Bear Protector - Bella Love-Wins Page 0,4

not diminish her love for cooking. The kitchen staff also seemed to enjoy her company, which meant better cuts of meat and bigger dessert portions as a reward for volunteering to help. Somehow, they weren’t as welcoming to Coco, but it was more her sharp tongue and harsh, centuries-old expressions that made them cross.

“Stop playing with your food,” Coco remarked a few minutes later, pulling Kiera out of her thoughts. “Are you that nervous about meeting him?”

“I don’t know. I cannot quite relax this morning.” She did not add that with the meeting time drawing closer, she was a bundle of nerves.

“Remember something, Kiera. You’re the one in the position of power. Just because Xander is tall and imposing…and handsome, does not mean you have to be on your guard. Just face him, explain your role, tell him exactly what you need. You don’t have to get to know him if it’s not what you want. You only have to work together for a few hours.”

“Thank you, dear. I will.”

“Not to worry. I will be at your side the entire time. I will make sure you do what is necessary. Xander knows the situation as well as anyone else in the region. His unit needs more shifters to protect the boundaries and waterways. No one has a choice in the matter. You’re the Chosen, so only you can make that happen. That means he needs you. Trust me, you will both come to an understanding.”

“I hope we can,” Kiera said.

Coco gave her a playful wink. “If all else fails, do your best to have some fun, darling.”

“I doubt fun is even a remote possibility, love,” she answered, just as Chancellor Minassus strode into the kitchen with a disapproving expression on his face.

2

Kiera

Kiera straightened up in her chair. “Good morning, your Eminence.”

The Chancellor stopped at the prep table a few feet away, keeping his icy gray eyes fixed on Kiera as she finished her glass of milk. His critical glower always made Kiera nervous. She couldn’t help but wonder if he still thought of her as a child. Maybe it was the way he towered over her, casting an ominous shadow as he stood silently.

“Kiera, I have been waiting for you in my study. Did we not agree to have a chat before you leave to meet with Commander Oslo?”

Kiera hurriedly rose from her seat, aware of her cheeks burning from embarrassment. She should have remembered that the Chancellor had a way of evoking guilt in the most innocent of persons without raising his voice or causing a scene.

“Yes we did, Chancellor,” she answered. “My sincere apologies. I meant to come to your study as soon as I finished my meal.”

“Let us speak while we walk.” The Chancellor turned with a great swooshing of his blood red cape, and walked out of the kitchen using the door closest to his private study.

“Yes, of course.” Kiera threw an apologetic glance toward the cook for leaving her dishes on the table, and received a kind nod in return. Everyone knew there was no refusing the Chancellor. She and Coco hurried behind, almost unable to catch up, given the Chancellor’s customary long, purposeful strides.

“Are you prepared?” he asked.

Kiera fell out of step with Coco and jogged forward to his side. “I believe I am, your Eminence,” she replied. “Do you have any final suggestions?”

He stopped at the door of his study and turned to face her. “I’ve taught you everything you need to know. Now, it’s up to you. I can facilitate these meetings if you’d like, but Commander Oslo and I are not on the best of terms. My presence may not help. I will be in my study. Should you require any assistance, have one of the guards call on me. I’m sending five of my personal guards to accompany you to the Great Hall. They understand the…situation, and will be at their post outside the meeting room.” As though noticing Coco for the first time, he gave her a stern look before returning his gaze to Kiera. “You also have your familiar with you. She will keep you on the right path.”

Kiera let out a short laugh before she could stop herself, then quickly covered her mouth. Coco was skilled in witchcraft, and had centuries worth of knowledge and perspective. She would keep Kiera safe, but as for being diplomatic or keeping on the straight and narrow, Kiera knew better. Coco was not one to censor her words, and lived for