The Warrior King

Thirteen

I was startled awake by something cold touching my cheek. Groaning, I opened my eyes to find a giant wolf head inches from my face. Before I could scream, it's long tongue licked my face. Blinking, I stopped and suddenly the memories of last night came crashing down on me.

”Silas, ” I whispered softly reaching out to rub his ear. He took the blanket covering me in his teeth and pulled it back. Chuckling, I sat up. ”Alright I'm up.” Sunlight was beginning to creep in under the bottom of the tent. Silas trotted over to the entrance of the tent to where a stack of packages wrapped in brown paper were stacked. Taking the one off the top in his mouth, he brought it over and set it in my lap.

Written in perfect up and down script was my name. Untying the twine, I opened it to find a beautifully made blue dress trimmed in white lace. The dress was so soft and I traced the lace with my finger. I quietly stood and walked to the back of the tent where a modesty screen had been set up. I shed the nightgown that had been provided and slipped into the dress. It was short sleeved with a high waist that hung straight down hugging my hips. I used some of the pins from last night’s hairstyle and pinned my hair up in a twist. After I located my dancing slippers, I followed Silas quietly out of the tent.

The morning air was crisp and floral. Dew still blanketed the grass and the smell of cooking fires wafted through the air. Our quad of guards was standing stoically, two on each side of the tent flaps. I acknowledged them with a good morning, doing my best to remember not to lower my eyes. All four snapped off quick salutes.

”Good morning, milady. If you are planning on going away from the tent, we are under orders to have two of us go with you, ” one of the guards informed me. Silas gave a small growl.

”Oh, ok, well I was planning on going wherever Silas is taking me, so I guess two of you should come along, ” I said. Two of them fell in behind me as I followed Silas back to Tristan’s tent. I could hear voices inside and I froze. How does one knock on a tent to gain entrance? Silas circled around to behind me and used his brute strength to push me into the tent. I tried not to stumble awkwardly, especially when I saw the number of people in the tent. As soon as I entered, everyone fell quiet. I clasped my hands in front of me, my eyes seeking out Tristan.

A large rectangular had been set up in the center of the tent and the people were gathered around it. Papers, scrolls, fabrics and other various items were spread across the table. Behind the table was Tristan, flanked by Raoul and another woman I didn't recognize. She was stunning, with long legs clad in leather pants and ebony black hair pulled back into a thick braid. Her white blouse was right across her abundant cleavage and the sight of her so close to Tristan made my heart sink into my stomach. How could he have chosen to bond to me when there was this goddess next to him? And sure she may already be bonded, but there are others like her who are certainly more suitable.

Silas let out a loud snarl and Tristan looked up. When our eyes met, his face broke out into a smile that touched his eyes. He moved around the gorgeous woman and around the table to come to me. I fought with the part of me that wanted to look down and instead looked to the side instead. I heard Tristan laugh.

”Don’t worry angel, soon you won't have to force yourself, ” he said acknowledging my struggle. I nodded and looked up into his gray eyes. Today they were very light almost blue. He took a step toward me and this time I stayed put. Taking my hand in his, he turned and addressed those present.

”May I present my mate and your future queen.” The tent erupted in cheers and clapping. I could feel my cheeks turning red; I also noticed that the dark-haired beauty looked less than thrilled at this announcement. The thought was pushed from my head as Shelby entered the tent to announce that the morning meal was ready and that Marko was back and wanted to speak with Tristan and me. Tristan nodded and without letting go of my hand, led me out of the tent. His palm was smooth and tough and his fingers kept a good grip on me. I hoped my hand wasn't too sweaty, as the contact from him had once again set my body on fire.

We made our way to the center of the camp, where soldiers were eating and lined up to eat. James (who I was unaware was right behind us), barked out a command and all of the men snapped to attention. Tristan gave a nod to James, who then gave another command, and the men returned to their previous state.

Tristan led me over to where Marko sat at one of the few tables. Marko quickly stood and bowed to the king. Tristan bowed back and then motioned for Marko and I to sit. As we did, two pages I had not seen before brought plates piled high with eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, and fruit and set them in the table. I thanked them and reached for a large ripe strawberry. Another page appeared with two pitchers, one with water and one with fruit juice. He poured me a glass of each and blushed deeply when I thanked him.

Tristan sat next to me and began to fill an empty plate with bacon.

”So Marko, I hope your trip was uneventful, ” Tristan said.

”It was your highness, thank you for allowing me to go. My sons were indeed keeping watch as they should, ” Marko replied. ”I was able to retrieve Sasha’s chest and I believe it was delivered to your tent this morning.” Tristan nodded, taking a bite of eggs.

”It was, ” he said after he swallowed. ”What other items still need to be gathered?” Marko knit his brows together.

”Other items, your highness?” Marko asked, confused.

”Well there must be more. All of her worldly possessions can't just find in one box, ” Tristan said. As I remained quiet and Marko looked worried, Tristan finally understood.

”Well then, I suppose this is a good excuse to keep the clothiers busy, ” he said kindly before a wicked gleam passed through his eyes. ”Although there will be a time when nothing is required.” His voice dropped low enough so that only I could hear. My face became very warm and I stopped mid bite into my eggs. Tristan smirked and resumed eating.