Shalador's Lady

don’t understand.”
    She handed him the note.
    His expression turned grim. “I didn’t think Theran was really that much of a fool.” Then he sighed. “The First Circle is out and about on the court’s business, so there’s nothing to do about this bit of information until evening when everyone has returned and Talon can join us. We can discuss it then.”
    What was there to discuss? In another two months, she wouldn’t have a court. Just like the last time.
    Her stomach rolled. Her skin turned clammy.
    Was that why the men had relaxed? Had they been promised a place in Kermilla’s court and had the assurance that their own status wouldn’t change? Come to think of it, her former court also had been more relaxed and considerate in the weeks before they’d all walked away from her.
    “Lady?” Powell reached for her. “What’s wrong?”
    How could he not know what was wrong?
    She pulled away from him before he could touch her. “I’m not feeling well.”
    He studied her, and she saw nothing in his eyes except concern. “You’ve been working steadily all morning,” he finally said. “Why don’t you rest for a while?”
    She pushed away from the desk. She had to get away from him before she got sick. “I’ll do that. I’ll go up to my room and rest for a while. Please ask Reyhana to open the invitations and review the calendar. It will be good practice for her.” She hesitated, then added, “I don’t want to be disturbed.”
    “Shall I have Birdie or Frannie bring up a tray? Or ask Lady Shira to make up a healing brew?”
    She shook her head. “I’m not hungry, and there’s no need to bother Shira about this.” What ailed her was something the Black Widow Healer couldn’t fix.
    She left her office, aware that Powell followed her to the door and watched her.
    Vae followed her all the way up to her room.
    “I want to be alone, Vae.”
    *No. You are upset, and your smells are strange.*
    “Leave me alone.”
    *No.* Vae jumped up on Cassidy’s bed and growled a warning.
    Cassidy studied the Sceltie’s Purple Dusk Jewel. Outranked and out-toothed.
    *Why are you upset?*
    It bubbled out, hot and bitter. “I’m going to lose this court. I’ve given the best that I have, but in two months, I’ll be replaced by another Queen.” Again.
    *You are being foolish.*
    “No, I’m not. Kermilla took my court before. She’ll do it again.”
    Vae’s shock hit her as hard as a blow.
    *You will not defend your males? You will not defend the other humans who belong to you?*
    “Vae . . .”
    Vae snarled. *When a Sceltie is given a flock to protect, she protects it. When a bad dog tries to take her flock, a Sceltie doesn’t tuck her tail between her legs and run away whining. A Sceltie fights. ”
    “Well, I’m not a Sceltie!”
    *No, you are only human, but you are a Queen. You have shown your teeth before. Why won’t you show them now and drive the bad Queen away? Your males would fight for you. Why won’t you fight for them?*
    “I would fight for them, with my last breath and beyond,” Cassidy shouted. “But they don’t . . .”
    She stopped. Closed her eyes. Thought about Powell’s reaction to Kermilla’s letter.
    Almost dismissive. A potential problem the men had been aware of, so it hadn’t come as a surprise, but it was nothing important enough to summon the court immediately.
    Kermilla’s words felt like a knife twisting in her gut, but Vae’s words hurt more. Was she giving up on this court because her former court had walked away? Was she giving up without even asking what her First Circle wanted? Was she running away, whining, instead of fighting for what belonged to her?
    Would a Sceltie give up her flock to another dog when she knew the dog would hurt what she’d promised to protect?
    “Do Scelties ever get scared?”
    *We get scared. But we still fight.*
    Which are you going to be, Cassidy? A coward or a Queen?
    Sighing, she kicked off her shoes and approached the bed. “Move over, Vae. I really don’t feel well right now. I need to rest for a bit.”
    When Vae shifted, Cassidy lay down on top of the covers and closed her eyes.
    *Cassie? What will you tell your males?*
    “I don’t know. I’m confused.”
    Vae settled beside her, warming her back. *That is foolish. This is not confusing. They are yours, and you will fight for them so they will not be forced to serve the bad Queen.*
    Cassidy closed her eyes. Could it be that simple?

    Gray stamped the snow off his