Page 18 of This Prince Is Not Charming

Awailing sound filled the throne room, everyone darting glances at Lila, the betrothed woman who couldn’t stop crying.

Today was our meet and greet, a party hosted by Castle, where all the contestants and Cillian were stuffed into the same room so we could get to know one another before the first trial—which we still hadn’t been clued in on.

The throne room felt so huge with just eight of us, plus Morton. It was the first time I was seeing my competitors, and I had no idea what to think of all this.

Sun shone through the yellow and gold stained-glass windows that lined both sides of the space. It was a spectacular room. I loved coming here to take it all in, the magnificence of it. Historians of Fairwitch Isle thought this was the very place where Fairwitch once ruled. It made sense, given how grand it was. Crowns were etched into the panes of the glass, glittering like jewels.

I turned my attention back to everyone in the room, golden crowns hovering over all our heads. They’d reappeared the moment we entered the throne room.

A small golden hat hovered over Morton’s head, and according to him, that meant he’d been chosen as the official trials master, which he hadn’t stopped mentioning since this event started. “It’s a very important job, you know,” he was telling me as he perched on one of the tall tables peppering the room. While we mingled, trays with drinks and food floated around. Though no one was eating much.

I took a sip of my champagne while Cillian tried to soothe Lila, but every time he said anything, it only made her cry harder. “So what does this important job entail? Is Niamh going to be okay with you taking a leave of absence from the library?”

Morton bristled, his wings flapping. “I’ll be able to do both jobs. The trials won’t last all day, every day. And Niamh understands that my role is very important. I’ll be enforcing the rules, making sure contestants are behaving appropriately, and making announcements.”

I peered at him. “But how do you know what announcements to make?”

Smoke puffed from his nostrils. “It just comes to me. At least according to that book, the one who is chosen as trials master will know when an announcement needs to be made and what to say.”

“Interesting,” I murmured, holding my champagne flute tight. I glanced at a table nearby where a cat was perched, licking her paw incessantly. I should probably talk to more than just the bookwyrm, get to know my competition. “Excuse me, Morton.”

He tipped his head while I strode to the table where the cat sat. “Hi, I don’t believe we’ve met.” Some of the Fair Folk were able to shift, and I’d learned many of them preferred their animal form over their human one.

“I’m Meera,” the cat said in the same lovely accent all the Fair Folk had, her black fur silky and smooth, her green eyes so vibrant. “You’re the dressmaker, right?”

“Right,” I said. A loud sob echoed through the room, and I cleared my throat. “It appears not everyone is happy to be here.”

Meera blinked, looking around. “I don’t think anyone wants to be here. I know I don’t.”

Cillian appeared at our table. “Well, that’s good to hear.”

Meera stared at him, not looking remotely embarrassed that the high prince had overheard her.

Cillian shot her his most dazzling smile, and she just blinked. “And what is your name?”

He held out his hand. Meera lifted her paw and allowed him to gently shake it before letting go.

“So I take it you’re not one of the contestants excited about the prospect of marrying me? I don’t bite.” Cillian leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Unless you want me to.”

I snorted at the way his attempt to flirt fell flat while Meera just continued to stare.

My absolute favorite thing in the world was finding someone who didn’t fall for Cillian’s charms.

Meera stared at her claws. “I’m attracted to cats. Are you a cat, Your Majesty?”

Cillian choked on his champagne, and I banged on his back until he finally cleared his throat. “No, I’m afraid I don’t possess any attributes of the feline variety.”

Meera leaned down to lick her paw. “Then I’m afraid this castle of yours chose the wrong contestant.” She flashed her teeth, and Cillian gulped. “I do bite, by the way, and I don’t think it’s the kind you’d enjoy.”

“Perfect,” Cillian mumbled, and I pressed my lips together as he shot me a glare. “Well, I’m going to go mingle and see if there is anyone here who actually wants to marry me.”

He strolled away, and I burst out laughing.

“Are you really only attracted to cats?” I peered at her.

“Yes,” Meera said. “Human bodies are so dull. You can barely jump or climb. No claws. And you’re so inflexible.”

“You’d be surprised.” I sent a wink Meera’s way and her lips peeled back.