“...And you have dinner with the Alphas of North Isle packs at 7 in the evening,” Sir Ansel finishes with a clearing of the throat that resounds loudly than he had expected in the otherwise quiet hall.
Queen Rosalie strokes the tiny kitten in an affectionate manner before releasing the little ball of fur from her lap. The kitten makes no delay in running off in the direction of the garden to play with her other friends.
Her aquamarine eyes filled with warmth follow her beloved cat until she disappears behind the wall. Her soft features turn firm, not much just enough to show her seriousness, as Queen Rosalie rises to her feet and turns to face her assistant.
The moment her eyes lock with his, Sir Ansel straightens his slightly crooked spine and bends his head in respect. He has always admired this woman standing in front of him. Attired in the golden and red gown, she looked like a delicate rose, beautiful and fascinating but the resemblance ends there. Her appearance has deceived many into misjudging her as weak. And those who did still regret it. Those who had the opportunity to meet her know it better than anyone. At the mere age of six and twenty, the woman has emerged as the finest example of woman empowerment. She has nerves of steel and a brain as sharp as a razor. She is headstrong, confident, and a true ruler.
“ Prepare a list of their demands. I would like to go over it before the dinner,” the command floated out of her mouth with ease as if she is doing it for years, a truth that can’t be contested.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” the man bows to her and moves aside to give her space to walk past him.
He also feels pity for the woman he admires the most for he has never seen a person this lonely and this sad. He hopes her mate will take all the pain away that she tries so hard to conceal. If only Sir Ansel knew.
The mild commotion in court dies out the moment the announcer announces the Queen’s arrival. The members instantly shoot to their feet to greet the Queen of Avalon, Rosalie, as she enters the premises. She nods at her bowing subordinates and after she perches on her throne she commands all of them to rise. She has a measured but significant smile on her face as she overlooks her subjects with regal elegance.
One of her advisors rises from his chair and makes his way to the center of the court. Queen fixes her attention on the man who must be in his mid-thirties.
“ Your majesty,” the man bows down to her. Rosalie nods at the man to proceed.
The man raised to his full height and began briefing her on the benefits that her new economic policy brought to the downtrodden section of society. Rosalie attentively listened to his report and asked a few questions as well. The meeting went on for a few hours.
The last to rise was Hendrix, the former beta and her late father’s most trusted advisor. Her interest piqued instantly and her smile widened a fraction when the oldest in the court strolled over to the center, leaning over a stick, and curtseyed in front of her.
Rosalie gestured for him to speak.
“Your majesty, I received a piece of information from one of my birds last night. According to the information, the bloodsuckers are on their way to slay our race to extinction. They have already unleashed destruction in the Gharangum Kingdom. As unfortunate as it is, the once mighty kingdom is now nothing but a pile of dust,” Hendrix apprises with a hint of frustration in his tone. Of late, those leeches have become a constant source of annoyance for everyone.
As perturbing as the news is, Rosalie takes the news with a composed demeanor. A ruler should never let trepidation surface on their face no matter how grave the situation is because the public looks up to him or her for in hope.
As soon as Hendrix finished speaking, the other members started giving their two cents on how to finish off those leeches. Rosalie listened to all of them and lastly, she turned to Hendrix.
“Would you like to say something?” Rosalie asked him. Hendrix opened his mouth to speak.
“It is plain to see that the night crawlers have become more powerful with time. Our force can halt them for some time but is not strong enough to destroy them completely. We have warriors who kill for a living but at the moment we need warriors who kill to live. The ones who know no mercy can only make an example out of this war for those leeches,” his eyes full of wisdom remained fixed on the queen’s face.
Rosalie gave him a thoughtful nod.
“What do you propose?” she urged him to speak his mind.
“ What I propose is we should ally with the most feared clan there is. They will fight for us, they will die for us, and in return, we will offer their children education, pieces of land for agriculture, and access to our rivers,” Hendrix replied mysteriously.
This was the first instance in ages when an emotion flickered in her ever-stoic eyes. It wasn’t confusion but apprehension for she had sensed her most celebrated advisors' next words.
“Which clan are you referring to, Hendrix?” she tried her best to not let bitterness coat her words and asked in a stern tone.
The old man looked square into her eyes and uttered that one word that she loathed from the bottom of her heart.
“Barbarians,” Hendrix uttered without faltering. A collective gasp rose from the room. Her soft features turned rigid in disapproval.
“I am certain there is another way than making friends with the criminals, thieves, and murderers,” she countered in a composed but unyielding manner.
“I wish there was, your majesty, but for now this is the only option I can think of. Besides the sole remedy for the venom, they are using to kill our people is only available in Barbarian’s owned territory,” Hendrix replied.
