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Pet follows the rise of Ancel at the poisonous court of Vere. Set during the events of Captive Prince.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2018
62 people are currently reading
3567 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Pacat
69 books16.4k followersC.S. Pacat is the USA-Today best-selling author of Dark Rise, the Captive Prince trilogy, and the GLAAD-nominated graphic novels Fence.
Born in Australia and educated at the University of Melbourne, C.S. Pacat has lived in a number of cities, including Tokyo and Perugia, and currently resides and writes in Melbourne.
Born in Australia and educated at the University of Melbourne, C.S. Pacat has lived in a number of cities, including Tokyo and Perugia, and currently resides and writes in Melbourne.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 591 reviews
January 6, 2018
I WAS SO SKEPTICAL BUT PACAT RLY CAME THRU!!!! MY MOMTHER I'LL NEVER DOUBT YOU AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've always held the opinion that The Ancel Scene was the one huge, undefensible fuck up of book 1 (just look at my review, I didn't give Captive Prince 5 stars because of that), so when Pacat announced the last short story was going to be about Ancel, I was confused, but thought "maybe she's trying to fix her fuck up?" and this was pretty much it, y'all. I love being right.
One of the reocurring themes of Captive Prince is the question of agency, and about how those without power can't afford the luxury of "doing the right thing". Amongst Laurent, Nicaise, Aimeric and Jokaste, the Ancel of book 1 stuck out like a sore thumb, without any of the development, subtlety or empathy that all these other characters got, being the focal point of the worst scene in the whole series, and consequently receiving most of the backlash from readers. But thank god for Pet, y'all. Pacat fixed her mistake as much as she could here, making the readers shift the blame to where it really belongs: to the society that created this situation, not the disenfranchised people just trying to survive by all means necessary.
I saw some people upset that Pacat decided to revisit The Scene, instead of just ignoring it and pretending it never happened (like we all do lmao), but that's... just not her style. Look at The Summer Palace, and the uncomfortable kneeling scene there: Pacat tends to tackle her story's problems head on. Is it uncomfortable? Yes. But that's the point. Captive Prince deals with uncomfortable themes. And I think it'd be incredibly dishonest to write a story about slavery, prostitution, and abuse, without ever touching on the "uncomfortable" sides of these issues. Pet fleshes out the Vere court and the pet system in the same way Eramus's short story fleshes out Akielos' slavery, and do both stories have terrible scenes, and wildly uncomfortable parts? Yes. But they SHOULD be there. Pacat constantly makes sure to show how Ancel's narrative isn't reliable, just like how Erasmus' wasn't, and how both of them are just trying to survive in their own ways.
I'm very impressed by how Pacat managed to turn Ancel from a character that made me cringe by just seeing his name, to a new favorite, and with a new ship I adored on top of that. Also, speaking of: can you gremlins saying "oh I'd much prefer a Berenger pov instead of Ancel" think about what you're saying for five seconds lmao??? Of course a pov of a priviledged noble would be more comfortable to read than a sex worker's pov!!! Pacat giving voice to someone without voice WAS THE ENTIRE POINT KJSBJDBFJSHDB i'm really annoyed at these comments kajsbdjas moving on
So yeah, was this an at times uncomfortable read? Yes, but it was on purpose, which I think makes it more bearable, and it had a good purpose in mind, fixing some of the early series' mistakes. It still would've been better if That Scene in book 1 had never happened, but since it did, I appreciate Pacat's efforts to acknowledge it. And while at first, as much as I was enjoying Pet, I was confused over why this would be chosen as the last short story of this universe, the one to close Damen and Laurent's story, I got to the last line and went: ah. It makes sense now.
Thanks, Pacat.
I've always held the opinion that The Ancel Scene was the one huge, undefensible fuck up of book 1 (just look at my review, I didn't give Captive Prince 5 stars because of that), so when Pacat announced the last short story was going to be about Ancel, I was confused, but thought "maybe she's trying to fix her fuck up?" and this was pretty much it, y'all. I love being right.
One of the reocurring themes of Captive Prince is the question of agency, and about how those without power can't afford the luxury of "doing the right thing". Amongst Laurent, Nicaise, Aimeric and Jokaste, the Ancel of book 1 stuck out like a sore thumb, without any of the development, subtlety or empathy that all these other characters got, being the focal point of the worst scene in the whole series, and consequently receiving most of the backlash from readers. But thank god for Pet, y'all. Pacat fixed her mistake as much as she could here, making the readers shift the blame to where it really belongs: to the society that created this situation, not the disenfranchised people just trying to survive by all means necessary.
I saw some people upset that Pacat decided to revisit The Scene, instead of just ignoring it and pretending it never happened (like we all do lmao), but that's... just not her style. Look at The Summer Palace, and the uncomfortable kneeling scene there: Pacat tends to tackle her story's problems head on. Is it uncomfortable? Yes. But that's the point. Captive Prince deals with uncomfortable themes. And I think it'd be incredibly dishonest to write a story about slavery, prostitution, and abuse, without ever touching on the "uncomfortable" sides of these issues. Pet fleshes out the Vere court and the pet system in the same way Eramus's short story fleshes out Akielos' slavery, and do both stories have terrible scenes, and wildly uncomfortable parts? Yes. But they SHOULD be there. Pacat constantly makes sure to show how Ancel's narrative isn't reliable, just like how Erasmus' wasn't, and how both of them are just trying to survive in their own ways.
