Sunshine
Chapter 20

Three days later the wolves arrived, and with them a sense of impending doom. They brought news of more camps popping up near the main pass by the river. They had even captured some scouts that had been sent into the ash forest itself.

They sat in the council room; a large chamber set off the second floor of the ballroom. There were no windows here and the air was tense with uncertainty and fear. Lianna had been listening to them list all of the known camps and mines, eight in all, minus the one that Aeros had destroyed the night before he found them in the woods. She had not mentioned the fact that Aeros was a spy to anyone yet and had allowed him to come to this meeting for the simple reason that her beast wanted her to. That part of her that clung to their bond in desperation, praying for a miracle. The part of him that had confessed his insecurities to her instead of mocking her as she had fully expected him to do.

“The only way to stop him is to destroy his mines and all the powder he has already produced,” Erin said, breaking her train of thought. There were murmurs of agreement from the rest of the men present. The females chose not to interfere and Lianna wondered if they always let the males make the decisions for them. She felt Aeros’s gaze on her as that thought flitted through her head. Her aura rubbed against his in a feline manner and she smiled at him sweetly. She would be damned if she would let him make all of her decisions for her. He raised an ebony brow in mock disapproval, the amusement in his eyes belying the expression.

“So, we burn them down one by one.” Lianna lifted her chin making her opinion known as if it were obvious. Everyone looked to Aeros to see how he would react to her interference. When he nodded his head, they turned on her.

“You know nothing of war girl, leave the politics to the males.” The dark-headed wolf, Leon, growled at her.

“You males sat back and watched this happen and have let it continue to spiral out of control for too long! It is time someone stood up for the people whom you have forgotten.” Lianna stood abruptly with a snarl, giving credit to her words. “You should not have let Errewyn become so powerful. You let him do this!”

“The land is poisoned; we have no food or water.” Another chimed in. Her gaze cut sharply in the direction of a dark woman who had not been introduced at all.

“What is your name?” Lianna demanded.

“That is hardly..” Leon started but Lianna raised a hand. His mouth continued to move but no words came out. His face took ona purple hue as he realized she had taken his voice away.

“I was not talking to you Leon.” She dropped her hand and a low growl rumbled from his chest, but otherwise, he remained silent. The queen looked back at the wide-eyed woman again.

“Aralia, Your Majesty.” The female answered cautiously.

“Well, Aralia, if you females would grow some damn balls and stand up to these blubbering idiots, maybe it would not have gotten this bad. Where are you from? Do you know any people who have mysteriously gone missing?” The foolish girl nodded apprehensively.

“Would you like me to show you where they are?”

“I don’t understand..” She looked confused. Lianna did not wait for an answer before slamming her percipience into all of their minds in unison. She heard the shocked screams of the Hi Fae both male and female alike as suddenly they were standing on the edge of a cliff looking down on a camp. The snow and ice swirled around them and she made sure they felt the bite of the cold that was mind-numbing within seconds. Torches lit up the walls and small fires peppered the interior. Even in the sub-zero temperatures, the smell of sweat and feces permeated the air. The wretched creatures huddled together for warmth wearing nothing but the skimpy rags. They could hear their moans of pain and when one brave man got up and tried to move closer to the fire a sneering guard lashed out with his whip. The male screamed and fell back into the sea of crowded bodies shivering around him.

Suddenly Lianna pulled back and everyone was sitting back in the warmth and security of the council room. They were all silent, the females openly weeping. Aralia sat down and did not speak another word.

“These are your friends, and brothers, someone’s son or father. And you let that fowl beast do this to them!” Lianna raged at them all, slamming her fists onto the table.

“You could have stopped him before it got to this point, yet you did nothing! You let it come to this by sitting by and watching him take your people and not reacting!” Steam curled from her and her beast was simmering barely checked beneath her skin. A cool breeze swept over her and she gave Seth an appreciative glance.

“Do we know how many slaves are in each camp?” Seth asked.

“Nearly one hundred each.” Answered Nathaniel, who was leaning against a wall on the other side of the room.

“We have nowhere to put them. Most of the passes are already buried in snow. Feeding that many alone will be an impossible task.” Varise dared to interrupt. Lianna looked at her and felt a wave of satisfaction when the Omega lowered her eyes humbly before sitting back down.

“We need to find a source of freshwater where the poison has not yet tainted,” Erin spoke up, looking directly at Lianna. It did not take her long to understand why he had looked at her when he said it.

