turning tale of witches, pirates, shapeshifters, vampires, and a Viking-like tribe that’ll keep you entranced until the very end.

Claimed
A warrior princess sent on an impossible mission, the prince who decided she was worth saving, and the evil that will tear their world apart...

To punish me for being born with the gift of foresight, my father ordered me to invade bear country, knowing I would never return.

The frozen forest took every one of my men, leaving me clinging to life. Still, Prince Joseph embraced me, forcing me to live amongst his people to give me a fresh start.

When the long-gone king returns from his quest to save this world from evil, Joseph honors him by instituting an ancient rite...the mating chase.

Now a citizen of this backward land, I'm forced to run with the other unattached women. With twenty minutes to get as far away as possible before they release the men, I can taste my freedom just beyond the horizon.

But just as I step foot past the territory border, a force from out of nowhere knocks me to the ground. Gold eyes, like the sun coming over these mountains, stared down at me, and The Mighty laid his claim.

Hunted
A woman haunted by her demons, the beast that traveled across the universe to find her, and the world waiting for them to return...
The moment I stepped off the plane in this remote Alaskan town, I walked straight into a nightmare when I'm kidnapped.

Blindfolded and dumped in the forest, I have twenty minutes to run as far as possible before the men are released for their annual mating hunt.

But will the handsome sheriff rescue me in time? Or is he the monster I need to be rescued from?

This collection contains books 1 & 2 of the Stories from the Realm series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessica White
• Release date: Nov 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215075470

Jessica White

Author Jessica White - Unveiling Dark Fantasies and Steamy Romance in Small Towns? Welcome to the enchanting world of Jessica White, where the world comes alive with dark immortals, small-town secrets, and sizzling romance. As a passionate storyteller, Jessica weaves tales that transport you to realms unknown, blending dark fantasy, steamy romance, and heart-pounding suspense.? Series Highlights:•The Broken Immortals: Journey into a realm where immortality comes with a price, and forbidden desires ignite a war between light and darkness.•Stories from the Realm: Explore mystical landscapes and unearth the secrets that bind magical beings in this captivating series.•Love Stories from a Small Town: Immerse yourself in the charm of small-town romance, where love blossoms amidst close-knit communities.?‍? About the Author: Jessica, a former Registered Nurse turned masterful storyteller, hails from the breathtaking landscapes of West Virginia. Her graduate degree in Business Administration adds a strategic touch to her narrative prowess. Beyond crafting tales, Jessica is captivated by metaphysical wonders, the beauty of nature, irresistible buttercream icing, and the magic of Harry Potter (still waiting for that letter!).? Stay Updated: Curious about Jessica's upcoming releases? Explore Jessica's world beyond the pages. Follow her journey on https://linktr.ee/authorjwhite and sign up for exclusive email alerts. Be the first to dive into new worlds and discover fresh tales of love, mystery, and fantasy.? Connect with Jessica: Have questions or just want to share your thoughts? Reach out to Jessica at [e-mail].

