No Longer Hidden {A Royal Wolves Story #3}

No Longer Hidden- Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

The chill ran over my skin as I looked out over the the tents that were scattered about. Some fully constricted and others that were still in the process of being put up. I hated what was about to happen in just a day.

My eyes landed on anyone in my sight. My gut twisting knowing that any one of them could be gone by the rise of tomorrow's moon. That any one of my brothers could be among them.

It was never something I wanted to know again. The death of someone loved. I already experienced it with my mother, father, and sister. Could I really deal with that kind of pain yet again? Already I could feel as if I couldn't.

But would they wanted their deaths to b meaningless?

No. I wouldn't let any one who is here now die for no reason. If everyone here was fighting for me to keep my crown, then I will not just roll over and play dead. Their deaths will mean something.

With a deep sigh, I turned away from my men and back into my own tent. Others wanted to put so much in here for my comfort, but I had refused them to keep them there. No furs over the chairs. No silk table clothes. All this was from the old days when that was the custom during war for the ruler. I was changing that.

All those fineries could stay within the truck Macy was getting them out of until after this war was over. She had frowned but Daemon had to remind her of what I was meaning in my decision. It was really for any of my soldiers who came in. So they knew that I could "rough it" with them. So they knew I was feeling what they were.

Another thing I told Macy was to make sure of was that I got as much food as anyone else. I always hated when I read how some leaders eat whatever they wanted when their people were starving. If I had it my way, and I did right now, that will not happen with me and my people. I'll even give up a meal if it meant that someone else could eat.

Max looked up from polishing his knife. I've grown to know him even more in these past few days. He rarely leaves my side. I think he's taking it upon himself to protect me like one of my personal guards. The only time he leaves is to talk with his men.

He set his knife back into it's holster. A frown on his face. "Don't."

I gave him a grin. Max was a man of few words except for the perfect ones. "I can't help it."

He shook his head and stood up. He placed his hand on my shoulder. "You're stronger than the rebels. Your heart is as pure as your wolf. Trust in yourself."

"I do trust in myself and my people. I just wish for there to be no blood spilled on the ground."

He nodded. "But you aren't calling for the blood, those who want it very badly who don't deserve to be wolf are. They are calling for innocent blood to be spoilt with their hunger for what isn't theirs."

I placed my hand on his and gave him a squeeze. "Did you ask them?"

Another nod. This one with a frown. "They hated that I asked them that."

"Have they given you an answer?"

His eyes narrowed and darkened. "They said no!"

I smiled. "Thank you for asking them for me."

Yesterday I had asked Max to talk to as many of my wolves as possible. I wanted to know if they would want me to give up my life if it meant that no blood was shed in this war. If by giving up my life, I saved all theirs.

"None want to go back the way it was. You give all hope for a peaceful future. We will all die for that future. They don't want to be asked again."