I'm very impressed by how Pacat managed to turn Ancel from a character that made me cringe by just seeing his name, to a new favorite, and with a new ship I adored on top of that. Also, speaking of: can you gremlins saying "oh I'd much prefer a Berenger pov instead of Ancel" think about what you're saying for five seconds lmao??? Of course a pov of a priviledged noble would be more comfortable to read than a sex worker's pov!!! Pacat giving voice to someone without voice WAS THE ENTIRE POINT KJSBJDBFJSHDB i'm really annoyed at these comments kajsbdjas moving on
So yeah, was this an at times uncomfortable read? Yes, but it was on purpose, which I think makes it more bearable, and it had a good purpose in mind, fixing some of the early series' mistakes. It still would've been better if That Scene in book 1 had never happened, but since it did, I appreciate Pacat's efforts to acknowledge it. And while at first, as much as I was enjoying Pet, I was confused over why this would be chosen as the last short story of this universe, the one to close Damen and Laurent's story, I got to the last line and went: ah. It makes sense now.
Thanks, Pacat.
January 15, 2018
OMG, Ancel is such a trip. And Berenger? *swoon* Pacat is truly gifted (why isn't she writing more books?!) and for such a short story, it had a proper arc.
June 29, 2018
It was funny to think because I wasn’t even that excited for this short story when it came out. And that’s why it took me that long to dig into this. C.S. Pacat really has a knack for enthralling her readers with her vivid imaginations and impeccably clever plots. 😌 I will admit that I was not a big fan of Ancel when I was reading the captive prince trilogy. By all means, the guy truly is manipulative, ambitious and bitchy. 😏 After I read this short story, my opinions of this guy hasn’t changed at all. But now, I finally understand why he does what he did. I still don’t like how manipulative he is but I can empathize with him now. And miraculously, I found myself rooting for this red-haired cunning minx and wanting him to happy a HEA, well, at least his version of HEA. 😁
Ancel was born a street rat and worked as a whore for several years before he could finally land a contract as a pet with a merchant’s son. Although it took several years for him to finally become a pet, from that moment on, he worked his way up rather quickly and successfully. And not even a year later of his first contract, he found himself getting a contract with Lord Berenger and being taken to court at Arles, the capital of Vere, as the spoilt pet of the aristocratic lord. But first, they were residing at the ancestral home of the Lord who purchased his contract. Ancel is really good at being a pet and he’s quite proud of how good he is at his job. 😁 He knows Lord Berenger prefers simplicity and genuineness over painted face of a spoilt pleasure whore. He adapted himself to the preferences of Lord Berenger and tried to seduce him. And he found himself utterly perplexed and clueless when he couldn’t get the stoic Lord into his bed. But it’s in human’s nature to crave for the unattainable things. 😌 The more he had to chase Berenger, the more he realized that he wanted this man. But Ancel is nothing if not realistic and an opportunist. Lord Berenger is taking him to the capital as his pet and he has every reason to try to land a contract with a man who’s more powerful and richer than Lord Berenger. But he’s finding himself quite difficult to not get attached to the imperturbable aristocrat. What is the reason that Berenger is avoiding him? And why is he suddenly thinking money is not everything and happiness can’t be bought by it? Treacheries and backstabbing isn’t uncommon in the court of Arles. And Ancel found himself not being able to answer to the questions he, himself, asked.
It was very short. It is only a 40 pages read. And yet, it left me a string of thoughts about human’s nature and our actions. 🙂 Ancel isn’t an innocent man. He is actually not a very pleasant human being. And yet, who is responsible for the loss of Ancel’s early innocence? Humans are one of the most strong-willed and determined creatures on this planet and we are known for craving and fighting for the survival. Ancel had to do things he didn’t like or proud of in the beginning of his life for the survival and he had lost his innocence and honesty as a price for simply to live. And yet, there’s ingrained goodness in any human being, even in the vilest, cruelest criminals. Ancel is just guilty of being greedy and wanting the better things in life. And then, he met the mysterious Lord Berenger, the first man in his life who didn’t try to get into his pants as soon as he saw him. And Lord Berenger literally owned his arse! 😁 When the good and the bad have to be in the company of each other, one or the other thing happens. The good either turns to the side of the bad or vice versa. Ancel knew he could sell Lord Berenger out for the aiding to Laurent he’s doing against the regent’s crown. Yet, for the very first time in his life, he’s finding himself not selling the secrets of a man for the monetary gain of himself. 🙂 Actually Ancel is quite wise and honest in a way, he was true to himself and he was true to what he wants. And surprisingly in the end, he was loyal to those he cherishes and loves. 😌 It was refreshing and intriguing to see the world of Captive Prince in the eyes of Ancel the whore. We get a new glimpse and perspective of the early relationship aspect of Laurent the crown prince of Vere and Damn the pet of his. But no, this story is not focused on our two main MCs from the CP trilogy. This is about Ancel and Lord Berenger who are the polar opposites of each other. And a teaching that happiness is attainable for everyone and anyone, as long as your heart is open to the possibilities. 😌 I know this is a very long review for a 40 pages short story but still my head is still babbling with all the thoughts circling about the issues I discussed earlier in the post. This is more than a 40 pages short story about a pet whore and his master. This was a masterfully crafted dissertation of human’s nature and our wants and greed. 🙂 And yes, I’m still so book-drunk from the exquisite writing of C.S. Pacat. 😁 I guess it’d be perfect to continue my bliss with a glass or two of Bordeaux with Violin Sonata No.9 Kreutzer. 😌
Favorite excerpts from the short story: 💗💜💗
‘You want to be loyal to the Prince,’ said Ancel, ‘but the rumours trouble you.’ Berenger looked over at him in surprise. ‘In the end, aren’t we all looking for someone to be loyal to?’ said Ancel, softly.
