Shifter Royals 2: The Uprising Read online

  Dae looked a bit pale. “Live television? As in, everything we say and do will be seen in real time?”

  “Don’t worry—it won’t be any different than the regular episodes. I hope.” Joely turned to me. “But isn’t it a bit unusual that they’re broadcasting an extra episode in between the regularly scheduled ones?”

  “Yes, I suppose it is. We never had anything live, unplanned or unscripted when we filmed The Pageant—at least, not that I remember.” I frowned. “I’m sure Mira has her reasons.” Those reasons eluded me, but I hoped to find out.

  The afternoon passed quickly. Giuliana was pacing my room when I returned. The wardrobe was open, and there were colorful frocks spread everywhere. “Ah, thank goodness. I’ve been going crazy trying to pick a gown by myself.”

  “This one’s pretty. I haven’t seen it before.” I fingered the sky-blue silk of one of the gowns on my bed. It had a floral appliqué on the fitted bodice, and the skirt was covered in swirls of glitter. The dress was both fancy and sultry, which was the perfect combination. Duncan could sneer, Rhys could salivate, and I could ignore them both while I enjoyed my champagne.

  “I hoped you would pick that one,” Giuliana said shyly. “I think you’ll look fantastic in that color.”

  Mindful of the time, we got right to work. Giuliana brushed then fluffed my hair until it cascaded over my shoulders in waves. She chose a plum lipstick that made my complexion glow with warmth. Dark eyeliner and just the right amount of mascara brought out my eyes. She clapped when she’d finished, and I stood before the full-length mirror. “My lady, you look smashing! His Highness won’t be able to stay away from you.”

  I had no intentions of letting Rhys anywhere near me that evening, but as such news would disappoint Giuliana, I kept my thoughts to myself. “Thank you.” I smiled at my young maid. “I think His Highness will definitely appreciate this gown. Nicely done.”

  “I heard the party will be broadcast live. Is it true?”

  “That’s what I heard as well. It’ll be interesting, in any event. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly.”

  She beamed as she opened the door for me. “I have an excellent feeling about it, miss. Have a lovely evening.”

  I winked at her on my way out. “I’ll give you all the juicy details when I get back.”

  The lobby was crowded with the production crew. They hoisted cameras and lights and were all talking excitedly. “We have to make sure we get the perfect shot of the king with each of the candidates,” one of the camera operators was saying to another.

  “I want them miked—I want every word audible for the viewers at home,” Rose explained to her assistant. She waved when she saw me. “Ah, Tamara, you look lovely. Please come here so that we can give you a brief rundown.”

  I spied Joely, resplendent in an ivory silk gown, being fitted with a microphone by one of the audio technicians. “We’re wearing microphones tonight?” I asked Rose when I reached her. “I don’t remember doing that before.”

  Rose grinned at me. “That’s because you haven’t. Live television is different, you see. There’s going to be a lot of movement inside the party, and we can’t miss a thing. So each of you is going to wear a small microphone so that we don’t miss any of your conversation with His Highness or with the other girls.”

  “But what if something happens?” I held still as an audio tech secured a small mike to the top of my gown. It was so tiny, I could barely see it. “What if I trip, spill my drink, then let out a curse? Everyone will hear me!”

  “There’s a one-minute delay, so anything that needs to be bleeped out will be taken care of. It’s going to be quite hectic, I expect!” Rose was flushed as the crew milled around her. “Mira’s inside the salon, putting the finishing touches on the party. She said she wanted the perfect, romantic ambience.”

  I blew out a deep breath. “I can hardly wait.”

  “Come, now.” Rose nudged me. “I’ve seen you with His Highness. There’s definitely a spark there. I know a lady never kisses and tells, but”—she leaned forward conspiratorially—“you really like him, don’t you?”

  I arched an eyebrow. “At the moment, I don’t like him at all.” Mindful of Mira’s admonition, I made sure no one besides Rose was listening. “It’s just been a bit much, you know? All his nonstop snogging.”

