The stone was the third from the bottom, and moved easily, grit and dust falling on the floor. She reached inside, her fingers closing over the cold metal key. Wrapping her fingers around it, she pulled it out. Now she could do what needed to be done. And take back what belonged to her.
She ran out of her room, to the door tucked behind a curtain. The key scraped in the lock, and the door opened on creaky hinges. The hall beyond was dark, but she knew the way without a light. At the other end was the door that opened into a corner of her father’s—what had been her parents’—room. With luck, no one had thought about this door or done anything to block it on the other side.
As quietly as she could, she fitted the key into the lock. It was hard to push the key in, and after a moment it clicked in place. Holding her breath, she turned it. There was a grating sound, and then the lock click. In the hall it sounded so loud, she was certain everyone in the palace must have heard, but no one jerked the door open, and she waited.
She pushed the heavy door open a crack, and instantly she heard voices, chief among them the Prime Minister. He was arguing with someone and as she opened the door a little further she saw he was standing by the bed, with one of the guards. The Prime Minister was dressed in what she assumed he slept in, a long gown covered with a robe. They were black, which seemed to fit the man and his deeds.
“I demand you kill them, kill them all. They are out there, coming to kill me. You must do something.”
“Sir, I cannot kill them. They are...not traitors. They are my men. I took an oath to protect, but it was to protect the ruler of this Oasis. That is not you. The Princess is the ruler of this kingdom.”
“The Princess is dead, you fool. You know that. I am the ruler now.”
The guard looked at him with a mixture of hate and disgust. “There is no proof. It is a rumor...only rumor. And you cannot just...”
“You will do my bidding. You will do as I say.” The Prime Minister’s voice rose, and he backhanded the guard. The man barely flinched, but he did not move.
Senna realized the Prime Minister wanted all his guards killed, those in the hall, and the rest, wherever they were. But the guard was refusing. This was her chance.
She pushed open the door and stepped into the room. At the sound of her footsteps on the tile, the Prime Minister whirled around. The guard stared at her, eyes wide, as if seeing a mirage.
“You...you are dead, girl.” The Prime Minister took a step toward her, hands curled into fists. “You are dead.”
“If I’m dead, then you will join me.”
She lunged across the distance between them, holding the knife as Gabriel had shown her, bringing it down in a shining arc, aiming for the man’s neck. The knife sunk into him, where his neck met his shoulder, blood spurting as she twisted the knife, as Gabriel had told her. Then she dragged the knife down, and across his throat. The guard jumped toward her, and for a horrifying moment, she thought he was going to stop her.
But she saw the flash of a blade and then the Prime Minister jerked and fell forward. Senna twisted to the side, and the Prime Minister hit the floor with a thud.
“Princess.” The man bowed deeply, then rose. And smiled. “It is good to have you in the palace again.”
She dropped the knife with a clatter, her fingers suddenly numb, her body trembling, her heart beating wildly in her chest. “Yes…yes... It is good to be home. Now...open the door and tell them that I am here.”
The man bowed again, and flung open the door. There was a moment of confusion, men and wolves tumbling in. The man raised his voice, shouting over the din. The blood pounded in her ears, and for a moment she thought she was going to faint. But she gritted her teeth, and straightened her shoulders. One of the guards saw her, turned and took up the cry that the Princess had returned, that the Prime Minister was dead. The fighting stopped, men and wolves gathering in the room, looking from her to the body on the floor.
One wolf pushed forward. A large black wolf with silver-tipped fur. He stopped at her feet, whining softly, looking up at her with large eyes. It snarled briefly, then wagged its tail. She knelt in front of him, putting her hand on his head.
“Yes. I know. You told me not to fight, and I didn’t listen. But I did what I needed to do.”
Chapter Twelve
The wedding was on a beautiful sunny day, the sky a cloudless blue bowl stretching from horizon to horizon. The roses in the garden were in full bloom, and she’d picked three of each, red and white, and wrapped them in blue ribbon for her bouquet.
Anacelia had come that morning to help her dress, but Senna had been up since dawn, had her bath, washed her hair, and was standing on the balcony, looking down into the courtyard. Gabriel had stopped coming to her, telling her it was tempting fates, if they slept together before the wedding night. She had laughed at him, teasing him that he would be climbing up her balcony the next night, and then into her bed. But he’d kept his word, and it was her who was tempted to find him, wherever he slept, and sneak into his bed.
“Come, Princess. Let’s get you dressed. You cannot be late today.”
“I was up before you, before anyone. I won’t be late for my own wedding.”
Anacelia sat her down on the chair by the mirror. During the weeks she’d been back, since the death of the Prime Minister, Anacelia had filled her wardrobe with new clothes, brushes and combs for her dresser, everything and more that she’d ever had. She had even tried, shortly after things had settled down, to give back the jewelry Senna had given her.
“No. This was meant for you, no matter what. Keep it.”