“The court is dismissed,” Rosalie announced sharply and walked off only this time she didn’t look as self-possessed as she always did.
..........
Hope you like the first chapter. There is history between our main couple which will resurface as the story progresses. Please, support and reward the book
The queen called for Hendrix and her other trusted men to deliberate on the bloodsucker’s issue. “They are gaining ground with each passing day. I am afraid we will have to find a solution as quickly as possible,” one of the advisors contributed to the discussion. “The bloodsuckers have outnumbered us both in terms of arms and manpower. We have to come to a conclusion before they wipe us off the face of the earth,” lady Alisha piped in. “How many days will it take them to invade our territory?” Rosalie murmured to herself. “With the mountain in between, barely a month,” she studied the map and concluded in concern. A deep dent between her brows as she mulled over the fact. Then her eyes swept to the other end of the map where the Moonhowler mountain was drawn. The Moonhowler was notorious for housing the barbarians. She had vowed never to look its way but fate apparently had other plans.“How long will it take for the messenger to ascend the Moonhowler?” she found herself asking
She thought they were done for. It took her years to get used to the deadly gash he had slashed through her heart when he left without a backward glance. It took her years to make peace with the truth that he had rejected her and that he was never coming back. Words cut deeper than a knife. She wished he had stabbed her with his sword than ripping her into shreds with his sharp words.He had broken her to the point she lost her will to live. She begged him to stay and pleaded with him to not dishonor their mate bond but he jerked her away and walked off as if she was no one to him. She was no one to him only it took her a hard way to realize it. She let out a sigh, walked over to her window, and looked over at the capital that she ruled.He had left her in pieces, perhaps in the hope that she would perish soon. But instead, she built herself up, far stronger. Like a Phoenix, she rose from the ashes and soared. She has a deep loathing for barbarians, more so, after what he did
The boy had hardened into a ruthless, feral beast. He looked exactly who he was. A barbarian. She watched as his gaze openly roved down her person before moving back to meet her eyes. There was nothing in his cold orbs, no emotion, no judgment. They were like pits of darkness trying to suck her in. Rosalie also refused to look away. It was her way of conveying that he doesn’t affect him anymore. She was no longer the gullible lass he took on ride and abandoned.Soon his lips tugged up into a smirk. Rosalie gripped her throne arms a little too tightly in indignation. It was apparent he was not taking her seriously. “ Bow to the queen,” one of her advisors admonished the barbarian in a loathsome tone. Ryker raise a brow in amusement. “She is no queen of mine,” Ryker spoke in his deep sonorous voice that could put any woman into an erotic trance while staring square into her eyes, rubbing her ego raw. He was trying to rile her up, get some reaction out of him. But Rosalie refused t
Rosalie POVOnce I found myself cocooned in the solitude of my room, I let out a sigh and lifted the crown off my head. I craved for the moments where I could be just myself. I flopped down on the bed and carefully placed the crown beside me. Looking up at the window, I entertained a slew of thoughts that crossed my mind at the moment. Did papa also feel this lonely when he was the King? He had always said a ruler possesses no ally or foe. They are supposed to keep the welfare of their subjects above anything. I had felt those words in the lines creasing his face and exhaustion in his eyes that made him look older than his actual age. The only time I saw him in peace was whenever he was with my mother. She was his serenity, his pillar of strength. Their bond was inspiring. Something I fancied secretly to have as a child. 'Mate. This one word is both boon and bane for the werewolves. Our whole world revolves around this one word. The one the Seline has chosen for us. For me, it turn
Rosalie POV I had no inclination to entertain the chieftain of barbarian over lunch not even in the slightest. I had more pressing affairs in hand to deal with than humoring him. I was still not able to fathom why did he request a private meeting. I had inferred this much from his cold steely gaze that he still disapproved of me, not that it affected me in the least. Only Goddess was privy to his true intentions. I was not able to sense, Riyaga, my wolf since the moment we learned about that female. I knew she was out somewhere recovering from this news. The news that our mate had replaced us. I decided to give her some time. I know my Riyaga will bounce back like she always did. She is a true warrior who cannot only fight the world but also her pain and sorrow. It would be a lie if I say the news didn't strike me hard. It did. But not as much as it would have all those years ago. And I believe whatever pain I felt, it was because of the mate bond. For me, it affirmed only on