“My valley.” She whispered. Her valley was small compared to the ash forest, but the stream that flowed from the south side of the mountains ran clear and untouched. The animals there were unaffected by the king’s power. Lianna swallowed, thinking of the tiny cottage that had been hers alone for so long. The forest that had practically raised her, made her into the woman she was. She was more a creature of the mountain than she was fae, all of her wild instincts learned by surviving the harsh winters and predators that called it home as well.

She nodded almost imperceptibly. “Send them there.” She told Erin. “And the glen where we had our picnic is safe as well.” She added.

“There is also the Mothers Spring. It too has been left uncontaminated.” Eris added. “But the only way to get the people safely out is by either convincing the royal guards to free them or burning them all alive.” He finished.

So, she and Aeros would be a vital part of their success. She looked toward her mate. He had that predator’s gleam in his eye, and she knew he would not want her anywhere near those camps. Lianna did not think she would be able to slip into the guard’s minds and bend them to her will. She remembered the immense guilt that had followed her after she had forcibly led that fish to its death. To do that to another human.. it made her stomach clench and she had to swallow down the bile that rose in her throat. Aeros walked over to her and wrapped a strong steady arm around her in support. She leaned into him, grateful for his ability to read her mind for once.

Although she was stronger than any of the guards and more powerful than even the king, some weapons could bring her low with one lucky strike. And if Errewyn believed that his mine had been destroyed by a dragon, they both knew he would not hesitate to pull out those ancient weapons that had destroyed them all so long ago. A vision of a giant crossbow with an arrow larger than her human body. She glanced to Aeros as the image of a beautiful green dragon falling from the sky, a long shaft of wood protruding from its chest filled her mind. The expression on his face was hard and full of suppressed fury.

Lianna reached a soft hand out to cup his cheek, bringing his attention back to her and the present.

“They have to see me first.” She told him when his eyes finally focused on hers. She watched as a violent shudder rippled through him. She turned to the others who had been watching their exchange with barely concealed distrust. They did not bother looking away or try to hide their unspoken conversation.

“When the storm lets up we will make our way to the closest camps and begin putting a dent in his supply chain. Nathaniel, I need you to go to my valley and set up accommodations for the people who will begin to arrive shortly after. Eris you can take some men and set up another shelter near the Mothers Temple.” She turned toward Lucas.

“I need you to go find out where they are storing their main supply of powder and which mountain they plan on blowing up next.” Lianna walked over to Seth and took the proof from his hands. She threw the signed documents onto the table before Erin.

“Here is your proof, if you needed anymore besides what your own eyes and son have told you.” He discarded the first map, and Lianna watched as stunned disbelief turned to outrage at the second map.

“So, we are to take our orders from a woman now?” She rounded on the outspoken old male who insisted on reminding everyone of her inferiority in these matters.

“You can do what you like. But stay the hell out of my way.” She spat at him before turning on her heel and leaving them behind to sort out the details.

Seth found her sitting on the top stair at the main entrance. He had heard all he needed and didn’t think that he could stomach another minute in the same room with those wolves. He sat down beside her quietly, feeling the tension that hung around her like a veil.

“You were beyond amazing in there.” Lianna turned to look at him and could feel the disbelief, awe, and pride that he felt when he gazed upon her.” We have the best warriors on our side. Errewyn is no match for us anymore. He has enslaved his people and they only fight because they have no other choice.” He felt the soft weight of her head as she leaned it against his shoulder. Her wild hair tickled his exposed neck.

“I can’t believe that I did not know of any of this before. I was totally cut off from the world around me.” She whispered.

“What would you have done if you had known?” He did not think that reminding her of her young age and lack of training would be a good idea. She snorted her answer as if he had spoken the thought out loud.

“ I don’t know. But I would have tried to help somehow. I would not have just sat by and watched” she snarled; her feral look aimed toward the closed door on the other side of the room.

“I will not make excuses for them or myself. The last war left scars on all of us and some have yet to heal. I am surprised Aeros is even entertaining the idea of letting you help. In all reality, Errewyn himself poses only a mild threat. The major problem will be finding enough uncontaminated resources to get everyone through the winter.”

“We must find places to shelter them. We could bring some of them here.” She suggested.

“I will talk to Aeros about the powder he used to clear the water before. Maybe there is more. Until a solution can be found, we should ration what we have.”

“You make me proud to serve you, are a fine Queen already.” He smiled. He had meant it as a compliment but knew as soon as he uttered the words that it was a mistake.

