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I helped her back toward the throne stage and called the gala to attention. When the band had stopped playing music and the conversation diminished, I began.
“As you’re aware, I will be celebrating my twenty-fifth birthday in a week’s time. As per Ironhelm law and tradition, I will officially be crowned king upon my marriage to an appropriate queen—in this case, Zephyrine, First Fae of Carrottrove, as contracted in the blood oath between our forefathers a long while before either one of us was even conceived.”
I looked at Zephyrine, who looked magnificent under the spotlights from above, and she managed a weak smile. “I was very fortunate that Miss Zephyrine was not born a troll or siren, but a beautiful, spirited fae who has already captured my attention and will undoubtedly steal your hearts. Miss Zephyrine would like to speak a few words. Zephy?”
I turned to offer her my hand, and Zephyrine took it, rising from her throne to smooth out the front of her crimson gown with her other hand. I caught the beads of nervous sweat on her face as she looked into the sea of faeries, swallowing thickly. “Thank you all for honoring me here on this lovely night,” she began. “As you know, I hail from Carrottrove…”
Out of the corner of my eye, a flash of movement caught my attention, and then a heap of snarling fur came rushing toward us. Someone screamed, and my primal instincts took over as the bear shifter’s teeth sunk into Zephyrine’s extended arm as she warded off the attack.
My body morphed into my wolf form, hind legs springing into action, claws latching onto the back of the grizzly as my own fangs dug hard and deep into his throat, pulling ruthlessly.
A feral groan of agony filled the ballroom, overtaking the shrieks of terror. Red sprayed the thrones as everyone began to flee in all directions, but I did not let go. I continued to rip at the attacker, ensuring his throat was fully in my mouth. Warning blasts emanated from the guards’ guns, and a cloud of blue magic erupted over the light of the crystal chandeliers.
I didn’t take note of who had released the spell, the bear in my paws gargling. He swung around, swiping his massive paws. But my claws remained deep in his flesh, the life seeping out of him until he finally succumbed to his brutal injuries, collapsing on the ground at Zephyrine’s feet.
The din in the ballroom reached a fever pitch, but I could focus on nothing but the blood pouring from Zephyrine’s arm, the dazed look on her pale face stopping my heart. Her complexion was an unhealthy opaque, the blue hue only enhancing the eeriness of her state.
Finally releasing the bear, I rushed toward her, urging her silently to climb onto my back. In a haze, she seemed to comprehend my instructions, and the moment she was on me, I fled the gala, bumping past the hysterical guests in the process. All I could think about was getting Zephy to safety.
Chapter14
Zephy
Ibarely remembered getting back to my suite on Cade’s back. Shock consumed me, a fog overtaking my mind as the walls of the palace whizzed past me.
It was a miracle I was able to hold on to him at all, but when my head began to clear, I lay on my bed, Cade’s naked fae form over me, his eyes closed as his lips moved. It took several minutes before I was able to make sense of what he was saying.
“W-what happened?” I mumbled, twisting my head one way, then the other.
“Shh!” he ordered me without opening his eyes, his hands still extended over my body without touching.
My gaze fell toward my bleeding arm, and suddenly, the horrific memory of what had just occurred came rushing back to my mind in a torrent. The rush of the massive bear, the terrifying feel of my flesh breaking as the attack came for me, the ultimate knowledge that my life was going to end right then and there.
A low wail of horror fell out of my mouth, popping Cade’s eyes back open again.
“Are you in pain?” he demanded, crouching to my side, his red-streaked hands reaching for my face. “Shh, it’s all right, Zephy. I’m here. You’re safe now.”
The cry trailed off, and I buried my face in his bare shoulder, tears falling down my face.
“Why?” I moaned. “Why did he do that? Who was he? I didn’t do anything to him!”
“He’ll never hurt you again. No one will ever hurt you; I swear it,” he growled, his words only making me cry harder.
I struggled against my overwhelming emotion, wiping my eyes.
“Who was that?” I demanded again. “Why did he come after me?”
“Never mind that now,” Cade told me firmly. “Let me look at your arm.”
Begrudgingly, I sat back and allowed him to study the wound, the sight of it churning my stomach.
“Call on Maywin. She’ll create a salve,” I mumbled, the dizziness returning.
“There’s no need to call her in,” Cade informed me, placing his hands over my puncture wounds and abrasions.
Immediately, I felt the pulsating heat of healing fire through my veins, and I gasped as I felt the flesh bind back together. Blinking, I gawked at him.
“You’re a healer!” I choked, pulling my arm back to look.
