Page 20 of Claimed By Prince Daddy

I offered her a small grin in return. At seeing my smile, I swore her eyes danced.

She resumed walking, and I fell into step beside her. Then, two figures moved toward us. They wore dark armored plating; their long hair pulled back into identical sever buns. At their hips were long broadswords in their sheathes.

The royal guards.

I cocked my head, halting, waiting for them to draw closer. Ember stopped at my side.

She blinked, turning her attention to me. “Is something wrong?” She whispered, her voice laced with concern at sighting the guards.

“I don’t know,” I murmured.

Ember stiffened, and I swept a soothing hand down her arm.

“Your Highnesses,” the guards said, halting before us. They drew up their hands toward the sky in the customary salute.

Ember and I dipped our chins in acknowledgment.

The taller of the two spoke up, his gaze fastened on me. “You’re needed in the throne room, Prince Drakegeon. Your father has sent for you.”

I felt the temperature in the air drop a few degrees at the guard’s words. My eyes immediately shot to Ember. Hers were round with worry, her face growing a few shades paler. I felt my stomach twist at seeing her flirtatious mood only moments ago, having gone away with the wind. I reached out to gently grip her hand. Her eyes snapped to me, and I could read the questions shining through them.

‘Will you go to war? Will you forever be stamped in time as my enemy?’

I tugged Ember to the side of the cobblestone path, drawing her away from the guards, and murmured low so only she could hear his words. “You know it cannot possibly be a conflict about our kingdoms. We’re engaged. My father may have something else he wishes to speak to me about.”

Ember licked her lips before replying, “You know this alliance is so fragile between our people—that it relies solely on us. What if your father has changed his mind? You told me yourself that he changes his mind for far less.”

I swept my hands up her arms and felt a seed of male satisfaction at seeing her body quiver under my touch as I placed my hands on top of her shoulders.

“You are correct. I did say that about my father.” I winced inwardly. “But one thing I know about my father is that he wants this peace treaty as much as we do.”

Ember slowly lowered her gaze, her head falling a notch. “Truly?”

I cocked my head slightly. “What?”

“Do we really want this peace treaty?” Her shoulders stiffened under my hold. “You still talk of not wanting marriage. I see you andhertogether.” Her eyes having gone amber, she glared up at me.

I wasn’t a fool. I knew who she spoke of.

Rosalana…

My brow furrowed.

“You know what this treaty entails, Drake. More than the…friendship that we somehow found ourselves developing.”

I squeezed her shoulders. “Of course, I know.” My gaze softened. “I care about you, Ember.”

More than I should.

I was male enough to admit to myself that this werewolf Princess standing before me had utterly captured my heart, mind, and soul. Never had I wanted anyone or anything so badly before in my life. But Rosalana…What was I to do about her? I couldn’t just toss aside my promise to my late friend Gallux? Bile rose in my throat as I thought of the pain that would flash across Rosalana’s eyes if I broke my promise to her.

But what about to myself,I thought, a coil of dismay and despair slowly tightening around my throat.

“Your Highness,” the second guard spoke up. “What are we to say to your father?”

I growled low in my throat at having been disturbed. Ember backed up a step breaking out of my hold. My arms fell to my sides. I felt as if a cold chill was left in her wake.

“Go to your father. I’ll…I’ll be here.”

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