Page 64 of Heir of the Autumn Queen

I nod.“Thank you.”

He bows to me deeply, the motion somehow purely canine in nature, even in his human form, before taking his leave, no doubt to meet up with the rest of his pack and share the change in their plans.

I head upstairs to my room to bathe and sleep, grateful that this next leg of my journey will involve not only one travel companion but most likely an entire pack of wolf shifters. If the dynamic between Shepherd and Rowan is any indication, this next leg of my journey should prove to beveryentertaining.

Chapter Thirty

The following morning, I get Shadow saddled in the stables and wait for my new companions. Shepherd didn’t say where we would meet up, but I assume we’ll meet here, outside the inn. Sure enough, when I emerge from the barn leading Shadow by the bridle, Shepherd, Rowan, and two other males I haven’t met are there.

Shepherd gives me a curt nod, his posture exuding confidence, his face serious.“Good morning.”

I nod back.“Morning.”

“This is Lyker.” Shepherd gestures to a dark-skinned male with curly black hair and deep brown eyes who bows politely.“And this is Ekko.” The other male who has snow-white hair and pale, sky-blue eyes steps forward and bows, just as Lyker did.

“I’m Auri,” I tell them, even though I’m sure Shepherd has already briefed them on who I am.“It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

No one says anything, and the awkwardness in the air hangs thick around us. The redhead who I met briefly last night steps forward and takes my hand, getting down on one knee with a flourish. "Rowan of Bane, Princess. It is an honor to be escorting you through our beautiful kingdom."

While a bit dramatic, I do appreciate his ability to lighten the mood. I match his playfulness. "Rise, Rowan of Bane."

He looks up and winks at me, and I laugh with an eye roll. "I knew I liked you," he says.

Shepherd clears his throat and turns to walk through town, heading south, and the rest of us follow obediently. Before we’re outside of the town limits, I buy some freshly baked bread and some hard cheese, along with a few peaches that smell delectable. None of the pack purchases any food, and I wonder if they eat like wolves when they’re in their animal forms.

Once outside the town and on the main road that leads to Kelderon, I mount Shadow as Lyker and Ekko disappear into the trees, leaving me with Rowan and Shepherd. A moment later, I see a black wolf and a white wolf trotting ahead of us, weaving through the trees.

Before I can confirm that the wolves are Lyker and Ekko, Rowan turns and looks up at me.“So, Aurelia,” he says, keeping pace beside Shadow.

“Auri,” I interrupt him with a small smile.

He smiles back, laying on the charm.“Auri,” he says, seeing how my nickname feels on his tongue.“Tell us about yourself.”

“What do you want to know?” I ask, prepared to answer any questions he may have in the name of transparency.

“Where are you from?” Rowan asks, looking away from me and turning his attention back ahead, giving me some privacy in answering his question.

“Where do you think I’m from?” I ask, genuinely curious as to what he’ll say.

Rowan looks back up at me, his green eyes sparkling as the sun rises. He hums while looking me up and down.“You look like you’re from the Autumn Kingdom…”

“Technically I was born there,” I concede, unsure how it makes me feel to be from somewhere I don’t remember, somewhere I essentially haven’t stepped foot in for the last two decades.

“But you obviously grew up somewhere else, otherwise Selena would’ve had you—”

Shepherd cuts him off with a cough.

“Sorry,” Rowan looks at me apologetically.

“Don’t apologize on my account. I want to know everything there is to know about my aunt.” My gaze is unwavering as I look down at Rowan.

He nods but drops the subject of the Autumn Kingdom.“You’re definitely not a Northlander, that much is obvious. And we know you’re not from here. So, the Eastlands then?”

He’s not exactly wrong, as Staghorn Forest is on the eastern side of the continent, but I know that’s not what he means.“Sort of.” I smirk.

Rowan’s face tells me he’s initially confused, but then understanding dawns and his eyebrows shoot up.“You’re from beyond the Nevoa Mountains?” My only confirmation is a wry grin.“Edith’s tits.”

“When did you come through the pass?” Shepherd asks me from the other side of Shadow, his tone serious.

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