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Cheshire in Heartsland by Ariella Zoelle
Wonderland Ever After, Book 2
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Chapter 4: King Rei of Hearts
“Anyone who has heard the legends should admire Cheshire and his incredible power. It’s been my dream to meet him,” Prince Renner said in an awed voice.
I glanced around the room, expecting the prince’s words to summon the troublesome cat who loved attention. But he was suspiciously absent, which didn’t sit well with me at all. “Should you make his acquaintance, he will surely puff up with pride at hearing that.”
Prince Renner clasped his hands together as he looked up at me hopefully. “Would it be too forward to ask if you could arrange a meeting with him? After all, you’re great friends with him.”
My need to be an excellent host warred with my desire to keep the two men as far apart as possible. No good could come of Cheshire meeting the young royal. When the cat shifter resented the prince’s arrival, there was no telling what mischief he would cause. “Is that what the rumors say?”
A faint blush graced his cheeks. “Some of them. Others say you’re far closer than mere friends.”
His words unsettled me. “That doesn’t make their idle chatter true.” The expectant look in his eyes made me inwardly sigh. “Unfortunately, Cheshire is a cat who does as he pleases. He does not respond well to orders from anyone, not even from his king.”
“That’s not true,” Cheshire’s voice said. He slowly appeared in his cat form, starting from the tip of his tail to the ends of his whiskers. “I’m always pleased to do what you ask when it’s something I want to do.”
I clamped down on my urge to reprimand him for appearing in the palace without permission. No matter how many times I reminded him that he was banned, he showed a flagrant disregard for that fact. I also ignored the very un-kinglike panic I felt over his sudden appearance.
Prince Renner looked at Cheshire with open admiration. “It really is you!”
Cheshire shifted into his human form, although he kept his cat ears and tail. He was extra handsome in his violet jacquard suit designed by Hatter. It took an effort not to react when he reached out to take the prince’s hand and bring it up to his lips to kiss while looking deep into his eyes. “What a treat it is to meet a fan.” He glanced at me over his shoulder. “Someone could stand to learn a thing or two about giving a warm welcome.”
I bristled at the dig but knew it was smarter to keep my silence. Losing my cool would make me look terrible in front of my guest. I wasn’t interested in taking him as my consort, but I owed it to myself to maintain my dignity as a ruler.
Prince Renner clasped Cheshire’s hand in his as he looked at him with a loving adoration that made me uncomfortable. “I can’t believe my good fortune! I’ve longed to meet you since I was a child, and you’re right here in front of me, even more magnificent than the rumors said.”
Jealousy burned deep within me. It filled me with an urge to lay claim to Cheshire in a way that would leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that he was mine.
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Check out Book 1:
Alistair in Wonderland
Wonderland Ever After, Book 1
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About the Author:
Ariella Zoelle adores steamy, funny, swoony romances where couples are allowed to just be happy. She writes low angst stories full of heat, humor, and heart. But sometimes she’s in the mood for something with a bit more angst and drama. If you are too, check out her A.F. Zoelle books.
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