Gaping, Ryper approached her. “It’s true.”
Dash nodded. “Where has she been all this time?”
Xaydin stroked her mane.I’m with you, my love. If anyone moves to harm you, I will kill them.
She took comfort and strength from his presence and words. “I’m Queen Meara’s daughter.”
Gisela expected them to attack her. To order her execution. She expected hatred and ridicule.
Instead, Dash buried his hand in her mane. “You must be terrified. I can feel you shaking.”
“Her heart’s pounding,” Ryper added.
Dash pressed his forehead to hers, just below her horn. “Welcome home, sister.”
To her shock, Ryper pushed Dash away so that he could do the same. “We’re glad you’re here.”
Tears racked her so hard that she accidentally turned human.
Xaydin covered her with his cloak and helped her stand. “It’s all right, love. Your brothers aren’t Meara. They don’t attack without threat.”
She saw that now, and it angered her that she’d listened to her mother’s lies for so long. That she’d allowed her mother’s poison to consume her life and scare her into submission.
They weren’t the enemies Meara had claimed.
They were the family she’d always wanted.
“Thank you,” she breathed.
Dash stepped back and held his hand out for his queen to join them. “Tanis, we have a sister.”
Queen Tanis smiled brightly. “About time. I’m tired of being the only female here. Not that they aren’t wonderful. They are, but I need someone to shop with who knows something about fashion.”
Gisela laughed, then embraced her. “Thank you. But I’m afraid I know very little.”
Her smile turned even brighter. “Then I’ll teach you. I’m still learning about it myself.”
Frowning, Ryper took her hand and looked at her palm.
Gisela had no idea what he was doing until he spoke. “You’re a warrior.”
“She was the Ryper in Meara’s court. But her mother has turned on her and sent assassins after her.”
Tanis winced at Xaydin’s words. “I know your nightmare, Gisela. In my case, it was my sisters out to end my life after they killed my brother. I’m sorry for the pain I know you’re in. Nothing hurts more than being pursued by the ones you love.”
Gisela brushed her tears away. “Thank you, Majesty.”
“Tanis,” she corrected.
She smiled in spite of the pain. “Thank you for proving Xaydin right.”
Dash signaled his steward. “Have Renata’s chambers prepared for Gisela.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” He left immediately.
Gisela arched a brow. Everyone knew that the High King had worshiped his sister who’d been murdered by enemies. “Are you sure about that?”
“She would insist upon it if she were still here.”
