There are some loyalties that are more obvious such as an Empress protecting her Kingdom. Then there are others that are more subtle, hidden behind the dark curtains of stealth and mundane tasks. Whatever Iscariot had done to ensure that his homeland would be spared the wrath of a father that he wasn't even sure he liked, well, it was a credit to him, one that not even Aithne truly knew about. Honestly she could not fathom the mind of Covet for she had barely met the male. Yes, she was furious that he had been the one to attack Paldor, to have caused such harm to a male that was now of her own because what was the sense in it? There were wolves who enjoyed the sport of fighting simply because it made them feel big and good and powerful and she knew not if he was this type of creature but if he was then it was an alarming thing. Although Aithne could be quite indifferent at times she could just as easily be a defender of those weak (even if they should know how to take care of themselves).

Above all she had learned that pack was the key to everything. It had not been so when she had first arrived, her temper barely leashed so that she would snarl at even her Alpha when he moved too close. The way they had played an intricate game of who would falter first - even her head to head with Malikye upon her arrival, facing down a frothing beast with her own firm belief. Aithne was a strong figure, if one that was an enigma for she was not as well known in Molodian as many of the others. It was a tactical move on her part as well as a personal one. She had never been one to try and befriend and entire realm and it had taken much time for her to become aware, intimately, with the wolves of Iromar as she had moved up the ranks beneath Andras.

Besides, wasn't mystery a good thing? The less others knew about her the better chance she had to surprise them. If they underestimated her then it would be to their detriment. Many expected a slender waif, perhaps, when they visited Iromar only to find a buxom Aithne with a thick body all around, built in the manner of some fighting dogs with a jaw that was wider than most and could lock in an instant.

Iscariot seems surprised by her words, almost moved, and she watches him with a resolute focus so that her look may impart the importance of her words. Aithne did not rule a pack so that they might simply work for her, she crafted them and she was ONE of them. Their loyalty must also be returned. Her face is contemplative at his words, measuring and weighing them and what Covet might do. "I see no reason that he would move against me for I have given him none. Neither have you, unless he deems your blood more important then your pack. Whatever may happen so long as Iromar is your home, you may come to me with any concerns and I will do what I can. For now, do not fash yourself, all will be well. I must attend to my borders, now. You will come to me if you have more information, yes?" She waits a beat for him to agree before she stands, offering him a smile that is conspiratorial before nodding and loping off. Now that she knew all this it was best to up her markers and be ever vigilant.

Six - Empress of Iromar - fated for Praetor

aithne