Page 94 of Shadows and Roses

The pup whimpered again. It had dragged itself over to her tent, hiding around the corner. Snapping and snarling, it inched backward as Kevam approached. He grabbed it by the scruff and held it still to examine its foot.

"Twisted. Should heal fine if it's set. Poor pup. She must’ve made her way into our camp, the smell of food probably. Not sure how she got here with that foot," Kevam mumbled while petting the soft furry head. He sighed and drew a knife. "Pity. It looks old enough to be weaned, but since we killed the whole pack, she probably won’t survive long by herself."

Anais extended her hand. "Wait. I’ll keep her. Set her foot, please, Kevam."

The rebel raised a brow, then shrugged and sheathed his knife. Those who had gathered to check on each other dispersed, tending to wounds, weapons, or other tasks.

"Collecting a ragged band of lost souls?" Damon smiled at her while wiping his blade.

"It seems so."

His eyes wandered down her nearly naked body, the cold night air finally settling into her as the excitement wore off.

"It’s a good thing our Queen is so capable," he murmured.

She narrowed her eyes. "The only nobles who dare look at me that way are in my bed or under my whip. Sometimes both."

Damon grinned. "Are you inviting me into your bed, my dear?"

She pointed her blade at him. "Only if you’re interested in bedding a knife. Shouldn’t you check on your friends?"

He eyed her blade and bowed, still smiling. "Of course. Good night, brave lady."

—

The palace became visible as they exited the last forest.

A rope around the pup’s neck served as a leash. The Queen kept the small creature by her side, acclimating it to her scent. With its leg hurt and bound, the pup didn’t wander much and became agreeable afterit was fed a few meals. It sat on the Queen’s horse, aware but docile as they approached the palace gates.

They rode up to the stables, Damon’s horse trotting a few steps ahead and stopping first. Damon swept off his mount and approached her with a charming smile, extending his hand. "May I, my lady?"

The guards all stared at him.

Anais nodded slightly at one of them. He took a few quick steps forward and brought the wooden pole of his spear behind Damon’s knees, forcing the rebel to the ground with a shout. The spear tip hovered a few inches from his head when the Queen turned her cold, sharp, emerald gaze down.

Rage twisted his features.

"Queen, Lord Damon. You are new to court, but do not forget again." She waved away the guard.

Damon’s face turned red and he lowered his eyes. "My apologies, my Queen," he managed.

She dismounted and glided through the palace doors, the wolf pup in her arms and her retinue trailing behind. Damon and his friends joined the end of her train, passing by sneering guards.

Meeting with her Inner Circle was the first order of business after she breezed through the halls, putting herself on display and settling the pup in the kennels. The newly minted Lord Damon would need to find his own way in court, with hopefully less mishap after her reminder at the gates.

Vern’s sigh of irritation and relief greeted her as she walked into the small council chamber.

"I’m alive," she said defensively, taking her seat. She hadn’t even taken the time to change out of her travel leathers, though her bed chambers were so close.The bath had been tempting. Ah, well.

"Yes. Despite a wolf that nearly bit off your head. Our captain already made his report to the steward." Vern’s eyes followed her.

"Thank you," she nodded at Jerome, who sat a bit more straight and stiff than usual, if possible. "And thank you for watching over the nest of snakes in my absence, Steward. Any issues I should be aware of?"

Vern’s lips thinned but he shook his head. "No, my Queen. They were fairly mild." He sat back, hard eyes indicating a private conversation later.

She gave him a small nod, then addressed the room.

"The meeting went well. The rebel leader, our new Lord Damon Caemarn, is settling in at court." Hopefully. "He has pledged a thousand of his people to join our army once our raiding party returns." She glanced at Jerome to confirm that he also mentioned the raid. He nodded.

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