Book preview

Stories from the Realm

The Bear King's Mate

Claimed

Hunted

Jessica White

Copyright ©2021 by Jessica White

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Contents

Content Warning

Claimed

Contents

1.The Princess Warrior

2.The Advantage

3.Company

4.My Oath

5.The Outcome

6.The Spiderweb

7.The Frozen Forest

8.Something Wicked

9.Never Kneel

10.The Wolf

11.Part of Me

12.Game Day

13.The King's Return

14.The Waiting Game

15.The Scent

16.The Chase

17.The Bargain

18.As Soon I Shut My Eyes

19.The Legion

20.The Trunk

21.A Crack in the Wall

22.The Summit

23.A Man and a Leader

24.Causing a Scene

25.All the Versions of Me

26.Invisible

27.My Solemn Duty

28.The Agreement

29.Breaking Bread

30.The Windowsill

31.Mother

32.Their Hateful Queen

33.Her Fate

34.The Detail

35.The Silver Crown

36.The Queen's Command

37.The First Dance

38.The Little Bird

39.Two Steps Behind

40.A Thing of Beauty

41.Mated Properly

42.Season

43.Squeak

44.Sacred

45.Another Piece of my Heart

46.No King

47.The Black Eyed Man

48.The Cabin in the Woods

49.My Final Memory

50.The Immortal

51.To Serve

Hunted

Contents

1.The List

2.Pretty Nurse

3.I Find You

4.Good Omen

5.A Game of Cards

6.Sins

7.Am I Man

8.Mine

9.Smoke

10.Already Forgotten

11.Dreams

12.The Creek

13.Yogi Bear

14.Good Fortune

15.Down the Drain

16.Handcuffs

17.The Last Person I Run To

18.Nice Evening for a Stroll

19.The Rules

20.The Chase

21.The Countdown

22.Caught

23.The Bonfire

24.All I Ever Wanted

25.My House

26.The Shack

27.Helpless

28.We All Wait

29.The Shower

30.The Fairy Tale

31.The White Stallion

32.Beside Me

33.The Last Something

34.The Altar

35.The Other Side of the Door

36.The Queen Returns

37.One More Kill in Me

38.A Taste of Freedom

39.Up the Creek

40.No Golden Crown

41.A Lesson

42.The Travelers

43.Your Hateful Mouth

44.Black Eyes

45.Stay Dead

46.Home Again

47.By the Fire

48.The Squared Circle

Also By

Content Warning

In this story, the bear king is an ancient man from the region of the world that is modeled after Russia. As such, his native language is one not spoken anymore. So, from time to time you will find he skips words such as the or it. This is intentional and not a grammar error.

Stories from the Realm series is a dark fantasy saga.

This series is a work of fiction based on the lives of magical individuals that are in no way human. They are an entirely different species, animals, from another world with their own communities, morals, values, and traditions.

If you have any sensitivities about cursing, partner violence, stalking, gender roles, sexual taboos, patriarchal ideals, or any other type of trigger, this story is probably not for you.

But if you can handle all that ... enjoy! I’m thrilled you are on this adventure with me.

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Claimed

A Story from the Realm

Jessica White

Contents

1. The Princess Warrior

2. The Advantage

3. Company

4. My Oath

5. The Outcome

6. The Spiderweb

7. The Frozen Forest

8. Something Wicked

9. Never Kneel

10. The Wolf

11. Part of Me

12. Game Day

13. The King's Return

14. The Waiting Game

15. The Scent

16. The Chase

17. The Bargain

18. As Soon I Shut My Eyes

19. The Legion

20. The Trunk

21. A Crack in the Wall

22. The Summit

23. A Man and a Leader

24. Causing a Scene

25. All the Versions of Me

26. Invisible

27. My Solemn Duty

28. The Agreement

29. Breaking Bread

30. The Windowsill

31. Mother

32. Their Hateful Queen

33. Her Fate

34. The Detail

35. The Silver Crown

36. The Queen's Command

37. The First Dance

38. The Little Bird

39. Two Steps Behind

40. A Thing of Beauty

41. Mated Properly

42. Season

43. Squeak

44. Sacred

45. Another Piece of my Heart

46. No King

47. The Black Eyed Man

48. The Cabin in the Woods

49. My Final Memory

50. The Immortal

51. To Serve

The Princess Warrior

Moya

The thunderous pounding of our horses’ hooves echoed through the forest as we raced against the dying evening sun.

Tall with the last of summer’s sharp blades of grass, the scorching plains on the other side of the treeline opened up for us at last to run full measure.

Far too many years passed since His Majesty summoned my men and me back from the outland post he banished us to so long ago, and our hearts longed to be with our families again.

So, when my father’s courier arrived four days prior, we made off at once for the Westland palace.

Yet, if this cursed gift of mine only warned me that my own pitiful destruction awaited my return, I would have ignored the call and remained blissfully unaware that true love existed on the warm beaches of my homeland instead.

The last of the sun’s warmth left the sky, alerting us the city’s curtain wall would close until the following morning, and we crossed the stone bridge just as the chains engaged, lowering the gate.

Not once did we stop for rest or food on our journey, and the scent of tonight’s feast ripped my guts out when we rode through its cloud.

Another scent brought a flood of saliva, though.

