Chapter 2 Small Horrors of the Royals

Zaika pov

Frowning at my thoughts while getting dressed, I excused myself and headed to the barn.

Heading toward the structure I was confused to see several of Ivan's servants standing around with two normal wolf guards from the neighboring packs.

"What is going on?" I asked Boris, my father's head servant. He glanced over at the guard and gestured toward him. Remus stepped forward with a puffed-out chest.

"His Highness caught two rogue wolves last night and we have them chained inside the barn," He growled.

"We will use them as bait dogs for entertaining the king during his visit," his sidekick Jasper laughed. Shaking my head in disbelief. I went to slide open the barn door and Remus grabbed my hand, stopping me.

"Are you stupid boy? There are rogue wolves in there!" He snarled. Rolling my eyes, I glared back as my hellfire sparked along my flesh.

"So is the feed for my father's cattle. So unless you plan on dealing with Ivan, I suggest you move your ass," I replied. Making a grunting sound, Remus stepped back while I entered the structure.

"They are in the rear stall, chained to the wall with collars," Jasper added. Waving my hand into the air without any worry, I stepped inside the dusty barn. Curious about the rogues I went straight to the rear stall and peeked over. My gut dropped as my eyes met two very young Dire wolves. Both had red fur and startling green eyes. One of them was licking a bloody paw while the other whimpered.

"Gallum was proud to capture mere pups," Einar growled roughly in my mind.

"The guards will toy with them and kill them outright just for cheap thrills," I mumbled in disgust. Turning my head to see Boris, I crossed my arms as he approached.

"Those two are the brothers of the female rogue Dire Wolf Alpha," he said softly. The two pups started howling. Exhaling deeply, I kicked the stall door and glared at the pair with glowing eyes.

"A female Dire Wolf Alpha is a rarity for sure and surely just a rumor. I have heard enough tales from Ivan to know that it is probably all hearsay," I retorted and Boris nodded swiftly.

"Well, I was told to slaughter a steer for the feast tonight, you want to give me a hand with that?" He asked with a crooked smile. I glanced back at the two young wolves.

"You think we can get these two released before the royals kill them?" I inquired with a head tilt in the direction of the two pups. I only asked him because I knew he felt the same disgust with the royals and their behavior. Rubbing his chin, Boris stepped up to the gate and looked down at both brothers. With a release of air between clenched teeth his green eyes met mine.

"You want them to be released?" He questioned curiously. I nodded, "They are only pups and cannot be blamed for being born rogue. They are Dires and should be free since they are so rare." Boris smiled at me as the two youngsters quieted. Their wolves were paying rapt attention to our conversation.

"I will tell the servants to head back into the chateau for preparations and have the two guards help me slaughter the steer. Give me a few minutes. Once the coast is clear, send them east so they can return to their family," Boris said stoically. Nodding my head, I thanked him.

"Hopefully this taught you two a lesson to stay out of the Earl's lands," I growled sternly. Two sets of green eyes stared up at me. Exhaling deeply, I watched Boris leave and could hear him ordering the staff back. After I heard the two guards begrudgingly agree to help him with the steer, I opened the stall. They both backed away from me and gave me pause.

"I need to reach the chains to unlock you," I stated firmly. Both wolves lowered their heads so I could unclasp the iron collars that had been placed around their necks.

"After I release you, head east. Boris wouldn't have suggested that way unless he knows it will be safe for you and the cover of the forest will add to your escape," I told them both looking into their eyes. The collar I unlatched fell into the straw, muffling the rattling sound of the chain it was attached with. The released wolf sat on its haunches and observed me release his sibling. Before unlocking the second boy's collar I examined his bloody paw.

"You might want to shift and ride your brother's back. You'll need to escape from here quickly," I said firmly. Undoing his collar, I was shocked when the young boy shifted and I saw their actual age. He had to be no more than ten years of age.

His hand was missing two fingers. Taking off my shirt and tearing it into straps I yanked his injured hand to myself. They watched curiously as I bandaged his hand.

"Why are you helping us?" The child asked. I gazed at him and shrugged.

"It's not your fault for the lives you were given. Now hurry and go east," I said firmly. I held the stall door open as the nude injured brother climbed onto his brother's back. The red wolf trotted through the barn, sniffing the air as it did. Following them to exit the barn, I glanced toward the chateau to see the back door opening.

"Take off now!" I huffed. The wolf glanced at me before dashing off toward the very forest I had been found in my youth. I watched and didn't notice Gallum raising his rifle. After the shot rang out I watched in horror as the one riding the wolf fell from the other's back. A bloody hole could be seen on his way down to the ground.

"NO!" I shouted in disbelief. Turning my head to see Gallum being patted on the back by Ivan I felt rage engulf me.

"Why, they were just children?" I inquired bluntly as I stormed toward Ivan and Gallum.

"They are rogues either way and pose a threat to the rest of us," Ivan asserted.

"Did you release those little shits?" Gallum snapped at me. In my anger, I nodded and then felt my father's palm connect to the side of my face. With my ear ringing I couldn't hear the words Ivan was saying to me. I know they weren't good because his face was ruddy and he was sweating profusely.

"I demand you return to your room and remain there the rest of the day. You will not be attending the dinner nor be meeting the Dire Wolf king!" He snarled bitterly. I had heard that and exhaling deeply started toward the chateau. My cheek was swelling and my jaw was sore. Frowning, I headed to my room and slammed the door. A few moments later Sasha rushed in and handed me a bag of ice.

"Why did you do that, Zaika? Now I must dance for the king's entertainment," she groaned as she sat beside me and dropped the ice bag onto my lap. I put the cold item on half my face and glanced at her with my uncovered eye.

"We match," I quipped. Sasha giggled and eyed me. I reached out for her hand and threaded my long fingers through hers.

"I didn't want to witness two pups get murdered but ended up watching one of them," I mumbled sullenly. Laying her blonde head against my shoulder, Sasha sighed.

"It hurts having a heart, Zaika. Being a royal you must close your feelings off. We don't even get the opportunity to search for our real mates and are wed through contracts," she replied sadly. I looked down at her with a half-smile. Just having her near me brought back joyous times from our youth.

"What are mates? Father's never spoken about them and neither has my wolf mentioned it?" I inquired curiously. Sasha glanced up at me and smiled wider.

"I have read romance stories about how your mate is your other half and makes your heart race. Plus they reportedly smell nice," she said enthusiastically. Squeezing her hand I chuckled.

"I love you, Sasha. I honestly do but you smell like the kitchens," I teased. I watched her bottom lip stick out as she pouted.

"You smell like cow crap and hay, but I still love you, bunny," she huffed. I rolled my eyes at her using my nickname. I wasn't surprised when she kissed me lightly on the lips before scurrying out of my bedroom. It wasn't the first time we shared our feelings. We had given each other pecks and hugs for years. I assumed that Sasha was being her normal compassionate self. For me, it went deeper. I truly loved my adopted sister with my entire being.

"Are mates a real thing?" I questioned my wolf. Einar huffed and growled, "Perhaps but you hold an Epicyon wolf and I don't know for certain how our kind discovers ours." Sighing I laid back with the ice bag covering my entire face.