Prince Kurat and Nari. Book 1, The Lycan Prince series

Chapter 5

Nari

The castle is huge; I am finding it hard to take in the place. We were only just through the door, and were standing in the entrance hall, when he asked if I would like a tour of the castle. When he asked where I would like to see first, I just knew a place this grand would have a library. I have no idea why, but I feel calm in his presence, almost safe.

I was lost in my own thoughts when we were interrupted by a female. She was pretty, her brown hair hung down her back. Her brown eyes kept flitting from the prince to myself. She had an air of entitlement about her, beta or gamma blood perhaps. She looked me up and down, her eyes landing on my hand on his arm. The look of disgust as she demanded to know who I am, has me wondering who she is.

As we walk away from her after a quick introduction, I can feel his anger its strange it's as though it’s my own. Asking if he's ok, he just smiles at me, I am taken aback at how handsome he is with a smile on his face, I just shrug it off trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach. The prince takes my hand again, the faint tingles that were there before are now back. Finding comfort in his touch I decide to allow him to take my hand as he leads us through many passages and a flight of stairs.

I’m not sure what I was expecting if I am honest, the moment he pushed open the huge double doors my eyes grew wide in amazement. The musky smell of old books hit me along with an air of not being used very often. In front of me was the biggest library I had ever seen, not that I had seen many, except the one in the pack once, but I guess that counted. As he turns to me his face has a concerned look on it.

“Is it ok?” He asks as a single tear runs down my cheek. Bringing my hand up to cover my mouth I just nod, trying really hard not to cry. He instantly panics thinking he has done something wrong. Grabbing his hand, I shake my head.

“Kurat, this is amazing. I love it.” He just rubs the back of his head; a pink tint creeps up his cheek. “Thank you, are you sure I can use it? No one seems to have been here for a long time.” He instantly tenses up and I feel like I have said something wrong. “Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you.” I want to kick myself for ruining the moment. He was trying to do something nice for me.

“It was my mother’s library, no one really comes here except me.” I thought I heard him wrong; he spoke in an almost whisper. He just looked at me and smiled but it didn't reach his eyes, he looks sad. Deciding to change the subject I start to ask about his favourite books, and we spend another hour chatting about books.

Getting to the room I was going to be staying in I was slightly confused, instead of going down to the quarters where the staff would live we went up. Now I am standing on the top floor in a room that you could fit the whole downstairs of the orphanage into. I turn to look at the prince, he senses my confusion.

“Nari, I hope you don't mind but I'll put you here, next to my room.” He looks a bit unsure as though I would be angry.

“What about the other girls?” I know I was the last of the six other females giving as a gift. As tradition says the prince will court all six. Spending time with each gift until he makes the final choice, each female is to take part in many activities, including training, pack history and etiquette. He just looks down.

“I know I have to spend time with you all, I just didn't want you staying in the staff quarters. If you would feel better being there I can get one of the maids to move your things.” Placing my hand on the now flustered prince, he looks me in the eye, and I say.

“Kurat, I am more than happy to be here. I just didn't think I was worthy of such a beautiful room.” Saying it out loud makes me remember the she-wolf from earlier, I feel embarrassed. Maybe I don't deserve it, most packs send the daughter of the highest-ranking wolf.

“Look, be careful you are free to do as you want but remember the people in this castle are not your friends. Especially not my brothers and definitely not the other girls. I have had the head maid, Anna, stock the room for you but I can take you shopping for clothes soon. There are work-out clothes in the closet, training is at 6am in the training grounds. I'll see you there, don't be late.” He says as he leaves, giving me a small smile as he closes the door.

Putting down the books I borrowed from the library, I decide to check out the bathroom. Opening the door, I am stunned at the size of the tub, it is big enough for ten people! Just as Kurat had said the maid has indeed stocked things for me. Sitting on the side is the softest, soft pink nightdress and underwear. Going back into the room there is a note on the bedside table.

‘Welcome to the castle Nari, food will be brought up at seven. I do hope you like what I have picked out for you, if there is anything else you need please let me know. Thanks Anna .’

Placing the note down, I go to the closet. I open the door to the closet and my jaw drops; it is the largest closet I’ve ever seen. I spot the clothes Anna has kindly picked out for me. I am glad when I spot the shoes, she has picked three sizes of each of the shoes she has left. I smile and decide to curl up on the large armchair by the window to read while I wait for food.