Court of the Shifter 5 Chapter 2

The dwelling was empty when we entered, and our lips met as soon as we crossed the threshold. I guided Luxe to the bed by walking backward and pulling her toward me without breaking the connection between us, but I paused when the back of my legs touched the fur pile we slept in.

Then I untied the strings holding Luxe’s outfit together, and I trailed kisses across her clavicle and shoulders once I pushed the fabric down her arms. The polar bear woman grasped the back of my head with fistfuls of my hair as I lowered the lace up dress more and more, and once her nipples were visible, I wasted no time pulling them into my mouth.

Luxe gasped and arched her back, and the motion caused her outfit to fall the rest of the way to the floor. My hands floated across her flesh like butterflies landing on flowers, and I could feel goosebumps erupting in the wake of my fingers. The geometric swirling designs of her tattoos made her look like a work of art, and I wondered how long she’d had them.

When I returned to her mouth, Luxe claimed mine hungrily, and I pulled her body hard against mine. The corded muscles of my abs contracted as the shifter ran her fingers down my torso, and a moment later, her palm rubbed against the shape of my erection through my pants. I leaned into the touch, and Luxe wiggled her hips happily.

“Why am I the only one naked?” Luxe gave me a mock pout as she tugged my shirt up.

It only took a few seconds to shed my layers and stand before her in the flesh, but the mohawked beauty immediately dropped to her knees and took my tip between her lips. I groaned with pleasure as her mouth encased my throbbing member, but this only seemed to encourage her to take even more.

I felt the texture of the back of her throat, and I held her head there for a moment because I didn’t want the feeling to ever end, but when I let her come up for air, a long strand of saliva dangled from her mouth to my mushroom cap.

“Fuck, you’re sexy,” I complimented and ran my thumb over her wet lower lip.

“Am I getting better?” Luxe grinned up at me as she ran her closed fists down my slippery shaft.

“Every time,” I assured her.

“Good.” Luxe wiggled happily before she went back to business on my cock.

The polar bear woman bobbed her head up and down my shaft faster and faster until shivers ran up my spine, but I wasn’t ready to let go of my self control, so I hauled her to her feet and gently pushed her onto the bed. Once Luxe landed, she instinctively spread her legs, and I lowered myself between them with a mischievous smile.

“Can I?” I asked as my gaze flicked from her glistening pink pussy to her lust-filled eyes.

“Please,” Luxe breathed.

I didn’t need any further encouragement, and I had her lower lips sucked into my mouth an instant later. Luxe groaned with delight as she ran her fingers through my hair, and I moved my head from side to side until her entire crevice was covered in a mixture of my saliva and her juices.

Once she was nice and lubricated, I slid a single finger inside her tight little pussy, and the polar bear woman arched her back as she spread her legs even more. Then I placed a hand on her lower stomach to hold her down while I licked her clit at the same pace I was fingering her.

“Eli, oh, Eli, that feels so good,” Luxe gasped out, and she squeezed her eyes shut.

“Come for me,” I urged as I came up for air.

Luxe moved her hips in a rhythmic circle in time to the strokes of my finger, and I could feel her internal muscles tightening around my digit. She was so tight, I longed to feel her wrapped around my girth, but I wanted to make her orgasm first.

“There, there, there!” Luxe groaned as a shiver ran through her entire body, and I could see her legs shaking in the corners of my eyes.

The polar bear woman thrashed as the orgasm washed over her, and she shivered intensely until her whole body froze in place. Her cries were cut off, but her mouth hung open, and her eyes stared unseeing at the ceiling above us. Finally, a shuddering breath entered her lungs, and her muscles relaxed all at once like a puppet with its strings cut.

“Wow,” Luxe murmured as a pleased smile stretched the corners of her lips. “You’re really good at that.”

“Just takes some practice,” I chuckled.

I rose up to kneel between her legs, and Luxe wiggled her hips when she felt my tip against her entrance. The slippery lips guided my cock right where it needed to go, and I slid my length inside her gently and steadily. We groaned in unison when I buried myself to the hilt, and I stayed frozen in place for a moment to enjoy the sensations coursing through my body.

Then I gripped one of her thighs in the palm of each hand, and I pressed her legs open wide as I stroked my cock in and out of her. Luxe stared up at me with a flushed sweaty face full of pleasure, and I watched as her perfect breasts bounced in sync with the movements of my hips.