‘What?’ said Ancel. ‘Luxury suits you,’ remarked Berenger. ‘I think so too,’ said Ancel, in blissful agreement.
I like feeling—’ Like part of it. Like the master of it. Like he had power over the men, like if they wanted him they had to pay a fortune for it. Like he was more valuable than the wine goblet Berenger held, or the silver pitcher a servant had poured from. Like he mattered.
‘How do you think of it?’ ‘I think,’ said Berenger, ‘that the only person in this place who shows me their real face is you.’
‘Don’t give me up,’ said Ancel. ‘Ancel, I’m going to be supporting the Prince’s claim to the throne. There’s every chance he’ll fail, his supporters cast out as traitors—I can’t guarantee you a life, a future.’
5 but what if he wins stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ancel was born a street rat and worked as a whore for several years before he could finally land a contract as a pet with a merchant’s son. Although it took several years for him to finally become a pet, from that moment on, he worked his way up rather quickly and successfully. And not even a year later of his first contract, he found himself getting a contract with Lord Berenger and being taken to court at Arles, the capital of Vere, as the spoilt pet of the aristocratic lord. But first, they were residing at the ancestral home of the Lord who purchased his contract. Ancel is really good at being a pet and he’s quite proud of how good he is at his job. 😁 He knows Lord Berenger prefers simplicity and genuineness over painted face of a spoilt pleasure whore. He adapted himself to the preferences of Lord Berenger and tried to seduce him. And he found himself utterly perplexed and clueless when he couldn’t get the stoic Lord into his bed. But it’s in human’s nature to crave for the unattainable things. 😌 The more he had to chase Berenger, the more he realized that he wanted this man. But Ancel is nothing if not realistic and an opportunist. Lord Berenger is taking him to the capital as his pet and he has every reason to try to land a contract with a man who’s more powerful and richer than Lord Berenger. But he’s finding himself quite difficult to not get attached to the imperturbable aristocrat. What is the reason that Berenger is avoiding him? And why is he suddenly thinking money is not everything and happiness can’t be bought by it? Treacheries and backstabbing isn’t uncommon in the court of Arles. And Ancel found himself not being able to answer to the questions he, himself, asked.
It was very short. It is only a 40 pages read. And yet, it left me a string of thoughts about human’s nature and our actions. 🙂 Ancel isn’t an innocent man. He is actually not a very pleasant human being. And yet, who is responsible for the loss of Ancel’s early innocence? Humans are one of the most strong-willed and determined creatures on this planet and we are known for craving and fighting for the survival. Ancel had to do things he didn’t like or proud of in the beginning of his life for the survival and he had lost his innocence and honesty as a price for simply to live. And yet, there’s ingrained goodness in any human being, even in the vilest, cruelest criminals. Ancel is just guilty of being greedy and wanting the better things in life. And then, he met the mysterious Lord Berenger, the first man in his life who didn’t try to get into his pants as soon as he saw him. And Lord Berenger literally owned his arse! 😁 When the good and the bad have to be in the company of each other, one or the other thing happens. The good either turns to the side of the bad or vice versa. Ancel knew he could sell Lord Berenger out for the aiding to Laurent he’s doing against the regent’s crown. Yet, for the very first time in his life, he’s finding himself not selling the secrets of a man for the monetary gain of himself. 🙂 Actually Ancel is quite wise and honest in a way, he was true to himself and he was true to what he wants. And surprisingly in the end, he was loyal to those he cherishes and loves. 😌 It was refreshing and intriguing to see the world of Captive Prince in the eyes of Ancel the whore. We get a new glimpse and perspective of the early relationship aspect of Laurent the crown prince of Vere and Damn the pet of his. But no, this story is not focused on our two main MCs from the CP trilogy. This is about Ancel and Lord Berenger who are the polar opposites of each other. And a teaching that happiness is attainable for everyone and anyone, as long as your heart is open to the possibilities. 😌 I know this is a very long review for a 40 pages short story but still my head is still babbling with all the thoughts circling about the issues I discussed earlier in the post. This is more than a 40 pages short story about a pet whore and his master. This was a masterfully crafted dissertation of human’s nature and our wants and greed. 🙂 And yes, I’m still so book-drunk from the exquisite writing of C.S. Pacat. 😁 I guess it’d be perfect to continue my bliss with a glass or two of Bordeaux with Violin Sonata No.9 Kreutzer. 😌
Favorite excerpts from the short story: 💗💜💗
‘You want to be loyal to the Prince,’ said Ancel, ‘but the rumours trouble you.’ Berenger looked over at him in surprise. ‘In the end, aren’t we all looking for someone to be loyal to?’ said Ancel, softly.
‘What?’ said Ancel. ‘Luxury suits you,’ remarked Berenger. ‘I think so too,’ said Ancel, in blissful agreement.
I like feeling—’ Like part of it. Like the master of it. Like he had power over the men, like if they wanted him they had to pay a fortune for it. Like he was more valuable than the wine goblet Berenger held, or the silver pitcher a servant had poured from. Like he mattered.
‘How do you think of it?’ ‘I think,’ said Berenger, ‘that the only person in this place who shows me their real face is you.’
‘Don’t give me up,’ said Ancel. ‘Ancel, I’m going to be supporting the Prince’s claim to the throne. There’s every chance he’ll fail, his supporters cast out as traitors—I can’t guarantee you a life, a future.’
