I was silent for a moment, listening only to the sounds of our footsteps treading over small twigs and leaves. I didn’t know what to say except that I felt partially responsible for his people’s dislike of him, even though I knew I had no reason to feel that way. It was their problem, not mine.
“Maybe I should have stayed on Earth,” I mumbled.
“No,” he answered firmly. “I hate it when we’re apart. This may be hard to believe, but I’m actually unpleasant to be around when you’re not with me.”
“Really? I’m shocked.”
He gave me his teasing grin. “Yes. You should be. But I shouldn’t be going on about this right now. You’ve just returned, and it’s time to celebrate. Tonight, I’m formally announcing our engagement. Nobles can kiss my Wult’s ass.”
“That’s the spirit.”
“Plus, if anyone decides to give me trouble…” He showed me his sword—a short, stubby thing that looked sharp enough to hack through concrete. “I’ve got Gnat Biter here that will make short work of them.”
“Gnat Biter? That’s an interesting name.”
“That’s because this is a temporary solution. I don’t want to get attached to the stupid thing.”
“Yeah, I’m pretty familiar with temporary solutions myself.” I was too embarrassed to show him my new mirror, so I decided a change of subject was in order. “So, what’s this dinner supposed to be like?”
He shrugged. “Mainly, we’re to be well fed before our quest to retrieve the sword of Dracon begins. My ancestors held a feast before every pilgrimage or quest. It’s an old tradition that no one dares break, and so we’re stuck keeping it up. At least it will be a good place to announce our engagement. All the nobles will be there to hear it.”
I eyed him. “You’re really set on offending them all?”
“Yes, I’ve had enough of bickering and seceding from the kingdom. It’s time they realize I’m their king. What I say goes. I’ve been nice for far too long.”
“I don’t disagree, but I’m not sure disregarding their ideals will make it any better.”
“At this point, I don’t care.”
Kull and I walked out of the woods and into the clearing behind the castle. Heidel waited in the glade with a silver wolf at her side. The animal, Grace, was unusual, a mix of grimwelt and wolf. I’d never seen another creature like her. Heidel patted the wolf’s head as we approached.
“Olive,” she said, nodding. “I see you’ve returned.”
“Yes, and I see you’ve taken up with a new companion.”
Heidel eyed the wolf. “I take care of her. It gives me something to do,” she said quietly, and I heard the pain in her voice. On our last quest, she’d lost someone she’d grown close to, and perhaps had loved, but Maveryck, the professional thief and lost Madralorde brother, had been killed by the elves, leaving his wolf behind.
“Sister,” Kull said, “has the feast begun?”
Heidel shrugged. “I don’t know and I don’t care. I want nothing to do with what’s going on inside that castle. I’m ready to leave on our quest and be done with Danegeld.” She turned away from us. “Come, Grace,” she called as she entered the forest. The wolf trotted after her.
Kull stared after his sister until she disappeared inside the cover of trees. “She’s not been the same since Maveryck’s death.”
“That’s understandable. If I remember correctly, she hadn’t even accepted he was dead when I left last fall. At least she’s gotten past that, right?”
“Yes. When he never returned for her as she’d hoped, she had no choice but to accept he was dead. It’s not been easy for her. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her take someone’s death so hard, not even Father’s.”
I followed Kull across a wooden footbridge and under an alcove leading inside the keep. To still be grieving, Heidel must have cared for Maveryck more than she’d let on.
When we made it inside, we crossed through an empty hallway and toward a set of open doors. Kull took my hand and held it tight as we approached the large dining hall. Inside the room, servants bustled around tables as they prepared the feast.
“Looks like they’ll be starting soon,” he said. Several servants approached him and took his weapons.
Kull glanced at me. “I’ll have to get cleaned up. Would you like to meet me here in a bit?”
“Fine.” I sighed. “I suppose I’ll wash up as well.”
“Very well. The servants can show you where to go.”
Half an hour later, after changing into more appropriate attire, I stood by the doors. Booted footsteps rang out down the hallway, and I turned to find Kull walking toward me.
He was an imposing sight—with his metal studded, leather doublet, sword sheathed at his hip, and his customary dragon-hide boots. He gave me a small smile as he reached my side.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
“Thanks,” I answered sheepishly, never knowing how to respond to his compliments. I picked at the lace on my quarter-length sleeves. I’d decided to wear a peasant’s shirt under a soft leather dress. I’d never been a fan of long dresses; they always tripped me up. But it seemed like a good attempt at blending in with the Wults. Although I had trouble comprehending it, I would soon be their queen. That thought almost kept me from entering the dining hall.
As we stood facing the doors, I wasn’t sure I could go through with this. But I didn’t have much of a choice as the servants pulled the doors open and ushered us inside.
Here goes nothing.
Chapter 3
Kull took my hand as we entered the dining hall. Thankfully, the room wasn’t too crowded yet, with only a few Wults mingling inside. But as we entered, they turned and immediately bowed.
“No need for that nonsense,” Kull called to them.
They stayed on one knee until Kull and I located our spots at the head of one of the tables. Food filled the