“That… feels… so… good,” Luxe moaned. “Don’t stop.”

“You’re so tight I could explode right now,” I grunted. “But don’t worry, I want to turn you into a messy puddle before then.”

“You always do,” Luxe said, and her tongue darted out to moisten her lips. “You take such good care of me. All of me.”

I grinned, but then I flopped onto the bed beside her before I pulled her on top of me. Luxe straddled my hips and wiggled my cock back inside her tight tunnel, and once she was in the right position, the polar bear woman lifted herself up and down on my shaft. She ground her hips until I could feel her cervix against my tip, and I lifted a hand to her throat.

Luxe’s eyes widened in surprise at the dominant behavior, but I kept a controlled grip on her neck. I could see the vulnerability in her eyes, and the sight sent another shiver through my body. I grasped her tightly, and I squeezed one of her ass cheeks into my other hand.

Luxe moved faster and faster as her love juices dripped down my thighs and under my balls, but I could feel her skin heating up. I knew I could get another orgasm out of her, so I pushed her back and rubbed my thumb against her clit while she rode me like a cowgirl breaking in a new colt.

“Oh! Oh! Yes!” Luxe panted as her body began to shake again, but the feeling of her pulsating around my shaft nearly drove me over the edge right then and there.

“You’re so fucking sexy,” I murmured as I rubbed her node of pleasure faster and faster.

“How… Do… You… Do that?” Luxe groaned and squeezed her eyes shut as the sensations overpowered her yet again.

I didn’t feel the need to answer her question, so I just kept fucking her as she shook on top of me. The orgasm continued to build and build the harder I pounded into her sweet little pussy, and I could sense a volcano coming on. Luxe’s mouth hung open as her eyes stared at nothing, and she leaned forward to place her hands on my chest.

With her weight on my torso, I grabbed her ass in both hands and moved it back and forth until Luxe picked up the rhythm, but soon, our hips were moving in unison. This sent the white-haired beauty into overdrive, and she humped me rapidly like a wild animal.

Luxe’s grunts grew more and more guttural with each passing moment, but then she groaned loudly as the volcano erupted. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head as every muscle in her bottom half shook, and I could feel the throbbing of her heartbeat against my cock. When she finally came back to earth, she collapsed against my chest, and I stroked her hair as she caught her breath.

I wasn’t done yet, though, so once her breathing regulated, I rolled her onto her back. It only took me a couple of seconds to reposition her onto all fours, and the polar bear woman waggled her ass in the air as she pressed her head into the furs.

I gripped each ass cheek in a hand, and I spread her open. The glistening moisture of her unique wetness made her pink pussy shine, and the sight of my tip pressing into her tight little tunnel made me groan with delight. I slid inside her slowly until my entire length was buried to the root, but this time, I pulled back and slammed back inside her hard.

With hard thrusts and a firm grip on her ass, I fucked Luxe into the furs with all my might. Sweat glistened on my chest and dripped down my forehead, but I ignored everything except the sight of the beauty before me. The curve of her arched back accentuated the roundness of her ass, and her fists gripped the covers beneath her like it was a buoy in the storm.

I grabbed her arms and pulled them behind her until I could cross her wrists on her lower back, and then I held onto her hands as I kept fucking her hard. The way her ass was pushed into the air by her position gave me the best access to her glorious pussy, and I proceeded to give it what it deserved.

“Yes, yes, yes,” Luxe groaned into the furs. “Just. Like. That.”

“Are you going to cum again?” I asked.

“I don’t know if I can,” Luxe whimpered, and her mohawk was plastered to her forehead with sweat.

“I will if you do,” I teased, but my words seemed to invigorate the polar bear woman because she pressed her hips back into me to match my pace perfectly.

I could feel my balls beginning to tingle, but I wasn’t one to give up easily. I enjoyed pushing myself more and more each time, and I knew my stamina outlasted all of my women. I truly loved leaving them in a panting, sweaty, tangled mess when I was done, and the idea of filling them with my cream didn’t hurt either.

