Steel Wolf

Explanations

With the death of Mynletta, the illusion spell around the tower grounds reactivated itself, again turning the occupied area into a seeming jumble of rubble. The animals, curiously, were the only beings capable of seeing it; some of the males even marking the corners with their territorial scent. With the illusion spell in place, the guards on the tower could see without being seen.

The greatroom was occupied by many of the guards, playing games or quietly talking. In front of the fireplace sat the officers and princess, having an informal discussion.

"Your Highness," said Imelda, "I'm slightly confused. Pardon my saying so, Ma'am, but your explanation of the trail of leather wasn't quite clear. I beg Your Highness' indulgence to answer a few questions?"

Serenna, her legs folded beneath her as she sat comfortably on the sofa next to Tanaya, started to reply but was cut off by the commander's stern, smoky voice.

"Lieutenant Lauran," Tanaya intoned severely, her beautiful face hard, "it's not your place to question the Princess' motives." She grinned widely and said with a wink, "It's mine."

"Apologies, Commander," Imelda giggled, raising her mug of ale in acquiescence. Tanaya hugged Serenna.

"To be honest, Highness, I think I know what Imelda wants to ask and admit that I've had the same questions."

"I'll answer any questions you have." Serenna straightened, her body language indicating that she was more receptive.

"You said that the red leather would be used to mark your trail in the event of a getaway. You wanted to get caught?"

"I wanted them wiped out. Back at the castle, when my father formed the new regiment, the number of King's Guard sword hands was instantly reduced, although all of those hands were still in one place. When you said that we were headed for Ouranos Village, the numbers were reduced by almost one fifth. I almost asked to remain, but the situation was so dire..." She dropped her gaze to her hands. "Our forces were split, so I needed some way to split their forces..."

"And, you knew that you'd be protected by a group of badasses, no matter what they were called," Rance finished her sentence, then took a bite of a turkey leg.

"Yes. King's Guard, Royal Guard; you all went through the same training and I felt confident that you could handle any situation."

"So," said Tanaya, her gorgeous blue eyes peering into Serenna's soul, "you used us as bait. Naughty, naughty, Your Highness."

Serenna slid off the sofa, all conversation stopping as every head turned to watch the Princess kneel before a guard. She looked up at Tanaya from her position on the floor.

"Royal Guard Commander Tanaya Paulsdottir," the royal said, using the formal form of address, her voice filled with emotion, "I have done you and your command a great disservice. I swear upon the royal seal of this kingdom that, never again will I keep secrets from you and those you are charged with lea--"

She eeped as Tanaya jerked her up from her spot, bent her over a giant knee and spanked her. Serenna thrashed and yowled as her bottom was blistered by Tanaya's strong arm, the rest in the room watching in shock. When she was finished, Tanaya righted the woman/girl and set her firmly on the sofa. The royal buns were very warm, indeed.

"What the fuck was that for?!?!" screamed the princess.

"That was for seeming to grovel and beg forgiveness from someone far beneath your station, Highness," Tanaya grumbled. "You are royalty, Madame. It is neither your place nor your station to beseech anything of us. An oath of the magnitude you were about to swear should never be made to a mere guard...Princess."