Selena's Chosen

Chapter 2

Salona took a carriage to the palace, meaning anyone else from her nation she was unlikely to see her unless they were upper-class. The palace was gorgeous by firelight, and they had done a great job strategically placing braziers and torches in lighting it up.

Salona exited the carriage at the foot of the palace stairs and accepted the hand of the foot man waiting for her.

"M'lady," He greeted, not meeting her eyes. The gravity of Salona's situation seemed to hit her all at once as she entered the palace event room. She, a lowly guard from the tip of the world, was surrounded by nobles and upperclass. All elite wolves, bears, and Sandcats, probably other shifters and beings as well, had gathered in this room.

Salona made her way into the room, watching the crowds around her and attempting to mimic the behavior of those around her. As she was trying to find a conversation to join, a familiar scent wafted to her, and she instinctively headed towards it.

"You're Magesty," She kneeled, hand over her heart, to the man before her, "Dame Salona Nakoyak, at your service." The King of Cenze, Raemulous, attended one Nations Gala every other month. Since the loss of the Queen, he had been desperately searching for a second chance mate.

"Dame Nakoyak," He relieved her.

Salona stood straight before seeing the young woman at his side and proceeding into another kneel.

"Your highness."

The young princess giggled before speaking, "Rise, Dame Nakoyak."

Salona rose once more and met the eyes of the recently come of age princess. Princess Kátya was the only child of the king and late queen and, as of this year, was 18 years of age.

She was fare, compared to Salona's dark skin. Salona was from a tribe far, far north of where the Cenze kingdoms borders ended, whereas the royal family resided nearer the southern border.

The princess had soft lovely features. Blonde hair pinned up in a bun with hair in a beaded lattice pattern over it, and makeup done up gently to accent her pale white irises.

Her gown was pastel blue covered in tulle, making her look like she was walking from within a cloud. It was hand painted with silver designs catching the light with every shift. It had a full hoop skirt that had Salona giving her silent sympathy. The top was slim and rose to be sleeveless and clasp behind her neck, leaving most of the back open, and be covered by the matching lace shawl she wore over her shoulders.

Salona was in awe at the shawl. Lace had only recently reached the northern most corner Salona was tucked away in, and Salona had fallen in love with the delicate pattern working. She had attempted to make it herself, but her fingers weren't nearly dexterous enough, and her job, though lucrative, wasn't quite enough to splurge on something as expensive as lace.

"So, how goes the expansion of our northernmost borders?" King Raemulous recaught Salonas attention, "It has been about a month since I've received your last debriefing."

Salona was very startled by this statement.

"Pardon my misunderstanding, but are my letters not going to Captain Harvey of the Outer Ranks?"

The king hailed down a waiter and passed glasses of wine to either woman with him.

"I'm sad to report that Captain Harvey has retired to the countryside. His position has yet to be filled, so I have taken over... with the help of my personal aides." He gave a chuckle.

'Still, your reports never leave me lacking. Thorough, not overly detailed, and to the point. However," He swirled his glass and gave salona a pointed look, "Your last report was.... odd. Unlike previous reports, there was no instruction on what your next movements would be."