“I do not know how to be a queen. Not the kind of queen they all seem to expect, all the bowing and scraping makes me uncomfortable. I would be a fool to deny that I enjoy the accommodations. But everything else is just ridiculous posturing that people like Errewyn and that pompous imbecile in the council room thrive on.” She looked at him with doubt.

“I feel like an imposter.” She admitted to him. “Like you have all made some big mistake in naming me your queen.”

“That’s what makes you different. The people need someone like you to show them how the world should be. You would be the greatest queen this kingdom has ever known. Just be yourself, and they will love you. ” He watched her solemnly, meaning every word. She placed a trembling hand over his own atop his knee.

“Thank you.” Her watery smile tugged at his heart and he squeezed her fingers. Squeaky hinges echoed through the quiet, announcing the end of the council meeting. He stood slowly and stepped down in front of her, pulling her up to stand above him. Even standing one step below her, he towered over her by a few inches. He bowed low to her, raising her hand to his lips in a reverent display of loyalty.

“My queen,” Seth said loud enough for the Fae coming up behind her to hear. He felt her other hand in his hair as he knelt before her.

“Rise Seth and know that you are my most trusted guard and beloved friend.” She tugged on his hand gently. He met her eyes briefly before he glanced to the party that had stopped behind her to watch the display. He deliberately kissed her hand again and then turned to descend the mammoth staircase.

Aeros came to her side and leaned down to kiss her forehead.

“Are you okay?” His mind whispered to her own. She found the concern in his eyes heartwarming and the smile she awarded him was like the sun suddenly appearing in a dark sky.

“Yes.” She answered him out loud and let him guide her down the stairs. The party of canines followed them, no doubt taking in the grand splendor of the cavernous ballroom. They met Sylva at the bottom.

“They will need rooms prepared as it seems we will be entertaining guests until the storm passes. We should also begin preparations to house any refugees that may be brought here. I want all food rationed starting now.” Lianna spoke to the housekeeper while they continued to walk through the echoing room.

“Yes, very good Your Highness.” Sylva gave her an approving look that spoke volumes. Lianna did not miss the formality that the housekeeper used and knew it was all an act for their audience. They were telling the wolves in no uncertain terms that the ancient Dragon’s Keep, with the authority bestowed by the Mother herself, had chosen her to lead them.

“It’s about time someone took control of the situation.” The elderly female gazed directly into the faces of the wolves behind them, sniffing delicately.

“Follow me, my lords.” She beckoned them towards a hall that opened between the entrance to her chambers and the main hall that led to the dining room. Several maids appeared from the latter and followed slowly behind them. Aeros only had eyes for Lianna as they disappeared from view, the muted chatter fading from her ears with them. He pulled her to him, needing to feel her in his arms. The familiar heat stirred in his veins as he breathed her in. Rubbing her back gently with one hand his other slid up to wrap around the back of her neck beneath her hair. The small noise sighing from her mouth made his body strain at attention.

Lianna pulled away so she could see his face, and an answering heat crept into her eyes to drive him wild.

“Sunshine.” He whispered the endearment as he brought his lips down to close over hers. The kiss left her breathless against him and he just held her for a moment enjoying the feel of her.

“For someone so ancient and hardened, you are so tender and sweet.” She smiled up at him.

“Only for you Sunshine. And you will probably rescind that statement before this is all over with. Are you going to make yourself presentable for our guests, or are you content to be the wild dragon they have come to expect?” He grinned mischievously at her, waggling his dark eyebrows.

Her snort of defiance had him laughing in delight and he moved forward, tugging her in the direction of her chambers.

“Your performance in that room tonight will have them talking for years about how ’Queen Lianna took hold of the entire Hi Fae council and threw them into the snow”. She snorted and could not contain the giggle that escaped her at the ridiculousness of it.

“Well, when you say it like that..” She trailed off, shrugging a careless shoulder before bursting into peels of laughter. “Was it really that bad?” She asked when her mirth subsided.

“Worse.” He grinned at her. “Even Lucien could only control one mind at a time.”

Her humor disappeared instantly and she stopped, bringing him to a halt as well.

“Truly?” She breathed.

“Truly.” He answered solemnly. He began to pull her along again as she stared at him dumbfounded.

Catrione was waiting for them in the sitting chamber.

“None of that nonsense, you haven’t the time. I’ve got to make you look like a queen for dinner tonight and it will take me the better part of the afternoon just to tame that hair.” The woman looked positively shrewish wielding the brush in her hand like a scepter. Lianna looked at her like a mouse who had just spied the cat waiting to pounce. Aeros felt the laughter rumble out of him as the maid waved the brush imperiously towards a chair, hand on hip. He watched her stick a delectable pink tongue out at him, her face squinting into narrow little lines but she did as she was commanded.

