“I hate public speaking.” I gripe. Ward tugs me into a fierce hug.
“Queen's duty and all that.” He taunts by my ear. I push at him, but he doesn't budge. Resigning myself to being hugged, I relax.
“Jerk.” I grumble. He chuckles, then breaks free, pulling the door open and slipping outside, me right on his heels. He waits for Tyrus to take a few more steps, since Tyrus' back is to us, and then clears his throat. Tyrus jumps and I stifle a chuckle, trying to keep a straight face.
“Ah, my Queen. The people await your address.” Tyrus offers, patting his chest a couple of times. “And I await a new heart. Damn that was sneaky. Is that just a Shifter thing or can you teach me how to move that silently?” Tyrus happily chatters at Ward, who drags a very reluctant me along behind him. Despite the
