The Wolf Prince

Instead of acknowledging the apology, Willow simply crossed her arms and waited, knowing eventually Tatiana would get to the point.

But even she was shocked when her older sister suddenly burst into tears. And not fake tears either, but gut-busting, mascara-ruining real tears.

Chapter 3

After her initial surprise wore off, Willow got out of bed and hugged Tatiana awkwardly. Years ago, Tatiana had trained her that any attempt at touching her would not only be rebuffed, but ridiculed. Apparently, that rule had been suspended, at least temporarily.

Still silent, Willow patted her sister’s shoulder and let her cry.

“I don’t want to marry Prince Eric,” Tatiana finally sobbed, raising her mascara-stained face to Willow’s.

Doubly shocked, Willow stared. Tatiana’s ruined appearance, combined with her words, proved she actually meant it.

Aware she needed to tread carefully, Willow ventured a comment. “I thought he was the golden one, the prize among all princes.”

“And the way our two kingdoms can join forces against the Shadows,” Tatiana recited, as if by rote. “I know, I know.”

“You said he was beautiful.” In the past, appearances had been all that had mattered to her gorgeous older sister.

“He is, he is,” Tatiana moaned. “Like I said, he’s almost as beautiful as me.”

What would have been extreme vanity in others was a simple statement of fact. Tatiana was the most beautiful among the Bright. And all knew it.

Again, Willow waited, knowing it would be better if she didn’t speak just yet.

“But …” Tatiana began.

And here it came. The big but. For the life of her, Willow couldn’t figure out what it might be. Prince Eric was wealthy, powerful and the heir to the East-Ward throne. Once married to him, Tatiana would be in line to become Queen of the EastWard and, if their parents’ dream came true and the SouthWard and EastWard people united, Queen of all the Brights.

A power that had never before existed.

If Willow knew her big sister—and she did—it would have to be something awful to make her want to give up that much power.

“That’s the problem,” Tatiana sniffed. “He’s too beautiful. Everyone will be looking at him. No one will even notice me.”

Willow shook her head. “That’s not possible. And think of the adorable children you’d have.”

“Children born of two good-looking parents are usually ugly. And I’d rather …” When Tatiana didn’t finish but instead dissolved into another bout of sobbing, Willow continued to pat her back and wait her out.

Meanwhile, she tried to figure out why Tatiana was acting this way. Was she drunk? Had she gone without her much vaunted beauty rest for the entire night and this breakdown was because of simple exhaustion?

Or—and darker thoughts began to arise—was Prince Eric some kind of sadist? Had he—horrified, Willow swallowed hard—had he hurt Tatiana? Abused her in some way?

Finally, as Tatiana continued weeping, Willow prodded. “But?”

“I think I could fall in love with Prince Chad.”

“Huh?” Willow blinked. “Eric’s younger brother? The one our parents promised me to?”

Tatiana’s perfect, creamy skin blushed bright red. “Yes. And I’m quite certain he could love me, too, if he were given a chance.”

Skeptical, Willow crossed her arms. “And you determined this in, what, a few hours last night?”

Tatiana shook her head so vigorously her hair whipped Willow in the face. “Don’t say it like that.” Her sorrowful expression hardened. “You’ve always treated me like I was stupid. I’m not. When I see what I want, I know it. It’s as simple as that.”

Willow’s head had begun to ache. Rubbing her eyes, she tried to make sense of her sister’s words. “And you’re telling me this because you want me to do … what?”

Tatiana snapped her head up, her tears drying instantly. “Switch with me. Seduce Prince Eric. Make him want you.”

Willow couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Switch with you? Listen to yourself. As if someone as perfect, as golden, as Bright as you’ve described would want someone like me over you.” Not to mention the outcry such a public rejection would cause. The gossip! The rumors! Tatiana would never live them down.

Which meant there had to be a catch. And because she was who she was—tigers didn’t change their stripes—Tatiana wouldn’t mention this catch until it was way too late for all involved.

In her childhood and teenage years, Willow had been down that road more times than she could count. She wouldn’t make this mistake again.

Her self-depreciating comment had pleased Tatiana. Grinning with a false modesty, she dipped her head in acknowledgment. “True, but Prince Chad has told me one something about his older brother that isn’t well known. Eric’s magic is weak, like yours. Again, I have to think of my future children.”

Since Willow’s magic was more than weak, it was nonexistent, she crossed her arms. “Prince Chad told you this why?”

“Were you not listening? I talked to them both last night. That’s how I know I can’t marry Eric. One, he’s too good-looking and two, he has inferior magic. Chad’s magic is as powerful as mine, plus he’s less beautiful than his older brother. He is much more to my liking.”

Stunned speechless, Willow considered her thoughts. Was this a simple case of Tatiana wanting whatever Willow had? No, she decided. Not possible. Especially since everyone knew Tatiana’s intended husband was every bit as beautiful as her.

“But the eldest son’s wife will be queen,” Willow said, trying another tactic.

“Of the EastWard Brights.” Tatiana shook her head. “You can have that.”

“You’d give up the throne?” This definitely meant Tatiana was up to something. Unfortunately, whatever it was wouldn’t be good for Willow.

“Only that throne,” Tatiana finally conceded. “I’d still be able to rule SouthWard once Mama and Daddy step down.”

“Which won’t be for a long time,” Willow put in.

Tatiana’s smile held a hint of darkness. “Oh, you never know. It might be sooner than you think.”

Did she plan to help things along? Willow shook her head. She didn’t really want to know. However, she’d need a mate with a lot of magical power if she planned to try and stage a coup. Which would explain her sudden desire for the younger, less handsome brother.

They were still eyeing each other when the door opened and Queen Millicent swept inside, peering at them with disapproval. “The breakfast will be in one hour and neither of you are ready? I expect this sort of behavior from Willow, but from you, Tatiana? Honestly.”

The queen had barely finished speaking when she caught sight of her first-born child’s red nose and face streaked with black. Instantly she rounded furiously on Willow.

“What have you done to your sister?” she hissed, gathering Tatiana close while her gaze shot daggers at her youngest daughter. “Today of all days she must look her absolute best and you’ve made her cry.”

Willow didn’t bother to try and form a response. She knew from experience that her mother wouldn’t believe her anyway.

Without waiting for an answer, the queen turned and shepherded Tatiana from the room. At the doorway, she paused, glaring back over her shoulder at Willow. “I’m going to take your sister and see if I can repair the damage you’ve done. As for you, get ready for the breakfast. All I ask is that you try to look decent.”

Willow nodded.