Page 61 of Claimed By Prince Daddy

“State your business,” said the guard to the right of me.

My gaze flicked upward, taking in the golden palace of the summer fae. From this close, I could see the bricks were made out of shimmering gold. The towering spirals stretched so high into the sky I had to crane my head back to glimpse their majestic height. The summer fae king was in there. I would be going in alone, without the protection of Drake—the shadow fae king. Whoever had taken my daughter was in there with her. She needed me.

Jutting my chin and scrounging what little courage I had, I said. “I’m here to seek employment inside the summer fae palace.”

The guards exchanged an unreadable look.

My breath hitched inside my lungs.

The first guard who had spoken to me cast his gaze upon me. His brow pinched. “Come with me.”

With that, he turned and opened the large door, slipping inside. I glanced at the remaining guard. He kept his gaze fixed firmly ahead, ignoring my presence. My lips thinned, and I stepped inside, across the threshold, and into the palace. He led me into the inner courtyard. Soldiers walked to and fro, carrying on their duties. I eyed the broadswords they had sheathed at their hips—the gold plating of their armor. My thoughts flew back to the golden shards the soldier in the field launched at me. And here I found myself surrounded by at least fifty guards milling about. I swallowed and hurried after the guard who entered the palace. He headed down a large corridor flanked by a row of guards on either side. Their expressions were fixed ahead, yet a chill crawled down my spine as I felt their eyes on me as I passed.

Turning right, the guard led me into another corridor, this one more narrow than the first. He paused at the door to the left and knocked.

“Enter,” a nasally voice called from behind the door.

The soldier opened the door and stepped aside—allowing me entrance first. Licking my lips, I entered the room. Before me was a long oak desk, and sitting in the chair was a willow-framed summer fae male.

His long pointed ears peeked out from his silver hair that was cut in a short bob. His long fingers held the quill as he wrote on a piece of parchment. He glanced up upon my entrance, his gray eyes dull with disinterest.

He lowered his quill and tapped a finger on the desk as he eyed the guard, who’d entered behind me. “What is it that could be so important enough to waste my time?”

The guard said, “This female is requesting work.”

The seated male leaned over the desk slightly to peer at me through narrowed eyes. “Requesting work?”

I cleared my throat. “My family and I are poor and in need of money,” I said, my voice small.

The male summer fae lifted an eyebrow as his eyes dragged over my form. His lips pinched as he took in my shabby layers of clothing—the thin weathered tunic I wore and the buckskin pants with mite holes in them. All clothing was meticulously chosen by Drake to appear in desperate need of work. Even my blonde hair was ruffled to make my appearance seem unkempt.

I could tell he was inclined to dismiss me by the way the fae wrinkled his stubby nose.

“I am willing to do any work available,” I said. “Anything.” My heart was in my throat.

Don’t turn me away…please.

“Do you have any skills?”

I shook my head.None that wouldn’t reveal I’m werewolf royalty…

He hummed as he peered at me. After a moment, the fae said, “There is a position open for someone of your nature who has no skills.”

Relief streamed through my veins like cool water. I bowed my head. “Thank you very much, Sir.”

“You shall serve as one of the concubines for the king.” He gave a lecherous smile. “I can tell beneath the tattered clothing that your form will…be greatly pleasing to our majesty.”

My heart dropped. My skin became chilled. “A…concubine?”

The fae male quirked a brow. “Weren’t you in need of employment? Anything?” He said, his words biting.

I bit down hard on the inside of my cheek as horror sank its claws into me. To have to lay down with another man—treated as no more than an elevated prostitute…

Don’t do it, Ember.Drake’s voice flooded my mind.We’ll find another way.

I gasped softly.Can you read my thoughts? Communicate with me inside my mind?

It is a skill that I have acquired now that we’re fully mated. Only mates share this gift with each other. You can communicate with me as well.

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