5 but what if he wins stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 30, 2024
3,5 'frustratingly too short' stars
This book is MEAN!!! It just ... ends❗❓❗❓❗
Yeah, I know. That was a statement of the year. And you are all probably giving me that confused stare right now. Ok, let me explain and start from the beginning.
This little novella takes place during the events of Captive Prince and is told from Ancel's POV - the red-haired, green-eyed pet who gave Damen that infamous blow job.
I didn't exactly have any opinion about Ancel before. He was just one of the many side characters, that I didn't think we'll see again. But when I was reading other reviews for this novella, I realized he was actually a very hated character. And I don't understand why? Well, alright, I do get it but he was just doing what everyone else did - trying to find the best way to survive in that poisonous place. If he deserves disdain, so does everyone else.
I was actually really enjoying this different point of view on the matter. The focus of Captive Prince was mostly on the court and how to survive court intrigues without being stabbed in the back. Ancel's story takes us on a journey from the bottom of society to the highest place a comoner can gain - by being an aristocrat's pet.
This novella is very short, so we quickly get from Ancel being a brothel prostitute to him getting a pet contract from Lord Berenger. Berenger is an interesting man - very non-Veretian (on Ancel's misfortune). He's very ascetic and doesn't care much about his reputation. Ancel on the other hand loves luxuries and prestige and is basically the embodiment of a perfect Veretian high society pet. So watching them trying to navigate a way around each other, was a delight to read.
I always like to see characters through different POVs and it was interesting to observe how Damen and Laurent look like through Ancel's eyes.
*************************************
Also, Ancel got a front seat for the beginning of the sizzling chemistry between Laurent and Damen.
And now we came to the frustrating part and the reason why this novella is mean. As I said, it's very short, like 40 pages kind of short. However, no matter the shortness of it, the novella did manage to make me start caring for Ancel and Berenger.
How am I supposed to resist this impossible opposites-attract couple? Take one seasoned whore with a dirty mouth plus one uptight nobleman with supposedly celibacy tendency and you get sexual tension galore. So, I am not alright with dangling these two delicious morsels in front of me and then finishing the book without getting to the good stuff. That's pure malice! At least, PLEASE there be some fanfic about Ancel making Berenger loosen his ties a little bit.
This book is MEAN!!! It just ... ends❗❓❗❓❗
Yeah, I know. That was a statement of the year. And you are all probably giving me that confused stare right now. Ok, let me explain and start from the beginning.
This little novella takes place during the events of Captive Prince and is told from Ancel's POV - the red-haired, green-eyed pet who gave Damen that infamous blow job.
I didn't exactly have any opinion about Ancel before. He was just one of the many side characters, that I didn't think we'll see again. But when I was reading other reviews for this novella, I realized he was actually a very hated character. And I don't understand why? Well, alright, I do get it but he was just doing what everyone else did - trying to find the best way to survive in that poisonous place. If he deserves disdain, so does everyone else.
I was actually really enjoying this different point of view on the matter. The focus of Captive Prince was mostly on the court and how to survive court intrigues without being stabbed in the back. Ancel's story takes us on a journey from the bottom of society to the highest place a comoner can gain - by being an aristocrat's pet.
'You’re right,’ said Berenger. ‘They’re very beautiful. And rare. In the poem, the lover is given only a single flower.’
‘What a terrible gift. I’d much rather have jewelry,’ said Ancel, wrinkling his nose. ‘Or clothes. Even the horse was better.’
Berenger’s mouth quirked, his eyes shifting from the flowers, amused and warm. ‘Yes, you’re a little more expensive.’
This novella is very short, so we quickly get from Ancel being a brothel prostitute to him getting a pet contract from Lord Berenger. Berenger is an interesting man - very non-Veretian (on Ancel's misfortune). He's very ascetic and doesn't care much about his reputation. Ancel on the other hand loves luxuries and prestige and is basically the embodiment of a perfect Veretian high society pet. So watching them trying to navigate a way around each other, was a delight to read.
‘The court,’ Berenger began to explain to him, two days before they departed, ‘is very different, the entertainments can be—debauched—’
‘I’ve seen pets fucking before,’ said Ancel. ‘I am a pet. Remember? I’ll cover your eyes if you’re shocked.’
I always like to see characters through different POVs and it was interesting to observe how Damen and Laurent look like through Ancel's eyes.
The slave was more frightening close up, and bigger. Physically imposing, and dripping with disdainful pride, he looked as though he could break any handlers in half. He was nothing like a court pet: it was as if the other courtiers were playing with kittens while the Prince had brought in a lion.
*************************************
Arriving in the bower, the Prince of Vere was instantly commanding, with nothing soft or yielding in him. A young man with golden hair, cold blue eyes, and an arresting profile, he had a pet’s looks and a Prince’s bearing, laced up tighter than Berenger, in dark, severe clothing. He looked capable of mastering the slave through force of will, as though the slave’s discomfort was his pleasure.
Also, Ancel got a front seat for the beginning of the sizzling chemistry between Laurent and Damen.
Ancel swallowed before he realized what he was doing, a hazy instinct.
The slave was panting, looking up through a tangle of curls in a furious way, as though he’d like to have a second go-around, this time with his hand around someone’s throat. But he wasn’t looking at Ancel at all. He lifted that gaze and fixed it right on the Prince.
And now we came to the frustrating part and the reason why this novella is mean. As I said, it's very short, like 40 pages kind of short. However, no matter the shortness of it, the novella did manage to make me start caring for Ancel and Berenger.
