The Rebel Queen

4

I walk up the long breakfast table and pluck an apple from the gathering, nodding to the wives are carefully preparing the communal morning meal. I take a bite of the fruit and listen as footsteps walk up beside me. I glance at the man and chuckle.

"Last night's bedmate should work on her weaving," I say, noting the mess of a braid holding his hair back. Gale rolls his eyes and looks at me.

"The great queen lives," He says. "Relatively unscathed, eh Catnip."

"Yes, for the most part," I say, "Though I feel like horseshit and will be plucking shrapnel from my limbs for a week. What of you, General?" 

"I was able to round up 20 or so good men from the raid, strong and willing to fight for you," He says. "And yes, maybe a girl or two that were grateful for their savior."

"How splendid," I say sarcastically. "Let's hope they aren't squeamish about meat. We've added more mouths to feed and I can't spare the strong to worry about being nursemaids and butchers." 

"Are you not the biggest hypocrite?" He asks and I look at him, picking up a mug of goat's milk and walking past him. "Was that a snowflake I saw riding into camp with you at nightfall, his hand upon your hip?" I take a sip and chuckle, not even bothering to look at him.

"That reminds me, I should check on Duke of Meadows, see how he is faring," I say. "Darius saw to him, but I would like to see that he has not gone lame." Gale runs ahead and stops in front of me.

"Why have you brought a mechant here, Katniss?" He asks and I look at him. "They are loyal to the capital." I shrug and take another bite of my apple.

"I assure you, this one is not," I say. 

"What is he to you?" Gale asks and I walk around him again, towards where the horses are tied.

"What business is it of yours to question the company I keep,"  I say.

"I am your council, Catnip," He says and I roll my eyes as I walk up to Duke and hand him my apple core. "Part of it at least."

"You speaking to me as council?" I say and he nods, making me laugh as I brush my hand down the side of my horse. "Then you will address me as though you are giving your Queen counsel and not reprimanding one of your whores, General." He straightens, taking a step back.

"Sorry, Milady," He says. "But you must think of your reputation, inviting a man to your bed, especially one not of our people." 

"I don't care for the women you take to your bed," I say looking over at him and placing my mug against my chest, dramatically. "But I don't judge."  Gale sighs and I turn to look at him. "Is this because you wish I would take you to my bed, Hawthorne?" 

"We were close once," He says and I walk up to him, poking him in the chest. "You are of age and I'd make a good husband." I laugh and walk to the other side of my horse and continue to check for wounds. 

"Yes, and how many mistresses would you have as a good husband?" I say. "Face it, General. You are not ready to settle down and be a husband. You only want what my title would bring."

"Our sons would rule the world," he says and I laugh.

"My point exactly," I say. Gale sighs and crosses his arms. He looks at me a moment crossing his arms. "That settled, ask your questions, Gale."

"Why did you bring the snowflake?" He asks and I laugh.

"Because he was there," I say. "He saved my life, got me to Duke and off the battlefield." I walk over to him. 

"Have I not saved you, Milady?" He says and I roll my eyes, "That never gained me access to your bed."

"I gave him a place to rest with a fire between us," I say. "It isn't as though I spread my legs for him." I walk past Gale and set my empty mug on a barrel.