Page 47 of Bearing Secrets
“Godsis correct, you didn’t mishear,” Kaelyn continued, otherwise ignoring his outburst. “I’m not sure how much Kirell has told you about the world youactuallyinhabit, compared to the one you believe you do, but trust me when I saygods, and mean it.”
“Right.” Natalia sounded anything but certain.
“I like her,” Kaelyn laughed. Then she looked over at her shoulder at the guards. “Into the passageway with you. I am perfectly safe.”
One of the guards looked ready to argue, but the Queen drew herself up, the simple act transforming her from Kaelyn to the ruler of High House Ursa in an instant. “Now.”
The guards didn’t argue this time, stepping out into the secret passageway and pulling the doors closed behind them, so that the trio could have some privacy.
“This is the one?” the Queen asked him, dropping the act.
“Yes. She’s aware of what I need from her, and I’ve slowly been bringing her up to speed on the background of the House, and all she’d be expected to know as a new mate to one of the Ursidae.”
The Queen nodded. “You’re aware that once this is over, you will be required to stay at his side for some time before returning to the regular world?”
“I do,” Natalia said.
“You understand that if you say a word of what you saw here, or of what has been discussed between the three of us, you won’t survive to see the next sunrise?”
Natalia stiffened, looking at him, but Kirell just stared at the wall. He’d tried to avoid threatening her, but he wasn’t about to contradict his Queen. Her word was law to him, and he would carry it out if necessary.
“I…was not informed it would be such a permanent solution, but I was told to keep my mouth shut. I know how to keep a secret, and I’m being well compensated for my part here. I don’t need more of a reason.” Her eyes were glowing with reddened anger as she stared directly at him.
“She has spine.”
Kirell tried not to let his amusement show. “She does, yes. More than I initially thought. She is strong, my Queen. I have faith.”
Kaelyn looked at him oddly for a moment. Giving Natalia a final once-over, she nodded. “Yes, I do too. She was an excellent choice.”
“I’m right here,” Natalia muttered unhappily.
“I know, dear,” the Queen said softly. “Can you give Kirell and me one moment, please? Then you two can be on your way.”
Natalia looked to him for confirmation and he nodded, wondering what the Queen wanted to discuss.
“How can I be of assistance?” he asked as he watched Natalia walk to the far side of the room, arms crossed. There was going to be trouble after they left here, he could tell.
“You must start assuming your duties, Kirell. She will work well, and we cannot wait any longer without a Captain of the House.”
Kirell hesitated. Why did it bother him so much to act this way? The Queen wanted him in this capacity, and their scheme seemed to be bearing fruit. “What is the urgency, Your Majesty?”
Kaelyn sagged in irritation at his formality, but Kirell wasn’t about to change now.
“We both know we didn’t get all the traitors,” she said quietly. “And if Klebra is the leader of those who remain in secret, I’ll eat my crown.”
“You don’t have a crown.”
His Queen just glared. “Now you develop the ability to have a conversation without falling all over yourself to keep me happy.”
Kirell gave her a little smile, one that he didn’t let reach his eyes. “I will find the traitors, my Queen. Like you, I don’t suspect Klebra to be their leader.”
“Good. You have my utmost trust in this matter, Kirell. Do as you see fit to handle anything that comes of it. Just keep me informed.”
“Of course.” He bowed his head respectfully.
“Now, go patch things up with your mate.”
He almost said, “she’s not my mate”, but the twinkle in his Queen’s eye told him she knew perfectly well.
