by Leigh Walker
Blake was about to answer when there was a hard knock on the door.
“It’s Eve. Let me in.” Our friend came in and threw up her hands. “Are you having a team meeting without me? How dare you!”
“Hi. Don’t be mad. We were just catching up.” I pulled her in for a quick hug. When we parted, Eve and Blake exchanged a look. “And don’t do that. Why are you doing that?”
Eve’s eyes glowed as she looked at Blake. “Did you tell her?”
Blake looked confused. “Which thing?”
“About…you know.” Eve chucked her chin in Blake’s direction, and Blake grinned.
“Of course I told her. You’re my best friends.”
Eve put her hands on her hips. “What else have you shared?”
“Um… I might’ve mentioned something about the king.”
“Good. She should know the truth, but it’s not my position to speak out of turn. Only a princess, one who’s carrying the royal bloodline, has the right to do that.” Eve turned to me. “She told you our suspicions about the king, and I have something to add. I’ve been doing some investigating of my own.”
“Do you think this is the best time?” Blake asked. “Tamara’s about to finish the contest.”
Eve’s eyes blazed brighter. “That makes it the perfect time.”
I looked from one of them to the other. “What on earth are you two talking about?”
“I tracked a group of vampires out in the forest,” Eve said. “They’ve been back and forth several times, hiding out in the far reaches of the Realm’s firs.”
I nodded.
“You knew about this, did you?”
I bit my lip but didn’t answer her. I’d sworn an oath to Rhys, and I had to honor it.
“So this was the secret you were keeping for your wolf. I see.” Eve nodded and paced the room. “These vampires are the ones that attacked him, of that I’m sure. From what I could tell of their scents, they are much older than that vampire girl you’ve taken prisoner, the newly turned one. It would make sense that older vampires would have the self-control and focus to repeatedly drink from a vile-smelling werewolf. And the fact that it was a group also makes sense. One vampire alone could not have drunk that much werewolf blood without becoming violently ill.”
I exhaled shakily. “Okay, you’ve pieced it together. I am not violating any pacts by telling you that you’re correct. But what’s next? How does this all fit together? What can we do?”
Eve and Blake looked at each other again. I was about to scold them when Blake asked, “Has Rhys spoken to you about these vampires?”
I took a deep breath. “Not recently, but he told me what happened when he was attacked.”
“Did he tell you he’s been meeting with them?” Eve asked.
“What?” Confused, I shook my head. “What do you mean?”
“I tracked their scent again first thing this morning,” Eve said. “From what I can tell, they met with Rhys and one of the other wolves when they were in werewolf form. There was no sign of a struggle. I found something similar a few days ago, but I didn’t know what to make of it until Blake here shared her theory about what was going on with King Black.”
Blake spoke softly. “We believe he’s been working with the rebels, perhaps in an attempt to help them overtake the Realm.”
I let out a deep breath. “That’s what Rhys thinks, too.”
Blake hesitated then asked, “Has Rhys told you that he’s working with these vampires to double-cross the king?”
“N-No.” I shook my head. Was that what Rhys had been doing out in the woods? Was he meeting with the vampires in an attempt to trick King Black? “I think he would’ve told me if that was his plan. At least I hope he would’ve told me.”
“I don’t know whether the werewolf would share such sensitive information with you.” Eve jutted her chin as she gave me a long look. “What I do know is that it seems we are about to be at war with each other—the Realm and the North—and no one wants it.”
I sank down into a nearby chair. “I can’t believe it’s true. The coronation, the show—King Black’s imprimatur has been on all of it. He gave Rhys the kingdom as a reward for the werewolves’ loyalty. And now he’ll steal it out from under them and spill their blood?” I shook my head. “Is King Black really so desperate? If he strikes against the pack, he’ll be undoing an alliance that’s lasted hundreds of years.”
