“More than. Your men have given us the world here in supplies.”
“Good. We will have to figure out what to do with the women and children next. They came to us with nothing, so we’ll need resources and a plan.”
“Yes, that has been on my mind. I’m going to talk to the women tonight once the children are asleep. I’m certain we can find them more permanent lodging, but some of them may have family somewhere. One thing I have learned is that none of these women are the children’s mothers. They all seem to be orphans, but Cassia and I won’t return Cassia to that cruel woman.”
“Of course not. I support whatever decision you make, my dear. I’m confident you can find the best solution for everyone. You already have everything in hand.”
“Yes, I do. But I won’t have you.”
“And I won’t have you. But as king and queen, it is our duty to lead our people. Sometimes that will come with great sacrifice, but in the end, so much satisfaction and joy.”
Addison thought to voice the fear she held about Tyler heading back into the lion’s den. But that would not help her king do what he must. So she held her tongue and smiled confidently at him instead. Her mate would be at his best if he knew he could count on her.
Tyler leaned down and stole a light kiss. And before she could kiss him back or form words, he turned on his heel to return to the castle. She wondered if it was because tears filled his eyes like they did hers.
Addison watched her brave shifter stalk off into the deep pines. When he was out of sight, she stepped out the cottage door, clapped her hands, and, with a confident voice, called out to her fold, playing in the yard.
“Okay, my little ones, chop-chop. To eat, then to bed. We women have a lot to do.”
The four children cheered and ran inside for their place at the massive table. Their eyes were wide. Their mouths were watering. They had clearly never seen such a plentiful spread.
The women also sat down, with Addison at the table head. The women talked lively, ate, and drank well throughout the meal, but not their queen. Addison’s stomach was already too full with dread.
TEN
TYLER
Tyler arrived at the camp the rogue had told them about. Luckily, this wasn’t another rogue camp. Instead, it was more of an outpost for loners and wanderers. Not made up of the most savory crowd, they kept to themselves for the most part.
Rogues were also known to pass through here. Tyler left them alone as long as they kept to themselves and didn’t cause trouble. And those who lived there seemed to understand that arrangement.
Until now …
The alpha who ran the outpost sometimes shared information with him. Hopefully, he would have more answers about the rogues’ mysterious benefactors. And if he didn’t, Tyler was going to tear apart the outpost looking for some.
When he arrived, the alpha was already waiting outside for him. Hugh was a gruff-looking older man who had been alpha for a long time now. Tyler had a well-earned respect for the man as well. He never beat around the bush or tried anything underhanded.
“Your Majesty, what brings you to my outpost?” Hugh said by way of greeting, dipping his head.
Tyler didn’t bother with pleasantries. “I’ll cut right to the chase. A few villages have been attacked by a group of rogues. And then someone tried to kill my betrothed just a few days ago. I managed to wrangle some information from one of the rogues, and he said they were hired by someone from here.”
Hugh’s features darkened. “I’d heard about the attacks on the villages. We’ve even had a few refugees pass through here. Can’t say I know much about those, but the attack on your betrothed, on the other hand, I might know something about that.”
Tyler’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “What do you know?”
The other alpha raised a hand defensively, though his voice remained calm. “I don’t know who specifically attacked her the other day. But I wouldn’t expect it to be the last one.”
Was that a threat? No, Hugh was smarter than to threaten him openly. And he’d never portrayed any desire to grab power further than his outpost.
“I’ve heard rumors circulating about a high bounty for a royal,” Hugh continued. “Naturally, I had my people look into it. It turns out that there’s quite a high amount on the head of your Addison.”
His blood froze in his veins. Someone had put a bounty on his soon-to-be wife … on his mate. Anger boiled inside him at the thought. An almost unconscious growl escaped him.
“Who?” he all but snarled.
Hugh shook his head. “I don’t know. All I know is that the word has been well spread. It might not even have originated here. I do know that every rogue and loner is going to be looking for a way to get to Addison and collect that bounty.”
Tyler snarled. “They won’t collect anything if I get my hands on them first.”
