Page 1 of A Crown of Fates
CHAPTER ONE
ESTEE
Being a princess sucks. No amount of luxury can make up for the torment my dearest sister has inflicted on me. Damn Isla for dragging me into her mess, no matter how important it seems. She wanted me to set an example, but I didn’t sign up for this, and no matter how much I adore her, I can’t even muster a hint of a smile as I walk toward the ship like a sacrificial lamb.
The warm ocean breeze teases my dark hair as I approach the wooden plank leading up to the ship. If I could find a reason, outside of my stubbornness, to flee back to the castle, I would. But the eyes of the pack—the entire kingdom—are on me. Isla might be queen, but I’m still a princess in my own right, and I’m expected to represent the strength of Polaris.
Great. Just great.
The massive ship looms before me, its sails billowing against the pale blue sky, carrying the hopes and ambitions of far too many women—most of who are here for one reason: to parade themselves in front of the Alpha King of Selaris, Theo Northcroft, hoping to be his fated mate, or possibly his chosen one if all else fails.
I scoff inwardly. If these women want to throw themselves at some king’s feet, they can be my guest. But me? I’d rather jump into the frigid waters below than spend my life tied to a lazy, pompous ruler who couldn’t be bothered to leave his kingdom and find his mate on his own. Instead, he’s summoned us all to present ourselves like cattle at auction.
My black heels click sharply on the sturdy gangway as I make my way toward the guard standing at the top.
“Estee.” Isla’s sharp, firm tone sounds behind me. “You didn’t even say goodbye.”
I pause, turning slowly, as though this conversation is an inconvenience. Secretly, I’m glad she’s here. I might’ve been wallowing a bit too much in my woe-is-me attitude by not going to see her this morning. A choice I would’ve regretted later this afternoon.
Just below me on the dock, Isla is magnificent in her royal attire, her pinkish-auburn hair glowing in the sunlight. Her blue eyes, always so piercing, narrow in disapproval.
Another wolf shifter named Drea stands between myself and my sister. I only met her briefly yesterday—there are plenty of pack members I haven’t gotten to know since returning just a few weeks ago—and I address her before my sister. “Excuse our queen,” I say with a wry grin. “It seems she left her manners back at the castle today.”
Drea tucks a strand of brunette hair behind her ear and averts her hazel eyes as she bows deeply. “It’s quite all right, Your Highness.” She turns to Isla, curtseying. “Your Majesty.”
Once the young woman passes, I offer my sister a saccharine smile. “Did you need something?”
Just as I step within reaching distance of her, she grabs my wrist, jerking me toward her with unnecessary force as she chooses to mind speak with me instead of airing our drama for all to hear.
“I asked you to set an example. The least you could do is show a little grace.”The sharp look she gives me matches the terse tone echoing through my mind.
“Yeah, well, this is ridiculous,”I reply honestly.“I don’t want to go. Plenty of these women want to be here. They don’t need me to pretend I’m thrilled with the prospect of two full days at sea followed by an afternoon of primping to stand before a king I want nothing to do with.”
Her brow arches, that knowing expression creeping into her gaze.“So you keep saying.”
“What’sthatsupposed to mean?”I love my sister more than the moons and all the stars, but ever since we came back to Lunara and she officially took her place as queen of Polaris, she’s become stronger and more intuitive. While I’m thrilled to see her finally find her footing, I don’t like these new abilities being used on me.
“It means there’s a chance King Theo is your mate, and after centuries of doing whatever you want, the idea of settling down terrifies you,”she says, her voice filled with more compassion than I probably deserve after the way I’ve been acting these last few days.“It’s okay to admit that you’re scared.”
My chest tightens. She’s not wrong, and that’s the problem. The vulnerability of the truth claws at me, but I refuse to let it show.“I’m not scared. I’m annoyed.”
That’s a lie, and she knows it. Still, she wraps her arms around me, pulling me in for a hug that feels like home, and finally speaks out loud. “I love you, Estee. Whatever happens over there, you’re going to be okay. I feel good about this, and once you get to Selaris, I think you will too.”
I snort softly, muttering under my breath, “Slim chance.” Once I pull out of the hug, I tell her, “I love you, too.”
She lifts my chin with her fingers and grins at me. “Slushies and shifters on me when you’re back?”
I bark out a laugh and shake my head. “I thought Asher destroyed all those human-made supernatural movies you had smuggled in?”
Isla winks. “He might be the king, but I’m also the queen. He can burn as many copies as he wants. I’ll keep getting more. It’s good entertainment.”
Again, she’s not wrong.
I wrap my arms around her, and any irritation I felt before is gone. “I’ll be home soon, we’ll have a night of gossiping about my travels, and then things can go back to normal.”
She holds me tightly, her joy a palpable warmth. “In the meantime, I’ll enjoy watching Declan mope around the castle because you’re not there for him to chase after.”
Oh, that man.