Beyond the roast boar and the sweet, warm aroma of butter-brushed bread straight from the baker’s oven, something so familiar and frightening hung in the air. Though I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, every long-neglected nerve in my body tingled with the ancient spark of magic again when I inhaled the cloud.

Waiting at the smithy’s shop, the brother I’d not seen since father stationed me in the most Southern post waved off the young maidens he entertained himself with while the stable boy lowered his head to me and said, Welcome home, Your Highness.

Peeling myself from my saddle, I uncurled my leg from my steed while the boy firmed up his grip on the harness to keep the old war horse steady. I thought you’d never return.

Now a head taller than me, the child from my memory, hidden behind his hair-lined face, smiled as I pinched his cheek. Have I been gone so long that this boy is now a man?

Two hands and a scruffy blonde beard came to his shoulders from behind as my brother rescued him from my hold on his face when he shook him. You’ve been gone so long that the boy sired his own boy last winter.

Sporting the leather armor I commissioned for him before he left on his last adventure, Eason lifted his chin as he crossed his arms over himself. Didn’t you, Silas?

From ear to ear, this white-haired stable boy who tended to my horse since the day he found out he was strong enough to wield a shoe hammer grinned at me. Aye.

A dirty hand missing half a pointer finger came to his knee. He’s this tall now. Just took his first steps not even a day ago.

I yanked my riding gloves away and slapped them at Silas’ chest when Eason laid his hand on my back to urge me to the castle. Well, come find me at dinner so I can see this lad. I cannot wait to meet him and the missus.

Placing a kiss on my temple, Eason wrinkled his nose at the stench of me after half a week on horseback. I have your handmaids waiting at the baths for you.

Though our father meant to shame me with his punishment, each time these warrior children returned home again, we became a bit more legendary.

The awestruck faces of the townspeople parted for us as they whispered and clutched their chests, and I met each one with a bow of my head as I passed them. Thank you for that.

Born with a wandering spirit, the rambling prince spent less time in our ancestral lands than I did, and I nudged him with my elbow as we came up the staircase. Have you any clue why we’ve been called back, though?

Sweeping his arm aside for me to go through the front doors first, Eason smirked at me as his sun-bleached hair blew away with the wind. The king was desperate to be reunited with his favorite children, of course.

When I laughed at him, he spun out to walk before me and tossed up his shoulder. Also, the bear king’s diplomats are here to negotiate a treaty, and His Majesty wishes to show the true strength of the West’s armies lest the treaty fail.

In the foyer, he brought his hand across his heart and bowed to me as he backed toward the map room. So, put on your prettiest frock, dear sister, for we have dancing and ass-kissing awaiting us tonight.

Red carpet squished under my boots while I rushed to untangle my sword from my back, and the pleasing, musky essence that seduced me when I entered the city grew stronger.

Little by little, my feet slowed until I peeked up to find the stranger also coming to a wide-eyed standstill.

That rush of sorcery in my blood that abandoned me in childhood rekindled, stealing my breath. Frozen in place by his heavy foreign tongue and icy blue stare when he tipped his head. Good evening, my lady.

In my scuffed-up leathers and chainmail, with my officer’s shield and sword affixed to my back, it was reasonably clear to anyone with a working set of eyes I was not one of the kingdom’s fair maidens.

Looking down over my filthy uniform, I had a good chuckle as I tossed up my hands and answered him with a nod. And to you, my lord.

Both his hands twisted behind his back, and his eyes narrowed at my chest emblem when he stepped closer. You’re an officer?

I lifted my finger to him, leaning away to tilt my chin at the matron, motioning for me at the bath’s door. Yes, ma’am. I’ll be right with you.

I returned my gaze to him to find him studying my face, and I shoved my hand between us to stop him. I am Moya. High Commander of His Majesty’s Southern forces.

Women soldiers were unheard of outside my father’s lands, and his mouth hung open for a moment before he bent down to kiss my knuckle. Meeting you is a tremendous honor.

Twisting my fingers out of his, I tilted my head to check out the fine silken blue tunic he wore.

Among my people, such displays of vulgar luxury would get a man hung by his neck, and I nodded as I flicked my fingertip at the gold tassel hanging from his shoulder. And you must be one of King Volodar’s envoys?

