Chapter 5

Five

~ Nate ~

Imaneuver through the crowd, moving past the other alphas as they jostle one another in the ballroom. An archangel stretches his wings in front of me, unknowingly blocking my path, and a brown feather floats to the ground as I step around him. The urge to take a bite out of one of the archangel’s pretty wings has my teeth turning into fangs, but I force myself to behave. I’m not here to cause trouble. Besides, from the sounds of things, someone else already has that covered.

Up ahead, I soon see who’s causing the commotion. A giant shouts a string of curses from where he remains on the floor, nursing his badly broken leg. The sickeningly handsome Prince Callan stands over him, watching the giant with a calm expression as he orders him to apologize for whatever he must have done. Glad I’m not that fucker.

King Dalton had to know that bringing so many alphas together was going to cause chaos, and I’m sure this is only the beginning of what will be an immensely entertaining night. Which is great news for me, because I’m relying on the fact that there will be more distractions in the hours to come.

Hidden amongst a group of archangels who are watching the scene unfold with the giant, I scan the room, taking note of the closed exits, the thin balcony that curves around the ballroom, and the floor-length windows that run along the left side. There are fewer demon guards on the balcony, and I quickly map out any number of routes I could use to make my way up there.

When I heard of King Dalton’s invitation, I’d been one of the first in Kanzepes, the beast realm, to register my attendance. It didn’t matter that I’d already been planning a heist for months, with the intention of relieving one of the wealthier families of their most prized artwork. Years ago, I’d heard a rumor in Kanzepes that the king holds a treasure which he took from the witches during the war. A power so great, the demon king himself is afraid to use it. I figure something like that must be worth an unimaginable sum, and it’s hidden somewhere within these walls.

There weren’t many in the beast realm who could tell me much about the demon palace aside from the fact that it’s known to be built like a fortress, but the royal ball is the perfect distraction allowing me to get in and out. Unfortunately, I hadn’t expected the sealed steel doors down each of the corridors, and the sheer number of demon guards who are lingering in every shadow, but it’s not going to stop me.

It’s only then that I realize the room has grown silent, and the giant is no longer on the floor. I look around, following the gazes of the archangels around me.

Well call me a kitten and take my treasure. I blow out a breath, all coherent thought stolen from me as I finally let myself look at her. I’d been avoiding staring at the princess, not willing to let myself be tempted, but now I can’t help but admire her.

Hello gorgeous. The demon princess sits with her head held high, her golden gaze vibrant against the thick kohl that lines her eyes, and her porcelain skin contrasting against her plump red lips. Thick raven-colored hair cascades in waves over one shoulder, and a dress made of leather and lace hugs tight to her body, showing every curve. She’s smaller than I thought she would be given her reputation, but her black-feathered wings drape behind her throne, making her seem imposing, and there’s something wild in her golden eyes that makes my entire body respond.

The rumours about her being attractive do not do her justice, because the female is beyond beautiful. She’s downright breathtaking. A purr starts in my chest, low and possessive as my creature decides to stake a claim, but the rumbling ceases when I realize who she’s looking at.

Of course, it’s him. I glare at the asshole with the golden wings and winning smile. If she’s interested in Prince Callan, then this female isn’t my mate. She can’t be. Besides, Lady Fate would never match us. I’m a low born from a part of Bazlen City that the Kanzepes royals like to pretend doesn’t exist. King Dalton may have invited low and high born alike to this ball, provided they were able to prove their strength and power, but someone like me isn’t meant to be a royal.

Nonetheless, I’m tempted to step from behind the cover of the archangel in front of me. To expose myself and see if the princess swings her golden gaze my way, but I don’t. Instead, I allow myself a moment to fantasize about what I could do with those perfect pouty lips of hers, and my body tightens at the thought of this female on her knees before me. I’ve heard rumors that Princess Blake slaughtered her last lover for being incompetent in the bedroom, but that doesn’t worry me. I’ve never heard a complaint yet. I think about returning to Seral in the future and stealing into the princess’s bed. About how I would make her scream and claw at the sheets with those deliciously long nails as I fucked her, my hands tangled in her silky hair.

Fuck. I curse myself for getting swept up in the fantasy. How long has it been since I”ve had good company? Months? I was going to have to fix that when I made it back to Kanzepes.

Princess Blake is still staring at the archangel prince, and I can’t help but wonder if Lady Fate has a sense of humor. What would it mean if I turned out to be one of the princess’s mates? If I were, I’d get to rule in Seral by her side. But while the idea of sharing the delectable princess makes my mouth water, I know I’m not cut out for life in a castle. No, I’m only here for the treasure, and I’m not leaving without it.

With my mind refocused, I turn my attention to the long balcony that overlooks the party. This is likely the trickiest location I’ve worked with, and even after I make my way from the ballroom, navigating around the palace itself is going to prove to be difficult. Not to worry, if I run into trouble, well, it’s a good thing I still have my nine lives.

~ Princess Blake ~

“Welcome to all of you who have come here today,” King Dalton’s booming voice fills the ballroom, and I snap my gaze away from Prince Callan. I hadn’t even noticed the king stand, but now he addresses the crowd with his glass raised.

“I want to start by thanking you for attending and showing your interest in my beautiful daughter.” Dad turns to stare at me, and my cheeks warm under his scrutiny. It always unsettles me when he’s being unusually polite.

“I fear, I have kept her busy these past years,” he continues. “Too busy for her to entertain any thought of finding her own mates, but I’m hoping this will soon change. As I detailed in my invitation, those who turn out to be her fated will rule over Seral when I retire after the last full moon for this year.”

Dad pauses, staring down the males around the room. “If you’re here it’s because you are an unbonded alpha who has yet to find your mate, but if you wish to rule Seral, you must prove you are worthy of my daughter. Showcase your skills, demonstrate your strength, and above all else, survive. Then we shall see whether Lady Fate has determined that you are to be bonded.”

“Wait, what? I thought I just had to dance with them all and see what happened?” I send to Shade. I start to wonder whether the alphas already know of this new development, but they all look as confused as I am.

“Maybe he’s expecting them to engage in hand-to-hand combat?” Shade suggests.

“Find the provisions left at the major landmarks around the city if you hope to keep your wits about you,” Dad continues, proving Shade’s suggestion wrong. “But tread lightly or you may never return.”

What does that mean? Dad smiles when he turns to me. With his crisp black suit and the golden crown circling his head encrusted with jewels, it’s easy for me to forget about the disease that’s slowly taking him. “Remember, daughter, Lady Fate doesn’t make mistakes. Not when it comes to your fated. Find your mates and survive.” He’s barely finished speaking when he slides a black mask over his face and gray smoke begins puffing from seemingly nowhere.

The music continues, the haunting tune reaching a crescendo like the notes are taunting me, and I cough as I inhale the smoke. Ah, crap. I really should have seen this coming. The alphas let out startled curses, and I hear glass shatter right before the world turns dark.