Raising Beast Cubs to Find a Husband-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.

It wasn’t going well. His feet hung off one end, and his broad shoulders took up the entire backrest.

I had tucked Orion into my bed. The little prince had curled up instantly, muttering something about "isosceles triangles" in his sleep.

I walked into the living room carrying a bundle of bedding.

"Here," I said, throwing a blanket over Caspian. "Sorry it’s pink. It was on sale at the market."

Caspian touched the soft fleece with his long, clawed fingers. He pulled it up to his chin.

"It is warm," he said quietly. "That is all that matters."

I stood in the doorway of the bedroom, watching him. The moonlight filtered in through the small window, lighting up my frizzy, dandelion-hair and his sharp, alien features. It felt... domestic. Dangerously domestic.

"Primrose," he said softly.

I paused. "Yeah?"

"Today... you saved my life. Again." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

His teal eyes locked onto mine. There was no mockery there. No "Final Boss" arrogance. Just a man who was far from home, looking at the only person who knew his secret.

"That’s what neighbors are for," I whispered, feeling a flush heat up my cheeks. "Get some sleep, Caspian. Tomorrow, I have a Lion to tame."

The Royal Palace (The Next Morning)

The Golden Capital lived up to its name.

The Royal Palace of the Lion Clan sat at the highest point of the city, a sprawling masterpiece of gold marble and sun-bleached stone. It blinded you just looking at it.

I stood at the main gates, smoothing down my skirt. I was wearing my best "Serious Tutor" outfit—a high-collared grey dress I usually saved for intense parent-teacher conferences or tax audits.

"I am here to see Princess Leonora," I told the guard, a Lion-kin with a mane so groomed it looked like a helmet. "Tell her it’s Primrose."

The guard looked me up and down, likely assessing my lack of tail and my general lack of expensive jewelry. But he nodded and sent a runner.

Five minutes later, the massive gates flew open.

Princess Leonora, came running down the marble steps. Her golden hair was flying behind her like a banner, and her dress was a swirl of expensive crimson silk.

"Primrose!"

She didn’t wait for protocol. She tackled me in a hug that rivaled Rurik’s in sheer crushing force.

"You’re back!" she squealed into my ear. "I heard rumors you vanished! The baker said you ran away to join a circus! The butcher said you were eaten by a sewer-gator! I was so worried!"

"I’m okay, Leo," I laughed, wheezing slightly as I patted her back. "Just a little detour to the bottom of the ocean. No gators involved."

Leonora pulled back, holding me at arm’s length. Her eyes were sparkling with relief.

"Come inside! We have tea! And cakes! And I have so much to tell you!"