The Stand-In Queen Chapter 06
We settled in a cottage by the water, in a relay town on the edge of the capital.
Lyra arrived a few days later than me. She had urgent family matters.
The day she pushed through the door, she was carrying a massive bundle in her arms, her face bright with barely contained excitement.
“Miss!”
She placed the bundle carefully on the table, her eyes shining.
“Guess what? Those foul-mouthed women who blocked us at the capital gates? They got what was coming to them!”
I had been trimming a pot of wild herbs by the window. My hands stilled.
“I heard their tongues were pulled out.”
Lyra leaned closer. “The King gave the order himself.”
I didn’t answer. I only gathered the cut leaves into a clay bowl.
Lyra studied my expression carefully. “And…”
“Say it all. Now.”
Lyra spoke faster:
“The King had Miss Elara moved out of the Pack Hall. She’s in a western estate now, half a territory away. He told everyone outside that he and Miss Elara only met a few times, and there was nothing between them.”
My hands paused.
Lyra’s voice carried a thread of excitement now.
“And when he dealt with those women, he had drums beaten and bells rung so the whole city would watch. He declared before everyone that you are the only Luna Queen. Whoever touches you, touches Kael.”
Tea shot down my throat. I coughed violently.
“Miss!” Lyra rushed to pat my back.
It took a long moment before I could breathe again.
Lyra whispered, “And… and…”
“Lyra.” I lifted my eyes. “Say everything today. I don’t like half-truths.”
Lyra straightened at once, speaking rapidly:
“The King sent a message. He… he asks you to return. And he sent supplies. Healing supplies.”
She turned to untie the bundle.
Blue cloth fell away. Inside were stacked provisions, furs, and a bottle of fine healing salve, its scent clean and sharp.
Beside them lay a silver-grey wolf-pelt cloak. The one I had left behind last winter.
My gaze rested on it for only a moment.
I retied the bundle. No emotion showed on my face.
“I’ll accept the supplies. As for returning, tell him no.”
Lyra grew anxious. “Miss, the King is sincere this time-”
“Sincere?”
I cut her off, shaking my head gently.
“Did he pull out their tongues to assert his own power, or to avenge me? Did he move Elara out to protect pack honor, or because he finally sees clearly? Lyra, you’ve been with me six years. Can’t you see this is only the most dignified way to mend what he broke?”
I pushed the bundle to the corner of the table.
“I warn you,” I looked at Lyra, “not a single word about where I am. If you cannot hold your tongue, I will pack tonight and leave you here alone.”
Lyra’s face went pale.
“Miss, I… I wouldn’t dare… but…”
“But what?”
“…But it’s already too late.”
My brows drew together sharply. “Too late for what?”
Then, from the cottage doorway, came the sound of familiar footsteps.
