After he had swallowed , he added : “ They will be grateful if you slay this rogue . With their help , naturally , but with your leadership .” He spread his arms wide , still holding the bone . Maximus ’ eyebrows rose . “ The rogue bested even the archwolf ,” he pointed out .
“ The people have even named him . ‘ The White Wolf ’.”
“ Yes , they have had that audacity ,” the king waved his free hand . “ Humour the people if you must but remember that it is one wolf and you will lead a pack .” “ It is a powerful wolf .” “ It is still alone . And , while the archwolf was talented , you could have challenged him .” He threw the bone over his shoulder to the hounds . “ I would have condoned it .” He leaned back and studied Maximus . “ Likewise , your sister Imperatrix could challenge the archwitch .”
“ Imperatrix prefers her solitude ,” Maximus replied , “ much as you would like the archwitch and archwolf to be people of your blood .”
“ I am aware . It is only now that you have finally been forgiven for not accepting Lord Raethgane ’ s offer for Imperatrix ’ s hand .”
“ He is a pig ,” Maximus snapped , his eye darting down to the table to Lord Raethgane . “ Imperatrix is better off alone .” The king chuckled . “ Perhaps telling her that I disapprove of our current archwitch would persuade her to return .” Maximus grunted and picked up his goblet .
“ He still wants you to challenge Archwitch Clandestra for leadership of the witches ,” Maximus said as he settled into his chair and started to slice an apple .
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