by Diane Rapp
Krystal gazed into his soft green eyes. “Then you should take Tessa to visit Kriegen’s pack.”
“What?” He sat up straight and gripped the arms of the chair.
“Kriegen sent a message. The Council of Elders accepted Tessa as representative for the Human Pack. He wants her to spend time with his pack for proper instruction.”
Donovan shook his head and his lips tightened into a thin line. “How can I leave while things are in such a mess with the Council?”
Krystal said, “Delegate authority—you preach self-government, so let them give it a try.” She subtly brushed his agitated mind with encouragement. “I read in your books that the parliamentary system in England evolved after their monarch appointed a Prime Minister and cabinet to advise the crown. Perhaps you should do the same.”
“You’ve done your homework.” Donovan rubbed his hand over his face and felt his tension melt away. He knew she sent soothing thoughts but didn’t resist. “How can I turn things over without a measure of control?”
“People won’t get ready while you make decisions instead of letting them figure things out. Give them a chance to show you can trust them. You don’t want to run a dictatorship.”
“Hold on! I’m not trying to control the council, and they could make a mess of things while I’m gone.” Donovan’s face reddened as his anger spiked. “You think I enjoy power?”
Krystal waited in silence, allowing his composure to return as she sipped her wine. “You forget, darling, I enjoyed a measure of power during the years you were trapped in stasis. I learned that power gnaws at you, little by little, and it’s easy to yield to temptation.”
“But I don’t want to keep my power,” he growled.
Krystal’s eyebrows arched. “Then yield your power in small doses. Let the Council learn from a few mistakes and you might be surprised with their level of cooperation. If you appoint the right Prime Minister, you’d feel safe going on a journey.”
“Who’s the right Prime Minister?” Donovan asked in a low, controlled voice.
Krystal cast him a lopsided grin, one that often made desire flame through his body.
She said, “You often claim Bryant is the best qualified leader and begged him to become king in your place. He performed an amazing job of organizing troops to wage our attack against Jarrack.”
Donovan considered the idea for a few moments and nodded. “He doesn’t want to be king which makes him the best choice.” Donovan scanned the crowd and watched Bryant dance with an attractive young woman. “How do we talk him into doing it?”
Krystal nearly choked on a sip of wine as she laughed. “You can’t. Order him to do the job.”
“I don’t relish giving orders!”
“It’s the only way he’ll do it. Bryant bent on his knee and pledged to follow your orders, but he’d refuse your polite request.”
Donovan rubbed his chin and suddenly his green eyes twinkled. “It might work, but I must give it some thought.”
“Tessa must leave soon.”
Donovan cocked his eyebrow and took a slow sip of wine as he stared at his queen. “I suppose you’ve already got a list of recommendations for my cabinet?” Donovan grinned and Krystal squirmed in her chair.
She raised her chin and allowed her resolve to show in her face. “Yes, Caston’s a bright young man and we can summon Marasuta to help solve the argument between the Samurai Guild and the Soldiers Guild.”
“Do we have any positions left unfilled?” Donovan sounded sarcastic.
“I don’t keep my opinions silent, my dear, especially when I’m right.” Krystal frowned.
Donovan knew he’d pushed too hard and grabbed her hand. “I’d never ask you to remain silent, my dear. You’re my most valued adviser, and it’s a good idea. We’d better draw our team into the conversation before we make too many plans. Their input is valuable.” Donovan leaned close and murmured, “Want to dance?”
“I thought you’d never ask, milord.”
Midnight at the ball seemed like a fairy tale. Flushed from dancing, Catherine fluttered her fan while her partner looked cool. She enjoyed his company, although he rambled on about history and battle strategy. Evidently King Donovan was his hero and he thought Queen Krystal a saint.
When Catherine found herself in a heated discussion about the merits of the long bow, she forgot she was at the ball with the masked man who defeated her. The chimes of the great clock rang, and he fell quiet. His gaze darted around the room as if he dreaded the moment. His lips tightened as he untied the mask and clear blue eyes became a recognizable face.
“Ryan.”
