Realm of Wolves

Wolf Drawn Carriage

“Sho, the ceremony is over prepare the carriage.”

“My prince I beg your pardon but who is that with you?”

I am not with him, I’m draped over the man’s shoulder. My hands and feet are bound. Clearly I am in this position against my will. I’m not just hanging out here by choice. 

Stepping out of the temple I tried to look around the area to get a better sense of where I am so as to never approach this temple ever again. Unfortunately all I am capable of seeing is the back end of this prince, which to my chagrin is a nice back end.

“This is the girl that wicked Queen was about to kill. Another scheme of hers I am sure.”  

I see this prince is not a huge fan of Queen Minthe. It also sounds like he knows that she is up to something bad. Why is he the only one who can see the Queen for who she is and everyone else seems to be blind to it all?

“It’s good you came to the ceremony then” Sho said feet receding into the distance.

“You’re still here, Prince?” Seethed the Queen. The soft tapping of feet on stone followed by the tinkling noises of bells got closer and closer to our position. 

“I am waiting on Sho to bring the carriage” The prince answered the Queen. 

He turned to face her. My still bound feet swung widely with the movement. Secretly I hoped that they would smack the Queen in the face. That didn’t happen, sadly.

“What are you going to do with the girl?” The Queen asked

“I’ve been thinking about starting a den. What better way to start than by accepting a gift from the gods into my bed.”

He cannot be serious.

“Your carriage is here mother” The Prince said just as a loud something rattled to a stop beside us.

The Queen made an unsophisticated “harumpt” then pushed pass the prince. 

“My ambitions and goals will be realized my Prince. Your meddling is only slowing my inevitable triumph.”

The Queens voice faded off into to the distance as her carriage carried her away.

“Umm…can you put me down please” I asked. Being hung upside down is starting to make me dizzy. 

“Oh right” The Prince chuckled setting me on my feet facing him. 

Taking a knife out of his pocket he cuts the ropes from around my wrists and ankles. Remembering that my shirt has been ripped from my chest I scrambled to find large enough pieces to cover my exposed torso. The Prince seeing what I am trying to do took the tunic vest he was wearing off and handed it to me.

“Thank You” I said great full for his kindness.

“Your carriage, my Lord”

“Thank You, Sho” 

The prince takes my hand and pulls me toward an open carriage. Attached to the carriage by metal chains and a harness are two monstrously large wolves. I can tell by the knowing look in their eyes that they are intelligent. Afraid of offending anyone I swallowed my gasps of shock and horror. Why are they allowing this to happen to them? This is very degrading!   

“What’s wrong?” The Prince asked sensing my mood

“It’s nothing” I murmured.

It’s not my place to say. If they are willingly pulling the carriage then nothing I can say will change the matter. Besides I got other more important pressing issues on my mind. I don’t need to take on the problems of those around me.

“I am a little hungry” I said trying to get my mind off of the wolf drawn carriage “I haven’t eaten anything since I arrived in this world.”    

“I see… well we can’t have you go hungry now can we.” The Prince pointed to a row of merchants all of whom are selling food. “Take a look I’ll get you whatever you are willing to eat.”

With a fleeting glance at the wolves I turned my attention to food. There are several fruits that look similar to the ones back in my world, but the unmistakable smell of freshly baked butter bread is what lead me to the farthest stall in the lineup. 

The woman at the table got excited when she saw us approach and started babbling about all the different types of bread she has and what was used in each batch. I pointed at the one that most resembled a kolache. I also asked for meat stuffed buns and fruit and cheese filled buns. 

“Is that all?” The Prince asked paying the lady

I nodded.

We passed by a stall that sold clothing. I looked down at my torn shirt and soiled pants. The merchant at the stall reading the mood immediately pounced on the opportunity.

With a wave of the princes hand the man’s female assistant escorted me into the stall and towards the back behind a privacy wall. I stood in just my underwear in front of a full length mirror. The transition from my world to this one hasn’t changed my appearance. Skin dark as ebony paired with silver eyes and hair. The runes keys that have been etched on my skin is no longer there, replaced by a slight silvery glimmer of an image I cannot make out. 

The shops woman returned and handed me several pieces of cloth. She helped me try on a different assortment of this worlds attire but most was either way to revealing or way to long. I was just about to settle when I caught sight of an outfit that would resemble a simple summer dress.

“What about that one?” I pointed

“Boys clothing?” The woman asked incredulously 

I nod my head. 

The woman shrugged her shoulders and handed me the dress. I tried it on and found that it is exactly what I needed. However the distressed look on the woman’s face made it clear that I am supposed to choose from the revealing hanging on by a literal thread women’s clothing. 

“Can you make something on demand?” I asked the woman an idea coming to me.

She nods her head.

I explained what I wanted to the woman. She suggested different materials and rope cords that would fit my or more so the princes station. The end result is a non revealing halter dress held together by gold colored rope cords. The top piece is a bralette with sewn on purple jewel flowers. The skirt boasted a bejeweled empire waist, its long and flows with my movement there is a peekaboo slit on either side of the skirt that runs all the way up the leg but the dress is made of a lot of material making the slit visible during a demanding activity, like running for your life.

“Good?” She asked 

I nod my head “It’s great thank you”

She smiled satisfied with this look and so was I. She helped me accessorize with arm jewelry and bracelets. I tried to refuse not wanting the bill to rack up anymore but she insisted. When the woman was finally done with me I was escorted back outside and paraded around the Prince.

He nodded his head satisfied and promptly paid the merchant, whom had a big smile on his face.

“Can I have my old clothes back please in a bag” I quietly asked the woman

She nodded her head and disappeared in the back. She reemerged a few seconds later a discrete bag in tow. I thanked her again and gave her a hug. The woman was stunned at my actions but she smiled at my familiarity. 

The Prince led me back to the wolf drawn carriage. The wolves in this case looked healthy and well taken care of. Their fur shiny and full, their eyes full of life, they don’t seem to be mistreated. This actually just might be a way for them to make a living for their family. This world I am beginning to realize is still very young. 

I waved at the wolf and gave him a nod of thanks. The beast looked at me in surprise. His brown eyes darting from side to side. I smiled at him and entered the carriage the prince behind me carrying the food. 

“Where are we going?”I asked as the carriage rolled forward.

“We are heading back to my estate.”