Wolf-Shifter

Dancing among the Stars part 12

A/N: This chapter mentions Namid's surname: Kai. It was given to her the day she became the Alphess' heir, when she was born. And in this chapter, Salem is still 17.

The next afternoon, Sheila nodded as Namid turned to the mirror. "A princess, soon to be a queen." The boa smiled as Namid gasped, staring into the mirror.

Her elegant gown was a deep forest-green with fine, silver embroidery of leaves down the sleeves which stopped at mid-arm to give way to flowing silk. The bodice of the gown was a crisscrossed design of silver and green; it clung to her chest and stomach. The skirt of the gown was a dark green, like the sleeves, and moved like silk under her hand. "It's beautiful," she gasped, "How can I ever repay you?"

"I need no repaying, just step outside." Sheila took her arm and led her outside to the rest of the group, who held items in their hands. Branwyn held a circlet of silver and, as Namid bowed, she placed it upon her head. "A circlet for a queen." Branwyn whispered.

Ginger held out a small pouch of powder, "It's a mix of honeysuckle, lavender and lilac. Use it to calm yourself when stressed. I made it myself." She put it in Namid's pack.

Elita and Alida gave her a golden brooch with the carvings of two sparrows, "We won't forget you, Namid." Elita replied, fastening it to her gown.

"Gods bless you, Namid." Alida replied, curtsying slightly as Namid chuckled, "I am not yet a true queen, so you will rise." Namid took Alida's elbow and helped her from the curtsy.

Yrel smiled and held out his hand, "May your Ylva and my Alasdair bless you." He handed her a bag that jingled as she took it. "Coins." The crow explained.

Namid turned as Senka handed her a dagger and sheath, "Ever you need it, use it. It's the best of my weaponry." He slipped it into the sheath and hugged her tight, "We'll miss you, princess."

Walking over to Ralon she met his eyes with her own, "I take it you wish us to remain as is?"

He nodded, "Wolves are savages and deserve to live so."

"I'm a wolf and your people are willing to accept me." She pointed out. "There are differences in culture, yes, but there are similarities in people too."

"Get out of my sight…" Ralon growled.

"As you wish." Namid nodded briskly and walked over to Rakab and Bialas who stood clad in silver chain mail and carrying spears. They walked into the bustling market and were not surprised when people— nobles and commoners alike, moved out of the way to let them pass. Murmurs rose from the crowds but Namid walked on, head held high until she reached the gates.

"I am Namid Kai, Princess of the Lupine tribe and an important guest. The Tuuli Thea and Diente are expecting me." She explained to a guard.

Behind her she heard Bialas stifle a gasp and she studied the man closely. He had sharp green eyes and the same stark white hair as the white viper behind her. She took a breath and asked him, for Bialas' sake, "What is your name and station, sir, if I may be so bold."

The man studied her a moment before replying, "Ailbhe, Head of the Royal Guard. Why do you ask, wolf?"

Namid beckoned Bialas to her side. "I ask for the sake of your son."

The guard looked taken aback and stared at Bialas for a moment, "Are you trying to trick me?"

"No." Namid shook her head.

Ailbhe turned back to his son, "What is your name?"

Bialas seemed to hesitate under the sharp green stare but finally answered, "Bialas, sir, son of the late Riana—" but Ailbhe cut him off.

"Riana was your mother?" as Bialas nodded, Ailbhe's expression softened, "She's been dead for fourteen years, yet she was found dead with a son by her side. The midwives were dead, save one…" Ailbhe held out a hand, "Welcome back."

Bialas shook his father's hand and the guard let them pass into a great hall where a crow led them to a sitting room. A woman, presumably the hawk queen, quickly addressed the crow by the name of 'Rei' and told him to wait outside; they would be out shortly.

As Rei left, Namid, Bialas and Rakab walked to the table where the Diente and Tuuli Thea and their heir sat. Three others sat around a table and nodded to the royals as Namid and her escorts sat down.

The Tuuli Thea began, "We know you have traveled far, Kai, so we'll be brief." Namid noticed the woman's kind golden eyes and smiled slightly.

The Diente nodded, garnet eyes soft. "My sister, Irene, and her pair-bond, Galen have agreed to form an alliance with the Lupine by way of marriage."

Irene smiled at the young man by her left side and he stood, as did Namid, who was captivated by the same garnet eyes as the Diente. His voice was deep when he spoke, "Salem Cobriana." He said, taking her hand and kissing it as she curtsied deeply, "Namid Kai." She whispered.

She was also introduced to Oliza Shardae Cobriana, the Diente Zane Cobriana and his mate, Danica Shardae.

The rest of the afternoon and evening went by quickly and soon Namid found herself in her bedchambers, on the balcony, staring out at the starlit sky.

She looked up at the dark sky, and smiled grimly at the full moon. "Oh Ylva, don't make me change my ways for him…the last thing I need is to shed my beloved culture." She glanced back inside her room, to the closed door where Rakab and Bialas stood guard outside. "I've already lost my lover…" she watched as a tear fell down her cheek and to the white marble of the balcony.

"This is my cage." She sighed, "I have come here, and only to be bound in chains…the chains of allegiance." "But I must put my people before my heart."