Page 103 of Hunt Me

“Is it your wish for my return, my Queen?”

“Yes, please. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner I can attend training.”

“It may not be my place, Queen Matilda, but the training field might not be agreeable with your condition,” Vivian stated.

Matilda shifted anxiously on the platform as the sound of swords clanging echoed outside the window.

“I will only spectate. The dress is ravishing, and your skills are impeccable, but I yearn to wear britches.”

Vivian chuckled and resumed her position. “I will see to it that I prepare another pair of britches for you to accommodate your expansion.”

“That is the polite way of calling you fat, my Queen,” Belzara whispered in her ear.

“I can hear you, orc,” Vivian drawled in annoyance.

“Then hear this—” Belzara started, gearing up for battle before Matilda settled her eyes on her with a warning. “—I apologize for my behavior earlier. I still have much to learn about poise and grace.”

“Hmph. Much to learn, you say? It will take you a vampire’s lifetime to achieve such a status,” Vivian said, scoffing at the apology. Matilda held her breath and waited for Belzara’s response.

Belzara gritted her teeth and clenched her fists by her side.

“Perhaps… you are correct, but I will try my best,” she said, slowly enunciating each word with controlled measure. Vivian raised a brow at Belzara, astounded by her change in demeanor, and said, “Perhaps,” before continuing the alterations.

The tension fled Matilda’s body. She did not have to seek a new lady-in-waiting—at least not so soon.

***

Luka watched the sparring match between Ezra and David from his office window, wincing each time Ezra landed a particularly vicious blow that sent David stumbling.

The once brawny and boastful beta was sluggish and weak from weeks of torture and near starvation. Not only was David ailing, but his wolf as well. That was clear when he couldn’t shift.

His eyes flicked towards his beloved, who was perched on a log several feet too close to the battling vampire and werewolf for his liking. He knocked on the window, capturing her attention. “Move,” he mouthed, pointing to a seating area further from the action.

“But I’ll miss everything,” she mouthed back.

“Return inside at once.”

He hummed in satisfaction when she moved as he asked. He sucked his fangs when she shot him her middle finger but found himself chuckling when he mimicked her childish taunt. Her stupefied look was priceless.

“Get up, David,” Luka muttered when Ezra effortlessly knocked him on his ass. “We are fucked,” he drawled when David surrendered.

“King Alesi, I have urgent news,” Advisor Johansson announced, rushing into the room.

“Is it regarding the moderate-sized army marching this way that boasts House Bryne’s colors?”

“Yes, my King. I have the troops mobilizing as we speak!”

“No need to panic, Lord Johansson. I have been expecting them. They have not been secretive about their intent. We will intercept them before they make it to the castle walls.”

“I will have updates provided to you from the battlefield.”

“Updates are not required, for I will be joining you,” Luka responded, throwing open the window. “Tilda?”

“I moved as you have instructed.”

“I am aware. However, I call to you for an unrelated matter.”

“Oh? Should we cut our losses with David?”