Moonspear my lord: the king is dead

Madhu wasn't sure whether there really was an afterlife, but that was neither here nor there.

What the woman said next was far more interesting.

Almost as if the stars paved the way for you, she remarked—not realizing the hurt that accompanied that event, despite the casual words. Her flattery, after all, focused only on the living. And your kingdom does seem strong; I smell many wolves here.

She gave an ingratiating smile to the silvery wolf, though still deferent to the glint of her gaze.

My mother's parents spoke of Moonspear once, too. They lived. . .across those other mountains, she said, tilting her head to point across the flatlands and toward the distant peaks. But knew of your family's claim.