Red

Ten.

Most older ones didn't participate in the sacrifice as much as the younger ones did. The older ones typically participated in the hunts. 

Xerxes let Court into the front and in response he began leading them down to the place of the sacrifice. Court had checked the perimeter already and knew everyone was now within the village away from the sacrificial zone.

No one would be in danger today. They were all smart enough to stay in. Court trotted ahead before stopping as he watched Thorin's pack go through the sacrifice and take their share.

Irritation flushed Court's system as he realized Thorin had taken both cows. He had two of his pack members dragging the corpses of the cows away. Court laid down in the grass and waited his ears pinned back. He knew Thorin took both to make a point to Court.

He was still bitter about the last sacrifice. Court had no intention of letting Thorin know anytime soon what had been at the sacrifice. He didn't need to know of Ruby. Thorin would have simply killed her.

Court waited patiently in the grass until Thorin's pack was cleared out and then he went in. Court trotted down looking at the remaining animals. Thorin didn't test him too much and left enough, but Court was still bitter about him taking both cows.

You can easily get a cow, you're the prince. The bitter voice reminded him that. His selection of food isn't limited to the sacrifice or the forest animals. Unlike the wolves he had livestock as well and unlike humans he had the option to hunt.

Court watched his pack go out to collect. His eyes shifted over to the youngest of the pack; Raze.

Raze was the newest addition. He had just learned to shift a year ago. His wolf was the smallest. His pelt is a smokey grey with a darker color at the top. Raze picked up one of the ducks and trotted off to wait as Court went to the lamb.

He paused before sniffing the air. Someone had come out. Court watched his pack members and the opening towards the village. 

The only one left was Lyell as he picked up the neck of a goat and began dragging it off. Court looked over as a young girl and boy went quickly past. His ears pinned back. 

Idiots, Court bitterly thought as he grabbed the lamb and began dragging the lamb back as his pack went back to the woods to return with this night's sacrifice.

☾

When I woke up in the morning Court was in bed. He was faced the opposite way asleep. The sun slowly began to creep into the window. As I sat up in bed Court got up and looked over at me. I froze under his gaze.

Court turned back over as he got up and stretched. He wore nothing but his loose trousers. Court grabbed some clothes before going into the bathroom as I pushed myself up.

He came back out. "I'll bring you some breakfast." Court said.

He left the room as I got up and put on a white and red dress before coming back out. I looked at the door before deciding to walk out. I walked forward to the main room where Court stood in front of the log run stove.

He was the only one there. Court glanced over at me. He was cutting up pieces of meat as I stood there.

"Since you're out here, do me a favor and bring that over here." Court turned and pointed over to where a basket of vegetables sat. I went over and grabbed it and handed it over to him. He took a few out and began chopping them.

"Do you have a garden here?" I asked.

"No, these are from the village." Court answered as he put them in with the meat as it began to sizzle over the fire. He turned around and added a few more logs in before pushing the meat and vegetables around.

"Do you not grow vegetables here?" I asked and Court glanced at me.

"Vegetables aren't really in any of our diets. If we desire something else there is plenty to pick from in the forest. There are bushes of fruit, berries, and even a few wild vegetables if we desire that. I brought this for you." Court responded as he pushed the meat and vegetables around.

He walked over and grabbed an egg and cracked it before putting it in and scrambling it all together as I watched him.

"What kind of fruit is there here?" I asked.

Court removed the pan and put out the fire as he turned to me. "Do you want to go pick fruit instead of asking?" Court asked turning to me.

"Can I?" I asked and Court nodded.

"Eat something first and I can take you out to pick some fruit." Court spooned the eggs, veggies, and meat onto a plate then he handed it to me.

I accepted it before going to sit down excitement racing through me knowing I'd be going out for a little. Even if it's just to pick some fruit.

1525. Really excited for the next chapter. I have some things planned and Ruby getting into a bit of trouble while out there as well. ***