Kiss me,’ said Ancel as he settled, one knee on the couch on either side of Berenger’s thighs, his hands linked behind Berenger’s neck.
‘What?’ said Berenger.
‘On the mouth,’ said Ancel. ‘Everyone’s watching. Do it like you mean it.’
When Berenger pulled back, Ancel was straddling Berenger’s lap, looking down at him. He was still struggling to process his over-awareness of Berenger, the staid, serious man who preferred reading to talking. His lips were tingling from kissing Berenger, and that didn’t seem to make sense.
‘Ancel—’ said Berenger.
‘Like you mean it,’ said Ancel, and kissed him again.
How am I supposed to resist this impossible opposites-attract couple? Take one seasoned whore with a dirty mouth plus one uptight nobleman with supposedly celibacy tendency and you get sexual tension galore. So, I am not alright with dangling these two delicious morsels in front of me and then finishing the book without getting to the good stuff. That's pure malice! At least, PLEASE there be some fanfic about Ancel making Berenger loosen his ties a little bit.
'You’re not poor now. You can afford me.’
Berenger was shaking his head. ‘Ancel, I’m not poor now. But if the Prince fails—’
‘If he fails,’ said Ancel. He was stepping into Berenger’s space. He put his hand on the laces of Berenger’s jacket, and Berenger didn’t move away.
‘But if he wins?’
July 1, 2018
oh Shit, I take back what I said about her short stories, this was so good!
January 6, 2018
as a person who has never given ancel a second thought, this was so much more interesting than i thought it would be
September 18, 2018
‘I think,’ said Berenger, ‘that the only person in this place who shows me their real face is you.’
Who cares about Ancel's story? Ancel always has been a manipulative little shit. Not a favourite character.
Apparently and surprisingly I found his story fascinating. Berenger was such an honourable man who made me wish that things between him and Ancel were different from the beginning. Maybe then Ancel would have a chance to be a better man.
And Ancel's story made me wonder: what if Laurent was poor and the only way he could survive was if he was a pet? Would he behave the same?
I strongly believe that you need to read the main series Captive Prince before you read the Captive Prince Short Stories. They are full of spoilers.
Who cares about Ancel's story? Ancel always has been a manipulative little shit. Not a favourite character.
Apparently and surprisingly I found his story fascinating. Berenger was such an honourable man who made me wish that things between him and Ancel were different from the beginning. Maybe then Ancel would have a chance to be a better man.
And Ancel's story made me wonder: what if Laurent was poor and the only way he could survive was if he was a pet? Would he behave the same?
I strongly believe that you need to read the main series Captive Prince before you read the Captive Prince Short Stories. They are full of spoilers.
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October 6, 2021This gave me flashbacks to everything that emotionally scarred me in Captive Prince Vol. I. 😭
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June 22, 2018
This was fabulous, nuanced, and slightly sad, which is to say that C.S. Pacat remains my queen and this series still aggressively ATTACKS my emotions with what I can only assume is witchcraft (jk, it's just excellent writing).
My problems with this are the typos because damn, son! Whole words are missing! There's also the fact that it wasn't anywhere near long enough. Another 50 pages would have made this far more satisfying, but alas, I'll take the scraps C.S. Pacat throws at me and still come back begging for more. I'm so pathetic and needy for this series that it's honestly tragic. And I'm not even sorry for it.
My problems with this are the typos because damn, son! Whole words are missing! There's also the fact that it wasn't anywhere near long enough. Another 50 pages would have made this far more satisfying, but alas, I'll take the scraps C.S. Pacat throws at me and still come back begging for more. I'm so pathetic and needy for this series that it's honestly tragic. And I'm not even sorry for it.
September 30, 2024
4 Stars
I’m not sure how this Captive Prince short story evaded me before now, but all that matters is that I'm finally here and I gobbled this up in one sitting.
I never thought I’d want or need Ancel’s story, but I must say that I was pleasantly intrigued to learn more about Vere’s most renowned pet.
As is expected with any Pacat story, I found myself ridiculously impressed with the storytelling, feeling thoroughly enthralled and left wanting more, more, more! I can’t ask for much more than that.
I’m not sure how this Captive Prince short story evaded me before now, but all that matters is that I'm finally here and I gobbled this up in one sitting.
I never thought I’d want or need Ancel’s story, but I must say that I was pleasantly intrigued to learn more about Vere’s most renowned pet.
As is expected with any Pacat story, I found myself ridiculously impressed with the storytelling, feeling thoroughly enthralled and left wanting more, more, more! I can’t ask for much more than that.
November 7, 2022
Les juro que Ancel no me importaba nada en la trilogía principal, pero al leer este relato, que se centra exclusivamente en él y en cómo poco a poco cambió su vida en las calles por la de ser una mascota en la corte, subiendo de nivel gracias a su inteligencia y su manera de planear… wow, siento que todo cambió y fue una de las historias que más me interesó de este libro (dejando de lado la de Laurent y Damen, por supuesto).
Me encantó leer más de cerca la personalidad de este chico, las cosas que planeaba, todo lo que aguantaba con tal de lograr su objetivo. Fue impresionante. Y luego, cuando llega a las manos de Berenger, me fascinó el cambio de dinámica que tiene su vida, lo perdido que se siente, las sensaciones que empieza a experimentar. Creo que la dinámica de estos dos personajes fue increíble, especialmente hacia el final.
Háganme caso y no se salten este relato. Léanlo.
