The Reluctant King (The Star-Crossed Series) Read Online Free Page A

to celebrate this!”
                  “Oh really?” Talbott narrowed his wise eyes on me.
                  “And invite the whole Kingdom to celebrate,” I all but squealed like a girl, envisioning how great this was going to be to promote relationships between our kind. Even though the people were free, they were still a bit skittish of actually dating someone from a different race than them. This would definitely be a step in the right direction.
                  “And there we go, there’s the truth,” Talbott announced triumphantly.
                  “Well, that and I was worried I was going to have to steal Lilly from you and make her an honest woman myself,” I smirked, happy to shut him up.
                  I was saved from whatever response Talbott could come up with by girls actually squealing…. scratch that, it wasn’t squealing, it was screaming, and in the ear-piercing pitch only really excited girls could reach.
                  “Ah, there’s the fiancée now,” Talbott murmured all love struck.
                  I was writhing in pain, worried about the health of my ear drums and he was googly eyed and dreamy looking. Gross.
                  “I take it that’s Eden?” Jericho asked in a low voice.
                  “I’m thinking yes,” I replied, but I knew without a doubt it was her. I could feel her. I had felt her since she entered the country hours ago. Although we had turned off our shared monologue since she was now a married woman and neither one of us wanted to do irreparable damage to our subconscious, I was still forever connected to my twin sister. And I would never complain about that.
                  Not even in a joke.
                  “Point me in the direction of my room?” Jericho mumbled after Talbott had taken off in the direction of the still shrill sounds.
                  “I thought things were alright between the three of you?” I probed a little, wondering what the big deal was. There had been lots of girls between Eden and now, even if he hadn’t actually fallen in love with any of them. Who cared, anyway, things seemed incredibly easier for him now.
                  “They are,” he shrugged. “I’m just tired and don’t feel like dealing with all that.” He gestured toward the sounds and I instantly got it.
                  “I don’t blame you,” I nodded, understanding completely. “Up in my wing, you’re on the first level. I don’t know which room exactly, but nobody else has arrived yet and your things should be there for you. If you get lost, just ask one of the serv- uh, employees,” I clarified. The castle used to be run by servants, but one dead king and three hundred monthly paychecks later and I could officially call the palace staff employees.
                  “Thanks,” Jericho smiled. “It’s good to see you again, man. It’s been too long.”
                  “Agreed,” I nodded, trying to avoid the awkward road to feelings-ville. “Now go get your beauty rest, princess, because tonight we celebrate!”
                  We turned in our opposite directions and I followed the sound of girls chattering. There was silence for a beat and by the time I turned the corner to the main entrance corridor Eden had started screaming again, holding Lilly’s pale hand in hers. I narrowed my eyes and realized it was the new engagement ring that had her so excited.
                  I leaned against the wall and stood back to observe. Talbott stood with his arm protectively around his future bride while she blushed to the color of her curly red hair. Sebastian, who had met up with Eden and Kiran somewhere in Western Europe was shaking Talbott’s hand while Kiran kept both hands on Eden’s shoulders as he towered over