Gemini of the Shifter Realm

Chapter 9 Prince Cassius Collins

Lorraine Tepes P.O.V

"Must Mother really prepare a whole event?" I groaned as I tried to adjust the fit of my dress in the mirror.

Lucinda's eyes were sharp as she scrutinized my outfit. "We're welcoming a prince who's also your future husband. What did you expect? That you'd meet him over red coffee?"

I scowled at her reflection in the mirror, my frustration evident. "That wouldn't have been so bad. It would've taken the pressure off, to be honest."

Lucinda arched an eyebrow. "When is your prince coming to see you?"

"I... not anytime soon," she replied, her tone lacking enthusiasm.

My curiosity piqued, and I raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

"They backed out after the rumors," she said, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Rumors of what?" I asked, my interest growing sharper.

"Rumors of a hybrid half-brother who might have indestructible children. So technically, it's not just a rumor," she explained.

My blood boiled as I absorbed her words. "When did this happen? Does Mom know? What's she done about it?" I bombarded her with questions, my pacing growing frantic.

"It's an arranged betrothal, not a forced one," Lucinda replied, her voice calm but firm.

I sighed, feeling a mix of helplessness and anger. "It's like everything's spiraling out of control."

"Let's go," Lucinda said, clearly ready to move on from the conversation as I finished perfecting my appearance.

Zoe Lawson P.O.V

"Theodore?" I whispered, barely audible.

His eyes shot open, locking onto mine with a mix of surprise and something I couldn't quite place. He blinked rapidly, gulped nervously, and then, with a swift motion, pushed himself off me. He stood by the bed, tossing my phone back into my lap.

"Don't tickle me," he ordered with a firmness that made me nod in agreement. I quickly sat up, clutching the phone to my chest.

"Now move from my bed," he commanded. I didn't need to be told twice. I got up and retreated to my own bed, sinking into the soft mattress and holding my phone like a lifeline.

Theodore flicked off the lights and settled into his own bed. I could hear the rustling of sheets as he made himself comfortable. I plugged my phone into the charger and placed it carefully on the small table between our beds. The awkward silence settled around us like a heavy blanket.

"By the way," Theodore's voice broke the stillness after what felt like an eternity.

"Thank you," he said.

"For?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"For teaching me in the woods," he clarified, his tone softer now.

"Oh..." I began, unsure of how to respond.

"No problem," I assured him, trying to sound casual despite the flutter in my chest.

"Also, get yourself off that app. Most guys in there are just after a quick fix. They're not looking for anything real," he advised, his voice tinged with concern.

"Are you one of them?" I shot back, unable to keep the curiosity out of my tone.

He didn't answer right away. Instead, he shifted in bed, and I could almost feel the weight of his silence.

"Sleep," he finally replied.

I buried my face in my pillow, trying to steady my racing thoughts. Get it together, Zoe. This is just another night. Yet, as I lay there in the dim glow of the moonlight seeping through the window, Theodore's words lingered in my mind, mingling with the fluttering feeling in my chest.