Fix Me Up (Unknown Succubus Series book 2)

Royal Alliance

  Locking myself in my room seemed just childish enough to annoy Jasper and allow me a chance to be as petty as I could afford to be. I was tired of being kept out of the loop in every single situation I managed to find myself in. There was far too much crap I'd gone through already to just let it continue to happen. If I just went with the flow I was going to end up married to some guy without having my thoughts voiced.
  "Aspen? Honey, you look so beautiful today please come out of you room." Arabella urged from outside my door, the pleading tone in her voice filled by irritation.
"What's the point? It's not like I can go anywhere or do anything." I called back in a sour voice, the sigh from outside my room was full of exasperation.
"Will you come out if I take out into the city? There's a marketplace that you will just adore. I know you will love seeing the festival. Say yes, please?" She pleaded desperately and easily ensnared my interest. Getting out would give me a chance to learn more information and distance myself from Jasper. Although, I was dressed far too nicely for a day trip outside I knew I'd get skinned alive by the maids if I changed.
"Okay..." With that utterance I unlocked my bedroom door. Arabella flung it open and rushed at my with bright excitement on her face. She was grinning wildly as her arms wrapped around me.
"Let's go!" The girl was extremely strong with both her words and actions. I found myself being dragged outside of my room and down the hallway at frightening speed. The way she easily tugged me about made me feel like a doll in her grasp. Something about the way she hastily moved told me that our trip was not approved or even proposed. It would be a good way to get back at Jasper for keeping things from me. The thrill of sneaking out of a castle was familiar and refreshing.
"Aspen!" Just as someone called my name I was yanked away before I could see their face. My legs struggled to keep up with the fast pace Arabella had set for us. Guards took one look at us before deciding we weren't worth the trouble of chasing after. Having status certainly had its advantages but having a princess that could turn into a fire breathing lizard seemed to hold many more. Arabella dragged me out of the castle and into a waiting carriage. It was extremely fancy and even the horses were groomed to perfection. Something felt off about our transportation but Arabella quickly redirected my attention by shoving my inside of the carriage. The ride from the castle into the city's center was brief but eventful. I was able to see and hear the bustling life of average people whilst Arabella chattered away next to me. Interested gazes met my own as people looked at the passing carriage. We were wilted to a stop as the driver let out a loud call to the horses. Delight fluttered over Arabella's face.
"This is going to be so much fun!" She squealed happily before taking my hands in her own and squeezing them. The driver opened the carriage door and helped us exit the extravagant death trap. Curious eyes followed us and interested questions began to chatter in the surrounding street. I glanced around warily. It was much busier than I'd thought it would be. People crowded the streets and loud music could be heard from performers. The smells of different foods permeated the air. Merchants and beggars called out to passers by. Knights maintained order miraculously well. If I didn't know these people had the ability to turn into oversized geckos I'd never guess from such a normal display. While there were no dragons fighting dramatically the whole scene was entirely outdated.
"Princess, where are your guards?" A knight in extravagant armor approached us with a concerned expression. His sharp brown gaze lingered in Arabella before slowly moving to me. His cheeks burned pink after taking in my exposing outfit.
"There is no need for concern. My brother knows where I am and agreed that I would not require guards with so many already here for the festival. Watch where you're looking, John. Aspen here is Jasper's friend." Arabella explained with a surly laugh at the knight's expense.
"My apologies. I am unconvinced that safety is guaranteed especially with such a revealing dress on." John gulped audibly under our intense stares. Poor guy was just trying to do his job. He chose to follow us around to ensure our wellbeing.
"Flower for a pretty lady? Only two copper coins." A merchant waved a mass of fragrant flowers in my face. They were gorgeous wildflowers. Arabella had latched onto my arm and easily pulled me away from the vendors. I was in awe at the busy stalls and happy people.
"Who is that?" Loud voices began to speak over each other.
"Is that Princess Arabella?"
"What is that dress? The indecency of that cut!" This speaker sounded truly aghast.
"I've never seen her before."
"They look rich."
"What a gorgeous pair of girls."