Our hips joined together with loud slaps, and Luxe let out a grunt every time my tip pressed into her cervix. Her pussy pulsated, and the heat made me never want to leave. I was getting closer, and I wondered if Luxe would be willing to carry my baby. The idea of impregnating the spunky anime-like shifter sent me over the edge, and I gripped her hips tightly as my own shuddered.

The motion caused Luxe to shake and thrash in my grasp, and her hips wiggled around in all directions as we climaxed simultaneously. I saw stars in my vision as spurt after spurt rushed from my body into hers, and I could feel every inch of my shaft being squeezed by her incredibly tight internal muscles.

With great reluctance, I let my white-streaked cock slide out of her dripping entrance, and Luxe sighed happily as she flopped onto her stomach. I lay down beside her and took a few deep breaths to regain my composure, and a moment later, Luxe inched into the space by my side. Her head was nestled in my armpit, and I squeezed my arm around her.

“You’re amazing,” I whispered. “And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

“You’re one to talk,” Luxe whispered back. “You make me feel things I never knew were possible.”

The two of us shared sweet nothings until I began to nod off to sleep, and it was very dark outside when my eyes opened again. I heard a noise near the entrance and stiffened, but after a quick sniff, I was easily able to identify Calantha and Willow.

My wife and my lover crawled into the bed beside me and Luxe, and I could tell they thought I was still asleep by how quiet and careful they were moving, so I just snuggled down into the covers and let out a contented sigh.

This was the life.

The next morning, we all crossed the Night Folk village to tell the chief about our decision, but I could see signs of movement everywhere I looked. There were carts and pole drags being piled high with belongings already, and I wondered what they would do with the dwellings. Constructing the semi subterranean structures had to have taken a massive amount of effort, but they would be sitting empty until the tribe returned. There was a high chance rodents and vermin would take advantage of the empty houses in their absence, but that would be easy enough to fix during the next cycle.

The chief was sitting in his usual spot when we entered, and his mother sat in hers with her skirts folded elegantly around her. The two were sharing some tea and talking to each other when we walked in, but the chief quickly gestured for us to sit as soon as he noticed us.

“To what do I owe this honor?” Chief Sif smiled warmly at all of us.

“Well,” I said in a hesitant tone. “I have some good news and some bad news.”

“Alright,” Chief Sif said.

“Do continue,” Madam Ova suggested. “You can tell us.”

“The good news is that I have completed my quest to find the bear talisman, and the bad news is that means I have to return to Ordrya.” I rubbed my hands together as I met their gaze. “I’ve given it much thought, and the four of us have discussed it at length, but ultimately, we have other things we need to accomplish.”

“You must go fulfill the prophecy,” the chief agreed with a sage nod. “We would never stand in the way of that.”

“You don’t sound very surprised,” I pointed out. “You never expected me to join the migration, did you?”

“I knew the prince of Ordrya and future savior of the entire realm had other matters to attend to besides training my warriors every day.” Chief Sif inclined his head. “That’s not to say we do not appreciate every effort you have made to assist our tribe. You will always have a home with us.”

“Even us?” Cal asked with a smirk.

“All of you.” Chief Sif bobbed his head and flashed the vampiress a surprisingly friendly smile. “You’ve shown me not all outsiders mean us harm, and I know our tribe has been forever changed by your presence among us.”

“Thank you, sir,” Calantha murmured, and she gave the chief a grateful smile. “It’s nice to see people put their prejudices aside to find some common ground.”

“Where are you heading?” Chief Sif turned back to me. “Back to the capital?”

“Yes, but we’re going to escort Ester back to her village before we head south.” I scratched my jaw. “I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me and with me, Chief Sif, but I only have one question. How do I find you again?”

“Oh, my dear boy, worry not.” Chief Sif grinned so wide his eyes were nearly squinted shut. “I have already drawn out our migration cycle for you. Well, Trod did. After studying your map, he picked up some things, and I think it can help you get back to us if you ever need to.”

“You were already anticipating that I would ask?” I chuckled. “You’re pretty smart.”

“We didn’t want you to lose your way, dear,” Madam Ova said in a matronly voice. “I look forward to meeting your little ones someday.”

“Someday may be closer than you realize.” I smirked as I reached a hand over to Willow’s growing belly and placed my palm against her stomach, and I suddenly felt a bump against my hand. “Oh! I think it just kicked.”

