A Touch of Tiaras and Treachery (Enchanting Confections #6)

Prologue

Morning light spilled against the dark creature at the foot of the princess’s bed, its midnight scales glimmering like red wine. Its coiled, lifeless form lay in stark contrast against the damask rug—a dark blot that had nearly destroyed everything.

As Captain of the Princess's Guard, Cedric was duty-bound to protect the princess at all costs, yet he had nearly failed an hour ago. Crouching, he examined the blank, glassy eyes and fangs poised above its forked tongue. The snake was not native to Aurelion.

Cedric raked a hand through his disheveled hair. He had disposed of it before it could strike, but he was almost too late. It had come far too close.

Fear thrummed in his veins. If he had hesitated for half a second, the princess would have been killed. The dread that seized his lungs when he detected the snake’s fangs aiming for the princess’s throat still lingered. Her startled screech had saved her life.

Otherwise…

He shook his head, unable to stomach the alternative. Sparing any thought to the what-ifs wasted time and energy he needed to figure out who had smuggled the serpent, knew when to strike, and how to get past his strongholds.

This was not the first attempt either.

Weeks ago, something lunged out from the bushes while the princess strolled on her morning horseback ride.

The mare bucked so fiercely that she’d nearly been thrown to the stone pavers and trampled.

It was fortuitous that she was a skilled enough rider to cling on; otherwise, she could have easily broken her neck.

The stable hands had called it an accident, but Cedric knew better. Whatever had spooked the horse had vanished without a trace. The timing was too suspicious, and something in his gut warned him to commit this event to memory.

Yet, the question remained. Who would want to assassinate Aurelion’s most Treasured Rose? She was neither the heir nor a public enemy. What would they have to gain?

The king was right to be furious with him, but Cedric’s anger grew hotter. Anyone who had tried to kill the princess had a plan, and such plans often involved conspiracy.

He needed to act before the serpent’s master struck again.