Aeros waved at her and headed back towards the door, opening it just in time for Moriah to come in carrying an array of small boxes.

“We will have you looking like a goddess for that pack heathens.” She greeted them smiling. She shooed Aeros’s suddenly interested form out of the door before she continued.

“The seamstress finished sewing one of your new gowns just this morning. It is perfect!” Lianna watched her lay the box across a chair and lift the lid. The fabric was dark green, almost black and when Moriah pulled it from the box, she noticed blue streaks shimmer across the silky material. Bits of sheer silver ribbons wrapped around the waist and the bottom hemline. The bodice was encrusted with sparkling silver starbursts. A pale blue lace sash was sewn into the left shoulder and Lianna could not imagine herself in such finery. She took a deep breath, trying to swallow her doubt as the two women looked at her with such expectancy.

“It’s amazing.” She reached out a hand to touch the cloth and it felt like water in her hand, it was so thin and smooth.

“Well, shall we?” Sylva asked handing her a glass of sweet red wine and motioning for her to sit again.

She had not been wrong about Lianna’s nearly untamable mane. They chose to pull only half of it into a braided crown atop her head, leaving most of it to trail down her back in a wave of burgundy flames. Catrione helped her to step into the midnight creation. She wrapped the lace artfully around her shoulders, allowing it to sag in the rear, covering most of her long hair in the back before draping it artfully over her right elbow. Sylva pulled out a braided silver coronet with a giant ruby hanging from the center and the girl placed it atop her head. The woman rolled her eyes toward the heavens as she tried to tuck back wispy strands that had already escaped their confines.

Lianna grinned cheekily at her as she took a step back to look down at herself. The fabric felt like cool air against her bare skin. She wore nothing beneath the gown except a small bit of lace that she had balked at when Catrione had first shown it to her. The black lace was almost non-existent for all the good it did to cover her woman’s center.

She looked at the two women and their expressions of awe and pride. They brought her to stand before a long oval mirror hanging against the inner wall. She sucked in a breath as she surveyed the stranger looking back at her. The dark dress made her golden skin glow in contrast. The lace draped around her shoulders made her feel impossibly feminine and her bright red hair was smoother than she had ever seen it, framing her face in a way that made her green eyes look exotic and regal. The dark ruby rested gently against her forehead like a drop of blood on her creamy skin, completing the queenly façade they had forced on her.

“I don’t even recognize me.” She whispered, her voice coming out like a squeak. She turned to look at them again. “What am I supposed to do?”

“Just be yourself.” Sylva murmured, “and don’t let them see your fear.” She leaned forward and kissed Lianna’s cheek in the most motherly gesture she had ever received. Lianna felt the emotion well within her and Catrione wrapped her arms around both of them in a tight hug.

Aeros came striding through the door at that moment, resplendent in his black suit. His coat was not buttoned, and his crisp white shirt was visible beneath. She turned to him just as he caught sight of her, and she watched him stop in his tracks. She felt his aura jump towards her and his eyes took on a familiar possessive gleam as he stared, much as she had a few moments before. When he started moving toward her again the ladies excused themselves, noting the immediate change of atmosphere.

The male did not even notice them as they slipped quietly out, his sole focus on the vision before him. Her shaky smile told him she had no idea of how profoundly she affected him. Lianna looked every bit the queen that she didn’t want to be. He opened his mind to her and sent her a taste of the powerful emotion she evoked in him. He watched as her eyes widened and the pulse jumped where it was exposed at her throat. He was almost afraid to touch her as he approached cautiously.

“How do I look?” she asked him in an unsteady voice, needing to hear his thoughts out loud.

“Like sunshine.” He said simply. My sunshine his beast breathed into her and he pulled her gently into his arms. Lianna laughed up at him and he felt her confidence grow with each gentle caress of his hands where they explored the dress that fit her like a second skin.

“We better go while I still can do so.” He growled stepping away quickly. He took a deep breath and willed his body under control. His hand fell to her back and he felt the warmth of her hair through the thin wrap. She let him pull her along and held her chin high. When they entered the dining room some of the others had already arrived and were sitting at the long table sipping wine. Every head turned toward them as he guided her to the head of the table. Nathaniel and Lucas beamed at her in pride as she took her seat. No one said a word for a moment, and it was like they all held their breath.

