The Queen's Line (Inheritance of Hunger #1) - Kathryn Moon Page 0,53

some of what's here," I said, and Aric startled and stood, Griffin slurping her coffee, her eyes bouncing between us. "I apologize for the manner of your arrival. I should've thought to give the guards better instructions for visitors."

Aric didn't respond, and it was Griffin who cleared her throat and sat up in her chair. "No harm done, Your Highness."

Neither man or woman bowed to me at my entrance. In Aric's case it was clear defiance, but with Griffin, it seemed more like a test. I moved to the table, picking up the coffee pot and refilling her cup before choosing one for myself.

"You must be Aric's recommendation for a royal hunter," I said, taking a seat and eyeing the woman out the corner of my eye.

She was older than me, maybe in her thirties instead of twenties, and she appeared equal parts athletic and feminine, the belt tight around a small waist and her pants hugging around full hips. There was a whisper of gray braided back into her red hair, but her face was smooth and ageless.

"I am a hunter. And I'd gladly hunt in the royal woods knowing that my catch went to the citizens," Griffin said slowly, watching me with equal interest.

I nodded. "I suppose civil hunter might be a better term."

Griffin straightened and looked at Aric lurking in the overgrown bushes and wilted remains of the background. "Yes, I…I like that. As for how to get the meat to the people…"

Aric cleared his throat and stepped forward. "I've spoken with some of the taverns in and around Rumsbrooke. If Griffin will bring us the meat, we'll stretch it enough to make free meals to serve."

"I wanted to call them princess dinners, but Aric growled at me," Griffin said, grinning and snapping on her slice of bacon as he demonstrated the sound. "Yes. Just like that."

"I think I'd rather avoid that name as well," I said, taking a drink of my coffee to hide the warmth in my cheeks. "But I like the premise. Call it whatever suits. What will you want for your commission? Until I'm able to take back Sir Hubert's debts to the palace, we are being careful with the funds that remain, but I think we should be able to—"

"Your Highness, you've waived taxes and you're asking me to assist you in feeding your people in a way that requires no cost to them. I volunteer to do the work," Griffin said quickly.

"You should be paid for your time," I said.

Griffin's smile was faint. "I think any other royal would say the position was an honor."

I sat up straight just as Aric muttered something under his breath. "I'm not any other royal," I said. "If you won't take coin as payment, at least take a small commission of the meat."

"Don't argue with her, Griff, you won't win," Aric said.

I whipped to glare at him. "I hope this is a lesson you plan on learning for yourself."

Griffin's laugh was bright and cheerful, and she rose quickly from the table, finishing her coffee and grabbing a small quiche in her palm. "If no one minds, I'd like to walk the woods a little to get a better understanding of what's available and where I might start."

"Of course," I said, and Aric grunted. He had a pie of his own in hand, and I hadn't even seen him come close enough to the table to take it.

Griffin left the greenhouse, and Aric turned to me. "She'll do?"

"Yes, I like her," I said.

"She liked you too," Aric said, and then he nodded once and turned for the door.

"Aric. I'm…I'm sorry for claiming you in front of the guard. It was the first thing I thought of," I said.

Aric rolled back on his heels, raising the hand holding the pie up to his lips to catch a crumb on his tongue. Sunlight was falling through the moldy windows of the greenhouse, landing on his blade sharp cheekbones.

"It's true that I can't be imprisoned unless you say so?" Aric asked, smirking a little.

"Yes, but it doesn't mean I won't give the order if I think you deserve it," I said, narrowing my eyes.

Aric laughed, and then he moved to take Griffin's seat, pouring himself a new cup of coffee. "I don't doubt that, princess."

"What is… Do you know what kind of shifter she is?" I asked, scooting forward in my seat.

"Mm, red hawk, I think. Haven't seen for myself. Kimmery's shifters aren't so bold as your Prince Thao,"