by Cheree Alsop
Distaste twisted Joven’s mouth and he grimaced. “Let’s get this over with.”
“Everyone will be sleeping,” Koya pointed out. “Those who aren’t still at the ball, that is.”
At Rasmus’ questioning look, Joven rolled his eyes. “A few of the not-so-discreet guests imbibed a bit more than recommended and are still enjoying the remaining dregs of honeyed wine. Their conversation has finally reached a point of nonsensical stupidity that even Koya and I were able to escape unnoticed.”
Rasmus’ mouth tightened to a firm line. “I think our topic should sober them up sufficiently.”
Joven nodded and we followed the pair out the door.
***
The Dukes and Duchesses of Rala entered the room in varied states of exhaustion and anger. They had left their children, the Lords and Ladies, out of the discussion. I wondered if it was because the partiers weren’t fit to attend, or if it was to prove a point to the brother and sister heirs of Vielkeep regarding their youth and immaturity. I was surprised to see several Dukes glare at Joven and Koya as if they were the cause of the Viel attack instead of protectors from it. One Duke, a particularly loud, round fellow, launched into a tirade the moment the door closed.
“If you keep children at the helm, no one will be safe,” he spat.
Frustration flashed through Joven’s eyes and he opened his mouth to speak, but the Duke cut him off with a wave of his meaty hand. “Respect your elders, lad. Planning has to be done by the adults.”
“Now Eton, I don’t think that’s necessary,” a woman dressed in purple and black chided. She had her hair pulled back so tight her eyes could barely blink. “It’s not like they’ve been irresponsible.”
“Oh, really Draisa?” the Duke shot back. “I don’t think you’d say the same if the Viel had reached the castle last night.” He pulled at his short beard. “Although I still don’t believe the rumors that we were under attack. The Viel have been gone for decades. This may just be a pull for our pity and a chance to scare us back south to the safer climes.” He gave a low, threatening chuckle.
The woman’s eyes tightened further. “The Viel exist as much as you or I.”
“If you didn’t exist, my life would be much easier,” Duke Eton snapped.
Koya dropped the napkin she had been using to keep muffin crumbs from her lap as she ate of the varied breakfast items across the table. When she leaned down to pick it up, she whispered in my ear, “Draisa and Eton have been involved in a romantic tryst for years. They cover it up by treating each other like enemies in front of the others, although we all know their secret thanks to Eton’s drunken bragging.”
I gave a soft snort of humor and she sat back up with a smile. Duke Eton shot her a look; Koya’s smile faded and steel entered her gaze. “Duke Eton, if you will permit me to speak, I can reassure you that the Viel do indeed exist and we were successful in maintaining the safety of your company last night.”
He let out a chuckle that was half derision, half disdain. “Lady Vielslayer, we will not be scared off by bedtime stories told to keep children from wandering past the walls. It’s obvious that your mother is no longer fit to run Vielkeep, and the two of you are scrambling to keep it. You’ll have to come up with a better story than we’ve heard to send us running with our tails between our legs. The Viel were killed by our ancestors when they reached the valley and there has been no sign of them since. Vielkeep is weak and ghosts won’t save you.” Several other Dukes and Duchesses murmured assent to his words.
Rasmus flicked a finger from where he stood next to me. Lieutenant Aled dumped the Viel head unceremoniously from the burlap sack he held. It landed on the table with a dull thud. White liquid oozed from its gaping mouth and the holes where its eyes should have been looked darker than ever in the flickering candlelight that lit the windowless war room. Duke Eton jerked back so violently his chair fell over and dumped him in a heap on the floor. Duchess Draisa let out a gasp and put a black-gloved hand to her mouth while several screams and expletives echoed around the room.
Duke Eton was helped back to his feet by one of his servants; he kept his eyes on the decapitated Viel as he said, “Lord and Lady Vielslayer, we will take our leave on the morrow. If such creatures swarm your forests, your hold on Vielkeep is tenuous at most.” He grimaced. “Weak defenses and an even weaker heirship are all that keep you from your demise.”