“You clean up nice.” Seth broke the tense silence.

Varise and Erin walked in and sat down across from the other pack leaders, leaving a few seats empty between herself and Lianna. The fare was simple, bowls of beans and roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy. Rolls of soft white bread that made her mouth water. She let Aeros fill her plate with more than she could possibly eat. She waved a hand imperiously in the air, just as Sylva had made her practice. Servants stepped forward and filled their wine glasses. She sipped from it and noticed that all eyes were still on her expectantly.

“Oh, for Mother’s sake! Just eat!” She snapped. A few of the servants hid their smiles and Seth choked on a laugh. The evening continued with her shocking them all into quiet awe with her lack of high societal airs. She was heard thanking her servants and seen winking at the guards. Not once did she make any demands after the initial command for them to eat even though she had not begun her meal yet.

The wolves did not know what to make of this spirited girl who claimed she did not want to be queen. The atmosphere soon turned light and merry as they all relaxed into each-others company and soon the wolves and felines were even laughing like old friends as the wine flowed freely.

Lianna leaned back in her chair and surveyed the noisy dining hall with satisfaction. Even the servants were wandering around casually, topping off glasses and removing empty plates, casually conversing with each other as if they were not in a room full of royals and High Fae.

“You did this,” Aeros whispered into her ear leaning forward. The feel of his breath on her skin sent shivers tingling through her. “The cats and the dogs are finaly getting along.” He grinned. Lianna laughed up at him.

“The wine did this.” She countered her eyes still twinkling. His hand brushed her thigh beneath the table and her breath caught in her throat.

“Should we retire to the card room?” She asked him, trying to distract herself from the heat now rushing through her veins and mixing with the wine. His eyes met hers and he nodded once, not trusting himself to speak least he tell her what he really wanted to do with her. Her thoughts flew through his mind, so closely mirroring his own, and a low growl escaped him just as she stood abruptly, gaining everyone’s attention and effectively shutting down that train of thought.

“Entertainment can be found in the card room if you wish it.” She smiled to them before she noticed Varise look at her with dawning respect. Lianna felt the scowl that came unbidden to her face and had to walk away quickly. She was not sure she was ready for that conversation yet. The woman was a perfect example of High Fae’s respectability and represented all of the behaviors and mannerisms that Lianna herself lacked. It made her sick, and the anger that pulsed through her every time she saw the cowardly woman had not diminished in the slightest little bit.

The card room was just a more elaborate version of her sitting room. There was a billiard table, with long sticks and brightly colored glass balls in the center of the large room. Four smaller, round tables were arranged around the walls. A liquor cabinet stood next to the giant hearth and on the rear wall, two curtained alcoves hid doors that lead to a wide veranda that offered fresh air and solitude to any who would seek it. One of the tables had been set up for chess, and another for cards. The other two were bare. Plush gray carpets cushioned their feet, and the light cream and blue upholstery made the room feel bright.

“Sylva, you have done an amazing job getting this place clean,” Lianna told the woman with a wink as she walked by her. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FindNʘᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“The maids have been working night and day, Majesty.” She said humbly.

Lianna meandered over to the chess table and sat down. Aeros took the seat across from her.

“Are you going to pay attention to the game this time?” She asked him with a straight face.

“Most definitely. I can not let you beat me in front of our guests.” He drawled. Seth brought them both a glass of wine and pulled a couple of extra chairs from an empty table for Moriah and himself to sit and watch their game. Moriah handed him an extra glass and they all sat.

“Ladies first,” Aeros said looking at her with raised eyebrows. She deftly moved a pawn forward one space. He followed suit. Lianna had moved all of her pawns forward, one by one until they had advanced the line one full row. Her mate had only moved three of his pawns forward to varying degrees. She used one of her pawns to take one of his and smiled at the first small victory. He nodded graciously and moved a knight to take one of her pawns. Her eyes glittered as she made her next move.

“Do you know how to play Seth?” Lianna asked as she took another of Aeros’s pawns.

“What kind of general would I be if I didn’t know how to play chess?” He asked affronted.

“I would like to learn how to play,” Moriah interjected softly. Lianna looked up to see her watching Seth with a moon-eyed expression. She tried to hide her smile and turned to look around the room. Erin and Varise were walking towards their group slowly.

“Good evening Majesty.” Varise curtsied low. Lianna did not feel the usual embarrassment that made her palms sweaty when others bowed before her, only a cool disdain that she did not try to hide. She spared her a brief glance before she turned her attention back to her game.