“I don’t think he expected that this new show would incite the rebels the way that it has. They’re very upset, you see,” Blake said. “They view the supernaturals as getting special treatment, as taking over the world. They’ve sent death threats to the king and queen, vowing to destroy them for giving a kingdom to werewolves when the human rebels feel they’ve been evicted from their own lands. They’ll never give up—that’s what Austin says.”
“King Black’s tired of fighting them off all the time. He’s gone soft if you ask me.” Eve’s nostrils flared. “So he’s decided to make a sacrifice. And it’s not himself, of course. It’s the wolves.”
“So it’s true, then.” I stared at the floor. “He sent these rogue vampires to help the rebel cause, and they attacked Rhys. He sent them as a warning. But why would he warn the wolves and not just take them by surprise? That doesn’t make sense.”
Eve stepped forward. “I thought about that, too, and I have a theory. I don’t think King Black has been ready to commit fully to an alliance with the rebels for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that he has no support from his family for such a move. I think he’s playing the fence. If he scares the wolves, maybe he gains the upper hand with them, reinvigorates his ultimate leadership. All the while, he’s stringing the rebels along and making them think they might have a chance at a new kingdom.”
“But what’s with this talk of double-crossing?” I asked. “Rhys hasn’t said one word about negotiating with the vampires. How on earth could he expect to win them over? What sort of deal could he make with them that would cause them to part ways with King Black?”
Eve’s jaw became taut. “We’re not sure, but perhaps he’s made them promises he can’t keep. But I don’t know for certain.”
I frowned. “He doesn’t have anything to give them. Only his kingdom…”
Blake raised her chin. “And perhaps mine.”
“He wouldn’t do that, Blake. He’s loyal to Austin—they’re like brothers.”
She nodded. “In my heart, I believe that. But he must’ve offered them something. There’s got to be a reason they didn’t drain him dry. I just don’t know what it is.”
I jumped to my feet. “I should go and speak with him.”
Blake looked at me imploringly. “That’s not a good idea, Tamara. If it gets back to King Black that I’ve shared my fears with you, it could be dangerous for my family.”
“Blake, I promise you, as I live and breathe, I will keep your confidence completely.” I bowed to her. “To be honest, the things you’re telling me were what Rhys has expected anyway—he doesn’t need to know that you’ve confirmed our fears. But I must speak with him about what he’s doing, negotiating with these vampires.” For some reason, I felt as though I might burst into tears.
“I can tell you’re troubled by this,” Blake said. “Can you say why?”
I took a deep breath. “It’s the end of the contest. In two days’ time, Rhys could propose to me.”
“Isn’t that what you want?” Blake asked.
“Yes, of course it is.” I went to the window and looked outside at the steady rain.
“Well, go on,” Eve said. “Don’t sit there and blubber—tell us what’s going on.”
“I’m not blubbering.” I frowned at the rain. “But if I’m to be married to him, I don’t want him keeping secrets from me.”
“That’s fair,” Blake said gently, “but this is pretty dangerous information.”
“True, but he’s ordered me out of some of his other business because he doesn
’t want me involved. He said he wants to keep me safe, but it feels like he’s shutting me out.”
“I’m sure he does want to keep you safe.” Blake had the annoying habit of always seeing the best in people. “These maneuverings are dangerous, and I’m sure he wants you shielded from as much of it as possible. That’s not a bad thing. That’s because he cares about you.”
“Yes, but”—I turned back to my friends—“I’ve made it very clear that if I am to accept a proposal from him, it’s because I want to be his partner, not his plaything. If I’m to be queen, I intend to rule at his side.”
“That’s fair.” Eve nodded. “You’re a skilled politician, and you’ve much more experience in standard government than Rhys has. He’d be lucky to have you.”
“I know. And he has shown deference to my opinion on several occasions, which I appreciate. But now that things are becoming more intense, he has chosen to keep things a secret from me, like these meetings with the vampires. A person shows their true colors in times of trouble.”
“You should give him a chance to explain himself,” Blake said gently.
