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"It's not your place to question me or my whereabouts, Beta Fallin," Arian growled.
The young scout instantly jerked to attention, the curious expression draining from his face. "Yes, Sir!"
"Where did you come from?" Arian asked, his voice booming with an authority I had never heard from a beta before. It made me respect him a bit more.
The young scout turned and pointed a timid finger toward the river. "His Majesty is encamped not far from here. Lady Strayton is with him."
"She left the palace without her guard?" Arian's whole body went rigid, his eyes wide and angry.
"Yes, Sir," the scout's voice trembled as he spoke. The more nervous he got, the younger he looked. I expected him to mewl for his mother at any moment.
"Why the fuck would she do that?" Arian demanded, baring his teeth. Being a beta, his fangs didn't lengthen, and his claws didn't engage, but they might as well have for all the terror pouring out of the scout's eyes.
"Byriel, son of the King, has returned."
The King’s Camp
Joon
* * *
We walked quicklytoward the King's encampment and right towards Byriel.I simply could not get away from the fucker.It was as if the Moon was determined to punish me.
I wished Tzidal, and I could break away from the ally wolves and head to the palace without them.But being unfamiliar with Ossory, the lay of the city, and unaware of the best entrance to the palace, it was reckless to travel there without Jonelle and Arian.It was best we go with them, for now.
The tents that came into view were nothing like the small guard encampments I was used to.This camp was enormous with roaring fires and huge tents—twenty alphas could easily camp in one.The thick, blue fabric looked like it might kill the occupant should a good wind knock it over.
My eyes fell to the unusual comforts no traveling wolf got to enjoy.Tzidal nudged my side, making me aware of my expression, and I quickly closed my mouth.
A massive bonfire sat near the far edge of the camp, with spits of both fresh and roasted meats.A few betas sat at two large wooden tables.One was serving meals while the others sharpened swords and daggers.Ale, food, and rowdy wolves mingled everywhere, making the atmosphere seem more like a village than a temporary base.
Rather than walk straight through the smaller servants' tents along the perimeter, Jonelle motioned for us to follow her around.Arian cut away from us toward a chatty group of Alphas.Most of them immediately snapped to attention as he approached, but one looked at the beta with sour disgust at being forced to obey a lower-statused wolf.I couldn't blame him. It was unnatural for my kind to follow anyone other than an Alpha.
"I have to give my report to his Majesty," Jonelle said as we marched past a bustle of service-Betas and valets.The busy wolves cooked, cleaned cauldrons and pots, and scrubbed dirty uniforms, dunking them repeatedly into wooden buckets of soapy water.
I immediately felt in the way.
"Stay here and try to look busy," Jonelle said in a hushed tone."Don't make yourself noticeable.Hopefully, this will be quick.I just need to report on my mission, and we can go."
"What was your mission?" Tzidal asked, stepping out of the way of a very huffy-looking scullery maid.
"To look for ally camps." The she-Alpha winked at my mate before marching off.
The flurry of activity seemed to swell around us as we stood awkwardly next to the laundry.Tzidal tripped forward into my arms to avoid several servants carrying firewood, and a stern elder snapped at me to get to my post before she put me to work.Tzidal mumbled a few apologies as I pulled her to the other side of the clothesline.
Soft, white sheets fluttered in the breeze, hiding us from the chaos.The crisp fabric soaked up the last rays of the setting sun and caught wayward pollen from a nearby patch of lavender.It gave off the most comforting aroma.I was reminded of my old pack and the omegas that did their wash by the river.
As a pup, I loved playing with my friends in the maze of linen while our parents worked.We were always scolded and walloped when we inevitably spattered mud on the clean laundry, but the memories were still good.
"What are you thinking?" Tzidal asked, looking around to make sure we were alone.She looked a bit on edge, rubbing her hands together as she cut her eyes all around us.
"I'm thinking that you are very beautiful." I cupped her face, moving my thumbs in gentle circles over her rosy cheeks.
She smiled sweetly, but then her expression shifted as her voice dropped to a whisper."I can't believe we're here, with the King so near.How did this happen?" She was distressed but focused, determination edging out her fear.
"Well," I kissed her nose, "A vicious predator attacked me in the woods, and the most enchanting omega came to my aid.Every moment since then has been destiny.So it only makes sense that we'd find ourselves exactly where we need to be."
She gave me a teasing scowl. "I am a nervous wreck right now, and the fact that you are happy is unnerving.I swear you enjoy getting into trouble."
