The reports from the border stations were not good. The seasonal monster incursions were larger and more frequent than any year in recent memory. As a result, the men stationed there were at risk of being overrun, and we would have no choice but to send reinforcements or declare a Hunt outright. Declaring a Hunt made Mother nervous since it would imply sending most of the order, along with a commanding officer of sufficient rank.

  And at present, only three members of the order met that standard, and one was on leave. If I didn’t go, Selene would have to. I could tell she would be reluctant to part with Mother, even for a few short months. Despite this, she was unwilling to send me off. I wasn’t certain how much this was motivated by fear for my safety versus fear of Helian’s reaction once she found out. She was in the middle of outlining an alternative plan.

  “For now, we should watch and wait. We can dispatch two squads to reinforce the higher risk stations and keep the rest of the order in reserve. We should double their training regimen to maintain a state of readiness, however. And once Sir Albert and his unit return from vacation, our personnel issues will be partially alleviated.”

  Selene frowned. “If you’re certain, Sola… I’m concerned that the reserves would take too long to reach the border in an emergency.”

  I sighed. “I still believe we should declare a Hunt. The trends suggest the problem will only get worse, so the sooner we act, the better. I understand why you’re against it, but I’m not going to change my mind.”

  “In the end, however, it is my decision to make.” Mother’s voice wavered, but she remained firm.

  The dame held her hand. “Yes, but eventually Frost will need to make these decisions. Now is a good opportunity for her to gain experience while you can protect her from the consequences of her mistakes. And if we wait, she may have to go anyway, but under worse circumstances.”

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  I didn’t appreciate how Selene took it for granted that I would screw up, but I supposed my track record was not exactly flawless. I nodded and followed her lead. “It’ll be fine. I’ll have the order backing me up, and we will be able to act carefully after observing the situation. If things take a turn, I’ll send for help immediately. This will be good experience for the new recruits as well.”

  Mother looked stricken. “Helian will never forgive me if you get hurt.”

  Selene laughed. “Helian will know it was the little bird’s idea. Only she would suggest it.”

  The dame had started using Mother and Helian’s nickname for me once she noticed how uncomfortable I was to hear it. At this rate, Rosa would join in, and then the childhood sweethearts would follow. The thought filled me with dread.

  Mother closed her eyes and sighed. “Very well. We’d best have the knights prepare immediately. Inform Helian today, understand? Don’t put it off. She needs to process her anger before you leave, lest she vent her frustration on someone else.”

  Selene squeezed Solana’s hand tightly, and she glared at her in response. My apologies, Dame – it looks like I’ve made her angry with you.

  I stood from the table and excused myself so they could argue in private. “Thank you, Mother. You won’t regret putting your faith in me. I’ll speak with Helian and then prepare a plan for the Hunt.”

  Rosa was waiting for me in the hallway. “Good morning, Frost.”

  I bowed politely. “Good morning, Lady Rosa. Did you need something?”

  She nodded. “Yes, you’ll be having lunch with Helian today. Don’t be late. Oh, and be careful not to upset her, she’s in a bad mood.”

  “That’s unfortunate. I’m going to make her mood much worse.”

  She sighed. “What have you done this time?”

  “We’re declaring a Hunt.”

  “Did His Majesty put the duchess up to this?”

  “No, it was my idea. She wanted to ‘watch and wait’, but I would have ended up going eventually no matter what.”

  Rosa poked me in the shoulder. “If you come back with another broken arm, Helian is never going to forgive you.”

  I shrugged. “Well, the last one was her fault. On a more serious note, Lady Rosa. Please look after her while I’m away.”