“I will—I owe him that much, and vice versa. I should go and see him now. Thank you both. It’s good to talk it through.” I went and hugged Blake then Eve. “I should be getting back. We must meet again soon. And Blake, I’m so thrilled for you.”
Unsure of what lay ahead on many fronts, I left the comfort of my friends.
Actually
“Elsa, there’s a good girl. I forgot my tote, so I’ll have to carry you.” I went to pick the gnome up, but she whined and rolled away from me.
Duncan stood in the entryway, arms crossed against his chest. “I guess she didn’t miss you as much as you missed her.” He looked unimpressed as Elsa trembled when I went closer to her.
“There you go, good girl. Mommy missed you so much.” But every time I took a step forward, she rolled farther away.
“We don’t have time for you two to keep playing with each other.” Duncan crouched down and faced Elsa. “Come here, you bag of fur. We’re going home. Give me any more trouble, and I’ll make an ottoman out of you.”
“Duncan. Do not speak to her like that!”
Beast whizzed around the corner and, upon seeing Elsa, went right to her side. Elsa trembled while Beast spoke in singsong gibberish to her. I didn’t speak gnome, but it sounded as though he was comforting her.
“That’s a good boy, Beast. You’re the best friend a girl gnome could ask for.”
“Best friend? Have you gone mad, Missus?” Duncan looked at me as if I had three heads. “Those gnomes aren’t friends—they’re in love. Why do you think she’s crying like that? She doesn’t want to leave her mate.”
“What?” First, I gaped at Duncan, then I gaped at Elsa and Beast, who were cowering together. “Is it true?”
In answer, they blinked up at me with their big eyes.
“Well then. This…changes things, I suppose.” I rose. “I wish you would’ve shared this with me, but I suppose we have a bit of a language barrier… Elsa, if you would like to stay here with Beast for now, you have Mommy’s permission. I understand how you feel.”
Duncan rolled his eyes.
“Mommy will ask Blake if we can share custody—one week at the Northern castle, one week at the Realm. Would that be agreeable to you two?”
Elsa whined and rolled up to me, her tongue lolling, and Beast followed suit. I crouched back down before them. “I’m not angry, not at all. I’m happy for you. You two should enjoy your time together—it’s not natural to be apart. I’ll miss you, of course. But remember, I’m just a roll through the forest. Okay?”
I scratched both of their heads and stood to go. Elsa whined again, but I shushed her. “Really, I’m fine. I’ll be busy with the contest these next few days anyway. Mommy will come back to see you soon!” Without looking at Duncan, I pulled on my cloak and headed outside.
I was grateful for the rain. It would mask the tears on my cheeks.
Duncan strode down the steps and immediately started across the grounds toward the forest. “You can’t possibly be sniveling about those two. All they’re fit for is punting.”
“Duncan, please.” I felt emotionally drained; I was worried about Rhys, a brewing war, and leaving my precious gnomes behind. “I didn’t know, is all. I didn’t know they couldn’t bear to be away from each other because they’re in love. I feel terrible that I kept them apart.”
Duncan shrugged, his expression softening as we moved through the trees. “You can’t beat yourself up for it. It’s not as if anyone had prepared a Gnome Dating Institute for you.”
“Ha. I suppose not.” But my spirits only lifted for a moment. “Do you think you could bring me to the king? I need to speak with him.”
Duncan watched me warily. “About…”
“About something private—it’s between me and him.” I wasn’t even sure what I was going to say to Rhys or how I was going to say it. I only knew I had to see him.
“Well then.” He tipped his head. “I’ll learn from your good example: far be it from me to stand in the way of true love. I’ll bring you to him directly.”
I didn’t bother to change out of my soaking clothes once we returned to the castle. Instead, I had Duncan immediately bring me to the library where Rhys was meeting with some of his advisors.
The werewolf king did a double take as Duncan led me inside. I wasn’t sure if it was my sudden presence in his meeting or if it was because of my soggy appearance.
“Lady Layne?” Rhys rose to his feet. “Is everything all right?”
