The Time I Tripped into a Curse and got two Mates

Chapter 32

My anxiety increased as we crossed the border to the Lycan Kingdom. Although the landscape outside the car window was beautiful, it did little to soothe the nerves twisting in my stomach. Ivan and Malcolm had been silent for most of the journey, for which I was grateful. But as we neared the grand castle, my nerves shifted to the feeling of awe.

When we finally arrived, the grandeur of the palace took my breath away. Its towering spires seemed to touch the sky, and the sheer size of the structure made me feel small and insignificant. The ornate stone walls were covered in ivy, and massive wooden doors loomed ahead that were flanked by royal guards who saluted as we approached. The princes led me through the grand entrance, and I marveled at the luxurious surroundings. There were rich tapestries, gleaming chandeliers, and intricately carved marble banisters.

The halls echoed with our footsteps as we walked through the vast palace. I was still feeling anxiety from the complete 180 my life had taken, and as I saw more and more of the palace, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease growing in my chest.

“Everything okay?” Malcolm asked, his voice soft.

“Just…nervous, I guess,” I admitted as I glanced at him.

Malcolm squeezed my hand gently. “I understand. We’ll be here with you every step of the way. Just let us know what you need and it’s yours.”

I nodded, appreciating his support, but the churning lump in my gut didn’t fade. I was about to enter a world completely different from what I’d known–a world where I would be an outsider and likely scrutinized and judged.

As we rounded a corner, a woman stepped into our path. She was tall and striking with long black hair that cascaded down her back. Her eyes were sharp and discerning and seemed to see right through me. She wore a flowing gown of deep purple, the color of royalty, and a small coronet rested upon her head.

“Malva! Just the person I was looking for,” Ivan said with a wide smile.

“I’m glad you’re back.” she replied, voice smooth. Her gaze shifted to me and I straightened instinctively.

“You must be Evellette,” she said with a warm tone in her voice. “I’ve heard a great deal about you already.”

“Princess,” I started as my head bowed slightly. “It’s an honor to meet you.”

Malva’s lips curled into a smile as she extended a hand toward me. “Please, there’s no need for formalities, we are family after all. Call me Malva.”

I hesitated for a moment before taking her hand and I was surprised by the gentle firmness of her grip.

“Come with me,” Malva said as her eyes softened, “There’s something I’d like to show you.”

I glanced at Ivan and Malcolm, who both nodded encouragingly, and then I followed Malva as she led me down the corridor. We walked in silence for a while as we climbed what must have been hundreds of stairs until she stopped in front of a large window that overlooked the palace gardens.

“This view always calms me,” Malva said softly as he gaze fixed on the lush greenery outside. “I often come here when I need to clear my mind.”

She was right. The sight of the gardens from this vantage point made everything seem so small.

“It’s beautiful,” I replied breathlessly.

Malva turned to face me, her expression serious but gentle. “I can sense your unease, Evelette. I know this transition won’t be easy for you. But I wanted you to know that you have a friend here. Ivan and Malcolm are my younger brothers and I always want them to be happy. If the great Moon Goddess chose you for them, then you must be a woman of worth.”

I nodded as I felt grateful for her understanding and offer of friendship. “It’s just…everything is happening so fast. I’m just worried I won’t be up to snuff.”

Malva smiled kindly. “Change is never easy, but it’s how we grow. You’re stronger than you think, I’m sure of it. Especially after hearing about you and all you have done.”

Her words struck a deep chord within me and I felt a surge of warmth in my chest. “Thank you, Malva. That means a lot.”

She placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Remember, you’re not alone in this. You have my brothers, and you have me. I’ll help you find your place or be an ear for you when you need to b*tch about my brothers,” She finished with a laugh.

I let out a small chuckle in return. Her kindness was unexpected, but deeply appreciated. I felt my tension melt away slightly as I accepted this new-found ally in Malva. After a brief pause where both of us gazed out at the garden, Malva turned to me.

“Alright, how about I show you your room?” She offered.

“My room?” I repeated, a mix of surprise and curiosity in my tone. “I’ll have my own room?”

Malva’s lips curled into an amused smile as she raised an eyebrow. “Of course. Unless you plan to bounce back and forth between Ivan and Malcolm’s room, that is. We figured you’d want your own space. Is that not correct?”

