Free Winter's Dawn by Kele Moon Page A

in the States have done for your woodlands.”
    “That is important work.” Max nodded once again in agreement. “Darwin only has one more term in the Senate before we will be forced to help him feign his death. Fortunately, we still have James and Thomas to carry on his work.”
    Raul sighed. “I may have to make that request to you within the next decade,” he said sadly. “As it is, I’ve been forced to add grey to my hair to keep the humans from noticing I don’t age.”
    Max laughed. “I think the grey is quite debonair.”
    “Yes, Maria tells me so to save my ego.” Raul reached up to his dark hair, streaked with grey self-consciously. “Be thankful that once you are done with your education, you will no longer have to mingle with humans.
    “I enjoy my school.” Max gave Raul his first genuine smile of the evening. “Susan and I will always want to remain closely tied to the human world. We would both like to go to college, maybe Harvard and Radcliff, to learn more about their laws and government.”
    “The Carltons all attended Harvard,” Raul said thoughtfully. “And as you know, it was quite successful for them. Maria and I attended their running party in Newport three moons ago. Their Estate is exquisite. Not as nice as your palace, of course, but still quite grand. It is a shame he had to fall out of office before making a run for president.”
    “Perhaps a few more years and he can run again.”
    “As his own grandson—The humans are so naïve.” Raul turned to the beautiful, dark haired woman who walked up beside him. “Maria, his highness was just telling me of his desire to attend Harvard.”
    Maria smiled, her tanned face warm and friendly. Her features were similar to Raul’s, their eyes the same shade of golden honey. Max wondered how they had kept hidden from the human world the fact that they were brother and sister.
    “Oh, Your Highness, will you have time for Harvard once you are mated?” she asked curiously. “The monarchy falls entirely into your hands and you will have no aid save your beautiful queen. She is radiant this evening.”
    Max nodded dutifully. “Thank you.”
    “Perhaps if you are blessed early with a pair or two?” Maria said hopefully.
    Raul raised his glass. “Gods’ blessings, may the spring and autumn pairs come early to you and your radiant queen.”
    Max winced, he couldn’t help it.
    Maria noticed and frowned at him. “Are you not wishing for a fruitful mating?”
    “Oh, no.” Max looked to see if his father had heard her. “I mean, yes, it’s just—” he lowered his voice and sighed. “I worry for the queen’s safety. It is a lot to require her to restore the monarchy.”
    Maria sighed sympathetically. “I forget that you were in attendance at your queen’s birth. You have to know that she will fare far more favorably than her mother, Gods rest her soul.”
    “Gods rest her soul,” Raul repeated, lowering his head for a moment before he spoke again. “Queen Susan is so very powerful, even before maturity. I promise you, Your Highness, you will have no problem producing the other alpha pairs.”
    Max found he was at a loss, but was saved from further explanation as his father approached. Max could tell he was none too pleased, but a smile graced his youthful face as he chidingly said, “Maxwell, you have abandoned your queen. She is forced to entertain the Delauncey’s all on her own.”
    “Sorry, Father,” Max said, before inclining his head to the two Spanish werewolves. “You will excuse me.”
    “Of course, Your Highness.” Raul bowed deeply and Maria followed suit. He spoke to the floor as he addressed Max’s father. “Douglas, you will forgive us for keeping the king’s attention away from his queen.”
    “Of course.” His father tilted his head, indicating Max should leave and then spoke again. “Raul, your taxes have been generous this season and I hear you have made good progress on our Spanish woodlands. I hope