The word echoed from a hundred lips. Everyone knew Ryan was the bastard son of Lord Shelby. Catherine heard Tessa giggle and her anger flared. She whipped around to glare at her cousin. “You thought I’d be humiliated by dancing all night with Ryan?” Silence hung in the room. “You think so little of me, cousin?”
Tessa blushed. “You played your flirting game with precision so we wanted to teach you that feelings shouldn’t be trampled.”
Catherine glanced at Ryan. “You must have enjoyed the joke.”
His lips curled into a forced grin. “Would you accompany me to the ball if I’d asked?”
“I guess not,” Catherine admitted, her face turning pink.
Ryan executed a graceful bow. “Thank you for the pleasure of your company.” He walked through the gaping crowd, retrieved his cape, and swirled it over his shoulders. Proudly he tramped out of the ballroom with Josh.
Catherine turned a tear-filled gaze on Tessa. “Nothing I did hurt his pride as much as this public spectacle.”
Young men surrounded Catherine with hopeful expressions, but she flung her dance card to the floor and ran. Tessa and Lance stood in awed silence as the ballroom returned to life. Tessa slipped her fingers into Lance’s hand.
“I didn’t consider how Ryan would feel,” she whispered. “How could he join us in the prank, knowing he’d face that crowd?”
A new voice answered, “For a few hours Ryan pretended he was the legitimate heir.” Tessa turned to see Caston, Ryan’s half-brother standing behind her.
“I’m sorry, Caston.”
“I tried to talk him out of it, knowing how much he’d hurt when he unmasked.” Caston’s gaze drifted toward the musicians. “Everyone yearns for love.”
Keisha’s gaze met Caston’s with a similar expression of longing. “How can you stand it?” Tessa blurted out. “We should be allowed to choose our life’s path, regardless of birth.”
Caston’s sad eyes held her gaze. “If you are Donovan’s first-born daughter, society will force you to take the throne and marry a husband of the blood. Why do you suppose lords of the realm swarm over this castle with hopeful sons? One of Donovan’s daughters will be proclaimed heir and secure the throne by marrying a man of good breeding. Women could die in childbirth, so I’d bet all three of you must marry nobility. We’re all trapped by our birth.”
Tessa gripped Lance’s hand as Caston spoke. “What if we refuse?”
“War would ravage the land and everything Donovan accomplished would be for naught. Our birthright gives many privileges but binds us as surely as chains hold a prisoner.”
“I didn’t know, Caston.” Tessa frowned. “I guess it’s time we consider our future. Thanks.” Tessa gazed at her hand, wrapped in Lance’s long fingers. “I’d better go talk with Catherine. Thanks for the dance, it was fun.”
*****
Tessa found Catherine in the royal tower. “I’m sorry,” Tessa offered.
“Leave me alone. Haven’t you done enough?” Catherine kept her back turned.
“It got out of hand. I didn’t mean for you to get hurt.”
Catherine whirled to face Tessa, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Hurt? I’m not the one who got hurt. Ryan’s the one you ripped to shreds, not me.”
Tessa said, “You acted so snobbish, playing your cruel little games, pitting the lordlings against each
other. I wanted you to realize you shouldn’t use people like that.”
Catherine clenched her fists. “It’s what they expected. They’re eager to play my games, but I let each one win at least once. I didn’t hurt their feelings!”
Tessa groaned, “You did hurt them but didn’t recognize the harm.”
Catherine’s face reddened. “You had no right to meddle! I was handling everything!” She pushed Tessa hard and saw her cousin hit her head against the wall.
“Stop it!” Felesia shouted and ran to Tessa.
Slumped against the wall, Tessa’s head sagged and her pretty dress was smeared with blood. Felesia gently stroked hair from Tessa’s face. “Help me get her to the couch.”
Catherine and Felesia lifted the limp body onto a couch as Krystal rushed in, her eyes filled with fear. “I felt Tessa’s pain and came as fast as I could!”
Krystal bent over Tessa with her hands hovering over the bruised body. Catherine felt miserable until Krystal said, “She’ll be fine. Tell me what happened!”
“I’d like to know, too!” Donovan entered.
A knot formed in Catherine’s chest as she plopped onto the sofa. “It’s my fault. I got so mad I pushed Tessa against the wall.”
