Page 8 of A Reign of Malice
“And you, Queen Sloane,” he replies, his tone formal and respectful. “The journey was long, but there’s much to discuss.”
“There always is,” I say, a hint of a smile tugging at my lips. “But for now, let’s focus on getting everyone settled.”
He nods, glancing over his shoulder at the wagons beingunloaded. “The pack will need a strong presence from you in the coming days. We might’ve been preparing for this day, but facing the reality of it is something else entirely.”
“I’ll be here,” I assure him. “Even in these lands, our people can count on me.”
Trey’s grey eyes darken and the slight wrinkles around them deepen as he looks around. “I hope so.”
He moves on to help unload the transports, and I do my best to ignore the tightening in my chest. There will be those who think this is a bad idea, that merging with another kingdom is a mistake, and maybe it will be, but as I watch Aeson continue to work, I have hope.
The king has remained here all afternoon. Sweat glistens on the back of his neck, and streaks of dirt, likely from unloading the boxes my people brought with them, stain his once-pristine white dress shirt. His sleeves are rolled to his elbows, exposing forearms corded with muscles that pulse from the day’s labor.
Despite my doubts, his presence and effort serve as a reminder. While I might have seen glimpses of things that give me pause, Aeson’s actions today seem driven by genuine goodwill. For now, that’s enough. At least until I have a better grasp on the things that still feel unclear.
As the afternoon wears on, I speak with more of my people, hearing their stories, their struggles, and their hopes. Each conversation strengthens my resolve, even as it chips away at my heart.
The last family to approach me is a young couple. Their faces are bright despite the weariness in their eyes, and their hands are entwined as if holding onto each other is the only way they’ve made it this far.
“Your Majesty,” the man says, bowing deeply. “We can’tthank you enough for acting so quickly once the oasis emptied.”
“You don’t need to thank me,” I reply, placing a hand on his arm. “This is what it means to be a pack. We take care of each other.”
He nods then smiles down at his mate, his grip tightening on the bundle of belongings he carries. “Still, it means everything to us. To have hope restored so swiftly.”
The words linger with me long after they’ve walked away.Hope. It’s a fragile thing, but perhaps that’s what we’ve all been missing.
By the time the last carriage is unloaded, the sun hangs low in the sky, casting long shadows across the cobblestones within the courtyard. Aeson approaches me, a streak of dirt now on his forehead as well.
“You’ve been busy,” I remark, unable to suppress a small smile.
“It’s what we do,” he replies, his grin broad and genuine. “Your people are settling in well. They’ll be comfortable here in no time.”
The confidence in his words has an unexpected effect on me. The tension in my shoulders eases, just slightly.
“I agree, but I also need you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done,” I say, and I mean it. Regardless of my wolf’s reservations and the things I felt I was picking up on, Aeson is everything I hoped he’d be—kind, capable, and dedicated, following through on each of his promises without hesitation.
I can either choose to focus on all the good that’s being done, or I can continue to look for the cracks. I’m choosing the former. That doesn’t mean I’m ready to let down my guard, but today’s taught me that it doesn’t matter whatmighthappen, only what is. Right now, my pack is safe andthey’re going to have everything they need for the time being.
Everything else will be handled as it comes, so there’s no point looking for trouble.
Once the crowd disperses and the area grows quieter, the weight of the day settles over me. My wolf is restless and needs space. Hell, we both do.
“I’m going to go for a quick run,” I tell Aeson, glancing up at the twin moons that are only half full tonight. “I’ll be back for dinner, though.”
“Of course.” He squeezes one of my hands. “Do you want me to come with you?”
“No,” I say quickly, softening the refusal with a grin. “I just need a moment to myself after the busy afternoon.”
His gaze lingers on me, searching for something, but he doesn’t press further. Instead, he nods and turns back to the remaining pack members, his focus already shifting back to the tasks at hand.
I’m surprised when he doesn’t try harder to change my mind, but again, that’s likely just my mind looking for a problem where there’s probably nothing to worry about.
I head toward the back of the castle, the cool evening air washing over me. The faint rustle of leaves and the distant sound of a stream are a welcome reprieve from the noise of the day.
My wolf pushes to the surface of my mind, her eagerness to be free a palpable force. Without hesitation, I relinquish control, allowing the shift to begin.
The first ripple of energy spreads through me, and I gasp softly at the familiar sensation. My bones lengthen and begin to break before they’re reformed, my muscles stretching taut as they realign. Fur erupts along my skin, onyx and silken, catching the silver light of the moons. The air sharpens,every scent and sound snapping into focus as my wolf takes over.
