The Time I Tripped into a Curse and got two Mates

Chapter 33

The mention of the King and Queen made my heart skip a beat. I’d been so caught up in the whirlwind of events that I hadn’t even considered meeting them. “Oh,” I stammered as I tried to keep my composure. “Thank you for letting me know. I’ll freshen up then.”

The second woman, who had been quietly observing, spoke up with a gentle voice. “We’ll handle everything from here. Please take your time to prepare. We can even lay out an outfit if you like.”

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded as I realized their help would actually make things easier. I had no idea what would be appropriate to wear to a dinner with the King and Queen. “That would be great, thank you.”

As they began unpacking my things with practiced efficiency, I moved to the adjoining bathroom to freshen up. The cool water on my face helped to steady me as I thought about the upcoming dinner. Meeting the King and Queen was a big deal, and I wanted to make a good impression, especially considering they were my mate’s parents.

When I returned to the bedroom, the women had already neatly organized my clothes into the wardrobe and dresser. On the bed, lay a beautiful dress of a deep emerald green. The fabric shimmered softly under the light, and I couldn't help but admire their choice.

“This dress is lovely,” I said as I ran my finger over the smooth material.

“We thought it would suit you well.” The first woman said with a pleased smile. “We’ll leave you to get ready, then,” the second woman said as she inclined her head slightly. “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call for us.”

“Of course, thank you.” I said as I turned back to the dress. “Oh wait, I don’t know your names.”

The first woman laughed softly. “My name is Claire, and this is Sheila.”

I quickly walked over to them and shook both of their hands as I looked them warmly in the eyes. “It’s nice to meet you. Thanks for your help.”

They both inclined their heads and then stepped out of the room. With a deep breath, I turned to the dress. I slipped into the emerald dress and marveled at how perfectly it fit. The fabric hugged my figure in all the right places and flowed gracefully to the floor. The bust was modest, though a great deal of cleavage was still visible. Then, I made my way to the vanity, where I sat down to tame the wild tangle of curls on my head.

I carefully pinned a few curls in place and let my hair cascade loosely around my shoulders. I studied my reflection for a moment and scrutinized the result. This is as good as it’s going to get. Satisfied, I reached for the vanity drawer and opened it and my heart lifted slightly at the sight of my jewelry and makeup. Claire and Sheila must have done this.

Among the items, I found what I was looking for: the delicate crescent moon necklace Clay had given me, along with the matching earrings my mother had gifted me. The necklace’s fine chain glinted softly as I fastened it around my neck, the small crescent moon rested just above my collarbone. I attached the earrings next and felt a pang of nostalgia as I remembered my mother’s gentle hands helping me put them on for the first time. The jewelry added just the right touch of elegance to the ensemble and complemented the green of the dress perfectly.

I stood up and moved to the full-length mirror across the room and took a moment to assess the final result.

Good enough. I thought to myself.

I walked to the door, but hesitated before reaching the handle. I realized, with a small jolt of embarrassment, that I didn’t actually know when dinner was supposed to begin. The thought of mind-linking with Claire or Sheila crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it–I didn’t want to startle them without warning. Instead, I decided to check with Ivan or Malcolm. I hoped that at least one of them would be in their room.

I remembered that Malva had mentioned something about their rooms being on either side of the corridor, but I couldn’t quite remember the details. So I decided to just take a chance and approach the room at the very end of the hall. Then I stood in front of the door and knocked firmly.

“Hey, it’s me, Evelette. Are you in there?” I called out, feeling a bit awkward.

The door swung open almost immediately, and Malcolm stood before me and his face lit up with a brilliant smile. His eyes traveled up and down my figure, and I could see the appreciation in his gaze.

“Evelette, what a surprise,” he said, his voice dripping with charm. “You look absolutely incredible. To what do I owe this immense…pleasure?”

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks at the compliments, and I cleared my throat as I tried to maintain my composure. “I was actually wondering if you knew when dinner was. I was told I should join, but I forgot to ask when it was.”

“Oh, well, dinner isn’t for another hour.” Malcolm replied, his tone teasingly suggestive. “Guess that means we have plenty of time…to get to know each other.”

