Excerpt from "Serenity" by D. Renee Bagby

"What did your Hell Hounds teach you, my new queen?”

Haige answered for Serenity, “Bhresya politics. Queen Rhiannon would keep Prince Alric and Queen Serenity secluded away for three and four hours at a time each day learning the dynamics of human politics. I would then seclude Queen Serenity for another four teaching her bhresya politics.”

“And, you are qualified to do this, Hell Hound Haige?” asked the noble who rode with Alexa.

“Supremely. I was an apprentice to Judge Furth for my first eighty-two years. I turned into an assassin for hire when Judge Furth chose Sakur--my constant rival in all things--as his successor. I didn't want to be part of a profession that would have one such as Sakur in its ranks.” He didn't volunteer what he didn't like about Sakur and no one asked.

To get back to the original subject, Theyn declared, “I taught Serenity about bhresya life--history, entertainment, foods, and anything else we do to fill our days. I became an honorary chef when Serenity decided she should start gaining a taste for bhresya fare.”

Haige added, “'Tis a wonder our queen lived to her eighteenth birthday eating your swill.” For Melchior's benefit, he said, “Theyn's cooking was base and under-flavored and oft times inedible. We assured Queen Serenity she would receive better at the royal table.”

At Theyn's huffy look, Serenity said, “I thought it was good.”

“In that, you were too kind,” Nym said. “I taught Serenity about bhresya death--the rites and rituals performed, how our people react to it that is different from humans, and our beliefs of the after life. Not only that, but I also taught her of other ceremonies, such as the marriage ceremony and the ceremony performed at birth.” Before anyone could question her, she said, “I am the daughter of a mage and had planned to be a mage before turning my interest to assassination. As to why I did such a thing, that is between my mother and myself.”

“It seems you were lucky in your choice of teachers, my new queen, considering they came to kill you,” Melchior said.

“Destiny.”

“Chigaru was the only one who acted only as your guard?”

Chigaru glanced back at Serenity with a raised eyebrow. Serenity smiled at him and answered, “Chigaru taught me about sex.”

The whole party came to an abrupt halt. Actually, everyone else stopped because Melchior stopped. He stared at Serenity.

“You don't have to look that way, King Melchior. I am still as pure today as I was when I was born. Chigaru only explained some of the differences between human males and bhresya males.”

“Like?” Melchior growled, glaring at Chigaru's back. The man faced forward and hadn't bothered turning back when the group stopped. Melchior was happy for that. He would gladly rip the man's throat out for having dared to touch his future bride.

Melchior wasn't sure he believed Serenity's words. The heavy presence of Chigaru's scent in her rooms back in Cheslav's palace spoke of more than words passing between them. And yet, her scent remained her own. That proved nothing. Chigaru could have copulated with Serenity many times, but never marked her, since he knew of her impending marriage and that such an action would be considered treason.

Serenity rode up to Melchior's side and placed a hand on his thigh. She waited for him to look down at her. “You'll find out what I learned from Chigaru tonight.” She winked at him before spurring Ines back into motion. “If we keep stopping we'll never get to Nexeu. How far is the palace from the border of Cheslav and Nexeu?”

“Only three hours journey, Your Majesty,” said one of the nobles.

“Good.”