Tribal Queen Book 1

Chapter 12

Reyn sat in a comfortable chair in front of the fireplace in her room. She watched the flames flicker and enjoyed the relaxing sound of the crackling wood. She was unable to sleep because her nerves about the upcoming bonding ceremony haunted her dreams. She was not concerned about Hunter or her growing feelings for him. But she was worried about the members of her court accepting him. Also, her new council would hold its first official meeting tomorrow to discuss the celebration.

It was time to inform them that she was not looking for any new bed partners... only a council of her own choosing. If they wished to make their villages proud, then they would need to work to impress her. She would be sending reports back to the tribe representatives over their first year on the council to inform them how happy or upset she was. They would have five to six months to get used to their new positions before she left on another trip through the realm. The council would be responsible for the day-to-day while she was not in the capital.

As the first wisps of light started over the mountains, she realized she had spent almost the whole night sitting in front of the fire. She slowly stood and rubbed her sore shoulder. She crawled into bed for at least a few hours of sleep. Hunter rolled over and reached for her. She laid her head on his chest and drifted off to sleep with him lightly rubbing her back.

A few hours later, she opened her eyes to discover she was alone in her bed. A serving girl knelt before the fire adding another piece of wood to it. When she looked over and saw Reyn was waking up, she ran to the side of the bed and bowed her head.

"Good morning, Your Grace."

"Good morning. Is breakfast ready?" Reyn asked her as she slipped from the covers. The girl blushed at the sight of her Queen with nothing on and held out a floor-length robe for Reyn.

"Yes, Your Grace. I will bring in a tray of food for you. Hunter... I mean His Grace went for a walk this morning. He left a little while ago. He said he would be back shortly."

Reyn nodded her head and went to sit at the small table in her room so she could eat her breakfast when the girl returned. Reyn enjoyed a quiet breakfast before going to find Zu to ask him about the Bonding ceremony preparations. Tonight was a full moon, so it would be perfect. Food, wine, firewood, and security need to be in place.

The hunters brought in the large game yesterday for the feast, and also plenty of firewood for the large bonfire that was required. Part of the ceremony would be asking the Gods for their blessing. And this required a large fire to dance and chant around. Vai and Reyn could both perform the ritual needed to communicate with the Gods. And since this was a very important night, both of them would be performing it together.

Vai would also be responsible for the bonding ceremony itself. She was the realm's oldest and most knowledgeable healer. Vai taught Reyn everything she knows about healing and all the old rituals so they didn't die out with the next generation. Reyn wanted Vai to be part of the council, but Vai always said no.

Much to Reyn's surprise, Vai has now decided that she should sit on the council to ensure the old rituals didn't die with her. She needed to teach others before it was too late.

Meanwhile, in a clearing in the forest just outside of the capital city, stood Hunter and Willow. Willow was curious to see what exactly Hunter was looking to learn from her. The ceremony was tonight, so perhaps he just needed her to walk him through what was expected of him.

Hunter looked around nervously. "Willow, do you know what I can do to ensure the Queen's happiness?"

Willow smiled, "Hunter, she is already extremely happy with you."

"But as King, I need to assist her in ruling over the people. And in giving the realm an heir."

Willow was amazed at how well he was able to express his wants, needs, and fears. She remembers how limited his communication was when they first freed him. "I am not sure what you need me to do for you."

Hunter reached for her hands, "I would like you to show me more skills. For pleasing her."

Willow finally realized what it was he was asking her for. Her eyes went wide, "Hunter, you know we can't do anything as we did before."

He squeezed her hands, "Why?"

"Because you need to be faithful to her."

"I don't love you. I love her. This would be strictly for education. I just want her to be happy." Hunter said, a sad undertone to his words. He never wanted to be sent away from Reyn.

"I am sorry Hunter. I can't." Willow pulled her hands back from his and wished she could give in to her feelings for him. It was her turn to look around nervously. "Unless..."

He looked hopeful once again, "Unless...?"

Willow said softly, "Do you really need my help?