I smoothed the damp hair back from my face. “May we have a word, Your Highness?”
“Yes, of course.” He nodded at the group of advisors at the table. “Give me a moment, please.”
They filed out, along with Duncan, leaving the two of us alone. Rhys came closer and helped me out of my soaking cloak. “Why were you out in this weather?” He peered at my face. “And what’s the matter?”
“I went to fetch Elsa, but it appears that she and Beast are in love. Did you know that? Did you know that gnomes fell in love?”
He arched an eyebrow. “I know they are mammals and that they propagate. I did not know they had particular attachments.”
“Well, they do.”
He hung my coat in the corner and eyed me warily. “Why do I feel as though there’s some sort of accusation behind this?”
“Let me ask you this: do you think Elsa and Beast consult with each other about things?”
“I think they follow each other into the gardens and get dizzy whizzing about together. Is that what you mean?”
“No, it is not.” I plopped down into a leather chair, plastering my wet trousers uncomfortably against me. “Relationships are quite a bit more than that, Your Highness. I thought you were aware of their complexities, but perhaps I was mistaken. At the moment, all I know for sure is that you’re a mammal and that you propagate.”
“What have I done wrong? Why are you saying these things to me?”
I raised my eyes to his face. “Did you meet with the vampires who attacked you, Your Highness?”
Rhys’s eyes widened for a moment, but he quickly composed himself. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, my lady.”
“I believe you do, so I’ll give you another chance to answer.” I asked my question again, slowly and carefully. “Did you meet with the vampires who attacked you?”
“Of course I met with them. How else do you think they made a pincushion out of me?” He sat down across from me.
“I mean have you met with them again? Out in the woods, in secret? Without telling me about it?”
The smile slid from his face, and his back stiffened. “Who have you been talking to this morning, my lady? Duncan? No, he wouldn’t dare.” He was quiet for a moment, staring off into space, seemingly lost in his thoughts. He suddenly jerked his head toward me. “One of your Northern friends—is that who filled your hea
d about this?”
“Absolutely not. I saw you, my lord. I saw you in wolf form, heading out into the woods.”
Rhys gave me a pointed look. “That doesn’t explain how you heard about my meeting, and you know it.”
“So you did have a meeting.”
He hopped to his feet. “I didn’t say that!”
“Yes, you did.” It didn’t make me feel any better that I’d caught him in a lie.
“Tamara.” He raked his hands through his hair, loosening tendrils from his neat bun. “I cannot tell you about these dealings. I won’t involve you. I can’t—I love you too much to risk you. I don’t know how you heard about it, but if word’s gotten out, this is terrible news indeed.”
“Word hasn’t gotten out.” I stood and faced him. “Duncan told me you’d detected vampire tracks in the woods. I put the rest together myself.”
“That doesn’t follow; there’s too many missing pieces.” He locked eyes with me. “Someone must’ve said something to you. I must know who at once—we could be in terrible danger.”
I opened my mouth and closed it. I’d talked myself into a corner, and there was no way to proceed without implicating my friends. “Let’s just say that a little bird told me something.”
His expression was stormy as he waited for me to go on.
“This bird found your scent—twice—comingled with the scent of the rogue vampires. No one knows about it but me, Your Highness.”
“Your little bird knows, and anyone else she’s taken into her confidence.”
I shook my head. “She won’t tell anyone, Your Highness. Your secret is safe for now. But I must ask—why are you keeping such a thing from me?”
“Because it’s a matter of security, Tamara. It’s dangerous. Deadly, even.” He lowered his voice. “I asked the vampire traitors to become traitors yet again, to betray their own king. This is not the sort of thing I would ever involve you with. No, my lady. I will protect you at all costs, always. How could I put you at such risk?”
“How could you hide the fact that you were taking such a risk?” I wrung my hands together. “What if something happened to you out in the woods while you were bargaining with them? They’ve already attacked you once—who’s to say they wouldn’t do it again?”