18
Being stationed at the palace as a knight should’ve been an honor, yet lately, it felt like walking on glass- especially with Bianca lurking around every corner.
The so–called princess had a way of making her presence known. Whether it was her honeyed words masking veiled insults or the way she demanded attention like the entire kingdom revolved around her, Bianca never missed an opportunity to make my life harder
“Remi,” a voice called from behind me
I turned to see Crown Prince Raegan strolling toward me, his sharp eyes filled with amusement. He was dressed casually, without the ceremonial armor that usually marked his royal status, but his commanding presence was impossible to ignore.
“Your Highness,” I greeted, bowing slightly out of respect.
every time.”
He waved me off. “Enough with the formalities. We’ve been over this–you don’t have to bow every “I’d rather not risk offending the crown,” I replied lightly, though I couldn’t help but smirk.
Raegan chuckled, falling into step beside me Such bravery.”
e we walked. “You’ve got more nerve than most knights, Remi.
I wasn’t sure if that was meant as a compliment or not, but I didn’t dwell on it. “What can I do for you, Your Highness?”
“Nothing.” he uttered. “I noticed you were heading to the courtyard. I thought I’d join you for al My brow arched in surprise. “You’re sparring today?”
bit.”
“I might.” His grin was boyish, but his wolf’s intensity was clear in his eyes. “Or maybe I’ll just watch you
take notes.”
and
Before I could respond, I caught the sickly–sweet scent of lavender and roses–a scent I’d come to despise
Bianca.
Sure enough, she appeared at the far end of the corridor, gliding toward us with an air of entitlement that made my wolf growl quietly in my head.
“Brother,” she called out, her voice dripping with false warmth. “And Remi. How unexpected.”
Raegan’s smile tightened, but he didn’t bother to hide his disdain. “Blanca.”
She stopped in front of us, her hair shining as if she were some divine gift to the world. Her gaze flicked to me, and her lips curved into a saccharine smile. “You’re still here, Remi? I would’ve thought someone of your stature would’ve requested a transfer to a smaller post by now”
I clenched my fists, forcing my wolf to stay calm. “The palace is where I’m needed, Princess.
Her smile didn’t waver, but her eyes gleamed with malice. “How fortunate for us.”
Raegan stepped forward, his voice cold. “Is there something you need, Bianca? Or are you just here to waste everyone’s time?”
Bianca’s eyes widened, feigning innocence “I was merely checking on my dear brother. It seems I interrup something.” She turned to me, her smile sharp. “Don’t let me keep you from your duties, Remi, I’m sure they’re very
important”
I held my ground, meeting her gaze evenly. “They are.”
Raegan let out a low growl, his wolf simmering beneath the surface. “That’s enough, Bianca. Don’t you have better things to do?”
Her smile faltered for a split second before she regained her composure. “Of course. Enjoy your sparring “With that, she turned on her heel and sauntered away, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.
Raegan scoffed “She’s relentless. I don’t know how you tolerate hier”
“Your Highness! My eyes widened, earning a laugh from him “That’s your sister!”
As we reached the courtyard, I spotted Laurent leaning against one of the training dummies, his arms crossed and a faint smirk on his face His hair caught the sunlight, and his wolf’s presence radiated strength and calmn
“Finally,” he called out, pushing off the dummy “I was starting to think you got lost”
*Blame your prince,” I said, smiling as I walked over to him. He decided to tag along
Laurent’s gaze shifted to Raegan, his expression unreadable Tagging along, huh? Should I be worried?”
Racgan rolled his eyes, but there was a flicker of amusement in them “Relax, Laurent. I’m not here to steal your
mate.”
My checks flushed, and I elbowed Laurent lightly. “Stop it. He’s joking”
Laurent chuckled, though his wolf’s possessiveness was clear in the way he positioned himself slightly in front of me “Just making sure You’ve been spending a lot of time with her lately, Raegan.”
Raegan raised his hands in mock surrender. “She’s like a little sister to me. Nothing more.”
Laurent calmed down after the assurance from his good friend. “Tair enough Just remember, she’s mine.”
I groaned, shaking my head. “You are ridiculous.”
The prince laughed, clapping Laurent on the shoulder. “Relax!”
Laurent’s expression softened slightly, though he still shot Raegan a warning glance. “Good.”
We spent the next hour sparring in the courtyard, with the prince throwing in occasional commentary that was equal parts helpful and annoying. Despite the tension that lingered from earlier, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of ease being around them
As we wrapped up the session, Laurent pulled me aside, his eyes serious. “You’re okny, right?”
I nodded, smiling faintly “I’m fine. I have you, don’t 17”
His gaze softened, and he brushed a strand of hair from my face. “Always.”