The Queen's Slave (Book 1)

"But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur."

-Revelation 19:20

"This is where you'll be staying," Xavier indicated as he pushed open the rickety door. "Until Elizabeth gets back anyway." I took in the small room warily, it wasn't much bigger than a broom closet, with a small cot, a nightstand, and a lamp. But the mattress looked fluffy enough and there was plenty of blankets. On the bed was a pile of clothing, and a pair of worn-looking boots. After Elizabeth had left, Xavier had given me a run-down of the barn and a small tour as well. I stayed a good distance away from the horses, feeling the collar heat with warning as my wolf rose.

"I know it's not much." He rubbed his neck. "But it'll do." He glanced down at me, a frown on his face as his cheeks reddened. "Well, ya better get changed. Emmaline brought my some of her old clothes for you to wear. I'm going to have you saddle Mercury for Elizabeth as your first assignment."

I raised a brow. "Is there a trick question in there somewhere? Because I know how to saddle a horse."

I flinched, expecting a hard slap to follow with my uncharacteristic response. But to my surprise he threw his head back and laughed. "Girl, your candor is refreshing. I have no doubt that you know how to saddle a horse suited for simple riding. But these horses are much much bigger than pleasure riding horses. Plus, I doubt you've ever had to saddle one while it strips the flesh from your bones."

I swallowed hard. Right, demon horses. He winked at my silence. "Just what I thought. Meet me in the alleyway in five minutes."

I stood there for a moment after he shut the door, my mind reeling from both our carefree conversation and the fact that he was treating me like an equal. I wasn't sure how to process it. As a slave I was the lowest of the low, as a wolf, I was at the top of most wanted slaves.

Grabbing the clothes, I unfolded the grey bottoms, pleased to find that they are actually pants. Shivering in the damp air, I pulled on the underwear and then the pants. They were a little big, but I figured with some more food, assuming they fed me at all, I'd grow into them. The white long-sleeved blouse and bra were the same, though a little tighter in the chest area.

I laced up the boots quickly, feeling like I'd been in the small room for hours. I ran my hand through my hair, wincing at the snags. I wish I had a strip of leather to bid it back with, but I suppose it would do. I'd been told many times before that my hair was my best quality. It was silvery-white and very thick, falling to my waist. Usually I braided it back but that was a bit challenging now.

I stood and pushed open the door, walking quickly towards the isle-way. My steps slowed as her voice was heard. The soft sounds of her accent called to me, arose the beast in me. Clenching my teeth against the pain as the collar constricted my breathing, I forced myself to step into the barn alley.

My eyes went to hers immediately, before switching to the huge beast next to her. The animal's coat was sleek and shiny, muscles filled out his frame. A long black mane swayed as he turned his head, big black eyes catching mine. He snorted and pawed the ground with one big hoof.

"This is Mercury." Elizabeth spoke, placing her hand on the horse's neck. I tensed as his lips peeled back with the gnashing of his teeth. She didn't so much as blink at the horse's hostile behavior. "He is a Friesian stallion. Come, he won't hurt you."

I approached the animal warily, but my mind was on Elizabeth. She'd swapped out her suit for a pair of tight tan breeches and high boots, a black undershirt with a plaid scarf. A tan coat was draped over her arm.

I stilled as her fingers found mine, wrapping around my hand and directing it to the neck of the horse. I could barely focus at the feeling of her skin on mine, but I couldn't help the wonder that filled my body at the soft fur and muscles of this animal. I flicked my gaze up to hers, my face heating. "They are predators, like you or me. These animals are smart, and incredibly dangerous. But, I think you'll do just fine," she leaned around me to catch a glimpse of Xavier, who was cursing as he tried to carry a sturdy trail saddle, bridle, and pad all in his arms. "I hope so anyway." She chuckled.

I stiffened as her fingers caught a stray hair and swept it behind my ear, cupping my cheek in her hand. "I chose well." She whispered. My heart fluttered in my chest at the look of quiet approval in her eyes.

I wasn't sure why I was reacting this was towards her. Shouldn't I be afraid? Indifferent? Angry? Or was it all just a sick game? But all I could think about was her scent as it washed over me and the way her hip was touching mine. The trance was broken as Xavier dropped the tack at my feet.

"There you go. I'll hold him while you saddle. The best thing to keep an eye on are his ears and mouth. If his ears are back, the next step would be baring of the teeth. After that, you're missing an arm." I shivered as I remembered who's room I'd taken up residence in.

I nodded to show I understood, and reached down to grab a brush. Carnivore or not, all animals loved to be brushed. I smoothed the horse's coat back, ridding it of dirt and mud. Elizabeth's presence was soothing beside me.

Once I'd done that, I reached down to grab the saddle pad, keeping my movements slow so I didn't spook the horse. Xavier came forward to check my work, making sure I buckled the breast collar correctly and secured the cinch on the saddle. The horse stayed quiet the entire time, up until they went to put the bridle on.

"I will handle this part. Mercury hates the bridle and hardly ever takes the bit." I stood off to the side as he and Elizabeth wrestled the animal's huge head down, its teeth were bared, the sharp canines flashing in the light as he snarled and stomped. I realized then why Elizabeth favored these animals, they were one in the same.

All too fast, the bridle was on and Elizabeth was pulling her coat on and swinging her leg into the saddle. Her gloved hands flexed on the reins. "I will be back soon." She spoke to me. "I expect you to be fully trained by the time I am back."

Her leg muscles flexed as she kicked the horse forward. He gnashed at the bit but otherwise obeyed as they rode out of the stable without a backwards glance. My mind was a confusing mess of turmoil as I struggled to understand the feelings coursing within me.

Xavier's hand cupped my shoulder, rescuing me from the mess in my mind. "Very good, I think you'll take to the stables well. Come, I'm sure you're hungry. We will start you on your studies when you are finished."

Enjoy! 😊