Free Winter's Dawn by Kele Moon

level. The king has to be healing if she came out of the coma.”
    “He says he still doesn’t feel well,” his father argued. “He’s in pain.”
    “He had a silver wound that should have killed him instantly.” Doctor Davis snorted in disbelief. “And his hands were exposed to silver long enough that he should have died a second time. The king being in pain is a good thing. It means he is still alive.”
    “How long will the silver keep him ill?”
    “He is caring for the queen again. That is a very good sign, but the other doctors and I will stay at the palace as long as you want,” Doctor Davis said, before he leaned forward and spoke to Susie. “How are you feeling, Your Highness?”
    “I’m hungry,” Susie whined.
    Max frowned and turned back to the doctor. “I am too.” He grimaced in pain when he realized just how hungry he was. “Can you get the queen some scones and tea? I want ham, eggs and toast. I’ll drink her tea.”
    Doctor Davis laughed. “I don’t know where to find that, Your Highness, but I am certain I can find someone who does.”
    “Yes, thank you,” Max said as he returned to his task of fixing Susie’s knotted hair.
    “They’re both going to be fine, Douglas,” Doctor Davis repeated. “I would not say that if I wasn’t certain.”
    “Nonetheless, I’d like you to stay,” his father said in a dark voice. “Losing our alpha pair would be devastating to our people. Most of the females in the palace offered up their hair to the Goddess to insure their well-being. Adam offered blood. I would have as well but—”
    “Can I be alone to fix her hair?” Max glared at his father.
    His father nodded and then ushered the doctor out the door.
    Max snorted when they left. “Glad we didn’t die and disappoint our people,” he whispered under his breath. “I hate him.”
    “He was sad you were sick,” Susie said, her head following the brush as she cringed. “Ouch, Maxwell.”
    “Sorry. He should have braided your hair when you fell asleep.”
    “He was crying.” Susie’s head was still following the brush, making the task of brushing her tangled hair much more difficult. “I’ve never seen Uncle Doug cry.”
    “I have,” Max told her softly. “He loved your mother.”
    “Mmm, yes, I know. She was beautiful and sweet like me,” Susie hummed. “So he must love you, because he cried when he thought you died.”
    Max shook his head again. “No, he was just worried he was going to have to kill Aunt Emma when he made a new alpha pair to replace us.”
    “You make me sad when you say things like that,” Susie said softly, before she turned around to look at him. “I love you, Max. I’m happy they made you better.”
    He smiled at her and leaned forward to place a kiss on her forehead. “Me too.”
     

     

Chapter Five

    Winter 1958
     
    “Your queen is radiant this evening, Your Highness.”
    Max took a long drink of champagne and nodded at the werewolf in front of him. He had to focus for a moment before he pulled his name from memory. “Thank you, Raul. How is Spain this season?” he asked in Spanish despite the fact that Raul had spoken to him in English.
    Raul’s tanned face broke into a broad smile, revealing even white teeth. “It is lovely in the winter, as it is in every season. You really must bring your queen to our estate once you are settled and mated. I suppose we still have a few more seasons before that grand occasion.”
    Max smiled, hoping that Raul would not notice just how strained the effort was. “Your estate?” he asked, feigning interest. “Working for the human government is treating you well, then?”
    “Very well,” Raul agreed, taking a long drink out of his own glass of champagne. “Of course, it is not just the money that makes the effort of running for office worthwhile. I am honored to say that I have been able to make huge progress in protecting lands sacred to the werewolves in Spain, as many of the werewolves here