Me encantó leer más de cerca la personalidad de este chico, las cosas que planeaba, todo lo que aguantaba con tal de lograr su objetivo. Fue impresionante. Y luego, cuando llega a las manos de Berenger, me fascinó el cambio de dinámica que tiene su vida, lo perdido que se siente, las sensaciones que empieza a experimentar. Creo que la dinámica de estos dos personajes fue increíble, especialmente hacia el final.
Háganme caso y no se salten este relato. Léanlo.
January 8, 2018
Color me surprised! I didn't think I'd enjoy this short story as much as I did.
I've always considered Ancel as a trivial character, but reading about how his mind works and his relationship (kinda) with Berenger, well I've definitely changed my mind.
ps. is it possible to hate the Regent even more? Because I do.
I've always considered Ancel as a trivial character, but reading about how his mind works and his relationship (kinda) with Berenger, well I've definitely changed my mind.
ps. is it possible to hate the Regent even more? Because I do.
May 21, 2018
Well, isn’t Ancel a saucy, social-climbing, creative and undaunted whore? I think I might love him.
An intriguing short story set during the Captive Prince.
An intriguing short story set during the Captive Prince.
April 13, 2018
Update: Help I can feel myself sliding back into the pit of hell that is called my obsession with Captive Prince. I'm beyond saving.
I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would! I didn’t care much about Ancel while reading the trilogy but this short story made me look at him differently. He’s not so bad, and this one was actually pretty funny. I love reading about Damen and Laurent from someone else’s POV so these short stories are perfect! I miss the series terribly now though I need to do a reread like NOW.
I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would! I didn’t care much about Ancel while reading the trilogy but this short story made me look at him differently. He’s not so bad, and this one was actually pretty funny. I love reading about Damen and Laurent from someone else’s POV so these short stories are perfect! I miss the series terribly now though I need to do a reread like NOW.
April 6, 2019
Ancel seemed a strange choice to have his own short. And honestly I wasn’t feeling overly excited about it.
Ancel is beautiful but manipulative and he’s right when he says he’s the perfect pet. He will advance the ambitions of the man holding his contract. As long as he’s advancing his own at the same time.
I have a much better understanding of him now. And while he’ll never be a favourite of mine I found myself rooting for him. Yes he’s greedy and self serving but he’s also honest in his own way.
I’m glad the author wrote this short. Like a lot of readers I wasn’t happy with the Ancel scene in the first book. This gives us background and insight into not only Ancel but how the prince and his pet were viewed by others.
Ancel is beautiful but manipulative and he’s right when he says he’s the perfect pet. He will advance the ambitions of the man holding his contract. As long as he’s advancing his own at the same time.
I have a much better understanding of him now. And while he’ll never be a favourite of mine I found myself rooting for him. Yes he’s greedy and self serving but he’s also honest in his own way.
I’m glad the author wrote this short. Like a lot of readers I wasn’t happy with the Ancel scene in the first book. This gives us background and insight into not only Ancel but how the prince and his pet were viewed by others.
January 8, 2018
A very sweet, well-written addition to the Captive Prince series!
It was very interesting to see the "garden scene" and then the great hall scene through Ancel's eyes... ;)
As for Ancel himself? I started up disliking him and thinking what a sneaky, plotting pest he is! but... ended up liking him ?!?!
Lord Berenger was hard to decipher but at the end (when some of his reasons were revealed) I felt for him, too... :)
Off to Prince's Gambit now! ;)
It was very interesting to see the "garden scene" and then the great hall scene through Ancel's eyes... ;)
As for Ancel himself? I started up disliking him and thinking what a sneaky, plotting pest he is! but... ended up liking him ?!?!
Lord Berenger was hard to decipher but at the end (when some of his reasons were revealed) I felt for him, too... :)
Off to Prince's Gambit now! ;)
January 8, 2018
Loved it, but I feel empty knowing this is the last CP short (last Captive Prince story...? I hope not). The hangover is real.
January 7, 2018
To be honest, this was my least favorite of the short stories. I can't say that I was overly interested in Ancel as a character when I read Captive Prince. As such, I didn't really care that much to read his story. I enjoyed his relationship with Berenger but the ending was pretty unsatisfying. I'm going to give it 3 stars because I still enjoy Pacat's writing style and I enjoyed being able to see the events of CP from a different point of view. However, I'm not any more interested in Ancel now than I was before.
Read
January 9, 2024Una historia corta que nos muestra como llegó a ser una "mascota" Ancel, el joven con el que Lawrence "jugó" por primera vez con Damen en los jardines del Palacio.
Además nos muestra con es la vida de las mascotas en la corte de Vere y cual es la verdadera diferencia entre ellos y los "esclavos de places" del reino de Akelia. Vemos otro punto de vista de la corte y de la forma como todos veían al Príncipe y al Regente.
En fin, es una bonita historia de "amor" entre un hombre austero y fiel a su Príncipe y una mascota que lo único que quiere es tener lo mejor de todo, pero que se da cuenta que es mas importante ser respetado que ser comprado.
Además nos muestra con es la vida de las mascotas en la corte de Vere y cual es la verdadera diferencia entre ellos y los "esclavos de places" del reino de Akelia. Vemos otro punto de vista de la corte y de la forma como todos veían al Príncipe y al Regente.
En fin, es una bonita historia de "amor" entre un hombre austero y fiel a su Príncipe y una mascota que lo único que quiere es tener lo mejor de todo, pero que se da cuenta que es mas importante ser respetado que ser comprado.
June 7, 2020
This was amazing. I honestly never thought I'd like Ancel. I barely tolerated him in the first book but this novella really changed my mind. I now understand where he came from and am really invested in his story. Hope everything works out for him eventually ❤️.