I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t help but give him a small smile. “Perhaps…but maybe I could get a tour of the castle instead?” I suggested as I hoped to divert the conversation away from…innuendos.

Malcolm laughed, a deep rich sound that resonated in the hallway. “Great! How about we start with my room.” he teased as his smile widened.

A flutter of nervousness stirred in my stomach at the suggestion. “Um, well, no,” I responded, my voice flattering slightly. I was beyond flustered and I didn’t quite know how to respond.

Malcolm chuckled again, but then he stepped out of his room and closed the door. “Come on, I’ll show you around.” He said as he offered his arm out to me with a playful wink.

I sighed in relief and took it gratefully.

“The three of us are here, on the third floor,” Malcolm explained as we started walking. “It’s practically an entire house. We’ve got a small kitchen, a living area, and our offices here.” He pointed to the nearest door and opened it to reveal a spacious, neatly organized office. “This is my office, and Ivan’s office is right next to his room as well.” he said as he closed the door.

When we reached the end of the hall, Malcolm pointed out Ivan’s room but didn’t pause as we continued to the grand staircase that led down to the lower floors. Malcolm continued to talk as we descended the grand staircase, his voice a soothing hum in the background, but I found myself too distracted to fully absorb his words. My attention was wholly captured by the exquisite artistry of the staircase rails. Each spindle and baluster had been meticulously carved and depicted a series of scenes that seemed to tell stories. I ran my fingers lightly over the cool, polished wood, and traced the outlines of battles fought by fierce warriors, weddings celebrated with joy, and tender moments of children being brought into the world.

One particular scene caught my eye. It depicted two adult Lycans who were kneeling on their knees and seemed to be pleading with a cloaked figure and the next part showed flames licking the edges of a small cottage. The delicate woodwork captured the destructive beauty of the fire as it consumed the structure. The contrast between the desperation of the Lycans and the silent, inevitable destruction that followed was haunting, and I couldn’t help but wonder about the story behind it. Were those carvings a record of actual events, a glimpse into the history of the Lycan Kingdom? Or were they the creative expressions of a master artisan who wove tales from the depths of their imagination? The thought lingered in my mind as we continued our descent.

Before I knew it, we arrived at the main kitchen, though I couldn’t tell you the turns we made to get here. My disorientation was quickly replaced by awe as I took in the sheer size and grandeur of the room before me. This kitchen was massive. It was easily the size of my entire house back in the Blue Pearl Pack. There were three ovens and at least five refrigerators that were large enough to hold a small feast. The countertops were cluttered with an assortment of pots, pans, and utensils, all impeccably organized despite the apparent chaos of the ongoing meal preparations. Herbs hung in neat rows from the ceiling, their fragrant leaves drying. The scent was intoxicating, and a blend of roasting meats, baking bread, and simmering spices made my mouth water instantly.

I looked up at Malcolm, who was watching me with that familiar amused smile as his eyes twinkled with mischief. “Can I take your astonished face as a sign you like this room?” He asked playfully.

“You have no idea how much I love this room.” I replied as my voice brimmed with excitement. “I’m such a foodie, and there is no doubt that I can make whatever I want in this kitchen.”

Malcolm laughed at me and shook his head. “You know, this is my favorite room too. I probably annoy most of the kitchen staff by asking for snacks so often.”

As is on cue, a small, plump man walked up beside Malcolm as he wiped his hands on his checkered apron. “You’re darn right. We can’t get rid of this hunk of hollow legs.” the man said with a chuckle as he nudged Malcolm affectionately.

Malcolm joined in the laughter, his camaraderie with the man evident. “Evelette, this is the head of our kitchen staff, Kev. In addition to running a tight ship, he plays a mean hand of cards,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes as he looked at Kev.

“And don’t you forget it.” Kev said, equally thrilled by the conversation. “But you should probably get into the dining room. Dinner will be served shortly.”

“Oh sh*t, thanks Kev, I must have lost track of time.” Malcolm said as a hint of urgency crept into his voice. Without missing a beat, he took my hand and began to lead me to a set of double doors. Each step brought me closer and closer to my first meeting with the King and Queen.