Page 63 of Heir of the Autumn Queen

“In a way, yes. Not exactly like what you did last night, but close,” he answers, still watching me intently.

I nod silently, not really sure what to say at this point.“Did your parents know you were a wolf shifter when they named you Shepherd?”

“What’s wrong with the name Shepherd?” he asks, feigning offense.

“There’s nothingwrongwith it, it’s just sort of ironic, don’t you think?” I’m smiling now, glad that he wasn’t put off by my slight jab.

“Oh, it’s incredibly ironic. But yes, they did. I suppose they meant it to mean the shepherd of the pack, so I could take over my father’s duties as alpha when the time came.” His smile fades a bit.

“And did the time come?” I ask, sizing him up. From what I know of alphas, they’ve got to be strong leaders, respected by their pack, their word taken as law.

“It did.” Shepherd’s smile is all the way gone now, his tone sad enough to tell me that his father is no longer alive.

Before I can offer my condolences, a male with wavy copper hair and emerald green eyes strolls up behind Shepherd and clasps him on the shoulder playfully, the gesture so typicallymalethat I roll my eyes a bit.“Shep, what’s the hold-up?”

Shepherd gives the red-haired male a warning glance, and he removes his hand from Shepherd’s shoulder in response.“This is the girl I was telling you about.”

The redhead’s eyes widen and stare at me in surprise at Shepherd’s declaration.“Ah, so you’re the beautiful traveler he wouldn’t shut up about last night.”

I raise one eyebrow at Shepherd, but he doesn’t meet my eyes.“Rowan, I thought I told you to wait outside,” Shepherd says, the slightest bit of growl in his voice.

Rowan salutes his friend sarcastically.“Yes, sir.” He winks at me, and I offer him a small smile before he heads back outside through the crowd of patrons.

“He seems nice,” I tease.

“He’s an idiot,” Shepherd answers, but a smile creeps back onto his face nonetheless.“But he knows when to cut the shit and sober up.Usually.”

“I imagine he keeps the pack’s morale up.” I make the judgment based on one minute of interaction with the playful male.

“That he does.” Shepherd shakes his head, but his tone is full of admiration despite his obvious annoyance with his friend.

“So… is there something I can do for you? Besides curb your curiosity?” I ask, wondering if he followed me for any other reason.

Shepherd shrugs.“You could tell me what you’re doing in the Southlands.”

I’m instantly on high alert, but I remember that lying did nothing in terms of keeping me safe when I arrived in the Eastlands, so I decide to be honest, but keep it vague.“I’m heading to Kelderon to meet with my uncle; not that it’s any of your business.”

“Anyone who steps across our borders becomes my business,” Shepherd says seriously, piquing my curiosity.

“And why is that?” I ask, eyebrows raised.

“As a member of the Royal Guard, I would say I’m entitled to know a certain amount about those who travel here. Especially those who wish to travel to our capital city.” There’s no humor in his tone, only gravity, demonstrating that he takes his job very seriously.

“Well, it seems the gods have brought us together, Shepherd. Because I wish to seek an audience with the king once I arrive in Kelderon. As a member of the Royal Guard, perhaps you can arrange such a visit.” I cross my hands in my lap, trying to appear like I know what the hell I’m doing.

“And why would you need to speak with the king?” Now it’s Shepherd’s turn to be wary.

“Because I’m his niece,” I say simply, bracing for the impact that my words are sure to have.

“You’re…” Sure enough, Shepherd’s eyebrows shoot up and his eyes go slightly wide.“Aurelia… You’re Valko’s daughter.”

“Yes,” I say, praying to the gods that the decision to be forthcoming about my identity doesn’t bite me in the ass later.

Shepherd searches my eyes, processing the information I just shared with him, probably trying to determine if I’m being honest.“You’re Selena’s heir,” he adds, apparently still thinking through everything.

“I prefer not to think of myself as having anything to do with Selena. I’mSolana’sdaughter. But I suppose if Selena has no children of her own, I would be the heir, yes.” I wait patiently for the information to sink in for him.

Shepherd nods solemnly, more to himself than to me, before saying,“We’ll leave at first light.”

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