Page 7 of The Shattered Kingdom
Anox dismissively waves a hand. “That’s fine. Say she’s a woman you encountered during your travels. Give her a fake name and say she’s a trusted friend. You don’t need to share the entire truth.”
I grimace. “I publicly referred to her as Lillian.”
“That’s not a concern,” Anox says. “I’ve met several Lillians throughout the years, and not once did I suspect they were Callie’s girl. She was, what, seven when she and her mother vanished? It was twenty years ago. People stopped searching for her long ago, and most assume she’s dead. I highly doubt anybody will recognize her, and if they do, we’ll deal with it.”
I release my glass and turn toward Mason, trying to read him. Shifters are notoriously territorial over their mates, and I’m treading carefully. He may not want to lie about Lillian. His lips flatten together as he stares at his untouched plate of food.
“Very well,” he eventually says. “Are we done here? It’s late, and I haven’t slept in a real bed in days.”
At least he had the opportunity to shower. That’s more than I’ve been given. I smell like shit, and the fresh shirt I threw on before coming here isn’t doing much to hide my stench. It’s a painful mixture of sweat, river water, and the dirt I haven’t been able to wash out of my hair.
Anox shakes his head, then rises. The other council members, and my mother, are quick to do the same. “We can continue this discussion tomorrow morning. As Her Majesty suggested, we should sleep on this information.” He shifts his attention to Lady Cassandra and Lord Bishop. “I expect you to arrive tomorrow prepared with ideas. Enjoy your nights.”
The room quickly empties. I remain where I am, hoping for a moment alone with Mason. We need to speak with Lillian tonight,and I want to ensure we’re on the same page before facing her.
It appears I’m not getting that opportunity, though. Mason’s out of his chair in a heartbeat, and he spares me one fleeting glance before storming out of the chamber room and down the wide corridor that leads outside.
Wonderful.
I debate calling him back, but I decide against it. Peace will make this transition easier. I’m the only person in this kingdom who can get through to Mason, and I’ll need to act as a buffer until he’s adjusted to his new role. It shouldn’t be too hard. He may have originally been given the title ofprinceas a formality, but he’s received the same education and training as me.
We attend the same meetings, and while we’ve historically filled separate roles and responsibilities, he should be familiar enough with mine to jump into action. He has no other choice. The coronation is in three days.
Chapter Four
ABBY
THUNDER RUMBLING BESIDE my ear drags me into consciousness, and I let out a quiet groan as I plant my palms beside my shoulders and push up off my stomach. I’m in a bed. It’s comfortable and warm, but it’s not mine.
Lill lets out another loud snore, her right cheek pressed into a pillow as she sleeps beside me. That explains the thunder.
I push myself up further, looking around. I’m in one of the spare bedrooms in the house Kie and Mason stuck us inside yesterday. How did I get here, though? I’m positive Lill and I fell asleep on the couch last night. We lay side by side as I told her about my time in the forest, not leaving out a single detail. I want her to know exactly who her mates are, but I’m known to drag out a story and we fell asleep as I neared the end. Lill must’ve woken me up and forced me to come in here.
It wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened.
Lill and I are underneath soft, beige sheets, and I carefully slide them off myself as I take in the room. There’s a window to the right of the bed, but the curtains are drawn shut. Sunlight seeps in from the edges, though. It’s morning.
Across from the bed is a short, wide dresser. There’s a bright-blue vase, a shallow bowl, and a stack of decorative books placed on top. I don’t waste my time admiring them. Above the dresser is a tall mirror, one I avoid looking at as I head toward the cracked-open door.
It leads into the hallway, and I peek to ensure the coast is clear before fully stepping out of the bedroom. I close the door behind me, wincing as it latches with a quiet click. I don’t want to wake Lill.
I’m not foolish enough to attempt an escape, not when we’re being so carefully watched. Besides, Kie knows where I live. Even if Lill and I did manage to escape, there’s nowhere for us to go. It’s a sobering thought.
I need weapons.
Mason’s pants threaten to slide down my hips as I head toward the open living area at the end of the hallway, and I frown as I yank them up my waist. What are the odds Kie and Mason will supply me with fitting clothing? Hopefully, Lill’s bond with them will afford me some liberties.
I make it two steps into the living room before freezing.
There’s a man on the couch—an oversized, unwelcome man.
Mason sits up with a jolt as I step into the room. His hair is frazzled and his torso bare, and he blinks up at me with wide, green eyes before turning and grabbing his discarded shirt and gloves from the coffee table beside him.
Did he sleep here? Why? I wish he’d make himself scarce, but I suppose I should get used to seeing him around. I’m surprised he didn’t wake Lill and me up and demand answers when he and Kie returned from the meeting with the council last night.
Mason tugs on his gloves before slipping his shirt over his head.
“Why are you here?” I ask.