“That’s wonderful.” Madam Ova smiled brightly. “You’re going to make excellent parents.”

“Back to the migration cycle, Eli,” Chief Sif said, and he cleared his throat. “I hope it goes without saying this is sensitive information. I know the wizard who cursed us is dead, but we don’t know if he was the only threat out there. I would hate to see our whereabouts get into the wrong hands.”

“The knowledge is safe with me,” I promised. “In fact, if you give me enough time with the map, I’ll memorize it before I burn it. It’ll exist only in my head, and you can bet money that I won’t break under pressure.”

“You have taught our people many things, Elijah,” Madam Ova said in a solemn tone. “With your presence alone, you have altered the course of history. Even if we never see you again, our grandchildren will hear of the time the Ulvant became a Night Folk.”

“Once a Night Folk, always a Night Folk,” Chief Sif declared with a feeling of finality. “You’re one of us, and we are going to see each other again. Even if we have to camp outside Ordrya and wait around for you.”

“I will come find you long before that,” I chuckled. “This isn’t the last time we will meet. I can guarantee it.”

We spent the rest of the day gathering and packing our belongings back into our bags, and I took load after load of our possessions and supplies to the cavern where the horses waited. The Night Folk had insisted on showering us with parting gifts, but I was pleased they were mostly food and other necessities. The tribe members were simple people just trying to survive in a harsh world, and they’d figured out a few things.

Like flat bread.

It was dark by the time all of our stuff was in the cavern with the horses, but I wanted to wait for daylight before we left, so we enjoyed one more night in our fur nest. It was before dawn the next day when I shook everyone awake, and we crept through the town toward the tunnels. We’d done a few rounds through the small village the night before to say goodbye to the people we’d gotten to know, and there were more wet eyes than dry, but it was a tad somber to walk to the tunnel in total silence.

I knew we were all going to miss the Night Folk even if we all knew we needed to continue our quest to fulfill the prophecy.

Ester was ready and waiting for us at the tunnel entrance, and I helped the ladies lower themselves into the cavern below. Once we were all gathered in the underground chamber, we worked together to strap the packs and tack onto our horses. I was proud of the efficiency everyone showed while working together, and it wasn’t long before we were leading the steeds through the tunnel.

The sun was peeking over the horizon when we exited the cave system and headed toward Ester’s town. We passed by the remnants of our battle against the wizards, and the smell of death filled the forest air. We hurried past the stench, and we all breathed sighs of relief when the wind shifted into our faces.

We made good time on our way to Ester’s town, and the walls came into view sooner than I expected. The guards glanced at us as we passed through the gate, but Ester greeted them each by name, and they let us go without further questioning. The town, while not bustling, was full of midday foot traffic, and we had to stop several times to let another group go past us.

“This is it.” Ester stopped outside her house and work space, and she turned to give us all a sad smile. “I sure am going to miss all of you.”

“Even the part where I basically abducted you?” I chuckled. “You can be glad to be rid of us, it won’t hurt our feelings.”

“Oh, Eli.” Ester pressed her lips together, but her eyes twinkled with emotion. “I hope you find everything you’re looking for. I’m ready for this world to be at peace.”

“I’m not going to give up until the job is done,” I promised. “And we will see each other again.”

“Good.” Ester hugged each of the girls, but she gave my hand a firm shake. “Let me know if you come across any other mysterious illnesses.”

We waved goodbye and made our way to the inn. After I paid the hostler to care for our horses, we rented a room and had dinner before falling asleep early. I wanted to get started before dawn again the next morning, so we all needed our rest.

The next day, we got an early start, but this time, we left town through the southern gate. There was a good sized body of water to one side connecting two rivers, but it looked too deep and wide to cross easily, so we followed the stream until we reached a good fording location. Once we were safely on the other side, we continued on in a southern direction for the rest of the day.

It was our first night making camp since we’d found the Night Folk, but it was like muscle memory took over, and we fell into a harmonious pace as we worked together to set up our campsite. While we sat around the fire picking over the remnants of our dinners, I sketched some of our discoveries onto the map I’d brought with me from Ordrya.

I wondered what the king’s map makers would think when they saw my updates, but I needed to protect the paper describing the Night Folk migration, so I’d burned the one Trod drew for me after I memorized it. I’d have to come up with a good reason I was traveling so far north into the wilderness, but that shouldn’t be too hard.

