5

For a moment we stood staring at each other just a few paces apart. Elias’ gaze flickered to my mouth for a brief moment, but he didn’t move. My wolf whined again, longing for closeness—he was right there. Right within reach. But this offer was still part of being partners in leadership—I was still learning to trust him. My wolf had never doubted Elias, though. Not for a moment. I’d denied her instincts for a long time, and sometimes I still questioned them.

But had she ever steered me wrong?

It was in Daybreak I’d learned to distrust her. It was a hard habit to shake. The ferocity of her desire still cowed me, made me nervous. I couldn’t rely on my wolf to guide me completely. At least, not yet.

“Well,” he said with a small smile, “Lady Reyna. Thank you for dining with me.”

He swept into a formal bow. I couldn’t help but smile in return, sweeping into a curtsy before I left the dining room and returned to our quarters alone.

2

“G

ods above,” Fina said, squeezing my forearm as she watched the carriages pull up. We were waiting outside the manor in our heavy cloaks, our trunks packed and ready. “I can’t believe this is really happening!”

“I know,” Adora said. “Shianga! I had to get new dresses made to prepare for the heat!”

“It’s hot,” Fina agreed, “but it’s a beautiful country. I haven’t been in years, since I visited with my court for a diplomatic engagement, but I was so young I couldn’t appreciate it. It’s going to be amazing to be back!”

“I hope so,” I said. I was getting a little nervous—as excited as I was to be going on such a big journey, I was still traveling as the queen. I was in plain slacks and a heavy cloak for travel, but I had plenty of freshly made fine gowns as well.

“Good morning, ladies,” a warm, unfamiliar voice boomed. A woman strode toward us, in dark trousers and heavy boots, with a loose white shirt worn over her broad chest and shoulders, and a plain, heavy cloak fastened across her collarbones. She carried a short sword at her hip but it didn’t have the decorative gilding that many ceremonial sheaths had. Everything about her was functional. Her dark red hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, with braids wound through it, a striking contrast to her tan complexion. Around her neck she wore a fine gold chain with pendants on it that looked suspiciously like teeth.

“Glad to see you’ve made it out to the carriages on time. We’ve got a long way to travel.” She swept into a bow. “Your Highness.”

“Um,” I said.

The woman broke into a broad grin. Her teeth were sharp, wolfish even in her human form. “Right,” she said. “We haven’t had the pleasure. I’ve heard plenty about you, though. I’m Kodan, one of the king’s generals.”

I blinked in surprise. “Oh,” I said. “Of course, Kodan—lovely to meet you.”

She laughed. “Not expecting a general to look like me, huh?” she asked.

“Oh, no, it’s just--” I stammered, my cheeks flushing.

“I get that sometimes,” Kodan interjected. “It’s fine. I’ve been quite busy the past few months but the king has requested I join the Shiangan envoy as head guard. Happy to be of service.” She turned to Fina and Adora. “I’ll be joining you in your carriage, if that won’t disrupt your travels.”

Adora was staring wide-eyed at Kodan like she’d never seen anyone like her before. Fina looked delighted and hopped forward to shake Kodan’s hand.

“Of course, General,” she said. “We’d be delighted for you to join us. I’m Fina of Duskmoon, and that’s the Lady Adora of Starcrest. Here, I’ll show you to the carriage. Where did you say you were off on assignment to?”

Fina tugged Kodan toward the carriage by her muscular bicep, and Kodan looked somewhere between impressed and amused. Adora trailed after them, looking just as confused.

The front doors of the manor swung open again and Elias appeared, with no fanfare at all. He was dressed casually for travel, too, and the only sign he was the king at all was the fine golden clasp keeping his cloak closed over his shoulders. His staff followed behind him with his trunk and bags, and immediately busied themselves packing the largest carriage in the center of the lineup.

He stood at my side, his hands folded behind his back. “I see you met General Kodan.”

“She’s quite a character,” I said.

“That she is,” Elias said with a low laugh.

“Is she close with the court?” I asked. “I’m surprised I haven’t met her before now.”

“She’s been busy managing some of the military details while I was focused on the Choice,” Elias said. “She’s not too fond of the more ceremonial events so it wasn’t too much of a loss for her.”

I got the feeling there was more to that story he wasn’t telling me, but I didn’t push. “I see.”

“She is a close friend of mine, as well,” Elias said. “We grew up together as pups. I’m relieved she’ll be taking on a role as a member of the royal guard.”

“I see,” I said again.

He glanced at me, and his lips formed a playful smile. “Do you find yourself jealous?”

“I could be,” I shot back, “if you’ll answer me one question.”

“Of course.”

“Did she ever kick your ass when you were younger?”

He barked a loud, surprised laugh. “As a matter of fact, she did.”

“Then yes,” I said, “I’m a little jealous.”

Elias laughed again, shaking his head in disbelief. He set his hand gently at my upper back and guided me toward our coach.