Page 47 of Fated to the Wicked King

Exasperated, I resisted rolling my eyes. “Your Highnesses.” I sank into a low curtsy. “I’m not a witch. I assure you, those allegations are absolutely unfounded. I’m actually a scientist.”

Gregory’s gaze found me again and lingered as he inclined his head slightly. “Ah, indeed? I happen to be a very enthusiastic patron of the sciences. Lucerne houses the best observatory in all the land. A great telescope crowns one of our highest towers.”

Eyes widening, I couldn’t hide my eager curiosity. “Oh, I would so love to see it.”

“Then I would be happy to arrange a visit.” Gregory smiled properly then, warmth replacing his earlier mistrust—at least of me. Interest flickered there, unmistakable, though carefully contained beneath the discipline of courtesy. “If time permits, I would be more than happy to accompany you. I promise you will see the stars in a way you’ve never imagined. It makes the world feel… larger.”

“That sounds lovely.” I beamed.

The air shifted, the moment breaking cleanly, as a shadow fell on me when the king moved. He nudged me back this time, as if to shield me. His face was even darker than before.

Determined, I elbowed my way back in front of him, giving Sophie and Gregory another smile. “Apologies, Your Royal Highnesses, this wasn’t how this morning was supposed to go. We haven’t yet had a chance to communicate our reason for this visit. In truth, His Majesty has come to Lucerne to ask for your help.”

The king’s face twitched. He grabbed my elbow, likely to protest, but I shrugged him off.

Gregory’s sharp gaze darted back and forth between the Wicked King and me. It seemed he was struggling to reconcile my sincerity with the king’s obvious displeasure. “Ask for our help? How? By destroying our kingdom?”

The king hissed in offense. Before he could launch himself in anger, I caught his arm to pull him back.

His blue eyes, like daggers, shot back at me in indignation. “What the hell do you think you’re⁠—?”

I shot him a pointed look and snapped, “Who’s negotiating? You or me?”

Like a lit match and a gust of wind, the wild rage in the king’s face blew out in an instant. Huffing, he spun to one side and folded his arms across his chest.

I let out a soft breath and glanced back at Sophie and Gregory. “You’ll have to forgive His Royal Majesty. His presence here sets an entirely new precedent for his court. We are hoping to re-establish diplomacy for all of the kingdom’s future dealings.” I gestured vaguely to our surroundings. “I assure you, Your Highnesses, the phenomenon this morning was not His Majesty’s doing. We are as puzzled as you over what just happened here.”

Gregory’s forehead was still creased in apprehension.

Sophie’s eyes were wide. Surprise? Amusement?

I didn’t want to go into whether or not he was truly responsible for any atrocities committed against other kingdoms in the past eight months. With the destruction caused by the phenomenon this morning in Lucerne alone, it was more important to get to the bottom of things and prevent any future catastrophes.

“Though we do have a query that appears to be related. In fact, I have a feeling it’s exactly the matter for which we have come to ask for your assistance. Have you heard of any similar occurrences, much like this morning’s, happening elsewhere in or around your kingdom?” I gave Gregory my best imploring look. “We’re wishing to explore working with you to get to the bottom of what is going on. For the good of all of Wünder.”

His eyes narrowed for a moment. “Diplomatic matters must go through the royal council. I shall convene the table as soon as I can.”

I lowered my head. “Thank you, Your Highness. I sincerely hope you find our proposal agreeable.”

Gregory gave me another brief, assessing look, obviously unsure what to make of me, then he turned to his sister. “Come, Sophie.”

Sophie’s gaze had been pinned on the king. “What?” Her green eyes were glazed, nearly mesmerized.

I tamped down a chuckle.

I had seen it before—and often. There was truly no woman across the Land of Wünder who could resist the king’s magnetic appeal, especially when they were in close proximity to him. His particular talents had often come in handy when he was an assassin. I imagined they had also served him well on many occasions since then.

Not many people knew it was truly a kind of spell. It simply came with his powers, though I had never been able to confirm whether or not it was something he could control. Like a tap he could turn on or off.

For that matter, I certainly wasn’t the best judge to begin with.

The king was still turned away, eyebrows furrowed, arms still crossed over his chest. His chiseled jaw, tall figure, and broad shoulders were even more striking in profile.

Gregory’s hand thumped on Sophie’s shoulder. “We have many things to attend to.”

“Oh, of course.” Sophie blinked, still a bit flustered, and gathered up her skirts. “I must see to the injured immediately.”

“Is there anything we can do to help?” I offered.