“Are you sure you're ready for this?" Damian asked, adjusting the clasp on his fur-lined armor.
“I've attended four council meetings and survived three dream linkages," Katherine said dryly. “A ceremonial hunt sounds like a picnic."
He smirked faintly. “Ceremonial or not, you'll be armed."
They stood at the edge of Frostpine Clearing, surrounded by northern nobles and soldiers in gleaming winter armor. Snow blanketed the ground in silence.
“This is supposed to be a show of unity, correct?" she asked.
“Correct," he said. “You, by my side, calm the blood-hungry whispers."
“You do realize half of them think I'm a witch now?"
“The other half think you're a war goddess."
“I prefer the latter."
He offered her twin daggers in sheaths of black leather. “You preferred these before."
She b
