PLEASE NOTE: This chapter has themes of abuse and violence against women. These issues may be traumatic to some readers.
I begin to wish I had Ward's senses as we exit the gates. Ward shoves at me with his huge furry head and I let my fingers slide down his face. He looks like he's trying to communicate with me as he closes his eyes and places his forehead against mine, and maybe if I let myself, I understand a little of it before he turns and lopes off into the trees.
“I'm sorry, my Queen, that we cannot accompany you more forthrightly, but know that we will be nearby. Remember your signal.” Reginald pulls my red hood up around my face and wraps my cloak more securely around my shoulders.
“Heaven's sake Reginald, stop fussing like a mother hen!” I gripe, then grab him in a desperate hu