The things we’d learned along the way would be shocking to the residents of Ordrya, but I didn’t envy them their privileged lives. I was the one who got to kill an owlbear, after all.

“We should turn in,” I suggested as I rolled up my map and returned it to its protective case. “We’re getting another early start tomorrow.”

“You’re trying to actually kill us, aren’t you?” Calantha groaned, but she moved to the tents nonetheless.

Willow flashed me a warm smile as she gathered up our dinner dishes, and Luxe yawned before she followed the vampiress to bed. I helped my wife prepare the campsite for the night, and then we joined the other two in our sleeping pads. We were all too tired to get frisky, and I was serenaded by snores a few moments later.

The next few days were uneventful as we followed the river to the south, and we soon resorted to playing games to pass the time. We had another round of Truth or Dare, but this time, the girls got more creative with their challenges. Calantha ate a bug, and Willow flashed a squirrel, but Luxe topped them both by balancing on her hands on one of our horses’ backs.

We were having a lot of fun, and the days passed quickly, but I pushed the three women harder and harder each day. They were all eager for bed by the time we broke camp each night, and the complaints over the early mornings began not long after. I knew we’d all been traveling for so long we’d practically forgotten what a bath felt like, but we drew closer and closer to our destination with each passing sunset.

The river eventually met with the rushing rapids flowing out of the lake by Ordrya, and I knew we were getting closer. It would only be a couple more days before we made it back to the capital, and my tired muscles summoned some more energy.

It took us a while to find a safe crossing place, but once we were on the other side, we were only a day’s ride from Ordrya. We made camp on the banks of the river, and we hung our wet clothes on the branches of the trees to let them dry. The snap, crackle and pop of the fire was comforting and familiar as we all ate our dinners in silence, but after the meal, Calantha graced us with a song.

“Do you miss your home?” Luxe asked the vampiress once she stopped singing. “You’re so far away from your mother and father.”

“I do,” Cal admitted. “But I’ve been away before. I used to get claustrophobic even in the grand corridors of the palace, and I would take a mount to the countryside to blow off some steam. My parents didn’t like that very much because I was just a child at the time, but they eventually learned to trust me.”

“Still,” Willow said. “I know I’m looking forward to seeing my parents, and it’s been even longer for you.”

“True.” Calantha pressed her lips into a thin line. “I do miss them, and going home would be wonderful, but we have work to do. I’m not missing out on anything back home. I’m sure Zolas and Hendrik have everything under control, and they can keep my parents company.”

“What about you, Eli?” Luxe asked as she turned to me. “Do you ever miss your old world?”

I took a second to think about how I honestly felt, and I chose my words very carefully. There were so many differences between this world and Earth, but I had never felt like I actually belonged back home. I’d always been a bit of an oddball, and while my colleagues at the national park helped me pass the time, I doubted they’d given me another thought since I disappeared.

“I’ve seen how different I was from everyone else on Earth ever since I was a little kid,” I said in a thoughtful tone. “My entire life was spent trying to blend in, to be like everyone else, to be normal. I didn’t realize until I was summoned here how out of place I really was on Earth. This is my home now, and I don’t have any regrets.”

“Well, we’re glad you’re here,” Willow said as she leaned over and took my hand.

“We couldn’t do it without you,” Calantha added.

“And we’ll follow you anywhere,” Luxe finished with a loving smile.

“How did you three become so in sync?” I laughed. “Remember when you shot snarky remarks back and forth? We’ve all come a really long way together, and there’s no one else I’d rather have in my corner.”

“Do you think we will find the rest of the talismans?” Willow asked.

“Absolutely.” I grinned. “No one thought we’d find a single one, but now we have three. Things are looking up, and I’m sure we’ll get a lead on the next grand adventure soon enough.”

“I’m just looking forward to soaking in some hot water,” Calantha sighed. “Even if it is in a shifter palace.”

“What’s wrong with a shifter palace?” Willow shot the vampiress a mock offended face.

“I don’t exactly enjoy staring into the dead eyes of a deer while I bathe,” Cal said in a dry tone. “And I don’t understand the necessity of the dead animals being in every single room.”

“Us shifters are known for our proficient hunting skills,” Luxe pointed out. “It’s just our custom to display the trophies of our hunts.”