  Rose giggled. “Hopefully you’ll have the opportunity to snog him yourself tonight. I heard Mira mention she was spiking the punch.”

  “That’s just perfect.” I shook my head as Duncan and several of the other werewolf advisors made their way into the lobby. One of the producers greeted them then appeared to give them a tutorial about live television. Just perfect, indeed. Maybe the werewolf and his comrades would have too much punch and become ill on the broadcast. A girl could dream.

  Dae appeared wearing a tightly fitting teal gown and was whisked away to be equipped with her microphone. Finally, Rhys strode into the lobby. He wore a black tunic and matching pants, finished with black boots polished to a high sheen. His hair was swept into a bun, showcasing his high cheekbones, dark eyes framed by thick black lashes, and lustrous dark skin. Much to my surprise, King Black soon appeared behind him. The two men spoke for a minute. Rhys appeared to be listening intently to the king’s words. Finally, they broke apart, and King Black clapped Rhys on the shoulder then left.

  I watched as Rhys searched the room and found Duncan. A look passed between the two werewolves, then Duncan turned and spoke quietly to the wolves next to him. Something was going on, but again, I had no idea what. I really hated being out of the loop, but as it would require me to speak to Rhys in order to ask him what all the furtive looks and private conversations were about, I would have to live with my clueless status.

  “We’re entering the salon in a moment,” Rose announced to the room. “Get ready, everyone!”

  I smoothed my dress and took a deep breath. Suddenly, Rhys was beside me, his dark gaze raking up and down my figure. “That’s quite a dress,” he growled.

  “Enjoy the view, because that’s all you’re going to get.” I fake smiled at him.

  Rhys leaned in closer. “Come now. Surely Mira informed you that you cannot insult the king on live television.”

  “Of course she did. That’s why I’m taking care of it now.”

  “Ah, I see.” He moved even closer, and the heat kicked up between us, familiar and annoyingly intense. “See what I did there? I’m looking, Lady Layne, not touching.”

  I frowned. “That seems to be a first for you lately.”

  He brought his lips to my ear, and his scent, spicy and earthy, washed over me. “You know I have to show all three of you equal attention,” he whispered. “If there was already a clear winner, what would happen to the ratings?”

  I stared straight ahead, resisting the urge to shiver. “I’ve fallen for this line of reasoning before, Your Highness, and I’ve been burnt by it.”

  He pulled back a bit, studying my face. “I thought you were secure in your standing, Lady Layne. Are you jealous?” The king’s eyes sparkled, and I had to resist the urge to smack him.

  “Not anymore.” When his smile faltered, I felt my resolve grow. “I’ve learned from this experience. Going forward, I’ve decided to take better care of protecting myself. It doesn’t appear that anyone else is capable of doing so. Enjoy your evening, Your Highness.” I hustled away from him and toward Joely.

  “What was that about?” she whispered, looking between the king and me. Rhys stared after me for a moment then abruptly turned away.

  “Nothing worth talking about. Is this thing going to get started soon? I could use some punch.”

  “Me too. It’s nerve-racking, the whole live TV thing.” Joely smoothed her ivory dress.

  “You look beautiful,” I said.

  She smiled. “So do you, except for that sour look on your face.”

  “It’s time! Single file, everyone.” Rose motioned us through the door.

  Joely t
ook a deep, anxious breath. “Here goes nothing.”

  I patted her arm. “You’ll be fine. The camera loves you.”

  But Joely frowned. “I have a funny feeling in my stomach.”

  “It’s nerves. Nothing a little punch can’t fix. Trust me, everything will be okay.” I hoped it was true. My palms were sweaty from my encounter with Rhys, and my heart was racing. I decided to ignore those signs of weakness as Joely and I stayed together and headed straight for the bar. A server in a tuxedo poured us each a healthy goblet of the fruity liquid. I tapped my glass against my friend’s. “To cocktail parties.”

  “Hear! Hear!” Joely’s eyes were wide as she took in the commotion around us and raised her glass. “It’s busy in here, isn’t it?”

