Tima stood facing Gril and her daughter. She angrily rolled the string of beads in her hand. If she could have gotten away with it, she would have wrapped the strand around Madas’s neck and strangled her for her impertinence. This was a moment she had worked very hard to avoid.
“What are you doing in the forest? The protective treaty specifically states that no members of the desert clan are allowed,” Tima stated.
“You knew about them?” Madas demanded.
Her mother sent her a derisive glare. “Silence, Madas. I will deal with you later,” she snarled.
Tima paled when she heard Gril growl. He stepped forward, putting his large body between Tima and Madas. There was no mistaking the protective stance he had taken.
“Be careful how you speak to my mate, Queen Tima, lest I have to remind you t
