Page 25 of Asking Fur Trouble

Bess approached the bed, sinking into a curtsy that she hoped looked graceful rather than awkward. “I’m honored to meet you, Your Majesty.”

“Tell me about Earth,” King Sawyr requested, gesturing for her to sit in the chair beside his bed. “What sort of kingdom did you rule?”

Bess nearly choked. “Oh, I’m not royalty. I was just a regular person—an insurance clerk.”

“Insurance?” The king tilted his head. “Explain this occupation.”

“Well,” Bess began, settling into the conversation, “when people suffer losses or damages, I helped determine what compensation they’re entitled to.” She didn’t mention the soul-crushing monotony, the ungrateful boss, or the canceled dates.

“Ah,” King Sawyr nodded sagely, “so you dispensed justice and mercy. A noble calling.”

Bess had never thought of her job that way. “I suppose I did, in a small way.”

The king’s eyes twinkled. “And what do you think of our Charov? Has he shown you a proper Nova Auroran welcome?”

“Father,” Charov warned, his hand tightening on Bess’s shoulder.

“Your son saved a group of children today,” Bess answered, looking up at Charov with genuine admiration. “He didn’t hesitate before shifting into his magnificent bear and facing down those beasts. It was incredible.”

King Sawyr beamed with pride. “He will make a fine king.”

“The finest,” Bess agreed, surprising herself with how much she meant it. She felt Charov’s eyes on her, intense and searching.

Suddenly, the chamber doors swung open. Gerri swept in, wearing a sleek silver pantsuit that caught the fading sunlight. Despite her small stature, her presence filled the room like a force of nature.

“Your Majesty,” Gerri performed a slight bow with a flourish, “I see you’re looking more vibrant today.”

King Sawyr’s eyes crinkled with genuine pleasure. “The matchmaker herself! Come closer, Gerri Wilder.”

Bess watched in fascination as Gerri approached the royal bed with the confidence of an old friend. Charov stood behind Bess, his large hand still resting possessively on her shoulder, his thumb occasionally brushing the sensitive skin at the nape of her neck. Each touch sent delicious sparks cascading down her spine.

“You’ve outdone yourself this time,” King Sawyr proclaimed, reaching for Gerri’s hand. “This Earth woman is everything my son needs.”

Bess felt her cheeks flush hot with embarrassment and pleasure. Charov’s fingers tightened slightly on her shoulder.

“I believe you mean everything I want, Father,” Charov corrected, his deep voice rumbling through Bess’s body like distant thunder. The possessiveness in his tone made Bess’s stomach flip with a heady mixture of desire and nervousness.

“Our kingdom will be forever indebted to you, Gerri Wilder.” King Sawyr gestured weakly to Queen Zyre, who produced an ornate wooden box from beside the bed. “Please, accept this token of our gratitude.”

The queen opened the box, revealing glittering gold coins nestled in dark velvet. Bess’s eyes widened. Even she could tell this was no small sum.

Gerri shook her head, her white bob swaying gently. “You know my policy, Your Majesty. I never accept payment for matters of the heart.”

Bess blinked in surprise. Who turned down what had to be a fortune in alien gold?

“Then what would you have of us?” the king asked.

Gerri’s eyes momentarily flashed golden—so quickly that Bess thought she might have imagined it. “Continue to rule with a fair hand and an eye toward those in need. That’s all I ask.”

The sincerity in the matchmaker’s voice made Bess’s throat tighten. She was beginning to understand why everyone treated Gerri with such reverence.

The king nodded solemnly. “You have my word.”

A knock at the door preceded the royal doctor’s entrance. The stern-faced man took one look at King Sawyr and frowned. “Your Majesty needs rest now. All visitors must leave.”

Charov stiffened behind Bess, his entire body radiating tension. She instinctively reached back, placing her hand over his where it rested on her shoulder. The simple gesture seemed to calm him, his muscles relaxing slightly under her touch.

“Come, dear,” Gerri said to Bess, “let’s give the family some privacy.”

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