The Queen Bee, chapter one [3k words] (Patreon)

So, first of all, apologies for the radio silence: this month has been rough, for several reasons. And double apologies to the Hatchling and Young Bird tier patrons, who've been waiting for the exclusive: it's not quite ready yet, it needs a bit more time in the oven. It'll be here by next weekend, promise.

But, I do have something new for you! This is the first chapter of a new story.

I fully admit I wrote this mostly to get it out on my brain, since it was rattling the bars of the cage and banging on the walls and keeping me from focusing on what I actually want and have to write. Still, I will probably continue it: after reading this a friend gave me an incredible suggestion for a twist in the story, and now it's started circling the cage again, if not quite rattling the bars.

Anyway, enjoy!