Raising Beast Cubs to Find a Husband novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71: The King on the Couch

The Warlords had finally left. The heavy oak door was locked, the "Closed" sign was flipped, and the chaotic energy of the treaty dinner had faded into silence.

The cubs had been picked up by their respective butlers and terrifying fathers—except for one.

Prince Orion was currently passed out on the rug, using his shell-backpack as a pillow, snoring with a soft, rhythmic whistle that sounded like a tea kettle.

I finished wiping down the table, scrubbing away the last sticky remnants of the glazed ham. My arms ached, but my mind was racing. We had a plan. A crazy, desperate plan involving soups and treaties, but a plan nonetheless.

I looked over at the corner of the room.

King Caspian was sitting in the rocking chair usually reserved for reading time. His eyes were closed, his head tipped back against the wall, and his breathing was shallow. The blue glow of the purification paste I’d slapped on his shoulder was dimming, turning a faint, powdery white.

He looked exhausted. Not "long day at the office" exhausted. "I just fought an ancient virus" exhausted.

"So," I whispered, careful not to wake the sleeping prince on the floor. "What’s the plan, Neighbor? You can’t go back to the Sunless City tonight. Morana might have had the gates locked down, and you’re in no condition to siege a castle."

Caspian opened his eyes. Even in the dim light, that teal gaze was intense.

"There are sea-caves along the northern coast," he rasped, his voice rough. "I can hide there. The salt water will help stabilize my mana flow."

I crossed my arms, leaning against the table. "Sea-caves? Really? Caspian, you have a magical Void-infection in your shoulder. Sleeping on a wet, mossy rock is a terrible idea. And look at your son."

I pointed to Orion. "He has legs now. Wobbly, new legs. He can’t sleep in a tide pool. He’ll catch pneumonia before breakfast."

Caspian looked at Orion, his expression softening. He tried to stand up, but I saw the way his hand gripped the armrest for support.

"I do not wish to impose," he said, swaying slightly. "You have done enough, Primrose. You risked your life diving into the ruins. I cannot ask for more."

"Sit down," I commanded, using my ’Head Chef’ voice. The one that made even Rurik listen.

He sat.

"You’re not staying in a cave," I told him firmly. "You’re staying with me."

Caspian blinked, looking genuinely confused. "With... you?"

"My apartment is upstairs," I said, pointing a finger at the ceiling. "It’s small. It smells like cinnamon and wet dog fur because I bring the cubs’ blankets home to wash. But it has a couch, a bathtub, and a roof that doesn’t leak."

Caspian looked at me. He looked at the sleeping Orion. A faint, incredulous smile touched his pale lips.

"I am a King," he murmured. "The Lord of the Deep. And I am being offered... a couch."

"It’s a very comfortable couch," I smiled back, untying my apron. "It has floral throw pillows. Take it or leave it, Your Majesty."

He let out a breath that sounded like a laugh.

"I accept your hospitality, Ambassador."

---

Half an hour later, I was witnessing the surreal sight of the Terror of the Seven Seas trying to fit his massive frame onto my floral-print loveseat.

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