The corners of his lips ticked up as he smoothed the bit of curly, pale blond hair back from his eye. I am the Mighty’s loyal servant, yes.

Covering his heart with his palm, he doubled his eyes at me. And yours, of course. But it would please me if you called me Joey.

Flailing hands down the hall waved for me again, and I gave him a nod as I stepped away. I will do that. Thank you. I hope you enjoy your stay, — making an L with my thumb and finger, I pointed at him and winked — Joey.

One leather boot dug into the crimson runner lining the hallway, and one bare foot traipsed through the chilly forest in my mind while the world around the right side of me warbled.

It seemed Joey steeped in his own old magic, and his voice in my head commanded my gifts to end the slumber they had hibernated in for too long.

In the smoky mist that closed in around the edges of my vision, the animal’s roar that haunted my childhood nightmares made me flinch.

Always the same massive white bear sitting on his throne of light when I opened the cabin door.

As if he were walking beside me through the illusion, I heard Joey’s most private thoughts as he tested our connection. Your kingdom awaits you, Moya sestra.

The Advantage

Moya

With no one to keep myself groomed for out on the Southern shores I protected these last fifteen years, I’d not worn a stately gown for as long as I could recall.

Still, my father held the opinion that when diplomats from foreign lands presented themselves, we matched their nation’s pomp and circumstance, no matter how grotesque.

My hands wrapped around the mahogany bedpost to steady me while the handmaids laced up the back of my corset, and I fought to catch my breath. I can’t believe you’re forcing me to wear this torture device.

One final yank jerked all the air from my lungs, and I squeaked as my breasts heaved out from the top of my underwear. My tits don’t fit in this thing.

Without warning, the outfit the old marm picked out for me plopped over my head, and she shook the stiff material down my body. It’s not my fault that this is the fashion now.

I situated the dress on my hips as she gathered the hooks to close the back and leaned over to view me in the mirror. All the proper ladies from the other kingdoms wear them. So you’ll simply have to grin and bear it while they’re here.

Since old enough to run my scandalous mouth, I’d made a game of seeing her ears burn with irritation, and I arched my eyebrow back at her in the reflection. When have I ever been proper or a lady, ma’am?

A hard smack cracked my ass cheek, and her finger wagged back at me as her eyes narrowed. Not another foul word. A princess or not, you’ll be over my knee with a switch to your backside.

The iridescent fabric of the green dress set the red in my chestnut hair aflame, and I smoothed down the frizzy strays around my hairline as she brought the sides back. I’m not at all comfortable. Haven’t you anything else that isn’t so revealing? I’m supposed to be a dignitary, and there’s nothing dignified about this.

Her fingers wrapped over my upper arm, chiseled by a lifetime of clutching the sword, and squeezed. You’re too stout for the other dresses on the seamstress’ rack.

My hair brushed over my shoulders, and she stepped up on her stool to work the side braids through the crown she set on my head. Besides, green is a better color for you. It brings out your eyes.

My fingers worked my breasts back into my gown, and I jerked at the neckline to keep them in place. Trust me. No one will care about my eyes tonight.

No sooner had I straightened out my shoulders than the fleshy clouds oozed out of my dress again, and I sighed as I shook them at her. Not with these things flopping out on the table every time I reach for my wine.

Two high-heeled shoes I knew might be the death of me pinched my feet when I shoved them inside. Wish me luck tonight that I should hold my tongue and temper on these backward Northerners.

Puffing cologne at me until I rushed from the doorway, the matron yelled into the hall. Behave yourself. There are far worse lands your father can exile you to. Remember that.

Lined in the old, faded tapestries of my forefathers, the hallway emptied into the foyer as I tried to smile and transform into the proper lady my mother hoped I’d be.

The right version of me came forward just as I stepped into the dining hall, and I flashed a smile at Eason when I found him at the fireplace. Having a good smirk at my dress, he bent his fingers for me to join him. Aren’t you a vision of loveliness?

Tilting his ear toward his shoulder when he brought me into his side hug, he presented me to Joey. Let me introduce you to...

With a wave, the curly-bearded prince silenced him and bowed as he gripped my fingers. Yes, we met earlier this evening. Two thick, soft lips pressed into the back of my hand. I’m happy to be in your presence again, High Commander.