He backed out of the room, tripping first over his manservant, then over a chair; he let out a pained yell when he finally fell through the open door into the hallway. Vielkeep servants scrambled to right him. His voice, punctuated with angry expletives, was heard all the way down the hall.
Duchess Draisa met Koya’s eyes. Her face was a shade paler than before, but she held her composure with only a tightening of her lips to show her distaste. “I’m afraid Eton is right,” she said. “Vielkeep’s footing is slipping. It would be against the honor of this valley to allow a kingdom to grow weak at our doorstep. Unless there is a drastic change,” her eyes flickered to the Viel’s head, then back to Koya, “Vielkeep will be divided at summer’s end.” She left the room with two skinny, black-robed servants trailing behind.
The other Dukes and Duchesses left either in silence or with similar proclamations. At each one, Koya’s expression stayed hospitable and understanding, but the anger that had touched Joven’s gaze when the first Duke left darkened his glare with each statement until a storm raged on his face.
Tavion, the Duke of Miduan and Lord Brayton’s father, was the last to leave. “I apologize for the dire circumstances,” he said with sincerity that echoed his son’s kindness. “But I cannot go against my peers in this.” He and Joven exchanged a bow and he kissed Koya’s hand. He paused at the door. “If you can strengthen your position with a suitable marriage, or show them that you will not be bullied in this matter, you might have a chance. Otherwise, I’m afraid Vielkeep will be lost to you.”
“We won’t resort to war to keep our kingdom together; Vielkeep would be torn apart in the process,” Joven replied. A hint of despair touched his voice and I knew he hated himself for it.
Duke Tavion nodded. “I can appreciate your grim outlook, but I see no way to assist you further. As Miduan is the southernmost kingdom, I cannot offer you the protection of my armies to keep your borders safe.” He gave an apologetic smile. “Do what you feel is best.” He glanced at Koya. “But in my opinion, war would be more agreeable than marriage to Lord Vesut, even if his kingdom is by far the most beneficial ally.”
Koya nodded, but her calm demeanor slipped, showing her anguish for a brief instant. “I agree, but I won’t give up on our people if I can do something to save Vielkeep, even if it is so drastic.”
The Duke nodded and bid them farewell. “I don’t envy you your position,” he said. “But you both have good heads on your shoulders. Don’t give up yet.” His eyes twinkled. “At least you can take relief in the thought that you have to put up with only one more night of dancing before you’re rid of these leeches.”
The door shut behind him and Joven let out a pent-up sigh. “I’m not sure if we were bold or foolhardy.”
Rasmus motioned for Aled to put the Viel head back in the bag. The Lieutenant did so with a look of determination. I knew how he felt. Viel were creatures from the worst nightmares, to be sure, but they bled like any animal. We could defend Vielkeep. No matter what the Dukes and Duchesses of Rala thought, Vielkeep was not weak.
I closed my eyes and let my thoughts wander along the scents the Dukes and Duchesses left behind. Worry and fear trailed the strange colognes and perfumes made from pressed flowers and oils. I wondered if they knew how particular smells triggered emotions in those around them. Several Duchesses wore zalea flower which triggered aggression in animals as a form of defense to keep the flowers from being trampled. One Duke wore moose musk. Any moose in five miles would either attack him or be madly enamored after a single whiff.
My head bobbed as sleep teased at my min
d. I heard a smothered laugh and opened my eyes to find the others looking at me. I blew out a breath and shook myself.
“It’s been a very long night,” Rasmus said with a look of weary empathy. “I think we all need to rest.”
Koya put a hand on my back and gave me a fond smile. Her looked warmed my soul and my heart twisted. I shoved the feeling back down, but couldn’t help how much I enjoyed being at her side. We walked quietly down the hallway. My nose read a scent of trepidation and worry and I looked up to find her watching the hallway but not seeing it. I guessed that she thought of their conversation with Duke Tavion. The thought of her marrying someone like Lord Vesut lifted the fur on my neck. I couldn’t stand to think of her in someone else’s arms. I wanted to hold her, to keep her safe from a world that seemed bent on hurting and destroying her. She needed me.