January 15, 2018
it was interesting & I’m grateful for this but some of the disturbing scenes from book one made a cameo and. no thanks
WHY DIDN’T I KNOW THIS WAS A THING
WHY DIDN’T I KNOW THIS WAS A THING
May 26, 2025
I wasn't expecting to love Ancel so much and now I'd defend him with my life! I love how bitchy and sassy he is, and how he's so clever and talented at reading people and giving them what they want, too. And him and Berenger? Heeeeeee
Also really interesting to see /that/ scene with him and Damen from Ancel's POV.
Also really interesting to see /that/ scene with him and Damen from Ancel's POV.
February 27, 2018
I don’t know how C.S. Pacat managed to make me interested in the story arc of a character I couldn’t care less about but somehow she did so clearly she’s magic
4 stars!
Things I enjoyed in this short story:
• Berenger!!! Only C.S. Pacat could make me fall in love with a completely new character in under 40 pages.
• I’d like to think that he becomes besties with laurent and damen post-“war”/Regent’s and Kastor’s coup d’état
• No seriously, where’s my fanfiction of this? Link me.
• If berenger wasn’t in this, this could have easily been a mere 2 stars for me, ngl.
• Pacat somehow manages to make you care about Ansel (though to be frank it’s only really because of berenger. oops)
• Nicaise cameos!!!
• Pacat’s writing is still as good as ever
Things I didn’t like in this book:
• We revisit the infamous non-consensual oral sex scene (I understand its necessity in the short story, I just don’t like it)
• Other graphic scenes reminiscent of book one (simulated rapes, etc.)
• No cute lamen moments (because chronologically, this takes place during book 1)
Now my question is: what the HELL am I supposed to do with my life now that I read the whole trilogy, all the short stories and scrolled through the tumblr tags? sos
4 stars!
Things I enjoyed in this short story:
• Berenger!!! Only C.S. Pacat could make me fall in love with a completely new character in under 40 pages.
• I’d like to think that he becomes besties with laurent and damen post-“war”/Regent’s and Kastor’s coup d’état
• No seriously, where’s my fanfiction of this? Link me.
• If berenger wasn’t in this, this could have easily been a mere 2 stars for me, ngl.
• Pacat somehow manages to make you care about Ansel (though to be frank it’s only really because of berenger. oops)
• Nicaise cameos!!!
• Pacat’s writing is still as good as ever
Things I didn’t like in this book:
• We revisit the infamous non-consensual oral sex scene (I understand its necessity in the short story, I just don’t like it)
• Other graphic scenes reminiscent of book one (simulated rapes, etc.)
• No cute lamen moments (because chronologically, this takes place during book 1)
Now my question is: what the HELL am I supposed to do with my life now that I read the whole trilogy, all the short stories and scrolled through the tumblr tags? sos
January 5, 2018
i decided to leave this rating at 3 because i really really liked the writing, it's so Pacat and it's brilliant
i loved berenger
i loved seeing that laurent had support
i loved interactions between ancel and berenger especially the constant "i see" bit lmao
but i really don't understand why this short is about like on of the least relevant characters in the whole universe. exploring previously unexplored characters? im all for it. but idk can we like explore characters who had the impact on the plot or something
and i dont understand why we had to revisit that one ugly scene from book 1 because this scene is irrelevant for the plot, unnecessary and generally disgusting? like literally nothing would've changed if this scene wasnt in the book NOTHING
also this should've been berenger's pov at least i rest my case
i loved berenger
i loved seeing that laurent had support
i loved interactions between ancel and berenger especially the constant "i see" bit lmao
but i really don't understand why this short is about like on of the least relevant characters in the whole universe. exploring previously unexplored characters? im all for it. but idk can we like explore characters who had the impact on the plot or something
and i dont understand why we had to revisit that one ugly scene from book 1 because this scene is irrelevant for the plot, unnecessary and generally disgusting? like literally nothing would've changed if this scene wasnt in the book NOTHING
also this should've been berenger's pov at least i rest my case
October 3, 2019
I was so skeptical about this story -- I couldn’t see any sort of happy ending by the 25% mark. I’ve seldom been so pleased to have been proven wrong. Ancel is ambitious, cunning, and (surprisingly) loyal. It’s rare that I get this invested in characters in such a short story, but Pacat clearly has the talent to imbue her writing with emotional depth, tension, and romance. Reading this story has me itching to go back and start this series all over again.
May 1, 2019
3.5 stars
December 6, 2022
✧ «—Cuando te vi en el ring, pensé que eras increíble. Eras valiente, poderoso. No podía apartar mis ojos de ti.
—Tú también me quieres —dijo Ancel.»
✧ Está es la última historia corta, en la que nos encontramos con Ancel, una de las mascotas que conocimos en el primer libro de la trilogía. Viajamos a través de los inicios de su profesión, como se fue abriendo camino con contratos cada vez mejores debido a su inteligencia, belleza y ganas de tener una mejor calidad de vida, hasta que llega a ser contratado por Lord Berenger (un hombre increíblemente maravilloso).
✧ Berenger es todo lo que un hombre debe ser: educado, respetuoso, amable y honorable. Nunca obliga a Ancel a cumplir con los términos de su contrato porque sabe que no estarían juntos por que Ancel lo quiera, si no porque un contrato lo demanda y para nuestro lord es muy importante el consentimiento y no establecer o tener una relación de poder sobre Ancel. Dios, lo amo tanto❤️.
