‘Why are you smiling?’ Vasilis asked.
‘I know there is a war on our horizon with Balkathan, but at this moment, I am very content. I am happy,’ Drago said.
He watched his son glance at Alexandra, Eve and Katya. ‘The women are getting along well,’ Vasilis remarked.
‘They have a lot in common. They learned their art of combat with the same people. No doubt they are looking forward to practicing their skills with each other.’
‘Eve’s daughter is very pretty,’ Vasilis mentioned as he glanced at Malek, his chief guard who was standing silently beside them.
‘Yes,’ Drago agreed. He immediately knew what his son was up to. ‘Malek, go speak with her. Get to know her before your trip tomorrow. Engage in conversation. Look, she is glancing your way.’
Malek’s face was grim. ‘She was in Balkathan’s lair for two years. I’m not so willing to trust the wench until I know for certain she is one of us.’
Drago raised a brow. ‘She has offered to take us where he hides. We need to scout the area before our attack.’
‘She offered to take us there for battle or ambush?’ Malek replied. ‘There is something about her I fear. I cannot place my finger on it, but I look upon her and feel…tense.’
Drago stared at his royal guard curiously. ‘Aye, I know that feeling,’ he began quietly. ‘I felt it with Eve and my son felt it with Alexandra.’
Malek visibly stiffened. ‘I beg your pardon, Your Highness, but it is suspicion I feel, not passion.’
‘I have assigned you as her personal guard. You will guard her with your life and make sure nothing happens to her. The queen has only agreed to this trip under the condition my best warrior guarantees Katya’s safe return.’
‘Aye, Your Highness,’ Malek said.
Drago knew Malek wasn’t pleased and he hid a smile. Malek was like a son to him, like a brother to Vasilis and he understood where his Chief Guard drew his concern. He was their strongest and bravest Lycan Warrior and he would die protecting them.
Drago brought his goblet up to his mouth and drank some ale, his gaze resting on his new queen.
Eve had left the women and was talking to Ariel, Alexandra’s little sister, and Becca who were both seated on his throne. She said something to the little girls and they both giggled.
His heart filled with fierce love.
* * * *
Katya couldn’t concentrate on what the princess was saying to her. She was too furious with the Lycan Warrior who stood proud and arrogant, filling the king and prince with doubts about her loyalty.
How dare he imply she was a spy! She was dying to march up to him and tell him she didn’t need him to protect her on their assignment, but she refrained. Her mother had agreed to the trip on the one condition the king’s best warrior looked after her daughter.
She tensed her mouth. Well, the arrogant Lycan Warrior was going to find out soon enough she didn’t need anyone to look after her.
