The Time I Tripped into a Curse and got two Mates

Chapter 35

Shortly after the conversation, we all dispersed to our respective rooms. The grandeur of the palace with its ornate decorations and regal ambiance felt suffocating now. I didn’t feel much like talking to either Malcolm or Ivan after everything I learned, so we walked silently up the stairs.

When we reached the landing, I paused as I turned to face them. The soft light of the sconces on the walls cast long shadows across their faces and made them appear more solemn.

“Goodnight,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. It was all I could manage.

Malcolm and Ivan each returned the sentiment with a nod and a hug. I could see the worry in their eyes, but I couldn’t find the words to comfort them. I wasn’t even sure how I could comfort myself. With a final glance, I turned and solemnly went to my room.

I slipped into bed, but sleep did not come easily. My mind was too restless as it replayed the conversation over and over. When I finally drifted off, it was a fitful sleep that was plagued by shadows and half-formed thoughts. There were no visions to guide me, no answers from the Moon Goddess. The only thing I felt was a sense of unease that seemed to wrap itself around me like a shroud.

I woke up with a start, my heart was pounding in my chest. For a moment, I laid still as I tried to grasp the remnants of a dream that was slipping away. I felt that my dream may have been important, but it was just out of reach, like a word on the tip of my tongue that refused to be spoken. The frustration gnawed at me as I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to remember. But the more I tried, the farther my memory drifted until it was little more than a whisper at the edge of my consciousness. Despite the vagueness of the dream, my entire body vibrated as if it were on the verge of…something. It was a strange sensation.

Fortunately, I felt halfway connected to Malcolm and Ivan, and I could feel a thread of energy that pulsed between us that bound us together in a way that went beyond the physical. It was faint, but undeniable. I tried to focus on that thread, to follow it to its source, but the harder I concentrated, the more it seemed to slip through my fingers. Eventually, I sighed and let it go and decided to ponder it another time. In the meantime, the sun was rising, and I figured it was time to get ready for the day. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but I did know that it was going to start with breakfast.

I left the room, not bothering to change out of my silk pajamas, and quietly crept to the small kitchen. I checked the fridge and was pleased to see that it was stocked with all the essentials needed to cook a good, hearty breakfast. So I grabbed a carton of eggs, bacon, and some butter and put it on the counter. I was in the mood for hash browns but didn’t want to take the time to wash and shred potatoes, so I checked the freezer for frozen hash browns, and found I was lucky, yet again.

I rummaged through the kitchen, pulling open drawers and cabinets in search of the pans and utensils I needed. Cooking my own meal gave me a much-needed sense of normalcy that I wanted to cling to for as long as I could. I knew things would be hard, but I didn’t know exactly how hard. But one thing was for sure, I’d do it my way.

The sizzle of eggs in the pan and the comforting crackle of bacon filled the air. For a moment, I could almost pretend things were the same as before. I quietly sang to myself and assembled my breakfast on a plate and turned to sit at the small table near the window. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest.

“Ahh, what the f*ck!” I yelped as I clutched my chest.

Malcolm casually leaned against the doorway as his eyes twinkled at me in amusement.

“You scared me. How long have you been here?” I asked, heart pounding.

His lips curled into a playful smirk. “Oh long enough to know that you sing to yourself when you think no one is watching,” he said, his tone teasing.

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I quickly replayed the last few minutes in my head. “Hope you enjoyed the show.” I replied sarcastically, though I was unable to suppress a smile.

“Oh, I really did,” he said with a smooth chuckle. “In fact, I’d like an encore.”

I scoffed as I shook my head. “Whelp. Sorry, buddy, the show is over. Guess you’ll have to learn to live with disappointment.

He stepped forward as his eyes hinted at mischief. “I’m sure I can convince you otherwise,” he said in a low, playful voice, “I can be very persuasive.”

My heart did a small flip at his words, but I quickly masked my reaction with a huff. “We’ll see about that, I suppose.” I replied as I tried to keep my voice steady. “There is more breakfast if you’re hungry. I made enough for the three of us.”