“It’s unsettling,” Cal said and wrinkled her nose. “But there are worse things.”

“At least they’re dead,” I teased. “I don’t think I’d enjoy bathing with a herd of deer wandering around my bathroom.”

“Oh, sure, team up on the vampire.” Cal laughed. “Can we get an early start tomorrow? I want to be sleeping in a king sized bed before sunset tomorrow.”

We finished our meals and cleaned up the campsite before heading to bed, but I followed through on my promise to wake them all up before dawn. We were on the last leg of our journey, and the idea of reaching our destination that day put a pep in all of our steps. Even the horses seemed to pick up on our energy, and the two steeds bumped their heads into our backs to hurry us up.

“They must smell their home stable,” I observed as the horse nudged me with his muzzle again. “Maybe we should shift?”

“Okay, but I’m riding the horse this time since Luxe can go full form now.” Cal grinned as she flung herself into the saddle. “Who wants to race?”

“Oh, yes, please,” Luxe breathed, and I could see the excitement glint in her brown eyes.

But I couldn’t blame her. This would be her first time running full out in her complete bear form.

A moment later, the three of us shifters stood in our full animal forms and prepared for the last dash to the capital. Calantha tapped her horse’s flanks with her heels, and the two steeds rushed past us toward the city. I wasn’t about to be outdone by a vampire, though, so I quickly followed them down the road, and Luxe roared with delight as she and Willow brought up the rear.

Luxe and Willow worked hard to keep pace with me, but they soon fell behind. I kept Calantha’s back in my sight, and I pumped my canine legs faster and faster as she became ever bigger in my vision. Only a couple of hours passed before the walls of Ordrya came into view, and I pushed forward even faster until I pulled ahead of the horseback vampiress.

We’d arrived in the capital once more.

The gates were closed when we approached in our Nulmancer forms, but a quick word from Willow had them rushing to pull them open. I wondered what the reason for the increase in security was, and I hoped the king was handling the turmoil in the city streets well enough.

Once everyone had finished our race and gathered, we made our way through the city streets until we arrived in the courtyard of the palace. Luxe paused as the palace came into view, and she tugged on my elbow until I turned to look at her.

“Should I go to my father’s house?” she asked, and she bit her lower lip. “Or stay with you?”

“Come with me to talk to the king,” I said. “He may want to talk to you about how your affliction was healed. I will escort you home after that.”

“Thanks, Eli.” Luxe grinned, and the polar bear woman slipped her hand into mine. “Lead the way.”

Sir Tyrion met us just inside the palace entrance, and the guards all stood at attention as we passed by them. The carpets were soft under my feet, and they muffled the sounds of our steps. The smell of flowers permeated the air, and servants rushed to and fro in the foyer behind the shifter.

“The king would like to see all of you immediately,” Sir Tyrion explained. “He sent me to ensure you made no detours on your way to the throne room.”

“We don’t need a sitter,” Willow sighed. “But it will be good to catch up with you on the way, so I guess you can walk with us.”

“Knowing you, Your Highness,” Sir Tyrion teased. “There’s no telling the trouble you’ve gotten yourself into since you left Ordrya.”

“Excuse me,” Willow countered in a mock offended tone. “I was the one saving the others time after time.”

Sir Tyrion laughed, and he and my wife continued to banter as we made our way through the palace to the throne room. The double doors were open, and a guard stood to either side, but they stood at full attention once I was in eyesight.

I walked between them with my head held high, and I prepared myself to pass through a crowded room full of people. The king lifted his arm to greet us, but there was no one else in the throne room.

“Hello, Your Majesty,” I called out in a loud voice as we approached the dais at the back of the room. “I hope you’re well.”

“Ah, Prince Elijah, how good to see you return safe and well.” King Frejit grinned as he spread his hands wide. “And my beautiful daughter looks kissed by the sun. I’m sure you’re all weary from your travels, but I wanted to be debriefed as soon as possible.”

“Yeah, how did you know we were coming?” I lifted one eyebrow. “Sir Tyrion looked like he’d been waiting for a while.”

“The guards at the gate sent a runner per my request,” the king explained.

Willow marched up the steps of the dais to give her father a warm hug, but as soon as they embraced, he pulled back and placed a warm hand on her growing belly.