Emotion trembled through my limbs. I paused. It was the same feeling I had before I changed at night. Koya walked on a few steps, then stopped and looked back when she realized I was no longer at her side. I stared at her look of understanding; compassion and tenderness filled the depths of her blue eyes along with something else that made my heart stutter. Love. Love shone on her face when she looked at me. No other man received such a look.
I wanted to hold her in my arms and profess that the same feelings flooded my every breath and heartbeat. The realization sent a surge of energy through my limbs so strongly there was no doubt what was about to happen.
I turned away from Koya and raced through the corridors. Servants stared and a few royals who were still wandering about pressed against the walls for fear that I would attack them, but I ignored everyone and loped toward the abandoned quarters where Koya’s grandfather used to live.
I reached the rooms where I had recovered just as the change took complete hold. I shoved the door shut behind me with my shoulder, then fell to the floor and stopped fighting. The pain of holding back the change fled my body and I sighed in relief as my arms and legs shifted, my joints pulled and changed direction, and my fur vanished into my body to leave the tangled brown hair Master Muir had cut.
I had never changed so close together. The effects right after fighting a fierce battle stole my strength. I had the presence of mind to crawl to the bed and pull a blanket over my naked form, then I collapsed on the ground.
“Victus, what-” Koya gasped and I felt the soft thud of her feet as she ran to my side. “Victus,” she repeated my name in a shocked whisper. Her hand touched my forehead and I willed my eyes to open. Relief warred with surprise on her face. “You’re human and it’s daylight,” she whispered as though afraid saying the words aloud would force me back to wolf form.
I pushed up slowly so that I sat with my back against the bed. I felt her eyes on me, but I couldn’t explain it any better than she could. I stared at my hands; for the first time, I felt a rush of gratitude for the human form. I opened and closed my fingers, studying the way veins blue with unspilled blood ran up my arms. Energy filled my body where exhaustion had resided before. A smile creased my lips. I looked back at Koya. “I can control it,” I said with the dawning realization of what that could mean.
She stared at me; my heart melted at the hope I saw there. I had heard Duke Tavion’s words; I knew that if she were to give her heart to me, Vielkeep would be picked apart by the Dukes and Duchesses who viewed the land and people like carrion birds surveying a carcass. She loved her people, her pack, and I wouldn’t let her see it destroyed. “Koya-”
She shook her head. “You don’t have to say anything. I know this can’t work.” A pleading glimmer I had never seen before colored the depths of her eyes. “But can we pretend for just one night?”
My heart burned at Koya’s request. I couldn’t deny her anything. My soul sang at the chance to spend time with her, if only for a fleeting, stolen moment. I lifted my arm and she ducked underneath it to lean against my shoulder. Koya’s hand rested on my chest, reminding me that I was wearing only a blanket. I closed my eyes at the way heat and chills ran from her hand straight through me, rendering me completely hers.
Her body tensed under my arm and I thought for a moment that she regretted the charade she had asked for, then a yawn escaped and she let out a tired giggle, sounding very much like a little girl instead of a Lady ready to face an atrocious marriage or war to protect her people. The laugh endeared her to me even more. I pulled her closer and she sighed, letting herself relax. “It’s been a long day,” she admitted in a whisper.
“I think it’s been more than one,” I replied.
A small chuckle escaped her and a tendril of her golden hair trailed across the back of my hand. I caught it between my fingers, amazed at how soft it felt. Her breathing slowed and her head rested against me. I moved carefully so that I lay on the floor, her head pillowed against my shoulder and her hand sending fire and ice across my chest.
The exhaustion that had filled me slowly returned, unable keep at bay even with Koya’s nearness. I let out a soft sigh. I didn’t want to miss a moment near her. I fought to keep my eyes open and my mind alert, but the effects of the last two days were too great. The gentle beating of her heart so close to me was a lullaby I couldn’t resist.
My eyes closed and I dreamed of the life we could live together. It was the sort of dream that made my heart ache, and I woke once to find tears trailing down my cheeks. I watched her sleep and vowed to stay awake through the rest of the morning, only to succumb to call of dreams once more.
Chapter 12
“My lady.”
My eyes flew open with a rush of adrenaline. I turned to protect Koya from attack, only to find General Rasmus watching us with an expression that was both amused and worried.
