An older woman stepped inside carrying a tray of food.
"You're awake," she said with a warm smile.
The woman placed the tray on a small table beside the bed. The aroma of warm bread and roasted meat filled the room.
"Eat," she said gently. "The healer said you've lost a great deal of blood."
Lara looked at the food but didn't reach for it. Instead, she lifted her gaze to the woman.
"Thank you. Who are you?" she asked gently.
The woman smiled. "My name is Eleanor. I was the King's nanny when he was a child."
Lara blinked. "The King had a nanny?"
A soft chuckle escaped Eleanor. "Even kings start out as babies. I practically raised him. Fed him, chased him through the palace halls, and patched him up whenever he got into trouble. He was the most adorable child."
A fond smile spread across Eleanor's face.
"Truth be told, I still think he is."
Lara stared at her. The terrifying warrior who had faced down an entire pack of rogues didn't look adorable.
Eleanor caught the look on her face and laughed.
"Oh, don't let that stern face fool you. His Majesty is much softer than he lets people believe."
The fondness in her voice was impossible to miss.
"He trusts me. That's why I am here. Which is why everyone in this palace is wondering who you are, and why he asked me to take care of you. So tell me child, who are you?"
Before Lara could answer, the door opened.
A young woman stepped inside carrying a woven basket.
She looked to be around Lara's age, with long red hair braided over one shoulder and bright green eyes. A warm smile spread across her face as she entered.
"So this is the mysterious guest everyone keeps whispering about."
Lara shifted uncomfortably. The girl immediately seemed to realize her mistake.
"Oh, forgive me." She placed the basket on a nearby table and curtsied. "My name is Mira."
Eleanor rolled her eyes.
"And she is incapable of minding her own business."
"I'm sorry," Mira replied with a grin.
Despite everything, Lara felt the corner of her mouth twitch.
"Please eat," the woman added. "If the King returns and finds you've not eaten, he'll blame me for it." A hint of amusement touched her face. "And I don't like getting scolded."
Lara laughed softly.
After she finished her breakfast, the two of them appeared once again.
"We're taking you to your new room," Eleanor announced.
Lara's smile widened. "My new room? I thought I was leaving the palace when I was better."
Eleanor and Mira exchanged a glance.
"The king has ordered otherwise," Eleanor said gently.
Lara stared at her. "What do you mean?"
"It means you're staying at the palace for now."
Lara's stomach tightened. "For how long?"
"His Majesty didn't say."
A dozen questions raced through Lara's mind.
"I'm not a prisoner, am I?" she asked quietly.
"Of course not, honey," Eleanor replied with a reassuring smile. "The king simply believes you will be safer here."
A small smile touched Lara's lips.
"The king is very generous."
Eleanor slipped her arm through Lara's.
"Come," she said. "Let's get you settled."
With Mira following close behind, they left the King's chambers and moved deep into the palace's eastern wing.
This part of the castle felt strictly private and grand. Thick carpets lined the hallways, and silver lanterns cast a warm, glow across the stone walls.
They stopped before a heavy oak door. Carved into the wood was the intricate lycan crest: two wolves standing side by side beneath a crown.
"This is your chamber," Eleanor announced.
Lara blinked. "My chamber? Will I be staying in the same wing as the king?"
She had assumed they were taking her to the servants' quarters. Or perhaps a small guest room tucked away in some forgotten corner of the palace. Not this.
Eleanor pushed the door open. "Go on."
Lara stepped inside slowly, her eyes widening.
The room was warm and filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers.
A small fire crackled in the fireplace to her left. Large windows overlooked the mountains, and beyond them was a quiet balcony. In the center of the room stood a large bed. Rich carpets covered the floor, and polished wooden furniture lined the walls.
Everything was beautiful. Lara turned in a slow circle.
"This... this is my room?" she murmured in disbelief.
Back in Pine Ridge, her bedroom had barely been large enough for a small cot and a wooden chest.
This chamber was larger than her entire home.
"How long will I be staying here?" she asked softly.
Mira laughed.
"Don't be in a hurry, my Lady," Mira said with a bright smile. "I think the king doesn't want you to leave just yet. I'll be your personal maid. I'll assist you with anything you need."
Lara stared at her. Surely she had misheard.
"My what? Why would I need a maid?"
"It's simply part of being the king's personal guest," Mira said.
Lara shook her head.
"No, there must be some mistake. I am not a Lady. I am nobody, really."
"You are now" Eleanor assured her. "The king has ordered that you be assigned a personal maid."
Lara looked from Eleanor to Mira and back again.
Why was the Lycan King treating her like someone important?
"Where is the king?"
"His Majesty is attending to kingdom matters," Eleanor said, already pulling out robes from the wardrobe. "Let's get you settled ok."
....
Miles away from the palace, Thornak and a few of his men were moving towards the boarder where the rogues had attacked another one of their boarder posts.
They moved quickly through the forest in their Lycan forms. Trees flashed past as they ran. The cold wind rushing through their fur.
Thornak led the group.
His large black Lycan moved faster than the others, his powerful legs covering the ground with ease. Behind him, the other warriors followed closely.