“Erin, Varise.” She greeted them not wanting to tarnish the friendly atmosphere and noticing that most everyone’s attention was directed towards them.

“I wanted to thank you... You brought my son back to me. I am in your debt.” The emotion evident in the Omega’s voice had Lianna feeling a tad bit overbearing. She turned back to her, while everyone waited to see how their queen would respond.

“Yes, you certainly do. However, I would only ask that you help the people who come to you for aid. Help them without the judgment and scorn you bestowed upon me.” She looked at the woman directly. “Your status and position give you the means to help and the responsibility to those who were not fortunate enough to be born into wealth and privilege.” She turned her attention back to her mate and moved her queen directly in front of his king.

“Checkmate.” She said primly and stood to offer her seat to Moriah. Aeros did likewise for Seth and came to stand near her elbow.

She turned back to where Varise stood, looking for all the world like a lost puppy. On impulse Lianna reached out to pat the woman’s bare shoulder, pity welled within her.

“Times are hard, my lady. We are all faced with decisions and choices that have no easy answers. All we can do is try to be better than we were yesterday.” Varise raised shocked eyes to meet hers. Lianna felt the relief rolling from her in waves.

“Good night.” She said to the room at large and walked out with as much grace as she could manage.

The next two days were spent in much the same fashion. The snow continued to fall and Lianna wondered if they would even be able to make it through the pass at all. She stood at the balcony rail in the conservatory watching the snow pile high, blanketing the scenery and blotting out all color. The clouds looked to be thinning out and the flurries were getting smaller by the hour.

Aeros walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, and pulled her back against him. He rested his head atop hers and she loved the feeling of belonging that swept through her.

“The sun will shine tomorrow.” He promised her.

“We will have to melt the snow from the passes as we go. I did not notice any of the maps showing camps inside the mountains yet.”

“None that we have found. Hopefully, Errewyn has decided to wait until Spring to blow up anything else and we can destroy his plans before he can do any more damage.” Lianna felt his hands slide up her hips and around to glide back down over her belly. She breathed in deeply trying not to let him distract her.

“Once we destroy the mines and break up the camps, then what?” She wanted to know.

“Then I take care of Errewyn and we live happily ever after.” He whispered into her ear. Lianna smiled at his fanciful notion.

“I want to see what lies on the other side of the mountains.” She told him.

“An ocean.” He shrugged noncommittedly. She turned in his arms with a snort of laughter.

“Oh. You said you live by the ocean?” She asked him.

“Yes, to the North, where the water is crystal clear and the deepest blue you have ever seen. In the winter, great blocks of ice wash up on the beaches. My castle is set on the cliffs at Lands’ End. During the summer, the grass is so green atop the cliffs, It’s like an emerald sea for miles. It is a beautiful and wild place. You would love it there.” Suddenly his eyes became distant and Lianna got the feeling he had pulled away from her.

“I have to go back and put my affairs in order. Find someone to rule in my absence.” His voice had become strange as well. Like the man she had come to know over the past few days was gone and a cold stranger had taken his place. Lianna took a step back, suddenly unsure.

“Do you intend to return? What about tomorrow morning? Will you travel with us?” She tried to keep the concern from her voice. But the nagging suspicion that he was not being totally honest with her made her feel panicky.

“I will always return to you.” He swore, taking a step forward to try to placate her. She would have none of it though and took another step back.

“I am not a queen yet. I have not been around enough people to say I am a good judge of character. But Aeros, even I find it suspicious that you show up just when we rescue Eris and stay long enough to get close to me, learn my plans, and now you tell me that you have to leave?” Her brows lowered in confusion and she clasped her hands behind her back. Her beast held her back ramrod straight and she dared him to deny the implications.

“I heard every word you said at dinner last week. Are you going to go tell him what we plan? Should I warn Seth that we may be riding into a trap?” She demanded, her voice rising with every word until she was shouting at him.

“What is it you would have me say, Lianna?” Aeros ran a hand through his ebony hair and began pacing in front of her.

“I would have you tell me the truth about why you are here, and what you plan to do with the information you now have.” She demanded hotly.

“I would not betray you.” The hurt in his eyes was quickly masked and he turned away from her to watch the ebbing snowflakes twirl around the neighboring mountain.

“If you cannot trust me to reveal your plans then you have no further business here.” Her voice was waspish. She felt his silence like a knife in her back. Tears welled up behind her eyes, but she refused to let him see. Lianna spun on her heel and walked away from him with her head held high.

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