66

Arriving at our new stop, everyone quickly headed into the hotel, eager to shower and change. Kallen, Stuart, and I had to do this for professional reasons, while the others reveled in the chance to relax in whatever they chose to wear. With their laughter trailing behind us, we made our way to the penthouse suite—the place where the Vampire Princess had requested we meet her.
As we stepped into the opulent private dining room of the five-star hotel in Havenwood Vale, the atmosphere wrapped around us like a fine silk cloak. The elegant chandeliers cast a warm glow over the dark wood furnishings, reflecting the significance of our meeting. The soft hum of conversation and clinking of silverware from the adjacent dining area filled the air, but here, an air of anticipation hung heavily.
At the head of the long table, the Vampire Princess sat, her demeanor composed and regal. The weight of her impending crown seemed to press down on her shoulders, and each word she spoke was laced with the gravity of her responsibilities. We had traveled for eight and a half hours from the Lunar Gardens, the hotel conveniently located just three blocks from the famed Venra, the renowned Vampire Museum.
“I appreciate you coming all this way,” the Vampire Princess began, her tone serious. “My schedule is tightly bound by my responsibilities. Every decision I make is crucial, and I cannot afford to waste time. My mother’s crown will soon be mine, and with it, the weight of our entire kingdom. I must be ready for any challenge that comes.”
Stuart nodded, his expression earnest. “We understand. But even future leaders need to find balance, Princess. As we, too, will be Alpha Kings and Luna Queen in our own right, we must not forget the value of respite.”
Kallen leaned back in his chair, a slight grin tugging at his lips. “Even future queens deserve a break now and then, don’t you think?”
The Princess narrowed her eyes slightly, a flicker of irritation passing over her features. “I don’t have the luxury of idleness. My enemies certainly won’t be resting.”
I leaned forward; my voice firm yet compassionate. “I understand your pressures more than you think. I’m royal by blood, too. Not just through my connection with Asena, also through my mates, Kallen and Stuart. My mother and father were Luna Queen Kelly and Alpha King Kyle Black of Royal Lotus Moon.” I glanced at them, their unwavering support giving me strength, before refocusing on the Princess. “Even with the weight of responsibility, sometimes you accomplish more by loosening your grip. Even the most powerful beings need to breathe, Princess. It’s about endurance, not just strength. Why do you think the best trainers have the best stamina above all other warriors?”
The Vampire Princess arched a brow, interest piqued. “I’m aware of your background, Kai-Lea. You were raised in Black Moon, were you not?” Her tone shifted, sharp and probing, as if bringing up Black Moon was a calculated move to unsettle me. “Is that how you know not all packs pass leadership from father to eldest son? Most wolves adhere to that tradition. Yet, two packs follow a different path—one much like my coven, where the title passes from mother to daughter, or sometimes from father to daughter. It’s a matter of choice for the current leader.”
I met her gaze with quiet resolve. “You and I both know that is not the case. But I learned from my time at Royal Green Mountain that choices shape leadership. It’s not always about what’s expected; it’s about what’s needed. Like your mother choosing to pass her title to you. It’s about ensuring strength in the line, whether through a son or daughter. You’re not just following a tradition; you’re being chosen.”
As we shared each of our insights, the conversation flowed, exploring the intricacies of leadership and the pressures we all feel. The hours slipped by like grains of sand through an hourglass, each of us gaining valuable perspectives from one another’s experiences.
The Princess’s expression softened slightly as she considered my words, her shoulders dropping just a fraction. “Exactly. This transition is about more than blood. It’s about who will ensure the survival of our people. I am being chosen, just as you say. Perhaps… once I am Queen, see to this loosened way of thinking.”
I pressed on, keeping my tone earnest. “But it may be too late by then. Allowing yourself to grow now is how you can ensure the survival of not only yourself but your people. You don’t want to disconnect from your people. I’ve seen what disconnection from one’s pack can cause—the damage it can inflict. Being able to show that you are more than just your title helps remind them and yourself that without them, there is no title, and without their leader, there is no pack or coven.”
The room fell into a thoughtful silence, the weight of their discussion hanging heavily in the air. The Princess considered my words carefully, her brow furrowing in contemplation.
