Accidental Surrogate

A Drink “Please,” the shadow says, his voice awkward and apologetic.

I’m still rigid with fear when Conner storms out onto the balcony, his hand smacking the shadow-person in the chest, slamming him against the wall. ” Who the hell are you!?” Conner demands.

“Please!” the shadow says again, “I’m so sorry! I was just standing out here, also getting fresh air! This is a complete accident!” And suddenly, the voice snaps into place in my memory. “Conner!” I call, Rafe fussing in my arms, not liking the sudden change in my energy and the fear spiking through me, though I’m calmer now. “Please – it’s the Atalaxian Prince.

He is – I don’t believe he means us any harm.” And even though something about that concept doesn’t match up – an Atalaxian? Not meaning us any harm? Especially after the meeting I just had with my uncle?

Still, somehow, I know the truth of it down in my bones. He doesn’t.

Conner glances at me and then backs up a little, removing his hand from the Prince’s chest. “Should I escort him out of here, Luna?” “No,” I sigh, shaking my head. “Not unless he wants to go, of course. But the night air is for everyone. I can’t have it all to myself just because I’m the Queen.” The prince looks between Conner and I for a moment, stepping further into the light so I can see his pale features and the details of his chic black suit. “I would…stay, for a moment, if that’s all right? Have a quiet word with you, so that we don’t leave this evening on bad terms?” “That’s fine,” I say quietly, somehow a little pleased that he will stay. I’m still terribly curious about him, perhaps despite myself.

“Would you mind?” Conner says to the prince, his voice tight. “If I performed a body check? To ensure that you don’t have…” “Be my guest,” the prince says, spreading his arms wide and allowing Calvin to pat down the sides of his body, and then his legs.

When Conner stands up and nods to me, his face quite serious, I nod back to him and give him a smile, grateful for his protection. “I’ll be just inside the door, Luna,” Conner says.

steps to the door, standing with one foot in the ballroom and the other out on the balcony, a

you,” Calvin says, glancing at Conner and taking a few steps closer to me not too close, but close enough to be conversational. “As he should be. Your men are loyal.” “As loyal to me as I am to them,” I say with a little shrug, studying Calvin’s face carefully. As I do, I wonder a little how did he blend so seamlessly into the shadows? It’s not that dark out

something else going

Calvins says, dipping into a little bow. “The ceremony today was very moving, as was the vote. It is inspiring to see how much your people support you – the wolves and the humans both.” “Is it?” I ask, turning my head a little. “Do you…not get this kind of support from your

the royal family. And then punish them if they show any evidence to the contrary.” I raise my eyebrows, genuinely surprised that he’s being

I think this policy is wise,” I murmur, wanting to shout from the

that if you wish, Queen,” Calvin says, smirking a little as he takes a step closer at me and studies my face for a moment before dropping his gaze to Rafe in my arms. ” I certainly won’t tell anyone.” He’s quiet for a moment and

Calvin’s face. “Your son is a very handsome boy,” he says, smiling at Rafe. “I’m sure he’ll grow to be a strong King, like his father.” “Thank you,” I say quietly, looking proudly down at Rafe myself. Then I look up at Calvin, curious. He’s

you have children of your

nods and

says, his smile growing as he thinks of them. “My Luna gave birth to our son just a few months ago – he’s just barely older than this one here.” I grin

it, even if I was determined to hate the Atalaxians… well, I can’t