Ryker turned his bored gaze away from me and glanced over my shoulder. He snapped his fingers and beckoned one of the servants to serve him. But before the maid could make his way towards us, I raised my hand and stopped the servant. He arched a brow in question. "I am afraid you will have to serve your lunch on your own," I told him in a plain tone. I had expected another fierce glare in response but all I got was an amused smirk. "At least one thing hasn't changed with time," his voice was nothing but strings of murmur as he reached for the food but I heard them. He was referring to my feisty nature. I let it slide. "I hope you had enough time to ponder over the matter," I broached the subject, watching him loading his plate with the food. With the kind of monstrous physique he owned, he clearly had a huge appetite. I wondered if the assortment of food on the table was going to sate his hunger. My nose crinkled in disapproval as instead of going for spoons, he grabbed the m
I wasn't able to think properly due to the amount of rage that had consumed me. My wolf who had gone missing was now back equally furious. She clawed at the barriers, demanding release to unleash the seething heat within. I yielded without hesitation, granting her control as she surged forth, a relentless force of primal fury.I shifted into my wolf Riyaga. With her snow-white fur, blue eyes, and a crescent on her forehead, she looked regal. She had an unhealed scar spanning her neck which she'd earned while fighting a group of rogues. My wolf standing tall and carrying her tail high made her way towards the training ground in her regal gait. The warriors who were in their wolf form paused in their act when they saw Riyaga and showed their necks in reverence. She scanned over the warriors and snarled lowly, a clear challenge to fight her. The wolves bowed to her before one of them stepped forward. The wolf and Riyaga started circling each other while growling in a low but threatenin
I relaxed against the edge of the tub and closed my eyes. My wolf was completely spent after the fight with the Devil's Shadow. His strength was frightening but it was his agility and shrewdness that made him dangerous. I was aware he had not unleashed even half of his strength while fighting me. He wasn't named Devil's Shadow for nothing. Just where did he gain the audacity of making such demands? How could he ask an heir from me when he was the one who rejected me? What a fool I was. I was ready to relinquish my title, the comfort of my palace, and all the luxuries that came along only to be with him. I was ready to become one of them. That much I had loved him. And the love I felt for him was beyond the mate bond. But now all I feel is an acrid burn of hatred whenever I hear his name. After taking the much-needed bath, I decided to take a stroll in my garden and clear up my head. I was greeted by a cool gust of wind the moment I stepped out. This garden was personally built fo
Rosa peeked out the window and felt a profound ache searing her heart upon seeing the poor condition of Avalona. The war had taken a toll on her Kingdom- the roads were in ruin, several shops were closed, and demolished buildings lined the streets. Her heart broke at the miserable sight of her country. But then she remembered the sun was still shining upon them. They were still breathing and moving freely. It could have been way worse than this if they had lost the war. With that thought her perception of the view before her changed drastically. The sight that lay beyond her no longer testified to the persecution that marred Avalona but to the undying spirit of her people. She was determined to restore Avalona to its former glory. Avalona will rise again, stronger than ever. Barbarians and Avalona had joined forces to hasten the restoration of her kingdom. It would take some months but she knew Avalona would revive again. She'll see to it herself. "Everything will be fine,' Ryker as
"Why was I not informed?" he demanded sharply. He had just found out from Adgar about her visit to the witch and now he was both shocked and scared. "I couldn't avoid it any longer and you were fighting vampires," she explained. Her calm countenance contrasted with his distressed expression. "I told you I would come back running to you no matter what I am doing, didn't I?" he reminded her in a stern tone."What if things wouldn't have turned out as you expected" he asked, his eyes conveying his fear. Her features softened. Rosa was aware his anger had stemmed from his concern for her. "I would have never visited her if I wasn't convinced. You know me, Rye. I will never put our babies in harm's way," she coaxed him, running her fingers through his long hair."I would have killed myself if something had happened to you," he admitted, kissing her forehead. She needed to know it wasn't only about her any longer. He would have been devastated, if luck hadn't favored them."What d
He rolled his tongue on her small clit before giving it a hard suck. She gasped and shuddered, arching her back upward. A sheen of tears glistened in her eyes invoked by his sweet assault on her sensitive nerves. The craving and longing of months had heightened her pleasure. He had spread her legs wide, clamping down on them with his hands, and ate her like he was starved for eons. He was famished. She had to lift her head to see him beyond her round belly. "Goodness," she gasped, falling quickly back on the pillow, as he shoved his tongue inside her heat. She wept, overwhelmed by pleasure as he fucked her with his tongue. She came hard, quenching his thirst. But this was not it. He emptied her pussy only to fill it with his cock a moment later. His massive, long girth. She struggled to breathe as he stretched her wider and penetrated her to her limit. Sitting back on his heels, he pulled her lower part on his lap and vigorously pounded into her. Rosa beheld the glorious sight of hi