My knees dipped back to the bear-man in respect as Eason covered his chest with his hand. My sister, Princess Moya. Protector of the Western Gate.

An inch at a time, Joey’s eyes rolled over me as he nodded. Yes. I should have guessed that such a wondrous spirit would be of royal blood. With a sigh, he punched his finger into his heart. Your beauty takes my breath away tonight, Your Highness.

Kicking up my foot to see everything below the mountain of cleavage, I doubled my eyes at the ornate gold threading down my center that could have fed an entire family for the year. If you say so. If I’m being honest, I think this getup is ridiculous.

My finger poked into his shoulder to push him away. I can’t believe women in your kingdom choose to dress this way every day of their lives.

Rubbing at the dirty-looking whiskers that dusted his chin, Eason flung his hand away and cleared his throat. And, of course, this is Prince Joseph, heir to the throne of the Bear Kingdom. Brother of His Majesty, King Volodar, the Mighty, and defender of the entire Northern Realm.

Often I said things to make myself cringe, and my whole face pinched together as I shook my head. I am — waving at my stupidity, I opened my eyes to Joey’s smiling face — so sorry. Please accept my apology for being so informal. I meant no disrespect to you or your kith.

A quick shimmy started in his chin as he lifted his palm to me. No apology is necessary. There is no need for such etiquette between us. Please feel free to be what our gods made you.

Eason and I shared a chuckle, and I twisted my lips back at Joey. Be careful what words you breathe, Your Highness. There is a reason this soldier patrols the dead lands.

The crowd around the king’s table parted as the kitchen boys brought out the food, and Eason swept out his hand for us. After you.

Wanting nothing more than to disappear into the sea of faces crowding the room, I rolled my eyes at my terrible luck when Joey wrapped his massive hand around my elbow and dragged me with him. I hope I have the honor of being seated with you.

It’s not every day a handsome prince from a faraway land makes their way to our kingdom. The weight of every envious young woman’s eyes burned a hole straight through me as we crossed the room, arm in arm. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be much of a companion for someone like you.

My chin lifted at the line of townspeople. I’m sure any of these lovely ladies would be happy to entertain you for the evening if you desire.

At the king’s table, Joey put his hand on my back and nudged me to the seat next to his. Please, Moya. I insist you accompany me.

Loud enough for everyone to hear him, he laid his hand on his chest and smiled at me. My heart is set on spending this evening with you.

Though Eason’s naughty smile curled at me from the other side of the table when I scanned the surrounding faces, my father’s sinister twerk of the lips was what made every hair on my body stand on full alert.

When his eyes fell on Joey’s hand on me, the advantage he hoped for sparkled in them. And I understood then we were about to start a war we could not win.

Company

Moya

Beyond the twisting flames in the metal pit at the bottom of the steps where the soldiers liked to gather on a breezy night, Joey came through the archway from the dining hall.

Another cup of mead to dull my senses covered my face as I slunk down to hide from him, as much as this strap of fabric I wore would allow me to go unnoticed by man.

Yet a bear is not a creature one can hide from, and when I pulled the wineglass from my lips again, his entire face lit up as our eyes collided. Dammit.

Forcing a tight-lipped smile through my annoyance, I readjusted my dress over my chest again when he dropped to the space beside me. Did you tire of dancing?

I threw every unmatched woman at him I could find all night, and he never took the bait at all. As lovely as the women of your kingdom are, His Majesty did not send me here to dance with anyone but you.

Leaning over to offer the next man a drink, I curled my eyebrow at him. I’m not interested in the politics of foreign lands, if that’s what you came to discuss with me.

The scene around us smudged as the wine took hold, and I bumped his shoulder as he smiled at his hands rubbing together. I don’t give a damn about anything but getting drunk right now, as a matter of fact.

My hands swept over my arms to clear the goosebumps, and he moved a little closer as his hand planted onto the stone stair behind me. Yes, I see that. So, I will keep you company while you do so.

Peeking back at his arm around me, I flapped air through my lips as my finger waggled over all the people surrounding us. As you can tell, I’m up to my ears in male companionship every moment of my life.

