The Queen's Arrival

riors congratulated him in the courtyard, elders praised his discipline, and younger wolves followed h

on on the stack of suppl

an excuse to remain busy while the packhouse buzzed around her. She checked sleeping arrangements, confirmed the delivery of flour and dri

ring a pale blue dress and a hopef

. "He was in the courtya

I mean, have yo

No

gether. "Delia, I need you

hat you want to

Lila sat opposite her, lowering her

wn her pen. "

ing of a branch against the window. Delia did not raise her voice. She had imagin

he told me he wanted you. I cannot change his feelings, and I will not for

glistened.

it hurts. I hope you will be ca

Delia watched the door close, feeling neither victorious nor r

ssion with Caleb, sweat darkening the collar of his shirt. He was quick and strong, with the easy confidence that had first draw

you are. Father needs you to co

he handed him t

way from the p

, can w

toward the weapon racks. Delia wished he had

re left to sa

he festival. Lila and I have decided to acce

had known the choice was coming, but hearing him sp

decided," s

ly. "You've been part of my life for

uld have been

d down.

Lila well. I mean that. But do not ask me

htened with sham

ed. "You were my first hope, Theo. That

remained steady. she did not feel free, not yet, but she felt as if she h

h bread. The blacksmith repaired ceremonial blades, and the pack's seamstresses stitched silver thread into cloaks for the visiti

r sitting room. Theo and Lila were there too, standing beside one another with thei

s said. "He intends to ask for

ed that the family may wi

ed before anyone could ask whether she wished to leave. She

voice shaking at first, then growing stronger. When their hands joined, a faint silver shimme

la's eyes filled with tears, and Theo looked at

knowledge that the truth had finally been spoken. She stepped forward, of

or a moment. "I neve

new their relationship would have to change. "Bu

eks. The moon hung behind thin clouds, and a strange, familiar sensatio

ould not explain. Tomorrow, the visiting packs would arrive, and Eldridge would have to s