The Last Princess Read Online Free

father's
death.  Nothing could make up for the loss until he had the chance to apply for
a royal courtship. If the fool she-wolf had lived up to her expectations, his
mother would have seen them wed and died in peace.  As it was, she passed on
with only with the hope that the princess would return.  He couldn't understand
why Delia wouldn't be thrilled to have him as a mate. As if she could get
better than a purebred wolf like him.
    The queen entered the dining hall, followed by a small
entourage.  There was a great shuffling of feet and clattering of silverware as
everyone around the table stood.  Alexander had been invited to stay at the
palace after his mother's death.  The queen was convinced at least one of her
daughters would return that she already considered him a son.
    "Your majesty."  He bowed slightly until she took a
seat. Her long black hair was coiled at the back of her head, her robe flowing
as she moved. She was a beautiful woman for her age, and he imagined his
bride-to-be would age just as well.
    "Alexander.  I hear you're discontented today."
    He grumbled.  Holding back his tongue, even within earshot of
the queen, was not something he was capable of. "Another full moon
approaches tomorrow.  Still no sign of her."
    Every month he imagined his intended bride screwing around
with different males when she should be in his bed, pleasing him, making their
children.  He adjusted his collar.  How long could he live under this roof
before he felt like an unwelcome guest?  How could one little female evade a
small army of the best trackers?
    "She's a bright girl.  I know she'll come to her senses. 
Her wolf is untamed, seeking a bit of adventure before she returns home."
    "A proper princess doesn't go looking for
adventure," he said, not condoning Delia's actions. If she ever returned,
the first thing he'd do would be to take her upstairs to their master bedroom
and turn her over his knee for a spanking, whether the queen approved or not.
    "Patience, Alexander."  The queen held up her empty
glass, awaiting service. She clearly didn't feel the same urgency he did.  This
was her home, her monarchy, and she didn’t seem too concerned that her daughter
may or may not return in the foreseeable future. As for him, he was chewing at
the bit to complete his intended mating. 
    "Your majesty, if you'll excuse me?"  He dabbed at
the corner of his mouth with the cloth napkin and then set it over his plate.
The queen nodded, and he gladly escaped into the stone passageway leading to
the rear yard. The tunnel was lit by wall sconces, the candle light flickering
from the constant flow of air howling through.
    One of his best friends, a bear shifter named Ulric, was on
guard at the entrance.  There wasn't an unattended gap in the palace.  Some
days it felt claustrophobic, and he couldn't blame the princess for wanting to
escape the tyranny.  Those days were few.
    "Are you on until late?"
    Ulric turned around, his large frame shadowed by the nearly
full moon above them.  He leaned against the stony entrance to the castle, only
the symphony of insects to keep him company. "All night.  Any word on your
little princess?"
    "The bitch is still on the run.  I've committed to a
female I can't even touch.  The only release I have is running the perimeter of
the royal gardens each night."  He blew out a heavy breath. "What I
need is a proper fucking."  They both laughed, trying to make light of a
serious situation. Alexander's life was passing him by as he waited.  One year
moved into the next so flawlessly that one day he'd look in the mirror and find
he was old and grey, no longer able to court a woman.
    "I know her well.  We grew up together, and if Delia is
anything, it's determined.  If she doesn't want to be found, I expect she never
will be."
    "You're not helping, Ulric." He ran both hands
through his hair and growled.  The moon already called to him, urged him to
shed his human skin and run wild. "How