Page 112 of Hunt Me

Luka nodded resolutely. “Very well. Go rest, my Queen.”

“Actually, they are requesting an audience with Queen Matilda as well. This matter concerns both of you.”

“Will they be hostile towards me?” Matilda asked thoughtfully.

Ezra shook his head. “No, my Queen. They’ve come in peace and recognize you as King Alesi’s beloved. In fact, they have a gift for you two to confirm their allyship,” he said with a satisfied smile.

“Very well,” she responded with a sigh. She was willing to meet with the noble families but wouldn’t get her hopes up.

They followed Ezra to the advisory room while he spoke animatedly.

She leaned over and whispered, “Is there a reason he’s so jovial? Does he plan on double-crossing us?”

“Matilda, please refrain from stabbing me in the back,” Ezra called out with his back still turned to them.

“I’d do nothing of the sort,” she said, sheathing her dagger that was primed to do just that. “I’m offended that you’d accuse me of such a deplorable action.”

“Remind me, King Alesi, did you not have to pull an arrow from your back when your beloved decided to use you as target practice?”

Luka’s lips curled into a silent smile.

“I shall admit that my aim was off,” she tried explaining.

Ezra reared back his head and laughed.

Luka slanted his eyes to his beloved when he felt a pinch to his side.

“What?” he hissed.

“Why is he so happy?”

“His father, Duke Revlar Gustafson, is in attendance, and Ezra loves his sire deeply.”

“I see. What do you think their intentions are?”

Luka wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her closer. “We shall wait and see.”

***

Matilda held her head high as they entered the advisory room. Immediately, her eyes fixed on the man who resembled Ezra, with long, ashen-blond hair nearly white as snow, sharp pale-blue eyes, and a severe resting scowl.

He stood from his chair, along with the remainder of the nobles, and bowed.

“Good day, Queen Matilda.”

“Good day,” Matilda returned politely with a curtsy. “Good day to you all.”

“I am Duke Revlar Gustafson, sire of Lord Ezra Gustafson. He has spoken highly of you.”

“Has he?” she asked, amused as Ezra avoided eye contact. She took the seat Luka pulled out for her, and the men followed suit.

“He has. He commends your marksmanship and boasts of your love for King Alesi. I witnessed your battle of the throne against Alaria Marquis and was impressed by your strength and wit,” he complimented.

Low murmurs of agreement filled the room.

“Aye! Alaria’s defeat was both exciting and satisfying! It was time for House Marquis to be knocked down a peg or two!” Duke Brennan bellowed.

“Thank you. She was a formidable opponent, but my will to live and rule beside King Alesi was stronger.”