Mariael’s expression did not waver, though inside she felt as turbulent as the winds in a blizzard. She knew what Maziel would do, looking at this stallion whose grief left him raw and exposed, but Mariael couldn’t bring herself to gentle. It would be polite of her to offer the shelter of the Bay and leave the stallion to his grief alone, if that was what he wished, but the longer she looked him over the more she considered a very different option.
He was strong-built in spite his current emotional state. She could see a figure built to last in Tinuvel’s weather and who could help keep the Bay safe if the time called for it. Mariael remembered the faint echo of a wolf howl and her father looking at her with urgency in his gold eyes. Keep Maziel and Zevulun safe. I’ll be right back.
No one. That was the answer the black stallion gave her and Mariael looked at him with renewed interest. Her eyes narrowed as she studied him, debating with herself whether or not she would capitalize on his moment of plight for her gain. When it came to ensuring the safety of the Bay, it was no consequence to her. Mariael knew without a doubt this would be good for her family and for the Bay, no matter how insensitive it came across.
Her chin was still lifted high and here, blocked by the trees, the wind barely stirred her pale hair. “I am Mariael, Queen of the Bay, which you’ve wandered into.” Not that he particularly cared in this moment, but it was setting up her importance for what was to come. “You’ll remain here now in the Bay as one of its members. You’ll be no one no more.” Perhaps his sorrow came from a loss of home, she thought, and in a way she was doing him some favor by telling him he would be staying here.
Again she was struck with the knowledge she should gentle and ask him if he was okay, or even wonder after what he grieved for, but she steeled herself against the thought with firm determination.
|
