Back in the castle, Thornak entered the throne room without a word.
Selene hurried toward him.
"My love, what happened?" she asked anxiously. "You're covered in blood."
Thornak didn't even look at her. "It's not my blood."
She released a breath of relief. "I was worried."
Thornak finally stopped and turned toward her.
"And I've told you before," he said coolly. "Stop referring to me as your love."
She folded her arms across her chest. "Why? I am your mate, remember?"
A flicker of annoyance crossed his face. "You are not my mate."
Before Selene could respond, another voice echoed through the throne room.
"Thornak!"
Queen Maravelle swept through the doors, her dark gown trailing behind her.
"What is this I am hearing?" she demanded. "The servants claim you returned carrying a strange human girl. They say you took her directly to your chambers and ordered everyone to stay away from her."
Selene's eyes widened. "What?"
Thornak walked up the step to his throne and sat down. "Yes, Mother. I gave that order."
Queen Maravelle narrowed her eyes. "And who exactly is she? Another one of your foolish charity cases?"
"No. She was being hunted by rogues."
"Then she should have been taken to the healers, not your private chambers."
Thornak's expression remained unreadable. "Since when do you care who is in my chambers?"
"Since the moment the entire palace started whispering about it."
Selene's gaze moved between them, waiting for an answer.
Instead, Thornak looked at her. "Leave us, Selene."
"What?"
"I need to speak with my mother alone."
Selene's hands curled into fists at her sides. For a moment, it seemed as though she might argue. Then, she lifted her chin.
"Very well, Your Majesty."
She turned sharply and walked out, the heavy doors closing behind her.
"What are you not telling me?" Maravelle asked.
"She's my mate," Thornak said calmly.
For a long moment, the Queen Mother remained silent. She simply stared at him. Then, slowly, a smile touched her lips.
"Your mate," she whispered. "At last." A soft laugh escaped her. "The Moon Goddess has finally answered my prayers. Do you know how long I have waited to hear those words?"
She began pacing before the room.
"For years, I watched alphas and nobles present their heirs while my son remained unmated. The kingdom needs a queen, Thornak. It needs stability. It needs an heir."
For the first time since entering the throne room, genuine happiness shone in her eyes. Then she stopped, and her smile faded.
"If this girl is a nobody," she said quietly, "then she is not fit to stand beside you. You will reject her."
"Funny," Thornak said dryly. "I don't recall asking for your approval."
Maravelle's eyes narrowed.
"The people will never accept a nameless girl as their queen," she explained. "And a ruler who ignores his people invites disaster."
"I know what is best for my kingdom," Thornak growled.
"No," Maravelle replied calmly. "You know what your heart wants. Duty does not bow to love, Thornak. If this girl proves unworthy, you will reject her."
Thornak's eyes darkened. His wolf stirred beneath his skin. The thought of rejecting their sweet mate, made him restless.
"And if I refuse?" he asked her.
Maravelle gave a dry laugh. "Then you place your personal desires above the kingdom."
A low growl rumbled from Thornak's chest.
Maravelle walked towards him.
"I will not allow this throne to be weakened by sentiment," she said. "If necessary, you will take Lady Selene as your queen. She is noble-born. Powerful and well respected. And tell me, Thornak... what was this mysterious girl doing alone in the woods?"
"I don't care mother," he growled. "She is mine. And unless the Goddess herself tells me otherwise, she stays."
The possessiveness in his voice was unmistakable.
He walked over to her.
"Now, I want this to be between you and I. No one is to know about it."
"As you wish," she responded.
As Thornak turned to leave, the Queen motioned to his personal guard. "Get me my nephew, Aedric. Now!" she commanded.
A Moment later, Aedric entered.
"You called, Aunt? I must say, the look on Thornak's face just now was absolutely priceless."
"Thornak has brought a girl into the royal quarters. Some girl from the Eastern ridge. And he claims she is his mate."
Aedric's dark brows lifted.
"I am assuming you aren't planning to welcome her with open arms."
"Never," Maravelle said. "A nameless, powerless girl on the throne will invite nothing but rebellion from the high packs. The alpha lineages are already restless. If Thornak refuses to see reason, the crown will slide right off his head."
She turned to him.
"He wants this kept secret. He thinks he can hide her away until he finds a way to force the council's hand. I want to know exactly who she is before he gets that chance. And I want you to find out everything you can."
"And what exactly am I looking for?" Aedric asked, tilting his head.
"Everything," Maravelle commanded. "Find out how she ended up in the woods alone. Find out where she comes from, who her family is, and if she has any ties to the insurgent factions along the border."
Aedric bowed his head slightly, the mocking glint returning to his eyes.
"Consider it done. I'll take a few scouts and head toward the ridge where the King found her."
"Do it quietly," Maravelle warned. "If Thornak discovers you are investigating his mate, not even my position will protect you from his wrath."
"Don't worry," Aedric said, turning on his heel toward the side exits. "I'm very good at staying downwind."
Back in the King's chambers, Lara slowly opened her eyes.
For a moment, she didn't know where she was. The bed beneath her was softer than anything she had ever slept on. Thick furs and silk blankets covered her body, and the scent of burning cedar drifted from a nearby fireplace.
She blinked and looked around. A high ceiling stretched above her, and dark stone walls surrounded the room, decorated with carved wooden panels and banners bearing the crest of a silver wolf.
Panic shot through her. She pushed herself upright, but the sudden movement sent pain tearing through her body. She gasped and fell back against the pillows.