A.N.D. - Wolf Woods

Warren and Virginia really ought to get a servant, Littlebit thought wearily as she ransacked the kitchen to make a snack suitable for their royal visitor. Preferably two. The king had to be given refreshments, which meant that Lord Anthony also had to be offered something, and the royal coachmen waiting outside should be given drinks, and then if Lord Anthony was staying, the bed in the guest room had to be made up and then it would be time to make dinner. Now that the baby was literally out of her system, Virginia’s human eating patterns were reasserting themselves, so dinner had to be more involved than just grabbing a rabbit out of the hutch, bonking it on the head, and handing it over... not that that had ever been appropriate for Virginia. Warren was much easier to feed. Especially since he could catch his own rabbits.

There was no kitchen garden to provide herbs or vegetables; the happy couple still hadn’t decided which side of the magic mirror they’d eventually settle down on, so they hadn’t planted anything. Everything leafy came from the human/halfling market. Money wasn’t a problem-anything Warren or Virginia wanted was promptly given to them-but it did mean that someone had to run down there with a shopping list. Yet another errand! And she was hardly treated with breathless respect when she was running around, even if everyone knew who she was running for.

Littlebit rolled up her sleeves before fetching the pitchers of lemonade out of the cold cellar, grimacing at the fading bruises that were exposed. Just yesterday, she’d been bullied out of line by the highest runner-up in another family pack, so his Wolf got to eat the last fresh fish of the day instead of hers.

Good, there would be just enough lemonade for all their guests. Sighing in relief, she climbed out of the cellar with a pitcher in each hand-only to squeak as she almost walked into the king.

Wendell hastily pasted a charming and hopefully innocent smile on his face. There were little bruises and red marks all over her arms, and he could guess why. He’d seen the way the wolves at his and Anthony’s castle settled the pecking order when they didn’t realize humans were looking. At first he’d been horrified at the brutality. Later, while sharing a not-very-nice laugh with Rupert about the provincial airs of a new councilor from an outlying town, he realized that he was no better. He just didn’t shove, nip, or pinch people. At first he tried to consider that civilized, then was ashamed to realize that at least the losing wolves knew exactly where they stood-unlike his new advisor, who had no idea his liege was totally two-faced.

He’d settled his conscience with a private dinner and discussion with the country bumpkin but that would not protect his embroideress-and despite her reluctance to work for him full-time, he did think of Elizabeth as his staff. He knew that Wolf and Virginia wouldn’t stand for anyone hurting Elizabeth, but they were obviously too busy with the baby.

On the other hand, he himself was the only one with the power of royal decree... hmmmm!

“Oh, please, don’t stand on ceremony-if I’m the namesake, then I’m family too,” Wendell said pleasantly to her as she tried to dip a curtsey without bathing him in lemonade. “I don’t want to disturb them too much, though. I’m afraid I’m not that good with babies,” he told her conspiratorially. “How about you pour us each a glass of that lovely stuff, leave a pitcher out for my driver, and show me around New Sanctuary?”

Having seen the grandeur of royal palaces, Littlebit knew full well that Wendell was being polite at best as he applauded the pleasures of the growing town. He pronounced the grid street pattern “very sensible,” admired the running water systems designed by Lord Anthony, claimed to be charmed over the clipped lawns and benches of the town square, and expressed delight at his pint of Wolf Snout Stout at the Silver Moon Pub (which was so new that the paint on the sign was still wet.) The only truly honest reaction was his fascination with the doors and latches designed to be opened by hand, jaw, or paw.

Everything he said and did befitted his role as a former Prince Charming. But every now and then she would notice a flash of shrewdness in his open, guileless expression. He paid very close attention to the road through the woods to Snow White’s Cottage. He also paid very close attention to whatever she said. It was unnerving to be the one that a king deferred to, but then Littlebit got a good look at the wolves who followed them raptly. They weren’t missing the message at all-she was someone important to the king, and the king was important to New Sanctuary. Just as Warren won his dominance battle using human strategy instead of wolf strength, she was gaining rank among the wolves through her status to a ranking human. Buoyed by his regard, she found herself walking with more confidence, and was rewarded with a nod from the Great One himself!

A good portion of the town followed them back to the gates outside the house, waiting patiently as Wendell went back in to say goodbye. Littlebit stayed outside, admiring the ornate coach and the new respect in the townfolk’s eyes. Soon, Wendell came back out and beckoned her over.

“I hope that your new duties will not prevent you from still doing some work for me?”

“I am more than willing to do what I can, Sire,” she replied demurely. If the price of rank was more work, bring it on! She’d rather lose sleep than status.

“Good. I’m glad to hear it.” The king paused. “Is there anything you would like? I owe much to Wolf and Virginia, and will be sending them things along with a baby present. Is there anything you would like for yourself?”

There were a few gasps and a lot of muttering. The one who had pinched her yesterday hung his head in shame and Littlebit looked down her nose at him. The bite was on the other haunch now! He was nobody to the king while she had her choice of royal gifts!

One voice rang out clearly. “Tell him to leave you alone!”

Littlebit glared at the speaker, a big, rough, uncouth human she had never seen before. As if she would give up the only thing that gave her consequence! Turning her shoulder on him with a toss of her head, she curtsied as prettily as she could to Wendell. “I would like a packet of gold needles, your Majesty. They are much smoother than steel ones.” There, that was a good choice-something that would impress the neighbors and be nice to own, but not make it seem as if she was not eager to do his sewing.

“No! No, don’t ask for that you stupid bi-”

Wendell cut the man off. “You shall have the best in the Kingdom. In all the Nine Kingdoms! Thanks to Lord Anthony, the dwarves will once more trade with me. Dwarf-made golden needles for my seamstress!”

The crowd applauded politely as Wendell got into his carriage and drove off-all but the uncouth man. “Dirty animal! Dumb wolf!” he kept insisting. The rest of the onlookers dispersed-they might have stopped hazing her themselves, but that didn’t mean that they would help her fight her dominance battles either.

The man pushed his way to stand between her and the gate. “Dumb bitch!” he shouted, raising his hand. It was covered in blood! Was he the new butcher, or something more sinister? Littlebit squinched her eyes shut and waited, cringing for the blow to fall, as he continued to rant incoherently, “You should’ve... you’re supposed to... you nasty animal, stupid bitch, too stupid to even... I ought to...”

“You ought to leave her alone or I’ll bite you so full of holes that they’ll use your skin as a sieve!” Wolf snarled from an open window, which he shut with a bang.

As the front door slammed open, Littlebit peeked. The man had disappeared. She didn’t even hear his footsteps. But as she ran eagerly thought the gate, a cold, damp, uncomfortable wind rushed past her and was gone.