The morning bells from the community hall rang five times.
Apart from the fluttering of birds disturbed by the chimes, the city was still; the hush of approaching dawn at the far recesses of their dreams.
But for Rose, the quiet provided some time for her to think as she looked out over her half-healed city. Barely even ready to fend for themselves, they would now have to host nearly the entire country for the lying-in-state would begin from noon that day.
While Rose had ordered as many guests rooms to be made available in the castle for the visiting royals, there was still the business of food, necessities and lodging for many of the Southern villagers who would be flocking to the city centre to pay their respects.
Just the thought of spending the afternoon planning for this mass exercise with her advisors made her want to throw up. Rushing away from her window, Rose headed down to the kitchen where she knew her source of comfort would be waiting for her on the table.
"Warm milk is good for you," said Anzer, stroking her cheek lightly as she took the glass from him. "Why are you up so early Rose?"
"I could say the same for you. You know you're a guest here and not my personal cook right?"
The Noble simply smiled as he took her glass away.
"Come and sit here," he gestured to the edge of the table. "I was going to offer pancakes but you look like you need to talk."
The words spilled out much faster and easier than she thought – the meeting with the council of advisors, Lord Ulrich's proposal, her concerns about her people and of course the important decision she needed to make at the end of the two weeks.
Leaning against the table, Anzer turned to look at her with kind eyes that were neither judging nor sympathetic. And for that reason, Rose had sought him out –the same way a child cries out for its mother when the monsters under the bed starts crawling out.
"I won't tell you how or what to do Rose. But your life is your own and that human life should be lived as it is. Would it be so bad to be your own person without the need for someone to define who you are?" Warm hands patted her shoulder. "In time, I am sure the council will accept your rule unconditionally. I promise."
How could Anzer sound so sure when everything seemed so undecided for her?
With a sigh, she hopped off the table and gave him a fierce hug. "I'm really glad you're here Anzer. Would you consider staying here permanently? I know our ports aren't as beautiful as the Cove and I know it's not home, but..."
"I'm as close to family as you've got –in more ways than you think sweetheart." He patted her hair gently. "So I'll think about it."
***
Anzer watched as the young woman waltzed out of the kitchen and headed out – no doubt to begin her morning inspection of the wake. She really shouldn't be putting too much stress on her body for the child inside of her would surely pick up on his mother's distress.
He still didn't know why he hadn't talked to her about the baby yet – perhaps part of him was hopeful that Etienne would change his mind but following Zahara's letter, it seemed that arrogant twit had gone ahead and married their cousin.
Anzer didn't resent her for she had been very kind and possibly the most suitable person to handle the politics of the West. And now once more, she was demonstrating her gentle nature by warning him about the need to mask Rose's child as his own. Delegates from the West have just pledged their loyalty to their new Lord and knowledge of his Halfling child might cause discord amongst the other Pureblood clans. They would not be so loyal knowing that the next heir to the throne was not of a Pureblood status.
But even he knew that he could not put off the imprinting forever. Soon it would be too dangerous for Rose to be carrying an unclaimed Vampire child; the stronger nature of the baby will attempt to extinguish that of his mother's.
But would it be selfish of him to impose on her this extra burden of pregnancy when she already has so much on her mind?
Rubbing his temples, Anzer hoped to ward off the impending headache but it was pointless. Perhaps it was best to get it over and done with –before the chaos of the two weeks started.
Stepping out past the back doors, Anzer took in a deep breath of the morning dew and followed the soft scent of the princess down the herb garden and past the inner courtyard. He was almost to the outer premises when a warning scent of a very powerful Changeling stopped him in his tracks.
"It seems we're both headed the same way."
Whipping around, Anzer caught the curious eyes of a wolf Changeling as he stepped in front of him to block his advance. Unlike the red wolf variety he was used to, this Changeling towered over him, the gold and silver of his hair so striking he had to be of the East.
"My my. Does the Arceneaux blood know no boundaries? First Rose, now you?" the wolf smiled, shaking his head as he continued studying Anzer. "But this scent... so like that of your father?"
Anzer kept his face straight. It wasn't like his father kept his human mate a secret.
"That child of Rose – smells of you does it not?"
His silvery eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the Changeling. There was no need to correct this stranger. "That is none of your concerns. If there is nothing else, I have to go."
But the Changeling didn't budge. Instead, he stretched out his hands, blocking Anzer's path.
"No, there is one thing." The Changeling bowed from the waist – a sign of the highest respect. "I do not care what your relationship to the princess is but you share blood. And in my lands, that counts as family.
I have expressed my desire to be with Rose, in her position as my Queen. As her elder, I am asking for your permission to let me court her."
Anzer needed a fork right now – to poke his eyes out. He had been accosted by the Lord of the East himself and he didn't even know? So this was the wolf that had been smitten by Rose? Either that or he hoped to gain more land and power.
"Don't you already have enough women to satisfy you my Lord? Many of whom I recall are of Pureblood birth?"
The Changeling grinned – definitely unrepentant of his lust.
"But Rose would be the first and only human, if she wishes for it to stay that way."
Anzer had one eyebrow raised. True as the rumours come, the wolf Changelings indeed have no concept of mating and monogamy.
"The choice would be up to her my Lord. I cannot decide her heart."
His answer seemed to please the Changeling for he bowed once again before breaking into another smile.
"There is perhaps something you can decide now for her – the child."
"What of it?"
"Let me hold my scent over Rose and the child for this period of mourning – just long enough until she makes her decision." Before Anzer could protest, the wolf Lord held up his hand and continued. "Vampire scents are very tricky on the Changeling senses but I am sure they are not for your kind. I can't for example tell the difference between yours and Etienne's scent. Now wouldn't it be problematic if they find out that their precious Lord of the West has a Halfling child?"
Anzer knew he should say no, that he should go and imprint the baby once and for all. But... what if there was a chance that this could work in Rose's favour? Having another male's scent would drive any man up the wall but to have another Alpha male's scent on his mate – even Etienne could not forgive that.
