Page 7 of Mane Attraction
But apparently throwing epic parties and enjoying willing women makes me unfit to rule.
The injustice of it burned in his chest. He’d simply been living life to its fullest, savoring every moment of freedom before duty chained him to a throne. Was that really so terrible? Was enjoying himself while he still could truly evidence of poor character? And now his father wants him to find a mate too?
That particular requirement felt like the cruelest joke of all. Not only did he have to transform into a responsible king, but he was supposed to bind himself to one woman for eternity—to give up the variety and excitement that had made life bearable.
All my happiness, dissolving like sugar in rain.
Lev made his way downstairs, his bare feet silent on the cool marble steps. The palace felt different in the morning light—less like a playground and more like a prison waiting to close its doors. Portraits of previous kings watched him from the walls, their painted eyes seeming to judge his casual attire and find it lacking.
The dining room’s massive windows flooded the space with golden sunlight that caught the intricate patterns carved into the walls. The scent of fresh bread and roasted meat made his stomach growl, reminding him that he’d been too drunk last night to eat much at the celebration.
Benjamin sat at the long table, looking perfectly put-together despite the early hour. His dark golden hair was neatly combed, his green eyes alert and amused as he worked his way through what appeared to be enough food for three people. The sight of his best friend’s easy competence only highlighted Lev’s own disheveled state.
“Well, well,” Benjamin said, looking up with raised eyebrows. “The prodigal prince graces us with his presence at breakfast. Should I alert the historians?”
Lev dropped into the chair across from Benjamin with more force than necessary, causing the fine china to rattle. “Apparently I missed an important meeting with the elders this morning.”
“The succession planning meeting?” Benjamin’s fork paused halfway to his mouth. “The one you’ve known about for weeks?”
“That would be the one.” Lev reached for a piece of bread, tearing it apart with unnecessary violence. “My father was... displeased.”
“Displeased enough to visit the guest quarters personally?” Benjamin’s eyes sparkled with barely contained laughter. “I heard he interrupted your morning entertainment.”
Lev shot his friend a warning look, but Benjamin’s grin only widened. The man had an annoying talent for finding humor in Lev’s most embarrassing moments.
“It gets worse,” Lev continued, piling scrambled eggs onto his plate. “He’s hired a reputation consultant. Some human woman from Earth who’s supposed to transform me into acceptable king material before the Trial.”
Benjamin nearly choked on his coffee, coughing and sputtering as laughter overtook him. “A reputation consultant? For you?”
“I’m glad my impending doom amuses you so much.”
“Lev, they’d have better luck teaching a hurricane to be a gentle breeze.” Benjamin wiped tears from his eyes. “This poor woman has no idea what she’s walking into.”
“She’s arriving this afternoon,” Lev said grimly. “Along with her team, apparently.”
“A human woman,” Benjamin repeated, shaking his head in disbelief. “Coming here to fix the crown prince of the Marcan pride.” He dissolved into fresh laughter. “This sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. You may never become king at this rate.”
Lev’s fork clattered against his plate as irritation flared. “I’m not hopeless, you know. Maybe she’ll point out some things I need to work on. I can listen and adapt when instructed.”
Benjamin’s laughter died abruptly, replaced by a look of genuine surprise. “That doesn’t sound like you at all. Your stubbornness will get the better of you in ten minutes with this human consultant.”
“Challenge accepted,” Lev said firmly. “I’ll prove that I can handle this little reputation cleanup. How hard can it really be? Act a little more mature, not party as hard, maybe attend meetings instead of missing them. Simple enough.”
Benjamin stood up, still shaking his head with amusement. “I can’t wait to watch this train wreck unfold.”
He clapped Lev on the shoulder as he passed, heading toward the door with the easy confidence of someone who didn’t have the weight of a kingdom pressing down on his shoulders.
Lev was left alone with his thoughts and a plate of food that suddenly tasted bitter.
Everyone doubts me.
But deep in his chest, where his lion’s heart beat strong and sure, Lev felt something different. Not doubt—certainty. He might have spent two decades playing the irresponsible playboy, but that didn’t define who he truly was. When real dangerthreatened, when the pride needed protection, when leadership was actually required, he’d never failed them.
They just can’t see past the parties and the women to the man underneath. I’ll prove them all wrong. Just wait.
FIVE
XELENE
