I jotted down some notes in Junior’s file and placed it at the bottom of the pile, opening the next folder. I exhaled loudly and skimmed over the next candidate.
On to the next one.
15
The interviews all started to blur together after a while, but after choosing my favorites, I only had one candidate left to meet. Unfortunately, I couldn’t meet her until the next day. I dragged myself to my chambers on leaden feet, my brain completely fried and full of facts. I didn’t even remember changing into my pajamas before falling asleep. I was allowed to sleep in the next morning, but the moment my eyes opened, I could already feel the dwindling stamina potion wearing off.
With not a lot of time, I showered and dressed in a rush while simultaneously chugging a mug of coffee. I flung open my door and greeted the guards who were tasked with escorting me to my meetings for the day. I’d already missed two that morning. I supposed everyone could see how exhausted I was, even though I tried to hide it.
As we left the council room from the last meeting, I said, “Take me to the South Tower.” I hadn’t heard from William and the others in a while and I needed to check on their progress.
We headed to the south end of the castle. As we descended to the lower level of the tower where the guards trained, I glanced in disgust at the damp, moldy walls, making a mental note to get the area cleaned up and revamped. They shouldn’t be forced to work in these conditions.
We stepped out into the circular opening of the tower, lit by the brilliance of the midday sun. William stood in the center, instructing just over a dozen of my guards.
“There’s a spot right between the ribs where you can strike and it’ll be a killing blow,” William said, using Liam’s shirtless body as an example, turning him so he could point to Liam’s bare back. William motioned to the spot and applied pressure with his claw, making Liam arch in his grip.
“Ah!” Liam shouted. William withdrew his claw and patted him on the shoulder, dismissing him.
“Yer Majesty!” Liam did a double take once he turned and saw me standing at the edge, hastily dipping into a bow. The rest of the group snapped to attention and followed suit.
I waved them off. “Carry on,” I offered. “How has training been going?”
“Enlightening,” Liam grumbled as he rubbed the spot above his ribs where William had punctured the skin.
I chuckled. “I see. And when can I expect you all to be ready?”
“Soon, Yer Majesty,” William declared. “They have been very responsive.”
I nodded. “That’s good to hear. There’s a crucial dinner happening tonight. Do you think you’ll be able to be on duty? I would like my guards to be there.”
William looked at the group. “It’s up to them. I believe they’re ready.”
When I raised my brow at the group of guards, they all yelled, “Aye, Yer Majesty!”
I smiled brightly. “Good. Fenrir, the first wolf, will be coming to the castle for dinner.” They all gasped in unison. Most of them weren’t in the forest yesterday; I’d decided it would be a better usage of their time to stay behind and train. “Which means the enemy will be in our territory. I want the best on duty tonight in case anything happens. Do you understand?”
“Aye, Yer Majesty!” they yelled.
“Do ye want me there too, Yer Majesty?” William asked.
“I absolutely want you there. Go see Ranulf sometime today to get a uniform,” I ordered. “We need to be very careful tonight. This is a very important dinner and we can’t afford for anything to go wrong. I look forward to seeing you all there. I miss you guys.” I winked and turned to leave the South Tower.
Whatever William taught them would be put to the test tonight.
I made it back to my office just in time for my next appointment, who was already waiting for me. She stood as I entered the room. Ranulf stood beside her and I glanced between them, trying to remember who I was supposed to be meeting. In the hecticness of the day, I hadn’t even looked at my schedule.
“Yer Majesty,” Ranulf announced, coming to my rescue, “this is Rowan MacDonald, granddaughter of Jacob MacDonald.”
The luna before me was petite with curly auburn hair braided away from her face with wisps of hair falling out on the sides. She had a spray of freckles over her nose and cheeks and the most brilliant, dark green eyes. Rowan was all skin and bones; she looked almost fragile. No wonder she couldn’t pass the physical test of the guards. She needed more meat on her bones.
“It’s a pleasure to meet ye, Yer Majesty.” She bowed and placed a fisted hand over her heart.
So this is Jacob’s granddaughter. Hmm. “The pleasure is all mine.” I grinned and motioned for her to take a seat. “Tell me Rowan, how old are you?”
“Twenty-four,” she answered. “I’ll be twenty-five next month.”
She was young, but who was I to judge? I was soon to be 27 and I was already Queen. What I wanted to know was what she could possibly offer the council. I didn’t want to bring her on board just to stick it to Jacob, tempting as it was. Being childish and petty had a time and a place. Everyone I’d chosen for the Queen’s Council had a specific purpose or skill … What was Rowan’s purpose?
I looked at her file. “Ranulf mentioned that you’ve attempted to join the King’s Guard multiple times unsuccessfully. Why do you want to join so badly when you have a degree in political science?” I asked out of curiosity.
She swallowed and scooted forward on her chair. “My uncle—William’s father—was part of the King’s Guard and died a hero, protecting the King. He used to tell us
