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Where a tree once stood ten feet in front of him, now sat a smoldering stump, ash falling like snow around us.

“Holy shit,” he whispered. “I’m Goku.”

30

MARLOWE

Aplant-covered castle rose from the landscape, its towers crowned with crystalline spires that refracted the sunlight into cascades of shifting rainbows. The vines that clung to the walls shimmered faintly, the leaves punctuated by small, delicate flowers that blended into the smooth, pale stone of the walls.

Around the castle, the trees also began to change. Their translucent leaves cast opalescent shadows on the ground, and a small river of liquid starlight wound its way to the base of the structure, feeding a moat that surrounded the building.

Alaroth watched my face as I took in all of the details of his home, hoping to catch a glimpse of astonishment or wonder in my expression. Of course it was beautiful, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of my admiration.

I picked at my nails and shrugged. “I’ve seen bigger.”

He laughed, patting my hand. “You are a cruel, petty little thing.” We walked towards an arched, intricately carved stone bridge lined with soldiers in gleaming armor. “But unfortunately for you, your wicked attempts to insult me have failed.”

The King lowered his mouth to my ear, his lips just brushing the outer shell and sending a shiver down my spine. “For I do not need a large building to compensate for any personal deficits.”

Given the size of the rest of him, he was probably right, but I couldn’t have been less interested.

Creaking metal sounded behind us, heads turning as we passed.

“Your perfume is stronger than you know,” he whispered, giving the soldiers suspicious looks. “You are not to wander without myself, your brother, or one of the hand-picked guards I’ve chosen to protect you. This is for your safety.”

I nodded glumly. I should have assumed I’d be watched 24/7 here, but it still sucked to hear. Escape would definitely be harder without any kind of freedom.

The grand foyer of the castle was several stories tall and bathed in natural light from the twenty-foot high stained glass windows along the walls. Shadows danced along the marble floor and through the ornate details of the multiple chandeliers and railings that lined the stories and floors above us.

Between the two large staircases that framed the room was a massive set of double doors, covered in bronze vines. Laughter and music escaped into the air, but Alaroth led me upstairs. “You’re not quite ready to meet the court yet,” he said apologetically, as though that was something I’d been interested in.

I was not.

On the third floor we left the stairs and walked down a long hallway, making several twists and turns until we came to another set of heavy doors. Two large guards stood outside, parting for their king as they let us inside.

My breath caught in my throat from the scent alone—it was like walking into a candy shop. Sweetness and sugar coated the air, while pillows, cushions, and blankets in rich fabrics and colorful jewel tones covered every square inch of the floor and furniture.

In the center of the room was a large, circular bed, and on top lay six shifters. Five female, one male.

Omegas.

“She’s here!” they cried, running forward.

The females, dressed in silk slip dresses, were all around my size, while the male was about five inches taller and wore a silk wrap around his waist. They laughed as they touched and prodded me excitedly.

“Is it really her?” one of them asked.

“Of course it is, can’t you smell her?”

“Mmm, you’re divine, I could just eat you up!”

“Omegas,” Alaroth called. “Please, let’s give our future queen some space.”

They backed up, giggling and twirling in their spots. They curtsied as one female took it upon herself to speak for the group. Shewas beautiful, with dark skin and rich brown eyes. Black hair fell in tight ringlets down to her shoulders, bouncing as she talked.

“We’re so glad you’re finally here! I’m River, and this is Briar, Iris, Dove, Dahlia, and Florian.”

Florian’s mop of tousled, chestnut brown curls covered his eyes and he brushed them out of the way. Beautiful blue eyes crinkled as he smiled, his face delicate and ethereal. He took my hand and with a great flourish gave it a gentle kiss with his full lips. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”