We're on the outskirts of the city, observing smoke travel into the clear sky. The sounds of life from within the city become louder with every step the beast under us takes. For the past four hours, I've been in a General-dick-infused haze. My lady bits have been tingling with pleasure, and I have a stupid smile on my face.

Now, my euphoria shrivels under the shadow of the enormous city. I'm nervous to return, because nothing good ever happens when I'm among so many Zolanos.

"You're tense," War observes.

"Yes," I confirm.

"Remember that this is a vacation. Relax."

It's a vacation, but I'm already counting down the hours until we return to camp.

War rubs my upper arm and speeds us up. We cross some peddlers. Out of habit, I lower my head to hide my human features. I have to remind myself that I don't have to hide anymore.

We cross the City's golden gates and are approached by a thin man wearing a uniform I recognize from the palace.

"General War, Lady Joan of War," he dips his chin in greeting.

Lady Joan of War? When did I get assigned that title?

"I was sent by The Queen to welcome you. I have brought presents on her behalf consisting of spices, fruits, and the finest of silks. If you would please follow me, I will direct you to a room she has honorably prepared for your stay."

"No. I want nothing," War replies instantly. "We're staying at an inn."

"But... what am I supposed to do with these gifts?" the startled attendant asks.

"Take them back, or dispose of them. I don't care. Get out of my way."

I turn to look at him. "War..." I don't say anything, because it's all in my look. He's being rude and encouraging further sourness with the queen.

He stares at me, his stern look not cracking. I stick my bottom lip in a pout and cross my arms over my chest. He stays unreluctant for another second, and then he sighs with defeat. "What do you want me to do, wife?"

"W-wife?" the escort coughs. "I beg your mercy. I was not aware your status had been updated by marriage. Had I known, I would have addressed you properly."

He apologizes to me, but looks at War as if nervous he'll swing the nearest blade.

I raise my hands. "Calm down. You can call me Lady Joan." I turn to War. "Can you have the gifts distributed at the orphanage, please? I'm sure the kids would appreciate fancy snacks and clothes."

I've never worn Zolan silk before, but I can live without it.

"And can we respect the Queen's arrangements?"

He grunts, his hands squeezing the reins tighter. "She treated you like a pet. I'd kill the bitch if I saw her again."

The escort behinds us gasps. If War was a lesser man, he would be decapitated for his insolence. No one insults the Queen— well, except the unnamed King of Zolan.

"Uh, he didn't mean that!" I toss to the escort. "He's just a little grumpy. Right, War?"

War raises an eyebrow and says nothing. He's uneager to adjust his ogre manners to impress anyone. How in the three worlds I've seen did I fall for his callousness?

"Can we stay at the palace? Please? I will avoid the Queen. I just don't want you to seem rude by rejecting her accommodations."

"She already knows I am like this. She can't— and won't do anything about it because—"

"Yes, yes. I know she can't fire you because you're the biggest and baddest man on Zolan."

Seriously. I'm well acquainted with just how big he is.

"But it doesn't hurt to be nice. Having good relationships will avoid problems."

He grumbles under his breath like an irritated teenager.

"What?"

"I said fine. If this means so much to you, then I will give it to you." He glares at the escort. "Take everything to the local orphanage and declare it was donated by Joan of War."

"Oh, sir, I have other business to tend to. Can I have someone else do this?"

War glares. "Did I stutter?"

The poor man pales. "No, sir. Yes, sir. I'll do it right away."

I shake my head when he scurries away. "Why are you mean, War? You're a sweetheart to me."

He shrugs. "It gets things done. You should try it sometime."

"Me?" I laugh. "I don't have your abs or scars. I'm not scary."

"You have my name. That makes you as strong as me, even without the muscles." He beckons the beast to trot toward the Palace.

I shake my head. "No way. I'm not using your title like some spoiled heckler. That's probably what your parents are expecting of me— to be a gold digger."

"Gold digger? What does mining have to do with this?" he asks.

I chuckle. "Gold digging means I'm only with men for their money."

"Well, why would you be with a male that cannot provide for you? If I ever go broke, I would not blame you for leaving."

"I'm not leaving you rich or poor. I'll be there whether your parents like it or not."

He's silent for a minute, before adding, "I knew you were different in more ways than how you look. You are a gem. Worth more than all the sparkly things in the palace."

I'm stunned by his compliment. "Thank you, baby."

"Excuse me?" he replies. "Why do you refer to me as an infant?"

"It's an endearment."

"I do not understand. How does reducing me to a crying, defecating, weak Zolano be an endearment? I thought you were attracted to the strength that comes with my current age and abilities."

I laugh. "You're so cute, War."

"Confusing female," he huffs. "Anyways, The Queen likely heard my parents are on the way to the City and extended the offer to stay in the palace to them. I guarantee you they are already there. They would never reject an offer of luxury."

Fuck. Hopefully, our rooms are miles apart. Given the opportunity, War's mother will probably break into our room and smolder me with a pillow.

I'm silent for the rest of the trip. The road to the Palace is not one that is often traveled by citizens, so we don't come across many people. I'm grateful for the last stretch of silence.

When we arrive at the Palace, the gates are wide open, and two servants come to untie War's saddlebags. He swings off and takes me by the waist to lift me down.

I look at the servants, who wear grey and look anywhere but at us. It makes me feel awkward to be tended to by strangers.

"Should I help them?" I whisper to War.

"Of course not. You are my woman, not my servant. Not anymore." He takes a sword in his left hand and takes mine with his free one. He leads the way into the palace. I notice guards stiffen as he passes by. I don't blame them. These guys probably got the beating of a lifetime last time War and his Masters were here.

"War!"

Oh God, The Queen is headed right for us. She wears a golden dress that's transparent and covers only her sex with a large golden leaf. Her flat chest is on display, and gold makeup matches her dress.

She smiles and her trail of attendants follow.

"You arrived right for dinner. Please, join us. Your parents are already waiting."

War sulks for a few seconds before turning to me. I'm sure he'd prefer being in bed with me, because the big guy isn't really interested in socializing.

He looks at me questioningly, giving me the option. When I nod, he turns back to The Queen. "Fine."

"Magnificent! And greetings to you, Joan. Apologies again for treating you like..."

"Like a dog!" War finishes for her.

"War," I whisper. "No."

He wraps an arm around my waist and leads us away, muttering curses the whole time. We turn many halls until entering a magnificent dining area. The long table is rich in foods and holds thirty chairs which are slowly getting populated by Zolanos in their finest clothes and jewelry.

No one in here is carrying a weapon, but here I am with a viking boyfriend that looks like he'd rather eat a Zolano for dinner than the salads on the table.

People scoot their tall chairs into the table, as if scared War will sit next to them. He heads for the end of the table. I tug at his hand when I realize he's going for the golden one— the one intended for The Queen.

"War," I call for him. "Not there."

"No." He pulls out the chair, sets his ridiculously long sword on the table over his plate, and then he sits down.

I'm embarrassed by the amount of attention we're getting. War, of course, is immune to it.

I pull out the seat beside him, but he yanks at my hips until I'm sitting on his lap.

"You sit here. You aren't hiding from anyone. Everyone will know how beautiful my female is."

Oh, boy. This will be an interesting dinner.