Black Moon Draw

"I feared for my life," I muttered.

"Obedience, witch. You should fear me as well."

Oh god, take me now. Totally not the right answer for this situation. "Okay. I'm being good."

He releases me.

I swing my leg over the withers and make an attempt to get comfortable. He loops an arm around me securely then takes the reins with his other hand. My ass is pressed to his crotch in a way that sends a flurry of fiery butterflies through my system.

"Too tight," I complain, wriggling. It's chilly and misty, and I'm burning up.

He says nothing and nudges the horse forward without loosening his grip.

"You ride with the Shadow Knight." The woman's voice is suspicious, displeased. Ugly Duckling, the sister of Disney Princess, pulls up alongside us, her critical gaze on me. "Can you help us, witch?"

"She will perform her duty as required, as will we all," the Shadow Knight replied brusquely.

"My brother will not be pleased if you continue to push off the bonding to my sister."

"'Tis between her and me and not your place to ask."

The woman's face flames red. She ducks her head in a quick, embarrassed bow and then rides away quickly.

I'm not sure what's going on between the Shadow Knight and his betrothed, but I envy anyone who has a protective sibling. I'm an only child, one who grew up uncertain how to handle other people. I was always jealous of other kids who had huge families with tons of brothers and sisters. Plagued by awkwardness and insecurity, I'd give anything to have a sibling to help me through the worst parts of growing up. Ugly Duckling is concerned about Disney Princess, even though I don't think a woman that intelligent, sweet, and beautiful has any problems with the world.

The Shadow Knight begins talking to a man with a possum head far too small for his human body, and I don't let myself giggle the way I want to. I'm stuck in this place between laughing and running when it comes to most of this world.

The army is mostly ready. We pass the defeated warriors of Green Dawn Cave, chained together in lines that wrap around the camp. I hate seeing them like this and cling to the hope that the Shadow Knight wasn't lying about sparing their lives.

I hope they aren't sent to the edge of the world. Slavery seems like a fate worse than death. The men appear miserable already. The Disney Princess is riding among them, pausing occasionally to address either the defeated or the victors. I'm expecting her to hand out water bottles or something in the role as the perfect princess.