Malrik surged into the Privy Chamber, the heavy oak doors slamming shut behind him as his guard, Orien, followed closely. He crossed the polished floor in three furious strides and slammed his gauntlets onto the writing desk, causing a spray of inkwells and state papers to scatter toward the hearth.

Turning to Orien, his forehead furrowed with veins bulging, he exclaimed, "Where could he have gone? We have searched that forest continuously for five days. My brother has married that girl, and everything is going wrong. What has happened to the shadows? This isn’t right at all."

Orien stepped forward, his voice deep and steady. "Your Highness, perhaps we need to continue searching."

Malrik fixed his gaze on Orien and replied, "Tell the servants to get me water. Do not waste any time." Orien bowed his head, opened the door, and left.

Malrik turned to his desk and walked toward his high-backed cushion chair, throwing himself into it. He closed his eyes and murmured, "What can you smell, Malrik? Tell me now." His eyelids fluttered frantically, revealing the rapid movement beneath. He breathed in and out slowly, causing his chest to rise and his legs to tap against the floor. "Scented beeswax candles, old parchment, leather, and smoke from the fireplace," he said calmly as he gradually opened his eyes and continued to breathe slowly.

He sat up straight, his face once again stern. Then he began rummaging through the papers on his desk until his hands touched a heavy book hidden beneath them. He paused and pulled the book out slowly. Lifting it, he examined its cover, rolling his eyes as he said, "Oh, but of course, you’re still here." He turned it over to inspect the back and then back to the front, concluding, "I suppose all I can do right now is read you, for what choice do I have? Maybe you’ll give me answers about why all this is happening."

...

Odesse remained in her seat, her heart racing as the woman walked closer, appearing elegant and poised. Odesse studied the woman’s face, admiring her elegant smile and the way she carried herself with such confidence. As the pressure mounted, Odesse wished Valex were there with her. The air grew thicker, and the woman stopped exactly four paces away from Odesse. With grace, she sank into a low, perfect curtsy, her eyes fixed on Odesse until the last moment.

"Greetings, Your Highness," she said, her voice crisp and authoritative. She stood straight and continued, "I deeply apologize for keeping you waiting."

Odesse stood up nervously and replied, "No, of course, it’s alright. You must have been busy." The woman smiled and added, "Now I see why I am needed. You have a lot to learn, Your Highness." Odesse chuckled nervously and admitted, "It seems I do." In her mind, she thought, Silly girl, you’ve already messed up, and I don’t even know how.

Odesse then said, "Please take a seat; the tea has already gone cold. I shall call for a new one." The lady responded, "It’s alright, Your Highness. I didn’t come for the tea; I came for you." Her smile was sharp and smooth. Odesse smiled back, saying, "Yes, you’re right," as she settled back into her seat.

The lady continued, "Allow me to introduce myself." Odesse nodded slowly, and the lady said, "I am Azure, daughter of Maelor, a renowned royal teacher." Odesse smiled and replied, "Wow, so you’re following in the footsteps of your father." Azure nodded and said, "Yes, I am, Your Highness." Odesse added, "That is very good! He must be very proud, wherever he is."

Azure raised an eyebrow and replied, "Your Highness, my father isn’t dead." Odesse’s face turned red as she coughed and said, "My goodness, I am so sorry. Please forgive me."

Azure stood up and said, "That is your second fault, Your Highness." Odesse asked, "What was that?" Azure explained, "Your first fault was standing so abruptly to welcome me; a queen should never be in haste. Your second fault is apologizing with such fear in your eyes; a queen should always hold herself in every situation, even in embarrassing ones." Odesse looked down and murmured, "It’s just that I’ve always been like that."

Azure walked closer, and Odesse met her gaze as Azure said, "Well, that all ends today. You are no longer Odesse the human servant, but Odesse the Alpha Queen." Odesse’s eyes widened, and she blushed, thinking, She is so nice. Then, she stood up and asked, "Are you married?" Azure looked at her and said nothing. Odesse’s face turned red from embarrassment as she exclaimed, "Oh no, I’m so sorry, Azure. I didn’t mean to overstep."