Anacelia had taken the small bag back, tucking it into her sari. She’d shaken her head, but hadn’t pushed the issue. Until today.
“You have no jewelry to wear today, Senna. You need something...” Anacelia began brushing Senna’s hair, working through the long strands.
“I don’t need anything. If Gabriel has something for me, that will be enough.”
“And if he does not?”
“Then I will go without. A piece of silver or gold, or a ring or a jewel, it’s only a piece of jewelry. What matters is in our hearts.”
Anacelia jerked the brush, laughing. “Very romantic of you, Senna.” The woman set the brush aside, and began the intricate process of braiding and twisting Senna’s hair into elaborate twists and sweeps. Senna sat patiently, wincing as Anacelia tugged and pulled, slipping pins into Senna’s hair. When she was finished, Senna’s hair swept up and away from her face, coiled behind her. The design of the hair was intended to hold a silver comb, from which a long veil trailed. Senna thought it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen, besides her dress. The veil was so sheer it was almost invisible, beaded with silver and crystal, the beads seeming to float on air. Both hung from her wardrobe door, and she was itching to put them on.
But first Anacelia dressed her in layers of silk under garments, a shift, and then a new corset. It was meant to be seen, not covered by the dress. It was beaded, with lines of cream silk against silver, and it fit her like a glove. Anacelia laced her into it, and she blew out a breath as the woman pulled the laces tight. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, and had to smile. Even without the silk skirt of the dress, she looked amazing. Her waist was held in, her hips flaring out below, her breasts pushed up above. The corset covered her breasts, the full tops rising above the decorated edge of the corset.
“Here. Step into this.” Anacelia held the skirts of her dress, many layers of silk, light as air, white and cream and silver, tied on with a complicated set of ties that only she seemed to understand. Senna fidgeted impatiently, wanting to be dressed, and to be on her way to the ceremony.
“Stand still.” Anacelia reached up, wedging the comb into Senna’s hair. The veil trailed behind, crystal and beads catching the light. “There...you are ready.”
For a minute, all she could do was look in the mirror. She didn’t recognize the girl she saw. The realization hit her. She was loo
king at a woman, a warrior. Someone who had fought to be where she was, fought for her man, and for her way of life. This was right, this was where she should be.
With a swirl of silk, she turned to Anacelia. “Come. You come with me. You’re going to be there with me, standing where my family would stand.”
Anacelia looked at her with wide eyes. “Senna, no. I am a servant...”
Senn reached out, hands on the woman’s shoulders. “Anacelia. I am the Princess. I can do as I please. And you have to obey.”
Anacelia stared at her, and then smiled. “You have always been strong-willed, and you still are, even on your wedding day. Fine, if you wish to break tradition, and have your maid stand with you, I will. But I must change. I cannot be seen in this...” She spread her hands, looking down at her sari. “I will be but a moment.”
Senna watched Anacelia leave, then went to the balcony. The day was still new, but the sun promised to shine strong later. By then, the feasting would be underway. If she was lucky, she and Gabriel could slip away early, back to her room. She would lock all the doors and later—maybe days from now—they would send for food and drink. But not until much later.
A bird whistled somewhere in the depths of the courtyard. Then it whistled again. Looking down, she saw Gabriel emerging from the grove of citrus trees.
“What are you doing down there? you’re supposed to be waiting for me in the main hall.”
“I wanted to see you, once, before then. I wanted to tell you how much I love you. And that you are making me the happiest man in this kingdom.”
“You could tell me that at the marriage ritual, couldn’t you?” But it made her heart beat faster to hear him say those words.
“I could. But there is no place in the ritual for me to say them. You know that. The ritual is just that; ritual. I wanted to tell you what is in my heart, just you and me.”
“I love you too, Gabriel. With all my heart. And you have made me the happiest woman in the kingdom.”
“You meant the happiest Princess…soon to be Queen?”
“Yes, I mean that.”
The door behind her opened and she turned to see Anacelia entering the room. She turned back, looking down at Gabriel. “I have to go. Anacelia is here...”
“Who are you talking to?” Anacelia’s voice had that tone Senna knew so well. She shrugged at Gabriel, blew him a kiss, and stepped back from the edge of the balcony.
“What are you doing? You’re going to get dirty. Come. It is time.”
Anacelia was dressed in a brilliant teal sari, her hair pulled back in a long braid. It touched Senna to see Anacelia wore one of the rings she’d given her. Then she picked up her bunch of roses, and let the woman take her hand. Together they left Senna’s rooms.
* * *
The hall was full of everyone who lived at the palace, everyone from functionaries down to the staff. For a minute, she was amazed that so many people could fit into the space. Ana still held her hand, guiding her to the landing on the stairs where Gabriel waited for her. Gabriel was dressed in full regalia, crimson sash with gold across his chest, holding his emblems of rank. His tunic and pants were black, crisp and new, setting off his dark eyes and black hair. He looked elegant and commanding, and he was going to be her husband in a very short time.
