Just as Xandus had guessed, Densooth showed up immediately after the banquet and suggested it would be too dangerous for Tianna to return to Ruena’s base so late at night, underground airways or not. Not only that, but her official recognition as heir would make the process more complicated in the long run.

“That’s fine,” Tianna replied. Since it was going to come to this anyway, it would be better to make the decision for herself. “I think it’s about time I started staying in the palace. You can keep me from being locked in a room again, right Densooth?”

“Of course,” Densooth promised, “With all that has happened today, both of our legitimacy have been confirmed. No one will be able to take us lightly.”

As the Black Wolf, was there ever a time when he was taken lightly? Likely not. However, there were sure to be plenty of people who were blissfully unaware of his true identity, just like she had been.

“Then take us to our rooms,” Tianna ordered. She had felt awkward about ordering Densooth before, but learning that he was the Black Wolf had erased her hesitation.

Densooth started walking through the halls of the palace after he made sure they were following. “I hope you understand that despite your engagement I will have to give Jerath a room in the guest wing. Only royalty can stay in the heart of the palace.”

“Are you saying we will be unable to see each other until our marriage?” Jerath demanded.

“Of course not,” Densooth denied, “Visitation is always allowed at the discretion of the royalty. There is, however, a large difference between visitation and living there.”

“Where do you stay?” Tianna asked.

“I live in the detached building with the other servants,” Densooth answered, “It helps to keep those in charge in check.”

“Keep them in check?” Tianna asked.

Densooth smiled. “Yes. Before I started keeping watch, the head maid and butler of the palace had made factions amongst the servants. They would ignore their masters and chose for themselves which guests were worthy to be served and which were a waste of their time and talents. They were even bold enough to ignore you during your previous stay.”

“I see,” Tianna replied, unable to think of anything else to say.

“Where were you staying before then?” Jerath broke in.

“In the wing of the palace where all important officials stay. My original room is connected with my office,” Densooth answered. He seemed unbothered by the hostility in Jerath’s tone, “Here are the guest rooms. I have chosen our best room for you, as you are not only a royal, but the future Queen’s fiance.”

“Thank you,” Jerath managed. He entered the room after giving Tianna a worried glance.

Tianna was determined not to let this chance slip away, but she followed Densooth to the royalty quarters before she spoke up. This was definitely a different place than the council had taken her last time.

“The council has been disbanded,” Densooth said as if he had heard her thoughts, “It seems that due to the absence of a Queen they had become greedy and they were all punished for the crimes of imprisoning the Queen’s heir. Oddly enough, the one who submitted that evidence was Velcorna, but I am not one to let an opportunity pass me by.”

“They are all gone?” Tianna asked, distracted from her original goal.

“That’s right,” Densooth answered and opened the door to her new room. “I tried to prepare everything to your liking, but don’t hesitate to ask if there is anything else you need.”

The room was bright, welcoming, and surprisingly to Tianna’s taste as far as decorations were concerned. The size was enormous, but that was to be expected of a room for royalty. There was only one thing Tianna wanted to ask.

“Are you really the Black Wolf?” she questioned. As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt instant regret. Velcorna had said she should be fine if she just asked him, but Densooth would probably change his attitude completely once he knew that she was aware of his identity.

To her surprise he gave a knowing smile. “There is no real reason for me to deny it. You would have to find out eventually for my plans, though it might be uncomfortable to work with me at this stage now that you know,” Densooth admitted easily.

“What exactly are your plans?” Tianna demanded.

“You have had a long day. Rest, and adjust to the palace,” Densooth told her, “Then you may ask me again and I will answer everything.”

“Wait!” Tianna called out as Densooth started to walk away. He paused for a moment to hear what she had to say, “At least tell me why you helped me escape?”

“It was not time yet for you to be in the palace,” he replied, “This time, I have prepared everything perfectly. Good night, Your Majesty.”

Densooth started walking again and Tianna could not find any more words to say to stop him. Even though she knew the truth, she could not help but think of Densooth as one of her greatest allies. He just happened to be her worst enemy as well.