“Good to know she is safe in your arms,” Rasmus said in a dry tone. She stirred and the General’s gaze softened. “It was a hard battle,” he said, his voice quieter with compassion. “But I fear what Lord Joven would think if he were to come in here.”
Koya sat up and her cheeks reddened when she met my eyes. I smiled and she returned the expression tentatively, as if unsure it was alright.
Rasmus held out a hand and helped her to her feet. He acted as if we hadn’t fallen asleep together, a fact that would have been the entire undoing of Vielkeep if anyone else found us. It was unsuitable for a man to be alone in a room with an unwed woman, let alone for them to sleep together and one of them in only a blanket. “The ball is in two hours, my Lady. Tessa has a bath prepared as well as a light meal should you wish to appease your appetite before dinner.”
Koya kept looking at me. Sunlight splayed through the high windows and it felt strange for me to sit in the room in human form. I wondered what it would take to change back. At the thought, a slight shudder ran beneath my skin. I took a breath, amazed at the control I had achieved. I lifted a hand to indicate I didn’t know how it had come about, and an answering hint of a smile played about Koya’s lips. Her eyes softened to the gaze that owned my heart, her love evident in the soft brush of light on her cheekbones, the way her eyes creased at the corners, and the look in her soft blue eyes that no one else could claim.
“My lady?” Rasmus asked gently.
She turned her head and the moment was gone. I watched her cross to the door, saw the way she lingered at the doorway as though reluctant to pass the threshold, then she was gone, a whisper of meadow gold and vanilla in her wake.
“Is this the first time you’ve changed back to human form in daylight?” Rasmus asked.
I realized he had refrained from asking the question in front of Koya out of respect. His gaze was frank and curious, and he regarded me with an air of familiar camaraderie. As he told his soldiers, we had bled together in battle and so we were brothers. I owed him the truth. “Yes.” I frowned at my hands. “I don’t know why I can do it now.”
“I think I have an idea,” he replied.
I glanced back up and found him looking at the door Koya had departed through. I rubbed my eyes. The General guessed our
feelings. He could destroy Koya’s reputation, have me beheaded, and perhaps claim a part of Vielkeep for himself. Yet there he stood, a look of quiet consideration on his face as he watched after the girl I loved.
“I need to dance with her.”
Surprise glowed in his eyes so brightly I almost laughed. “You want to dance at the ball?”
I don’t know why I said it, but it was too late to take it back. Besides, it was the truth. I nodded. “I have to.” At his look, I clenched one hand and traced my fingers down the tendons that stood out along the back. I swallowed against a knot that formed in my throat and spoke quietly. “We both know there’s no hope in this.”
“Koya feels the same way?” he guessed.
I nodded even though he said it as more of a statement than a question. “I won’t ask her to give up Vielkeep for me. Wolves don’t turn their backs on their pack. I respect her devotion to her people and won’t ask her to do anything that may harm all of the good she’s done here.”
“Then why dance?”
Rasmus’ tone was gentle instead of belligerent. Our feelings didn’t surprise him. He just couldn’t understand why we would put off what had to happen. I let out a breath. “I promised her one night.”
He hesitated, thinking it through. After a moment, he nodded. “She deserves a night’s happiness, especially if she goes through with marrying Vesut.” He rose, then turned back to me. “But letting her go will be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. This dance is only postponing the inevitable.”
I nodded. “She asked for one night. It is the least I can give her.”
He nodded and tossed me some clothes from the bed. “Try these. At least we won’t let you look ridiculous.”
I caught them. They were definitely Joven’s, but would fit me nicely. I took a deep breath and resigned myself to the uncomfortable necessity of clothes.
***
Koya laughed. The sound reached my ears like the ringing warmth of a meadowlark as it called to the morning sun. I found her at Lord Brayton’s elbow. The sight sent mixed emotions through my chest. I was grateful Lord Vesut was nowhere to be seen because I wasn’t sure I would be able to control myself given a second example of his callous nature. Koya at anyone’s side left a metallic bitterness in my mouth. I would have to accept it eventually, I knew that; however, tonight was ours. I had promised her that much.