I swept the bit of unruly hair from my cheek that worked its way out of my crown and flicked the back of my hand toward him. So you can go back to all your adoring fans now.

His pale eyes rolled over the starry sky like two searchlights until he found the full moon and nodded at it. I am where Fate commanded me to be at this moment, Moya sestra. We both are.

More or less abandoned by my family when I was a child, the old religion he spoke of made me curl my nose as I rubbed at the thumping in my forehead. Yes, well, those gods of ours can be right cruel twats sometimes. Can’t they?

A rush of air from his nose blew over my skin when he smirked, and I smiled back until his words caught up to me a little at a time. Sestra? As I recalled my vision, my tongue swiped the last bit of sweetness from my lips. Yes, you’ve called me that before. What does it mean?

As quick as a spider, his fingers scurried up my arm and tapped my shoulder. Sister. In our language, Moya sestra means my sister.

The perversions of men never ceased to amaze me, and I groaned as I pushed him away from me. That is quite disturbing to hear come out of your mouth while you’re staring at my tits.

From across the yard, I saw the cauldron of my father’s mind churning, and I didn’t even need to look up at the balcony to know he was there watching. Shit.

The knee of Joey’s finely woven pants twisted between my fingers. Listen, — rolling out of the box he trapped me in, I put my hand between us, so my father would see me distancing myself — let me give you some heartfelt advice.

My eyes widened as I tipped my head toward the overlook where we were being spied on. I’m not certain what you hope to accomplish with all this attention you’re showering me with, but it won’t lead you anywhere worthwhile.

He darted his gaze at my father for a moment as I lifted my fingers at the men surrounding us. Ask any of these soldiers, and they will tell you my father hates me.

Not a twinge of concern crossed his eyes, and I leaned closer so he would understand me. Despises me. That’s why he keeps me hidden away on the barren shores where no rocks grow and only allows me to return when he wishes to show important men like you how vast his army is.

Though only the soft green light of care and concern enveloped him, no comfort existed for me in this cuddly giant who laid his hand on mine.

Struggling to keep my lady parts in my shirt, I twisted my back to pull up my neckline and sighed. I can see that you’re a decent soul, so we should speak no more.

Lunging upward from his seat to catch my arm and steady me as I bobbed and weaved, Joey never budged when I jerked my elbow to free myself. Please, leave me alone.

Rushing me off to the safety of the tall bushes that obscured us from my father, Joey offered everyone we passed his best smile and nod of the head like we were only two lovers escaping for a private moment. My apologies, Your Highness, but you know I cannot do what you ask of me.

At the far end of the courtyard circle, he released me from his grip as I spun away from him. The king is a despicable man, and he realizes we are fond of each other. Believe me when I tell you he intends to punish us both for it.

Joey nodded as he grabbed my fingers. I know this, and it does not frighten me. I rolled my eyes away, and he cupped my cheeks in his palms until I looked at him. And when I leave tomorrow, you will come with me.

I’d never stepped foot outside the borders of my home, and I laughed in his face as I pulled his hands away. Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not going anywhere. I couldn’t if I wanted to.

Squishing me into a side hug to mask our conversation from my father’s guards, Joey held my head in place against him with his cheek as we passed the back gate. You are meant for greater things than dying on a battlefield for a man who would not do the same for you.

As soon as we got to the next row of greenery, I pushed him away. I couldn’t care less about my father.

The heel of the horrid shoe I wore broke off when I stomped it into the ground. But this is my homeland. My people and I would die for any of them.

Poisoned by the very hand meant to raise me, Father’s words were hammered into my tongue. I was powerless against his treachery. This is the life we live as leaders. Our duty. Our reason for existing. Isn’t it?

The way his mouth ticked up on end, he knew better than anyone what I meant.

Still, he swung his head no at me as I hobbled up the stairs to escape him. I know what it is your king wants of me, — like the pages of a book flipping quickly before my eyes, the future played out before me — but there’s nothing I can do for him or anyone else to change what’s going to happen. I’m sorry.

Every step further I got away from his hint of vanilla and musk, my visions faded until nothing remained but the warm shores I longed for.

As soon as I cleared the threshold of my bedroom, I slammed the door behind me. But that roar that broke through every barrier I put up could not be silenced, no matter how hard I pressed my palms into my ears.