Catherine’s eyes looked puffy. “Now I hurt both Tessa and Ryan.”
Donovan slid his arm around her shoulder. “What did you do to Ryan?” Donovan asked and Catherine sobbed.
Krystal said, “Tessa’s plan to teach Catherine a lesson backfired. Ryan was the masked archer.”
“Now he hates me!” Catherine blubbered. “He didn’t need to unmask and embarrass himself. We had fun together, and I already guessed his identity.”
Waking, Tessa rubbed the lump on her head. “You knew?”
“Tessa, you’re all right!” Catherine squealed and hugged her cousin.
“Careful, I hurt everywhere,” Tessa said. “What did you say about Ryan?”
“I guessed his identity an hour into the dance but enjoyed talking with him. He’s smart and knows so much about archery. Did you know Mandrake schooled him at his father’s fief?” Everyone laughed and Catherine looked perplexed. “What’s so funny?”
“Look at yourself.” Krystal held up a hand mirror. A wilted flower dangled from Catherine’s limp hair and makeup dripped from her puffy eyes.
She laughed. “I acted like a witch, and now I look like one.”
Donovan smoothed her mussed hair with a large hand. “You’re smart and talented, uncontrollable at times, but you don’t need lies to attract young men. When they meet the girl inside, they’ll like her.”
Tessa squeezed Catherine’s hand. “We wanted you to understand the truth.”
“How do I undo all this mess? Ryan must hate me.” Catherine looked downcast.
“He’ll get over his embarrassment. Look at what you did to Tessa because you were mad,” Krystal said. “After you controlled your emotions, you forgave her. Give Ryan time and he’ll come around.”
“I hope you’re right.” Catherine kissed her cheek. “I’m certainly not the same girl who went to the ball. Forgive me, Tessa. I promise not to act so unbearable.”
“I’ll slam you against a wall if you do.”
12 ~ KRIEGEN’S PACK CAVE
“You’re acting Prime Minister,” Donovan announced to Bryant as he shoved clothes into a saddlebag. “While I’m gone, I’m leaving you in charge.”
“You can’t do this to me!” Bryant shouted and gripped Donovan’s shoulder. “I’m a soldier not a politician! I should ride at your side to ensure your safety.”
“I was a spaceship captain, but you taught me about politics when I became king.” Donovan spoke calmly as he gathered more of his gear. He discarded the more ornate tunics and chose a plain leather garment.
Bryant pleaded, “You’re a descendant of kings, and I’m just a commoner.”
Donovan blinked with surprise and shoved another garment into the bag. “Do you think breeding makes a better leader? I’d rather follow an intelligent man with experience than a lord bred for the job.”
“During battle,” Bryant nodded, “men prefer to follow a trained soldier. But the lords won’t pay attention to an underling.”
Donovan unsheathed a trapper’s knife and examined the edge for nicks. “Laws enacted by the Council are not always wise.”
Bryant scowled. “Commoners don’t question the wisdom of royalty.”
“Perhaps you should question their wisdom more often!” Donovan paused, giving himself time to cool his temper. He leaned against the arm of a chair and tried to sound reasonable. “I’ll appoint advisors to help you govern, and I can be reached if anything important happens. Tessa was officially accepted into wolf society. She must interact with wolves and learn how to deal with their Council of Elders. I need you to take charge while I’m gone. I’ll issue a command if I must, but I’d rather you agree. You’re the best man for the job.”
Bryant looked depressed as he sank into a nearby chair. “What duties does a Prime Minister perform? Will the lords accept me as your representative?”
“The lords have no choice as we leave in a few hours.”
“What?” Bryant bolted out of the chair. “I need more time! You must explain to the Council that I have authority.”
“I wrote a formal proclamation, signed and sealed.” He handed Bryant the document and grinned like a thief who stole a major prize. “You’re already in control, and I’m taking a vacation. Thanks, old buddy. I’ll send word regularly through Kriegen’s pack. If you need to send me a message, just ride out to the giant tree after the moon rises. There are always wolves on duty.”
“Great! How am I supposed to communicate with a wolf?”
