Chapter 15

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Emma's POV

"Up! Now!" The tone spoken is harsh, and I know it is my Queen who speaks. I don't understand why she is so angry, but I am out of bed at once. I owe her my life, and I will continue to honor this contract the best that I can.

Red is awake as well, eyes alert and body ready to take on the day. I don't feel as worn down today. In fact, I feel almost back to normal save for the extra burn in my muscles whenever I move them. Nothing I can't handle, thanks to my men who showed me how to use endurance and strength to survive. Our Queen looks elegant as ever—and darker too—with her dark purple and black gown that pushes up her breasts so they are what the eyes stray to first. Her makeup is dark and smoky, her lips stained a dark plum, and her hair is

piled in a neat bun on top of her head. She looks ravishing, and a warmth pools deep in my belly at the sight.

"Come." Regina turns on her heel and leaves us to follow. Red ushers me forward with a subtle nod of her head, and I realize this will become customary because of her place in the kingdom. Judging by her staying by my side for the past few days, she takes her role seriously and I feel a sense of security with her around me. As far as I can remember, she treated me well.

As we follow the Queen down the corridors, people glance our way nervously. I wonder why they are looking at us so—surely they know of the contract between Regina and I? It's not until I hear a low, warning growl behind me do I realize that they are staring at Red. She is a wolf—can they sense that?

Two guards open the doors ahead of us and stand aside as we pass through. Regina enters and conjures a throne, perching herself on top of it. Flaming torches coming to life along the walls, lighting up the gloomy room. She nods toward the impressive display of weapons, a smirk on her face.

"You will demonstrate to me your skills, wolf and prisoner." I wince at her blatancy.

Red approaches the wall first, grabbing a long sword and standing patiently for me to choose my weapon. I first go for the holsters, strapping them to my legs before choosing two small but deadly daggers (twisted in a circular shape to ensure certain death). Red raises her eyebrow at my choice, but I simply offer her a heated smirk. Regina hadn't said to choose just one. I grab a long sword similar to Red's and then step back, satisfied with my choices.

Red's palms twitch, and I know she wants to go back over and choose another weapon, but she won't. It would be seen as weakness to our Queen. Regina motions for us to come over and studies us both for a moment.

"Red, very brave choosing just one weapon. A good one, at that. I know your strength is your wolf, however, I wish to see another side of you. Your choices have impressed me." The Queen offers the woman a smile, to which she bows her head in humbled pride.

Regina then turns to me. I stand casually, knowing I look damn good in my black leather pants and matching leather jacket, holsters strapped to my body and sword lying across my back. She raises an eyebrow at my stance, fighting not to smile.

"I commend you on your preparedness with your choices. Anyone going up against you would most likely be on the losing team. However, you are wearing far too restricting of clothing." The Queen motions to Red, who I notice is wearing a soft white blouse underneath her cloak along with loose-fitting pants. I frown at the comment.

The Queen continues. "Also, you hold yourself far too lenient for a warrior. I understand you trying to sway me with your looks, however, I did not bring you here to woo me. I brought you here to fight. You put your life in danger and my staff was—and still is—ultimately caring for you. This is a punishment, not a beauty contest."

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