Page 9 of A Crown Without Mercy

Muriel and Sylvana made their way to Lenora’s’ bed chamber and knocked on the door. “Come in,” she answered.

“I have a friend here to see you,” Muriel stated.

“Sylvie!” Lenora exclaimed. “I haven’t seen you in months. Come—sit.” She reached for her hand and pulled her over to the table and chairs in her chamber. “So tell me, how have you been?”

“Busy with the manor. When did you return?”

“Last night. Seeing how I’m mating Tobias during the next full moon, I’m here for good.”

“I’m so happy for you,” Sylvana offered.

“You should come to the ceremony. I’ll get you an invitation.”

“I’d love to.”

Sylvana looked out the window and stared at the ember-red colors of the setting sun. “I should head home. It will be dark in a few hours.”

“You have plenty of time, lets sneak out and have an ale,” Lenora suggested.

“Sneak out?” Sylvana questioned.

“Yes. Tobias is ridiculous. He won’t allow me to go anywhere alone. We can sneak out the back passageway.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea, and I don’t want to be in the woods at night.”

“I’ll get you an escort or you can sleep at my place tonight,” Muriel offered.

“Sylvie, come on, have fun for once. All you ever do is work.” Lenora chuckled.

“Fine, what do I have to lose, other than my life?” she joked.

Lenora, Muriel, and Sylvana entered the tavern through the large wood door and a feeling of discomfort crept over Sylvana when they were welcomed with watchful eyes. It was crowded and the conversations being told with raised voices seemed to compete with one another for superiority. Marble pillars supported the upper floor, and the ambient light came from the gentle flames flickering within the numerous lanterns hanging from the ceiling and the scones attached to the walls. Long, stained wood tables lined the center, while smaller tables placed along the interior walls allowed for some privacy. Various weapons, shields, and other clan décor hung from the stone walls while aged barrels of ale were stacked behind the bar. Other than the mortal females who served as blood hosts, lords and warriors made up most of the patrons.

Sylvana wasn’t sure they should be there based on the casual glances and curious looks they were getting. “I’m uncomfortable,” she whispered as she glanced at the unwelcoming crowd.

“Don’t worry about them. They all know Lenora is mating Tobias. I’m sure they weren’t expecting to see a purebred female tonight,” Muriel offered.

“They won’t bother us,” Lenora added as she sat next to Muriel.

“We’re safer here than anywhere else. They would all protect a mate,” Muriel replied.

Soon after they took a seat in the back corner, one barkeep made his way over. “What can I get you and your friends, milady?”

“Three ales,” Lenora answered.

After the barkeep handed out the drinks, he looked at Lenora. “You shouldn’t be here, milady.”

Lenora waved her hand dismissively and tossed three silver coins on the table. “We would like a pitcher of the fresh ale.”

He collected the coins and nodded. “If it pleases you.”

Alaric returned home and noticed Rana wasn’t in the stable. He immediately headed into the manor. “Calista, Mira?” he called out.

“Alaric, is something wrong?” Calista asked, as she headed down the stairs with Mira in tow.

“Where is Sylvana? She should have been home hours ago.”

“I don’t know. I’m sure she’s fine. She has mentioned she has a friend she likes to visit,” Calista offered, covering for her sister.What is she up to now?Calista wondered.

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