average human’s Reviews > Unwilling Queen > Status Update

I turn to see a pair of familiar ocean blue eyes staring quizzically at me. “Do I know you? I feel like I’ve met you before.”
Liam mutters something, but an elbow from Brodie causes him to scoff and splutter. “Oh, Gryffin, you haven’t met our new queen yet, have you?” Lucas says, and I can hear a slight hint of annoyance in his tone.
“Actually, Gryffin met Colbie many years ago.” Gretchin snickers. “She had a superpower even back then. Her tears had the ability to have Gryffin at her beck and call.”
His eyes widen, and the confusion in his eyes fades. “Cookie?” he asks, and I frown.
“What Gretchin forgot to tell you yesterday is that we used to call you cupcake back then, but Gryff called you cookie.” Gracelin grins cheekily.
“Because of all the treats you used to bake us,” he says, not taking his eyes off me.
“And because she smells like cupcakes,” Gretchin adds.
“Yes, she does,” Gryffin agrees slowly. “It’s nice to see you again.” His face lights up in a grin that has flashes of memories flying through my brain of him and me hiding from the girls and jumping out and scaring them, him allowing me to paint his nails when Mom wouldn’t let me paint my own while his sisters were doing it, and us all playing dress up with him being a knight to my princess while the sisters were the evil witches. They really enjoyed playing the evil witches, but he protected me from all their schemes. I didn’t know back then he was a prince.
I hadn’t realized how much time the queens had spent at Mom’s studio. She must have been dressing them exclusively for a while. I wonder what happened, or if they have been going all this time and I just didn’t know. It’s unlike my mom not to brag about that sort of thing though.
“Sir Gryffin.” The name slips out before I can stop it, and the table dissolves into laughter.
“Uncle Gwiff, Colbie is my girlfriend, and I’m going to be her sidepiece because the goddess has given her mates already.”
The rest of the table has already heard all of this, but Gryffin chokes on his sip of coffee at his nephew’s announcement. “Sounds like solid goals. I fully support it,” he tells Archie seriously, and his nephew beams at him. I feel my cheeks flush pink. Gryffin grew up well. He was a good-looking kid, but he’s over-the-top handsome now, just like the rest of his group. His silvery, shoulder-length hair has a few artful streaks of black through it, and he has a striking jawline and chiseled cheekbones with full lips. There isn’t an ugly one amongst his bond group. In fact, everyone assembled at the table is gorgeous.
“Are there any ugly shifters?” I blurt, feeling flustered. “The sheer attractiveness at this table is overwhelming. Please tell me I’m not going to be the only bland shifter out of the whole race?” I beg, and they all stare at me with surprise.
Gracelin is the first to recover. “Oh, believe me, we are just very lucky to have good genes. There are some very unattractive shifters in this kingdom.”
“Both inside and out,” Violet adds, and I see Sable give her hand a squeeze. I remember her telling me about having trouble with a girl at college.
“And in no way are you bland, Queen Colbie,” Ember tells me earnestly, and I smile at the girl’s lies.
“You’re too kind, but I am aware of my shortcomings. My mother has told me my whole life.”
There’s an awkward silence and a few angry scowls on my behalf.
Lucas clears his throat and fidgets, staring at my plate.
“Hurry up and get some more food in you, Colbie. Lucas is getting impatient.” Layla nudges her husband, thankfully changing the subject and breaking the uncomfortable atmosphere.
“Mia told him he had to wait until you were finished eating and not rush you, but he is eager to get started this morning.” Evie giggles, and Mia rolls her eyes.
“Way to go, Evelyn. Now you’ve made her self-conscious and are making her rush,” Mia growls at her co-wife as I start to shovel more food in my mouth.
Conversation goes on around me, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting, just like being in the kitchen at my grandparents’ place. I can’t help but wish this is how this will always be, but I know it won’t. Lucas and his wives and children will move out of the palace, and the rest are only temporary residents until I am crowned and mated. Bryson and Sable might stick around, but I will have to talk to them about their wants and needs. I’m not going to force him to stay in his job if he would like to retire and enjoy his life now that his friend is moving on.
I guess these are all decisions I need to make over the coming weeks. I get up and move over to the buffet to grab a cup of coffee. A server hurries over to assist me, and I wave them away with a smile. “The day I can’t make myself my own cup of coffee is a sad day indeed,” I tell them gently, and they return to their place against the wall.
When I return to the table, Gracelin and Gretchin are smirking at me, and I flip them off. They dissolve into giggles.
“Get used to it, Colbie. There are going to be times when you’re going to have to allow them to serve you. It’s all about keeping up appearances,” Lucas instructs me firmly. “I know it’s hard, and there is such a steep learning curve, but I have a feeling you’re going to be an amazing queen. You just have to allow us to teach you.”
The rest of breakfast passes by quickly. I can feel Lucas’s impatience, so I stand up and put him out of his misery. “Okay, oh mighty king, teach me.” I give him a sweeping bow, and he jumps to his feet and rubs his hands together.
“Let’s go.”