“Take Chella,” Donovan said. “She’s a telepath.”
“You’ve got an answer for everything, don’t you.” Bryant’s shoulders slumped as he read through the document in his hand.
“Given the chance, you’ll come up with your own answers.” Donovan patted Bryant’s back and handed him another piece of paper. “Here’s a list of advisors I trust.”
Bryant read the list and nodded. “Promise you’ll return if we need you.”
“I’d never desert a friend, but I have faith you won’t need me.” Donovan latched the buckle of the saddle bag and sauntered from the room.
“Why did I ever agree to serve a king?” Bryant mumbled.
*****
As Donovan rode beside Tessa, he enjoyed the temporary freedom from responsibility. What a marvelous idea! He’d get closer to Tessa and learn more of wolf society. He glanced at Tessa, expecting to see his own excitement mirrored in her face, but her sea-green eyes looked distant.
“Is something wrong?” Donovan asked.
Tessa shook herself. “Oh, I’m sorry, father. I got absorbed in listening to the ancestor voices. I’m afraid I’m not a very good companion.”
“What advice are you hearing?”
Tessa grinned. “It’s so interesting to hear their stories. Each mind is an individual but they’re also part of the identity called Amber. Sometimes an individual expresses a different opinion and we all consider their advice.”
Donovan nodded. “Kriegen listens to his ancestor voices. Who makes the final decision?”
“The ancestors are advisors and the living host decides what to do.” Tessa shifted in the saddle as if she felt uncomfortable riding.
“Would you prefer to stop while we talk?” Donovan asked.
“No, the wolves feel uncomfortable riding but humans don’t have the stamina to run the whole trip.” She curled her fingers tightly around the saddle horn. “The wolves wonder why such large beasts allow themselves to be controlled by thin strips of leather.”
Donovan laughed. “Good question. Humans breed horses and train the animals to trust us. What have you learned about wolf society?”
“Wolves measure time by hostings. The lifetime of a healthy host is about thirty seasons and some host lines have hundred
s of ancestors.”
Donovan’s eyes widened. “How are wolves chosen to serve on the Council of Elders?”
Tessa looked thoughtful as the ancestors spoke to her mind. “Wolves separate into packs of dominant colors or specific duties. Each pack sends a representative to the Council, usually wolves who host the longest line, or a pack leader. When new duties are assigned a pack forms and is granted Council rights. Kriegen cleverly secured Council rights for the line of Amber as Protectors of the Human Pack.”
Donovan laughed. “Kriegen might outwit any beings, wolves or humans.”
Tessa’s eyes gleamed. “Kriegen’s a special friend. His ancestor line reaches back to the beginning of wolf memory, but he refused to serve on the Council of Elders. He remains a pack leader to enjoy the fullness of life. He thinks it’s a waste of time to serve as an Elder.”
Donovan gazed into the distance. “I understand how he feels.”
Tessa said, “The wolves say you must control facial expressions. Don’t show your teeth when smiling. Wolves view the display of fangs as a challenge. It’s a pity our ears don’t rotate. Wolves communicate many things by shifting ears and wagging tails.”
Donovan rubbed his chin. “We pay more attention to the voice and eyes. I’ve seen Kriegen stand on his hind legs when he’s prepared to fight.”
“Blood lust gives wolves strength to stand, but they don’t balance like humans. It’s a warning or challenge.”
“What about their white daggers?” Donovan pointed at the dagger in Tessa’s belt.
“Daggers come from teeth of lake guardians. Wolves use them to carve meat and cut hides. They also use metal blades, stolen from humans, for daily tasks. Wolves wonder about other human tools.”
“They don’t need to steal; we’ll be happy to trade tools. Trenton might trade animal pelts in exchange for metal tools.” Donovan grinned, but quickly closed his lips to cover his teeth. “It’s difficult to stop smiling.”
“We’ll remind each other. When we’re inside Kriegen’s cave, sit on the ground as soon as possible to seem less threatening. Keep your arms visible and lean forward to show you’re paying attention. Bare faces look repulsive to wolves, so grow a beard and cut your hair short so they can see your ears. They don’t trust anyone who hides his ears.”