"She couldn't possibly be a human?" Incredulous whispers became louder.
"Stay right here. I'll be back, I promise." Arabella was gone before I'd registered her words. John took one moment to look torn between going after the crown princess or staying with me. I chose to relieve his anxiety and sent him off after her. Being alone in new environments had become the usual for me ever since I found out I wasn't human. My gaze fell upon a raised platform in the center of the busy marketplace. It seemed important considering it was surrounded by armored knights. I thought I spotted Arabella's elegant head of hair but it was so fleeting I couldn't be sure.
  "This way please." A voice tumbled into my ear as an arm wrapped around my and pinned my arms to my sides. I was man handled through the crowd without anyone seeing. My feet tripped over themselves when I was shoved into an empty street. A cold metallic blade pressed against my ribs through my dress.
  "Rather polite for someone using a knife." I stated calmly despite the slight panic rising in the pit of my stomach. My escort pulled the blade away and stepped away from me. I straightened and brushed my sweaty hands off on my dress. The sound of footfalls caught my attention and I looked around to see a group of scruffy looking people.
  "She's dressed too well to be a human, Ryder." An older man gruffly huffed after giving me a thorough once over.
  "She doesn't smell like one of us. She has to be a noble's pet. I'm sure we can get a good price for her. They'll either pay for her back or we'll sell her elsewhere." The guy that had  forced me here had no shame in his voice. He spoke in a calculated tone with no emotion on his face.
  "If I may, I'm definitely not worth the trouble I'll cause. So, I'll just be on my not human way." I explained with a show of finger guns and a click of my tongue. Their confusion was enough for me to make it almost out of the street. But things were never resolved that easily. The guy that had me at knifepoint grabbed my arm roughly. I let the damn that held my power back burst. Tendrils immediately twisted around the hand and up the arm the held me. Soft blue energy seeped up from his skin and flowed towards me. Within a few moments the grip weakened.
  "What are you doing? W-what are you?" The man whispered in shock. A strangled laugh broke free from my lips. I certainly wasn't human.
  "I'm a Succubus." I declared powerfully before releasing the man. He fell back into his butt with wide eyes. His friends were too shocked to help him out or even move. They all watched as I turned and walked away with my head held high. I made it back to the market without further incident. Reigning my power back in took more effort and I internally struggled to maintain control.
  "There you are!" Arabella signed in relief before jumping at me with open arms. She hugged me tightly for a few seconds before using her strength to drag me through the thick crowd forming around the raised platform. I looked up to see Jasper standing on it proudly. He really did look like a king as he stood watching over the people. A serious light burned in his eyes and a pleased smile twisted up his lips.
  Arabella practically pushed me up the stairs of the platform. Jasper turned to see me almost falling flat on my face. He reached out and steadied me easily. An easy and amused grin beamed down at me. His hand wrapped around my own and he pulled me forward with dramatic flourish. "I introduce Succubus Queen, Aspen. Our ally in the war against the demons." Jasper announced to the crowd of citizens milling about.
  "Oh, wait what?" I whispered in confusion about the whole spectacle. Gazes burned across me and they were filled with questions and judgement. "I thought royal alliances weren't usually publicly announced like this?" My question came out innocently confused.
"Would you not say our alliance is not the usual type? I am quite sure our relationship should be announced as well according to protocol." Jasper answered me with a strangely possessive smile. My brow creased in confusion. I looked up at him just as he used my hand to pull me in close.
"Wait, what relationship?" This inquiry went unanswered. Jasper lifted his hand to gentle caress my face. "Don't you dare announce anything else." I warned darkly. My glare was sharp and unrelenting. He seemed to contemplate my words for a moment before giving in.
"As you wish, but do not think this is a lost battle. I am merely retreating for now." He responded before allowing me to free myself from his arms. I turned and rushed off of the platform. My haste caused me to trip. Arabella caught me gracefully.
"Just what kind of alliance is this? It feels like he's trying to keep me here indefinitely." I grumbled to her sourly. She shushed me and pulled me into the market to enjoy the rest of the festival under the watchful presence of multiple guards.