The man who would perform the ritual was there, dressed in somber gray, his back to the crowd, holding a small leather book with sacred text inscribed on the cover. He gave her a somber smile, pointing to where he wanted her to stand.
Senna took her place beside Gabriel, and Anacelia stood a step behind. Senna gave the woman a smile. “Thank you.” The words were just a whisper. Anacelia nodded, and then gave her the look that said pay attention. Senna rolled her eyes, but turned to the officiant.
The ritual was spoken in the old language; long passages she’d never really paid attention to in the few rituals she’d attended. She knew it bonded them in the face of the deities, and in front of everyone assembled below.
The man switched to words she could understand, and her heart beat faster, knowing this was the moment she and Gabriel declared their love, and intentions to the world. When it was his turn, Gabriel took her hand. He repeated the words the officiant said, his voice carrying over the heads of the silent crowd.
“I will honor you and protect you, love you and cherish you. And as my Queen, I will obey you in all matters, without question.”
Her shoulders stiffened. She’d forgotten those words, had never thought about them. She held up her hand. “Wait. Take that back.”
The officiant frowned at her, and behind her she heard Anacelia breath out a resigned sigh. She turned to Gabriel to find him smiling at her.
“Take what back?”
“The part about obeying me without question. I am your Queen, but you do not need to obey me, at least not all the time.”
“Then who, Senna, am I supposed to obey?”
She smiled, and took both his hands in hers. “I want you to challenge me, and question me, if you think I’m making a mistake. You, of all people, cannot just blindly follow me. You, of all people, I need to keep me...”
“From being a stubborn woman?”
There was a gasp from those who heard him, and a small laugh from Anacelia.
“Yes. Exactly. From being a stubborn woman.” Senna turned back to the officiant. “Now. Alter the words as I’ve said, please. You do have to obey me.”
The man stared at her, speechless. He turned to Gabriel. “Do you...Gabriel, do you promise to...” He faltered, then waved a hand toward Gabriel. “Do you agree to what she has said?”
Gabriel laughed. “I agree.”
The officiant still looked confused. He turned to Senna, agitated and sweating. He ran a finger under the collar of his robe. “Then do you wish to agree to the same? I cannot alter them, you know. They are supposed to be the same.”
For an instant, she thought the man was going to suffer some kind of seizure. But she smiled and nodded. “I agree that I will challenge Gabriel, question him at every turn, and not blindly follow what he says, just because he is my husband.”
The officiant was now staring, opened-mouth, horrified.
“Now, wait...” Gabriel pulled her to face him. “That’s not quite the way that went.”
“And as your Queen...”
“As my wife...”
“As your wife, those are my vows.”
Gabriel pulled her against him, his face close to hers. “Then I would have it no other way.” She caught a glimpse of Anacelia, shaking her head, but smiling. When Gabriel kissed her, the crowd erupted in a cheer. They came apart, laughing, and Gabriel hugged her, as she looked out over her people. She gave them a wave and the cheers rose to a roar. For a moment, her vision blurred with tears. They started down the stairs, but something tugged on her dress. She turned around to find the officiant, red-faced, waving at her.
“Not yet. I have not said the rest of the ritual. And you weren’t supposed to kiss her yet.”
Gabriel reached out, and patted the man’s shoulder. “Then finish. Say the rest. And then I’ll kiss her again.”
The man said something, but whatever he said was drowned out by the sounds of the crowd below. Gabriel was laughing, and Senna joined him. As soon as the man snapped shut his little book, she found herself back in Gabriel’s arms.
“I love you, my Queen.” He pulled her close again.
“And I love you, Gabriel.”
And in front of everyone, to the roars of her kingdom, he kissed her again.
About Catherine Vale
Catherine Vale, a Canadian romance author, has been writing fiction for as long as she can remember, but it wasn't until she wrote her very first paranormal romance story that she found herself hooked on the wild side of powerful shifters and dominant alpha men (of the furry kind!).
Catherine writes sci-fi, and paranormal romance for readers who are willing to take a walk on the wild side of love. Her stories al
ways include powerful alpha males, curvy gals, and a happily-ever-after. Girls with curves and guys with growl. What more could you want?
Do you want to know when there's a new release? Special offers, giveaways, free books and more! Find out more at http://www.CatherineVale.com, and subscribe to her newsletter to receive notifications whenever a new book is released!
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Other Books by Catherine Vale
Broken Moon (Were-wolf shifter romance)
Darkest Days series (sci-fi alien romance)
Tigers Tango (ménage were-tiger romance)
The Wolves Next Door (ménage were-wolves romance)
On The Prowl (series)
Kiss of Fire (dragon shifter romance)
To Catch a Cheetah (Cheetah romance)
Burn, Baby, Burn (dragon shifter romance)
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