CHAPTER ONE
The Fate of a Queen
The delicate flutter of gossamer threads filled the air, creating a heady thrum within the confined space. The queen paced her chamber, aware of the unsettling vibrations permeating the hollow walls. Nerves assailed her. The hurried flight from her doomed Bee Master left her ragged and afraid. Her presence hung between two worlds and neither promised an assurance of safety. Still she paced, covering the ground without effort as her wings beat a frantic tattoo against her spine.
Halting, she spun on fragile feet. Her surroundings offered no immediate help. The sting of winter oozed through the ragged cracks of the tree trunk and she hugged herself to keep warm. Life in the Outer would kill her unless she could find a way to survive. Hours before, she hiber