  It was indeed a scene. The camera crew was broken into several groups that were set up strategically around the room; they’d be able to film every conversation, every passing look. The klieg lights blazed as werewolf advisors filled the salon, accepting chalices filled with punch from the passing servers. With three contestants, one king, fifteen or so advisors, and a healthy production crew, the party was larger and louder than I’d expected. Candles were placed expertly around the salon, and a large fire crackled in the fireplace. In spite of the camera crew’s blaring lights, the room seemed festive. There was a hum of energy and excitement in the air.

  Mira, clad in a red velvet evening gown, was ensconced in the corner, talking to some of her staff. Then she went and stood before the fire, obviously waiting for the crowd to quiet down. “Listen, everyone, we have only minutes before we begin filming. Act naturally. Have a cocktail, relax with your friends, and forget about the cameras. Do keep in mind that we’re here to film for the contest, so the focus is on King Rhys and the contestants. We’re happy to have the advisors here, as well, to add some local flavor to the party.”

  There was polite clapping, and then Mira continued, “There are only three rules: no cursing, no talk of supernaturals, and no mention of rebels. If we can all remember that, tonight will be an enormous success. Dae, Tamara, Joely: come and stand with me by the fire. When we go live, I’m going to make an announcement and introduce each of you for the audience.”

  Dae met us at the front of the room. Up close, I could see that her dress was sculpted against her body, leaving little to the imagination. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail that showcased her fine features, alabaster skin, and square chin. She looked lovely as always, but with an edge. “You look pretty,” Joely told her. “That’s some dress.”

  “I hope it’s not too obvious.” Dae shifted uncomfortably. “But my maids insisted. They told me the king would love it.”

  “He will.” I nodded. “It’s a safe bet.”

  “Ladies, please.” Mira arranged us side by side. “You all look amazing. The king is going to have his work cut out for himself tonight. Now, smile: we’re going live.” She turned and faced the cameras. “On my count. Three, two, one.”

  The cameras started filming, and I automatically plastered a smile on my face.

  “Good evening, settlers. We have a very special show for you this evening, one you’ll be talking about for weeks to come,” Mira said with confidence. Her blinding-white teeth flashed in the firelight. “Tonight, for the first time ever, we are bringing you the broadcast live. That’s right—everything you see and hear is happening in real time. And I have a special announcement: at the end of the party, His Highness will choose the final two girls.”

  There was a collective gasp in the room. Probably the loudest sounds of disbelief came from Joely, Dae, and me.

  “The next challenge has proven to be very involved,” Mira continued, “and we feel it’s best to narrow the field now. So stay tuned and don’t miss a minute. Who will stay and who will go in this royal twist?”

  The camera panned to our faces. I’m sure I looked shocked—I couldn’t believe my ears. One of us is going home tonight? I glanced at Joely and Dae—they looked as stricken as I felt.

  None of us had seen it coming.

  Scared Straight

  “So here we go!” Mira beamed at the cameras. “Live from the Realm, it’s The Bachelor King!”

  She turned to us. “Sorry for the surprise announcement, but sometimes that’s how these things go. Have some more punch, ladies. His Highness will be speaking with each of you in a few moments.”

  We were quiet as we headed back to the bar. I drained my glass and promptly held it out for a refill. Joely and Dae followed suit. “Did you… Did either of you know?” Joely sounded dazed.

  “No.” I shook my head. I wanted to say more, but as our every word was being recorded by our microphones, I didn’t dare. What about the rebels? What about the lockdown? My head was spinning, and not just from my drink.

  “I can’t believe it.” Dae took a large sip of punch. “I can’t believe one of us is going home tonight.”

  “Well, if that’s the case… No use sulking.” I raised my glass. “Let’s enjoy ourselves, shall we? To the Realm.”

  “To the Realm.” We clinked our glasses together and downed our punch. The bartender refilled my goblet yet again, and I decided that I would not be counting calories from alcohol that evening. It was a special occasion, more so than I’d expected. I was probably going home. I searched the room until I found Rhys. He was deep in conversation with Duncan and two other advisors. My heart twisted at the sight of his handsome face. I might not see him after tonight. I might not see him ever again.