My Oath

Moya

The white silken gown clung tight to my skin in the frosty air, and the twinkling crystals of ice lining the forest floor seared into the soles of my feet as I crept along to my doom.

While flakes of snow fell all around me, soft plumes of smoke chugged from the chimney of the rickety thatched roof shack in the middle of nowhere, and the taste of the air tickled my throat enough to make me cough myself awake again.

The shutters slammed against the wall as the matron’s stern eye followed me to the next set of windows. The king requests your urgent presence.

Rolling my fists over my head as I yawned, I watched the younger servant bring my dress from the cabinet through my fuzzy vision. Have you any inkling about what kind of trap I’m walking into this time?

The last of the easterly drapes parted, and the blood-red morning sky spread out over the horizon, wavy in the morning chill burning off the ground. Like a fiery beacon to warn me that whatever awaited me on the other side of the castle would be the end of everything good.

The heels of my hands dug into the soft bedding as I scooted my bottom to the edge of my mattress. Nevermind.

My blankets flipped back off me, and I pulled the bands from my braids to let them unravel as they rushed to straighten my bed behind me.

No sooner than I got to my feet, the matron ripped my sleep gown away. He met with the bear prince at first light, and they’re waiting for you in the throne room.

The simple cotton gown I wore to bed the night before yanked free of my feet as the maid-in-training bunched the only dress in my armoire for me to step inside. Dammit. I knew this would happen.

While her fingers twisted the closures together on my back, I turned my chin to speak to her in the mirror beside me. I don’t suppose you overheard any of that private conversation. Did you?

Her cheek bunched up at me, and she avoided my eyes, making me groan. Of course. Shaking my hair out as I went to my mirror, I grabbed the first bottle of spirits on my dresser and uncorked it. Gods be merciful.

While I sucked back the bitter concoction, I squinted at myself, and a white film of frost swept over the vanity glass. Little by little, it faded again, and that massive white bear from my nightmares reached out to me until the handmaid shook me from my premonitions. Hurry, Moya.

Holding onto that last mouthful of whiskey until I reached the foyer, I straightened the hair hanging from my shoulders as I waited for the guard to lean in and knock on Father’s door.

A hint of amusement lined the old bastard’s wrinkled green eyes, and he bent his fingers into his palm as he looked away from the window he and Joey stood before. Thank you for joining us.

I dipped my knees to him as I lowered my head. My apologies, Your Majesty. You threw such a lovely affair last evening that I’m afraid I needed a few more hours to recover.

Father cocked his brow at me as he leaned across his desk to scribble his name over that worthless treaty he had no intention of honoring. Prince Joseph has claimed you as his rightful mate and intends for you to return with him to the bear kingdom when he leaves this morning.

Nearly choking on my spit, I fought to catch my breath between my coughs and fans of my face as he pulled his chair away from the table. And I was curious to hear your thoughts on this matter, since you’ve always been so opposed to being married off to anyone.

Armed with enough ammunition now to annihilate me a hundred times over, King Fildur’s wrinkle of the nose dared me to test him. I, of course, assured him I would never come between fated mates such as you. But you swore yourself to the office of High Commander, and I was certain you wouldn’t wish to resign your commission. However, he insisted on getting this news from your mouth.

Bending his neck to the side, Father’s eyes twinkled with joy at the thought of making me suffer. And as a woman of this kingdom with your own opinions and motivations, I will leave such matters for you to work out with your conscience.

The life of every man under my authority hung in the balance. I didn’t know Joey or this bear king at all. However, I’d seen into the darkest corners of my father’s black heart.

Only one option would keep my soldiers alive to fight the real enemy looming above us, I hoped. My father is wise and understands my heart’s desires.

Every second I spent with the prince, my powers seemed to multiply, and I reached out for his fingers for one last taste of it. With respect, I must decline your proposal.

A hard sigh through his nose closed his eyes, and I ducked my head aside to look at him. My sword is my true mate, and I can belong to no other.

My brow arched back at my father as I peeked over my shoulder. If it pleases the king, — turning out of Joey’s fingers, no matter how he tried to pull me back, I brought my hand to my chest — "I should like to