She looked into the wolf’s eyes. “You told me that Bassorine said I was given the perfect anatomy for childbearing.”
To protect their conversation, the wolf surrounded them with an invisible barrier before he responded. “You were.”
“Then why did I lose the baby?”
“Your body is struggling to keep up with the growth of your magical foundation. The fetus was unable to handle the strain. Once you’ve had the moments to adjust, you’ll be able to have a cub. You must remember. You have not yet commanded magic for one full season.” The wolf’s head dropped. “I was concerned that this would happen when I first learned of your pregnancy. It was too soon.”
“Why didn’t you say something? You’re supposed to be my friend.”
Mosley reclaimed the queen’s eyes. “You know I’m your friend, Shalee.”
“Yes. But—”
“But what? What would’ve changed if I had said something? You still would’ve been pregnant. If I would’ve told you my concerns, it would’ve caused unnecessary stress. I was hoping I was wrong, and that you’d carry the cub to term. I’m sorry for your loss. I truly am.”
“Then Sam was right. I lost the baby because of my magic.”
“Did Sam actually say those words?”
“No ... not exactly, but I can see it in his eyes.” She took a deep breath. “I want to go to Luvelles. I need a break. It may have been a mistake for us to get together in the first place. We should’ve never been married.”
Mosley jumped onto the bed and placed his head on Shalee’s leg after he lowered next to her. “You don’t mean that.”
“Ohhhhhhh, but I do.” The queen reached under Mosley’s snout and lifted his head. “Didn’t you hear him? It’s all my fault. He hates me. He only says he loves me because I’m the last thing in his life that reminds him of Earth. I can see right through his pile of garesh.”
“I didn’t hear Sam say any of that, Shalee.” Mosley pulled his head free and nudged Shalee with the tip of his nose. “Regardless of how you feel right now, Sam loves you.”
The queen rubbed the top of the wolf’s head. “Of course, you heard what you wanted to hear. You’re a male.” Shalee stood and walked to the window. “I hear the true meaning of things. Only women have the ability to do that. I know Sam doesn’t want me.” The queen reached out and pulled the shudders closed. “Let’s change the subject. This is depressing. I don’t want to talk about Sam anymore.”
Shalee turned and took a seat on the sill. “I know you need me to go after your crystal. I hate this place, so I’m ready to go now.”
“That’s good to hear, but I’m sure you’ll look back on this Peak and feel much differently about your relationship with Sam.”
“I said I don’t want to talk about Sam!” Shalee snapped. “Isn’t there someone on Luvelles who could go after the crystal?”
“Yes, but I trust you. It’ll be dangerous. In fact, I’m sure it will test your magic. With the way your power has advanced, I think it would be a good challenge to undertake a journey of this magnitude. I have faith in you.”
“I’m not so sure I believe in your faith in me,” the queen rebutted.
Mosley growled. “Your belief isn’t necessary. Bassorine believed in your abilities, and so do I.”
Shalee walked across the room and crawled under the covers. She started to cry. “Goodness-gracious, Mosley ... I know you’re right. I’m being too hard on you. You’re not the one I’m mad at. I just feel so empty. I can’t bear the thought of Sam looking down his nose at me. His eyes are filled with disgust. Maybe I’ll stay on Luvelles and never come back.”
Mosley scratched the back of his neck. “I’m sure those are emotional words. Your feelings will change.”
“Stop telling me how I’m going to feel!” Shalee barked. “And stop trying to make it better. I can’t believe how stupid men are. Just shut up and listen. That’s all you need to do. You’re supposed to be a god, Mosley. Why don’t you know when to hush?”
Mosley did not respond. He simply sat there and waited for the queen to finish. After a moment of continued male-bashing, Shalee threw back the covers and stood from the bed. She put the leaf Alistar gave her in her mouth. While chewing, she continued. “I’ll go to Luvelles. I’m done with Sam. I doubt our love was real in the