Azure laughed and replied, "Your place, Your Highness, is everywhere. You need not apologize; you have every right to know as the queen you are, with me as your teacher." Odesse sat down quietly while Azure returned to her seat.

Azure sighed and said, "Yes, I was married, but he died tragically. He was the commander in charge of an army, and he died in the war four years ago." Odesse’s mouth fell open in disbelief; she couldn’t find the words to respond. Azure looked at her and explained, "But I can’t get married again; a female can only have one mate. A male, however, can have multiple mates only if the female he is with dies."

Odesse remained silent, her head bowed as guilt washed over her for having brought it up. Just as she was about to speak, Azure energizedly cut her off, standing up, "That is part of the first lesson about wolves, Your Highness. Today we shall just talk to get to know each other better, and starting tomorrow, we will begin the lessons."

Odesse stood up and smiled, saying, "Alright, Azure." Azure tilted her head slightly and smiled back. Then, she scanned the room and asked, "Is His Highness around? I would like to introduce myself to him."

Odesse smiled and replied, "No, he isn’t. He has gone out to settle some important issues." Azure assessed her with a calculated, slow, and narrowed look, saying, "Oh, that is right. He must be really busy." Odesse blushed and added, "Yes, he is. I do miss him and wonder when he’ll be back." Azure smirked as she leaned slightly forward.

...

The bathwater had long since turned lukewarm by the time Odesse finally stepped out, but she hadn’t cared. Her mind felt bruised, still echoing with azure’s sharp observations. Steam curled lazily in the dim light of the bathing chamber as Odesse reached for a linen towel. Moving slowly, she dressed in a simple silk shift of pale cream, followed by a robe of quilted velvet to ward off the evening chill. As she sat at her vanity, pulling the pins from her hair and letting her heavy braids fall down her back, she caught her reflection in the glass. Her eyes appeared wider than usual, her skin pale, and she whispered to herself, "I still feel so embarrassed and bad about asking about her husband; that was really unethical. I doubt I’m fit for this role."

Just then, a soft, rhythmic thud interrupted the silence, the sound of the heavy iron knocker on her chamber door. Odesse froze, her brush midway through a tangle.

"Enter," she called, her voice slightly raspy.

It was a young page, looking small in the shadow of the doorway, holding a silver tray. Atop it sat a single roll of parchment, bound with a thick, jagged seal of gold wax—the King’s personal signet. "From His Majesty, my Queen," the boy whispered with a bow so low that his forehead nearly touched his knees. "He remains with the Council, but he gave strict orders that this be delivered to your hand."

Odesse’s heart gave a traitorous flutter. She took the letter, the parchment still holding a faint warmth, as if it had been pressed against Valex’s own skin moments before. As the page retreated and the door clicked shut, Odesse sank onto the edge of her bed, her fingers trembling slightly as she broke the seal.

"To my Radiant Queen,

The maps before me are cold, and the Council members are even colder. My mind is filled with borders and troop movements, yet my heart remains in the solar with you. I find myself reaching for your hand, only to find the hilt of a sword or a dry piece of parchment instead.

I know you meet your tutor today. Do not let her height or silence intimidate you; a scholar is but a small hurdle compared to how amazing you are. I am already proud of the Queen you are becoming.

Expect me in a few days. Sleep well, my heart, and remember that you are the only peace I have in this palace.

Your devoted, Valex."

Odesse pressed the parchment to her lips, the scent of cedarwood and iron-gall ink filling her senses. The exhaustion didn’t vanish, but the chill did. She folded the letter carefully, tucking it under her pillow, and as she lay down in the massive, empty bed, she felt the first spark of strength return. She smiled and said, "I really love you, Valex, and I can’t wait for you to get back."

Just then, a chill ran down her spine, and her feet grew cold. "I sense trouble, Star Child," a voice that hadn’t been heard in days returned, soft yet audible from miles away. Odesse sat up straight, her heart pounding as she held her chest tightly.