  Don’t go there, I chided myself. Remember? We’re not sulking.

  “I don’t know what you both look so nervous about—everybody knows I’m the one going home.” Joely stared into her goblet. “I’m the lowest-hanging fruit. He can’t keep his hands off Dae, and all he does is moon over Tamara. I’m the expendable one. Dependable, boring old Joely. I’m good for a laugh and a cuddle. Nothing more.”

  Dae scowled at her. “How much punch have you had?”

  “Not nearly enough.” Joely downed the contents of her chalice and held it out for another refill.

  “You don’t need to worry—I’m definitely the one going home.” Dae shook her head. “I still don’t feel like I’ve really gotten to know His Highness. He seems much more comfortable with the two of you.”

  “Ladies, stop your blubbering. I’m the one who’ll be leaving tonight. Both of you offer a fresh start, and I’m afraid His Highness and I have some baggage. Oh dear, here he comes. More punch, please.” I gripped my goblet tightly as Rhys neared our group.

  “If he asks to speak to me first, it’s official: I’m the one getting cut.” Joely had another healthy sip from her chalice. “Lowest-hanging fruit drops first, as they say.”

  When he reached us, Rhys dropped into a deep bow. “Good evening, ladies.”

  “Good evening,” we mumbled in unison.

  “Ah, but you’re upset with the news. I don’t blame you.”

  “It seems a bit abrupt,” Joely said.

  Dae’s eyes were wide. “I can’t believe it could be over tonight.”

  Rhys’s eyes flashed. “Our time together has passed too quickly.”

  “I agree—there hasn’t been enough time.” Dae’s lips twisted. “It’s a shame, if you ask me. We’ve all been working so hard on the Contestants’ Challenge.”

  Joely nodded. “I think I have a great idea for the Challenge, but I’m sure we all do. It’s too bad one of us won’t be able to share our vision with you.”

  “I agree, it is a shame.” He turned to me. “You’re awfully quiet, Lady Layne. Do you have any opinions about the announcement?”

  “I don’t know that I have an opinion. I’m just a little sad, to be honest.” My voice came out thick, my words on the verge of slurring. Oh boy. So much for not sulking. I frowned at them. “Mira really put a lot of liquor into this blasted punch.”

  Rhys motioned for a goblet of his own and raised it to our little group. “Cheers to the finest women I’ve ever known. It’s bee
n an honor getting to know each of you better. A toast to a lovely few weeks, and many thanks for everything you’ve sacrificed to be here. Your loyalty and patience with this process will not soon be forgotten.”

  “Cheers.” We all put our chalices together then drank some more.

  Rhys drained his punch and nodded at Joely. “Mira tells me I need to have a final round of one-on-ones with you tonight. Lady Raine, will you do me the honor of being first?”

  Joely smiled at him, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Of course, Your Highness. It’s my pleasure.” As he took her hand and led her away, she mouthed at us, I told you so.

  Dae sighed as Rhys pulled our auburn-haired friend into a corner and began speaking to her intently. “This is crazy. I’ve no idea what’s going to happen.”

  I clinked my glass against hers, and some punch sloshed out. “Cheers to that.”

  Dae eyed my drink. “Are you all right, Tamara?”

  “Of course. Now if you’ll excuse me a moment, I’ve got some business to attend to.”

  With false bravado sponsored by alcohol, I raised my chin high and crossed the room toward some of the advisors. Duncan’s pale-blue eyes widened in surprise as I joined his circle. “Gentlemen, good evening.”

  “Good evening.” They looked at me in interest.

  “Please excuse the interruption, but as I fear my time here is running out, I’m on a mission.”

  Duncan scowled while the other werewolves smiled at me appreciatively. The dark-haired advisor on my left raised his glass. “We’re happy for the interruption, Lady Layne. No need to apologize!”

  I beamed at them. “Then please, join me in a toast to the Realm. May it burgeon in prosperity. May it soon be filled with families and new life, and may it flourish for generations to come.”