“It always seems more real when the belly starts to show,” King Frejit chuckled. “It won’t be long now.”

“Um, yes, it will.” Willow huffed. “We still have plenty of time before the little one makes their grand entrance.”

“So,” King Frejit said as he rubbed his hands together. “How were your adventures? Tell me everything.”

“How about the cliff notes?” I asked.

“The what?” King Frejit blinked at me in confusion.

“The short version,” I explained. “I’d like to get a bath and a bed before long.”

“Of course.” The king gave me an apologetic smile.

We all took turns explaining everything that happened during our journey to find the Night Folk, but I left out the name of the basket weaver to protect her identity. Even if we were alone with the king, there was no telling how many flies were on the walls listening in. Once we finished telling the story of our wizard encounters, the king frowned in thought.

“There certainly seems to be a recurring pattern here,” the king allowed. “Now, whether or not that issue lies solely with the community of magic users in our realm is another question entirely. While safety is important, there isn’t any reliable way to prevent these sorts of things from happening.”

“Will you at least consider starting a registry of everyone with magic abilities?” I pressed. “I think it would be for the good of not only this realm, but Vosreterra as well.”

“While it is a difficult thing to say,” King Frejit said, and his eyes turned to the vampiress, “I wish for peace between our kingdoms. Princess Calantha, I apologize for the rudeness you were shown by the people of Ordrya.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty, but that isn’t necessary.” Cal inclined her head. “None of it bothers me anymore.”

“I respect your maturity,” the king said as he mirrored her movement.

After sharing a few more details with the king, the four of us left the throne room in search of amenities. Luxe veered off by the kitchens, but the two princesses and I quickly found bathtubs to soak in. We met back up in the sitting room of our wing after we’d all changed into fresh clothes, but as soon as I stepped into the room, Luxe jumped up with obvious excitement.

“My father wants to invite you all to dinner tonight,” the polar bear woman announced without preamble. “He specifically said to bring you, Eli.”

“Is that code for you’re about to be murdered?” I chuckled.

“Does that mean you’ll go?” Luxe grinned.

“Of course,” I assured her. “In fact, I think we’re ready now.”

Calantha and Willow added their agreement, so I gestured for Luxe to lead the way to her home. We made our way through the Bear Zone of Ordrya until we reached the Ursidax house, and the familiar face of their maid brought a smile to my face.

Lord Urman served us a five course meal, and he spent most of the evening laughing at some of my more humorous stories. The Bear Representative listened attentively as his daughter explained the process of curing her affliction, but each time Luxe attempted to ask about her mother, her father redirected the conversation back to more light hearted topics. I could tell this was a discussion he wished to have with his daughter in private, and the young shifter eventually dropped it.

Luxe’s father especially enjoyed my description of our Truth or Dare games, and soon, his multiple chins were wobbling hysterically as he barked out laughter.

“To Prince Elijah,” Lord Urman announced as he lifted his glass into the air. “I never doubted you for an instant.”

“I’m sure,” I chuckled, but I obliged him with a sip of my drink.

“Seriously, Your Grace,” Luxe’s dad continued. “You have no idea how much I worry, but you will understand one day once you are also a father.”

“Definitely,” I agreed.

“We would make cute babies,” Luxe sighed, and her father’s eyes widened with alarm.

“Eventually,” I assured him in a comforting tone. “Besides, one baby on the way is enough for now.”

Willow rubbed her swelling belly pointedly, and Lord Urman took a deep calming breath.

“Of course, Your Grace.” The Bear Representative swiped the sweat from his forehead. “Whenever the moment is rig--”

The doors of the dining room were suddenly flung open, and Lord Urman’s words were cut off mid sentence. A man lunged into the room with a red face and sweat soaked hair, but judging from the bag full of packages and letters strapped across his chest, he was a messenger.

After a cursory sniff, I realized he was a vampire.

“What is the meaning of this?” Lord Urman bellowed in an offended tone.

“My apologies, sir,” the messenger said as he folded into a stiff backed bow. “I’m searching for a man named Elijah.”

“That’s me,” I said, and I lifted my hand into the air like I was being called on during roll call at school.

“I have a message for you from the king and queen of Vosreterra,” the messenger announced. “It is very urgent.”