Malcolm’s smile softened as he walked over to the counter and grabbed a plate. “Ivan won’t be joining us. He had to leave for the northern border early this morning with our father.”

I frowned as I chewed on a piece of bacon. “Is everything alright?” I asked between bites of food.

Malcolm shrugged, though there was a tension in his shoulders that I hadn’t noticed before. “Hopefully. There were just reports of rogues up north who have been causing problems.”

I furrowed my brow, “But isn’t north just…ice?” I asked as I pictured the frozen wastelands. “How could anyone survive up there?”

Malcolm nodded his head. “Yup, that’s what we’ve thought too. Father thinks the claims are exaggerated, but Ivan…well, he’s more cautious. He believes that people might have actually found a way to survive there. If it’s true, it could be bad for us because we’ve already been having issues with rogue attacks from the north. If they’ve made a stronghold, then it would be nearly impossible to confront them for a long period of time in those conditions.”

I tapped my chin thoughtfully as I considered his words. I didn’t respond, but I did think about how I would fit into an issue like this once I became Queen Luna. And I continued to think about it as we ate in companionable silence.

Once the last bite of food was gone, Malcolm stood up and started washing the dishes. I thanked him and stood up to leave, but I hesitated when I reached the door. A nervous flutter settled in my stomach as I thought about what I wanted to ask him.

“Did you want to spend the day together?” I asked shyly. “I’d really like to continue the tour, if you’re willing.”

Malcolm paused mid-scrub and turned to face me with a genuine smile that made my heart skip a beat. “There is nothing I’d love more than to spend the day with you.” he said softly as his eyes locked onto mine. His words were simple, but they sent a warm flush through my body.

“Great,” I managed to squeak out as my voice betrayed my nerves. “I’ll go and get dressed then.”

His smile turned into a teasing grin as his eyes returned to playful mischief. “Or you could not…” he said with a wink as he leaned casually against the counter. He clearly enjoyed how flustered I had become.

I rolled my eyes dramatically, though I couldn’t suppress the grin tugging at my lips. “You wish,” I replied playfully. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. You’d better be ready to show me the secrets of this place.” I called over my shoulder as I walked to the door, my heart still racing from this flirtatious banter.

I felt unexpectedly excited as I was getting dressed. I also felt unexpectedly nervous about spending the day with Malcolm. So nervous, in fact, that I must have tried on half a dozen outfits before I settled on a knee-length, blue sundress. I took one final glance in the mirror and headed out to meet him.

I looked down the hall and saw he was waiting for me on the landing. His figure was relaxed as he looked out the large window. The filtered light from the window shone beautifully on his sculpted features. He must have heard me approaching, because he turned to face me and I saw a broad grin across his face.

“You ready?” he asked, his voice warm and inviting.

“Most definitely,” I said cheerfully. “Show me the way.”

He extended his arm with a playful flourish. “Then let me show you the wonders of your new home, Your Highness,” he teased as he bowed slightly.

I rolled my eyes but took his arm. “Lead the way, oh grand tour guide.”

We walked through the hallways of the castle, and Malcolm began explaining the history behind a few pieces of art or artifacts that adorned the walls. Malcolm stopped in front of a painting of a fierce Lycan warrior whose eyes glowed with an amber rage.

“Now this guy,” Malcolm said dramatically, “is my great-great-great-grandfather. He was notorious for ruthlessly challenging anyone who questioned his authority. It was said he even threw chairs at visitors if they offended him.”

I raised an eyebrow at him as I suppressed a laugh. “So, you’re telling me a chair is your family’s secret weapon?”

Malcolm grinned. “What can I say? We’re known for our dramatic flair.” He leaned in closer as his voice lowered conspiratorially. “I can show you my secret weapon if you like.”

I nudged him lightly with my elbow, smirking. “I think I’ll pass, but I appreciate the offer.” Though in all honesty, I desperately wanted to see his secret weapon…