He was escorted to where the celebration was happening. The hoots and chirps resonated in the air. The villagers surrounded him curious to hear war tales but he couldn’t bring himself to even glance at them as he was busy searching for her. Where was she? He searched everywhere but to no avail. Did she not come to see him? That is not possible. “Hadar..where are you lost? Is everything alright?” one of the villagers asked. He blinked absently at the man before saying he was thinking something. Rosalie couldn’t help but giggle at his situation. He was really impatient. She decided to head back home. Ryker leaped to his feet when he accidentally located her moving around the people. She was leaving. He immediately left the celebration to follow her. He was impatient and famished. The man chased her with quiet steps as she made her way into the house. Rosalie got inside his room and was about to take off the cloak when the door was thrown wide open. She spun at the speed of lightning
"Ugh," Rosa whined in frustration, tousling her braid. She had been trying to tame her wild hair for so long but in futile. She was so close to throwing a fit right now. Due to her pregnancy, her emotions had been all over the place. Her frustration had peaked and her endurance power had reduced. "What happened? Why are you crying" Istas came rushing over to her, worried.Rosa pointed towards her hair that was going in all directions. Istas eyed her hair in confusion. "I am not able to discipline them, how will I discipline my baby?" she expressed her concern. Istas knew better than to poke her at this moment. She knew it was her hormones, not her."They are just hair..let me set them for you," she offered the help. "Will you?' Rosa's eyes sparked with hope. "Of course, you are our luna," Istas replied smiling. "Just wait a moment," she added before disappearing out of the room. She returned a moment later carrying the oil she used for cooking. She applied the oil to her hair sp
She propelled her feet to keep walking despite the wild pumping of her heart. The powerful screams caused the caves to shake violently but she didn't pause. The rest had stayed back, only she and Rory walked the dark path. The cave opened to a wide area. The noise of waterdrops hitting the ground resonated through the room. "Go back," the witch warned in a malicious voice. Rosa gulped. "I can't. Not before I earn your forgiveness," she answered earnestly. The witch chuckled darkly. "The only thing I'll give you is pain and grief," she barked menacingly. "Why punish her for her father's sins? She didn't ask him to commit them," Rory intervened, looking upward. "I'll punish her because she is his blood and flesh. He betrayed me for his family so I'll finish his damned family," her voice boomed through the quiet hall, causing a stirring in the rocks. "I understand your rage and I agree that everything my father did was absolutely wrong. He had this habit of using and manipulating
"She cursed your mate for setting you free but your bond broke the spell. It enraged her and now she is back to take her revenge," the witch disclosed. Rosa took in the information with a grave countenance. "She loved your father and he ditched her after finding his mate. She is seething in vengeance since then," the witch added. "But it wasn't my or my child's fault that he abandoned him," Rosa countered, a bit frustrated. Why did she want to punish him for her father's sins? She could punish her if she wanted but why her pup? "It wasn't your fault but you are his blood and she has vowed to destroy your bloodline," the witch revealed with a straight face. Rosa was astounded to hear that. "This is unfair," she uttered, still reeling from the revelation. "What happened to her was unfair too," the witch shrugged, unaffected by her reaction."I..I want to save my child," Rosa shared, her eyes sincere and desperate. Her motherly instincts had taken over. She could fight her physicall
She didn't know who to approach and with whom she should share her concerns. She still didn't know if it was just a nightmare or a warning. She felt uneasy since the nightmare. Her motherly instincts were telling her to stay alert and watchful. "Do you know any witch here?" Rosa questioned Adgar at last. Adgar shot her a puzzled look. "A witch?" he asked to confirm. She nodded. Asgar thought for a moment. "There is one but she stays deep in the woods, quite far from here," Adgar informed her, still eyeing her with confusion. "How far from here?" she asked, squinting against the sunbeams. They were in the training ground, watching little kids training. "A day," he answered. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you enquiring after a witch?" he asked, she caught a glimpse of concern in his eyes. Witch were strange species and barbarians steered clear from them. Especially after what had happened to Ryker. They were short-tempered and malicious. Rosa exhaled a sigh. "I had a d
Rosa was coming back home after her round around the clan. Her belly had started to grow now. She would take a round around the clan daily to ensure everything was in place. The healer had also suggested she go on walks, so it was like killing two birds with one stone. However, she wasn't very pleased with having Arlick hovering behind her all the time. He was taking Ryker's instruction a little too seriously. He wouldn't leave her side throughout the day despite her insistence. Even though he was here, his mate missed him just as much as other warriors' mates did. She felt bad for Istas. "We are gaining on bloodsuckers. I am certain victory will be ours," Alrick remarked. A bright smile played over Rosa's face as she nodded in agreement. They had received two letters yesterday from the battleground. One for all and other only for her. The formal letter explained the current situation in the battleground and how werewolves had gotten the better of vampires. Apparently, werewolves