✧ Ancel ha tenido que luchar toda su vida para poder sobrevivir al día a día, se adaptó a su situación y sacó provecho con lo que sabía que era mejor. Para él, su trabajo de mascota no es más que un par de folladas, haciendo aveces cosas que no le gustan o quiere. Por fortuna conoce a Lord Berenger, quien por primera vez, lo trata como un ser humano y le otorga amistad, respeto y los lujos que quiere; situaciones como que Berenger le platiqué cosas, pida sus opiniones, respete sus gustos, lo deje hacer y hablar con libertad, nunca lo obligue a hacer algo que no quiera, hacen que Ansel comience a sentir cosas que nunca había experimentado: como el deseo de besar los labios del Lord, los celos al verlo con otra mascota, la tristeza de no ser requerido en su habitación y el anhelo de querer permanecer con él por más tiempo de lo que indica su contrato.
✧ La manera en que Berenger cuida de Ancel es tan bonita y a su vez, Ancel lo ayuda con cuestiones de la política a su manera. Los pequeños momentos que tienen juntos dejan ver la obvia atracción que tienen; y ni hablar de cuando Ancel se sentía dolido porque Berenger quería disolver su contrato antes del tiempo establecido, pero luego se entera que era porque el Lord no quería perjudicarlo en su elección por apoyar el reclamo del príncipe (todo lo hizo para protegerlo, que precioso!).
✧ Debo decir que no me alcanzaron las pocas páginas de esta historia para satisfacer lo buena que está, necesito mas, saber que ocurre con este par de hombres tan diferentes pero con sentimientos en común. El final te deja con dudas, sabemos que Ancel decidió quedarse con Berenger a pesar del riesgo y depositando su fé en que el príncipe ganaría contra el regente, pero me gustaría saber cómo avanzo su relación y la forma en que se quieren estando juntos; no me queda más que dejar volar mi imaginación con todas estas preguntas.
—Tú también me quieres —dijo Ancel.»
✧ Está es la última historia corta, en la que nos encontramos con Ancel, una de las mascotas que conocimos en el primer libro de la trilogía. Viajamos a través de los inicios de su profesión, como se fue abriendo camino con contratos cada vez mejores debido a su inteligencia, belleza y ganas de tener una mejor calidad de vida, hasta que llega a ser contratado por Lord Berenger (un hombre increíblemente maravilloso).
✧ Berenger es todo lo que un hombre debe ser: educado, respetuoso, amable y honorable. Nunca obliga a Ancel a cumplir con los términos de su contrato porque sabe que no estarían juntos por que Ancel lo quiera, si no porque un contrato lo demanda y para nuestro lord es muy importante el consentimiento y no establecer o tener una relación de poder sobre Ancel. Dios, lo amo tanto❤️.
✧ Ancel ha tenido que luchar toda su vida para poder sobrevivir al día a día, se adaptó a su situación y sacó provecho con lo que sabía que era mejor. Para él, su trabajo de mascota no es más que un par de folladas, haciendo aveces cosas que no le gustan o quiere. Por fortuna conoce a Lord Berenger, quien por primera vez, lo trata como un ser humano y le otorga amistad, respeto y los lujos que quiere; situaciones como que Berenger le platiqué cosas, pida sus opiniones, respete sus gustos, lo deje hacer y hablar con libertad, nunca lo obligue a hacer algo que no quiera, hacen que Ansel comience a sentir cosas que nunca había experimentado: como el deseo de besar los labios del Lord, los celos al verlo con otra mascota, la tristeza de no ser requerido en su habitación y el anhelo de querer permanecer con él por más tiempo de lo que indica su contrato.
✧ La manera en que Berenger cuida de Ancel es tan bonita y a su vez, Ancel lo ayuda con cuestiones de la política a su manera. Los pequeños momentos que tienen juntos dejan ver la obvia atracción que tienen; y ni hablar de cuando Ancel se sentía dolido porque Berenger quería disolver su contrato antes del tiempo establecido, pero luego se entera que era porque el Lord no quería perjudicarlo en su elección por apoyar el reclamo del príncipe (todo lo hizo para protegerlo, que precioso!).
✧ Debo decir que no me alcanzaron las pocas páginas de esta historia para satisfacer lo buena que está, necesito mas, saber que ocurre con este par de hombres tan diferentes pero con sentimientos en común. El final te deja con dudas, sabemos que Ancel decidió quedarse con Berenger a pesar del riesgo y depositando su fé en que el príncipe ganaría contra el regente, pero me gustaría saber cómo avanzo su relación y la forma en que se quieren estando juntos; no me queda más que dejar volar mi imaginación con todas estas preguntas.
April 9, 2018
icb that im here now, crying over ancel,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
December 30, 2018
Captive Prince is one of my favorite series. All three novels are excellent, the last two in particular. And I love that C.S. Pacat has given us these glimpses back into this universe. Each story makes me want to go back and reread this wonderful jewel of a series.
These four little shorts have been hit and miss, but it's one of those cases where being immersed back into the world is so delightful that I haven't been very critical of the individual stories. Pet was mostly a hit, and none of them have been bad really.
But we all know The Summer Palace is the best of the four though, hands down.
These four little shorts have been hit and miss, but it's one of those cases where being immersed back into the world is so delightful that I haven't been very critical of the individual stories. Pet was mostly a hit, and none of them have been bad really.
But we all know The Summer Palace is the best of the four though, hands down.
January 6, 2018
THE LAST LINE oh my god
Goodbye, Captive Prince, you were amazing :’)
Goodbye, Captive Prince, you were amazing :’)
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