The carriage of Lord Matthew was not subtle.
Gilded brass lanterns hung from its polished mahogany frame, and four matching gray stallions stamped their hooves against the mud of Oakhaven. Behind the carriage rode six armored guards carrying ceremonial broadswords with red silk pennants.
Lord Matthew stepped down onto the timber walkway. He was a stout, broad-shouldered wolf with silver-streaked hair, wearing a fur-lined cloak of ermine and dark blue velvet. A heavy gold chain hung around his neck, clinking against his embroidered tunic as he surveyed the humble clinic with poorly concealed disdain.
"So this is where the lost princess keeps court," Matthew said, his voice booming across the quiet village green. "A logging settlement."
Elena walked out of the double clinic doors, her gr
