Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 69

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**

In the soft embrace of dawn, Corvin’s light blue fur shimmered like a delicate morning sky, freshly fluffed by the diligent humanoid robot that had tended to him with meticulous care. With a playful bounce, he leaped off the table, his tiny legs propelling him forward with an infectious eagerness as he made his way to Emma’s room, the heart of his little adventure.

Approaching the door, he skidded to an abrupt halt, a glimmer of mischief igniting in his bright eyes. He turned back, a triumphant grin spreading across his face as he seized Coalball, his disgruntled companion, from the couch. With a determined tug, he dragged Coalball behind him, the little creature flailing in protest, a comical sight against Corvin’s spirited demeanor.

The door to Emma’s sanctuary stood resolutely closed, a barrier that might daunt many. But for Corvin, that plain white wooden door was as flimsy as a wisp of smoke. With an air of confidence, he strutted right through it, Coalball dangling comically from his mouth, his protests muffled and indignant.

Such was the essence of Corvin.

He possessed an extraordinary knack for breezing past obstacles, blissfully untroubled by the limitations that constrained others.

Inside, Emma lay enveloped in a deep, peaceful slumber, blissfully unaware of the delightful chaos brewing around her. The gentle cadence of her breathing was the only sound that broke the stillness, contrasting sharply with Corvin’s playful antics.

Coalball, however, was far from pleased. He squirmed and squawked, his voice a high-pitched chorus of indignation.

“Chirp chirp!” he protested, frustration evident in his tone. “Corvin, what on earth are you doing?”

“This is a female’s bedroom! You can’t just waltz in here!”

“Chirp chirp!” he continued, desperation creeping into his voice. “Corvin, let me go!”

In a moment of panic, Corvin dropped Coalball with a soft thump, his playful nature shining through as he affectionately bopped Coalball on the head, a gesture more playful than aggressive.

Coalball’s world spun momentarily, stars dancing in his vision as he struggled to regain his bearings.

Once the little creature settled down, Corvin, ever the inventive one, darted toward the bed, swatting a plushie aside with a swift flick of his paw. His mind raced with a plan as he tore off a piece of fabric, determined to silence Coalball’s protests. With a swift motion, he stuffed it into Coalball’s beak, effectively muting him.

“Mmmph…” Coalball protested, now rendered incapable of making another sound.

As he flapped his wings in a futile attempt to escape, Corvin realized that sneaking into a female’s room while she slumbered was a precarious endeavor. It was a serious breach of decorum, one that could lead to trouble.

Yet, as Emma’s playful companion, Corvin felt a certain entitlement that allowed him to venture without consequence. But Coalball? That was an entirely different story.

Noticing that Coalball was still restless, Corvin, struck by inspiration, tore up more plushies, fashioning makeshift restraints from the fabric strips, binding Coalball securely.

Now, Coalball was utterly speechless, his little body immobilized and at the mercy of Corvin’s whims.

With Coalball finally quiet and still, Corvin nodded in satisfaction, triumphantly dragging his new friend onto the bed beside Emma. He nestled himself comfortably in her arms, ready to drift off into a peaceful slumber.

Corvin’s mind, akin to that of a curious toddler, brimmed with innocent wonder and a hint of mischief. He was somewhat sensible, yet his understanding of the world was limited.

To him, Coalball was merely a fascinating new toy, an object of intrigue to play with—never something to be broken or discarded.

Coalball found himself completely bound, one leg pinned beneath Corvin’s paw, utterly unable to move or protest.

As Corvin inhaled deeply, Emma’s sweet scent enveloped him, washing over him like a warm embrace, igniting a comforting heat within his small body.

So warm…

And so thirsty…

He had heard more royal secrets than he could count, and while it was embarrassing for those involved, the truth was hardly a shocking revelation. Anyone with a modicum of intelligence could see the writing on the wall.

“If you’re already aware, then just help me look for them,” Ethan urged, desperation creeping into his voice.

Edric relented, the promise of a reward softening his resolve. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you’re compensated handsomely.”

When it came to finances, Edric had no doubt that Ethan would come through. Generosity was a trait Ethan possessed in abundance.

“Ethan, it’s not that I don’t want to assist. But you mentioned that Prince Louis and Commander Hamblin might have been captured by the Chitinids. You know that the Interstellar Hunter Alliance only operates within the Empire or on a select few abandoned planets.”

“To search for them in Chitinid territory, we need to consult the Enchanter Clan. They always scour the outer battlefield, equipped with advanced Chitinid ships. Their shapeshifting abilities allow them to navigate in and out of Chitinid territory with remarkable ease.”

—

As the morning light filtered through the window, illuminating the delightful chaos that had unfolded in Emma’s room, a sense of clarity began to blossom within her. Corvin’s innocent antics and Coalball’s exasperated protests painted a vivid picture of the life she had been too afraid to embrace—a life brimming with unexpected joy, companionship, and a hint of mischief. The warmth of Corvin nestled against her side served as a gentle reminder that love and connection often come in the most surprising forms. With each moment spent in this whimsical sanctuary, Emma felt the weight of her fears begin to lift, replaced by a burgeoning hope that perhaps stepping outside her comfort zone could lead to a life richer than she had ever imagined.

Meanwhile, in the meeting room of the Interstellar Hunter Alliance, the tension surrounding the disappearance of Prince Louis and Commander Hamblin underscored the fragility of their world. Edric and Ethan’s exchange revealed the complexities of loyalty and the burdens of secrecy that weighed heavily on their shoulders. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there was a flicker of determination igniting within them both—a shared commitment to uncover the truth and protect those they cared for. As they prepared to navigate the treacherous paths ahead, the intertwining of their destinies mirrored Emma’s own journey, highlighting that the courage to confront fear and the strength found in unity could ultimately lead to redemption and a brighter future.

—

**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter of “When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live,” readers can anticipate a thrilling convergence of whimsical adventures and high-stakes intrigue. As Emma stirs from her slumber, the serene world of her bedroom will be disrupted not only by the antics of Corvin and the bound Coalball but also by the unfolding drama surrounding the disappearance of Prince Louis and Commander Hamblin. Emma, blissfully unaware of the turmoil brewing outside her sanctuary, will find herself at the heart of a mystery that may pull her into a world she has long avoided. Will the innocent mischief of Corvin lead to unexpected revelations about her own life and choices?

Meanwhile, the tension in the Interstellar Hunter Alliance will escalate as Edric and Ethan delve deeper into the enigma of the missing royals. With the stakes rising and the threat of the Chitinids looming, their search will take them into uncharted territories fraught with danger and deception. As they consult the enigmatic Enchanter Clan, readers will be on the edge of their seats, wondering how the threads of Emma’s life will intertwine with the fate of the missing prince and commander. Will Emma’s journey of self-discovery align with the quest to uncover the truth, or will she remain a mere spectator in a larger cosmic game? The next chapter promises to unravel these mysteries, leaving readers eager to see how the whimsical and the perilous collide in a world where every choice can lead to unexpected consequences.