I blinked as I processed her words. “No, no. Actually, having my own room is exactly what I wanted. I guess I just assumed it was going to be expected of me to…you know…” My voice trailed off as the words caught in my throat. I couldn’t bring myself to say it outright, not in front of their sister.

Malva’s eyes sparkled with understanding, and then she laughed– a loud, boisterous laugh that echoed through the hallway. “You thought you’d be forced to comply before you were ready?”

I looked down, feeling a bit sheepish. “I didn’t think that hard about it, to be honest. But I’m glad that my initial thought was wrong.”

Malva’s laughter softened into a gentle smile as she reached out to touch my arm reassuringly. “Evelette, we may be Lycans, but we’re not barbarians. We pride ourselves in respecting boundaries, especially where matters of the heart are concerned. Believe me, my brothers may be bone-headed sometimes, but they would never push you into something you’re not ready for.”

I couldn’t help but smile at the thought. My own room–a place to call mine in this vast, unfamiliar world. It felt like a small piece of stability in the midst of all the change.

“Ok, come on, I’ll show you to your room,” Malva said as she gestured for me to follow her.

As we walked down the stairs and into another long and ornately decorated hallway, I couldn’t help but notice the way Malva moved with such confidence and grace. She carried herself like someone who was not only comfortable in her own skin, but also deeply aware of the power she wielded. Yet, there was no arrogance to her demeanor.

We reached a set of heavy double doors in the middle of a corridor on the 3rd floor.

“Ivan and Malcolm's rooms are on either end of this corridor. Ivan’s is down that way,” she pointed to the right, “and Malcolm’s is that way.” She said as she pointed to the left. I was comforted to know that they were nearby.

Malva pushed open the double doors and revealed a spacious, beautifully furnished room. The walls were adorned with soft, muted colors, and the large four-poster bed was draped in luxurious linens. There was a cozy sitting area by the window that overlooked the palace gardens, and a fireplace stood ready to ward off any chill.

“This is your room,” she said as she stepped aside to let me in.

I walked slowly into the room and felt a sense of awe. The space was warm and inviting, yet elegant–a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication.

“It’s…amazing,” I breathed as I ran my fingers over the soft fabric of the bed spread.

Malva smiled, pleased by my reaction. “I’m glad you like it. I got to decorate it myself.” She beamed.

I turned to her as my heart swelled with gratitude. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Evelette,” she replied, her tone sincere. “And remember, if you ever need anything–whether it’s advice, a listening ear, or someone to talk to–I’m here.”

I felt my eyes welling up with tears, and for the first time since leaving my pack, I felt a sense of belonging, a sense that just maybe, I could truly find a comfortable home here in the Lycan Kingdom.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

Malva reached out and squeezed my hand gently, her smile kind as she looked at me. As she left me to settle into my new room, I stood in the center of the space, taking in the details–the soft light filtering through the curtains, the subtle scent of fresh flowers, and the comforting warmth from the fireplace. The fireplace? When was that lit? This was my new home, and while the road ahead would undoubtedly be challenging, I knew I was where I belonged…at least I hoped.

With a deep breath, I sat on the edge of the bed, feeling a sense of peace I hadn’t felt since I was home with my parents. I knew that whatever I faced, I was going to do so with strength and grace. I wasn’t Evelette of the Blue Pearl Pack anymore. I was Evelette, mate to the Lycan princes, and future Queen.

*****

A while later, a gentle knock echoed through my room. I crossed the soft carpet and opened the door to see two women with my luggage. They were dressed in simple, yet elegant uniforms and their postures were straight and professional.

“Hello, Ms. Evelette,” the first woman said with a polite smile. “We’ve brought up your things and have been tasked with putting them away.” Her tone was formal, but there was a clear warmth to her that put me at ease.

I returned the smile as I greeted them. “Hi, thank you so much. But you really don’t have to put my things away. I can handle it myself.”

The woman’s smile deepened as her eyes twinkled with understanding. “We insist, Ms. Evelette. It’s our job as your ladies to assist with anything you need.” She exchanged a quick glance with the other woman, who nodded in agreement. “Plus, you’ve been requested to join the royal family for dinner this evening. The King and Queen are eager to meet you.”