“Have you ever thought about how fragile leadership can be?” the Vampire Princess asked, her voice softening as she toyed with the edges of the ornate tablecloth. “One misstep, one moment of doubt, and everything can unravel. The pressure is relentless.”
“I have,” I admitted, my gaze steady. “But I’ve also learned that it’s essential to lean on others. You don’t have to carry the weight alone. As you may have heard, Kallen, Stuart, and I almost lost our bond, our connection to one another. That affects you in ways that can falter your leadership. But in our reconnection, we realized we’d almost disconnected from the pack, which can have lethal aftereffects for us as well as the pack that we have and those rule over.”
The Princess nodded, her expression contemplative, as if weighing my words against her own experiences. “Perhaps you’re right. Perhaps I need to allow others in, to share this burden. My advisors are helpful, but…” Her voice trailed off, her gaze drifting out the window, lost in thought. She was clearly wrestling with the notion of vulnerability, aware that while we were offering friendship, she couldn’t fully let her guard down in front of us.
Kallen, sensing the weight of the moment, broke the tension with a warm smile. “You know, it’s okay to show a little vulnerability, Princess. Sharing your struggles doesn’t make you weak. In fact, it shows strength. It’s an act of courage to acknowledge when you need help or when you’re feeling overwhelmed. As you’ve noticed Kai-Lea, Stuart and I, don’t hold our vulnerability inside of us. We show it.”
“It’s a calculated move in of itself. They see your vulnerability but cannot use it.” The Vampire Princess regarded him, her gaze thoughtful once more. Seeing the wisdom in it. “I’ve trained myself to lead from a position of strength and confidence. But maybe there’s more to leadership than just that.”
I leaned in once more; my voice remaining gentle yet firm. “Absolutely. Leadership is also about connection. The strongest leaders are the ones who can inspire trust and loyalty, not through fear, but through understanding and compassion. It’s about creating a community where everyone feels valued, including yourself. Answer this, how can you value another if you can’t value yourself?”
As our conversation unfolded, I felt a renewed sense of camaraderie among us. Here we were—four royal heirs, all navigating the complexities of our destinies. In this moment, we were not just representatives of our respective people, but friends forging a bond that transcended our titles.
The Princess’s expression brightened, a flicker of hope igniting in her eyes. “You’re right. I’ve been so focused on what I have to do that I’ve forgotten why I want to do it in the first place. It’s not just about the crown; it’s about the people I’ll serve. I want to be a queen they can relate to; someone they can trust.”
Kallen leaned forward, a supportive smile on his face. “And you can be that. It starts with being open to growth, allowing yourself to learn from your experiences and the people around you.”
Stuart nodded in agreement. “And we’re here to help you every step of the way. You don’t have to do this alone, Princess. Let us share in this journey together.”
As the night deepened around us, the Princess’s expression grew serious again, and she shifted her focus. “Before we make plans to leave the hotel, there’s something important we must discuss. The treaty that needs to be finalized prior to us taking on our respective titles. It’s crucial we establish a solid foundation between our packs and covens.”
I exchanged glances with Stuart and Kallen, each of us understanding the gravity of the moment. “You’re right,” I said, my tone shifting to match the seriousness of the topic. “A strong treaty will not only solidify our alliances but also demonstrate to our people that we’re united against any external and internal threats.”
The Vampire Princess nodded, her regal demeanor returning. “Exactly. I want to ensure that our kingdoms can coexist peacefully. We’ve all faced challenges, and it’s time to create a pact that reflects our commitment to mutual respect and support. Since that is the real reason for this meeting we should go ahead and get that done. Then I learn about this fun you speak so highly of.”
Stuart leaned forward, engaging in the discussion. “That works. We already have a draft of our proposals and came prepared with our ideas on how to strengthen the alliance we already have thanks to our respective parents.”
Kallen added, “Let’s also consider the implications of our bond. We can show that our union goes beyond just power; it’s about understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
The Princess’s gaze flickered with appreciation, her previous tension easing. “I believe that’s the spirit we need. Together, we can create something meaningful—a treaty that not only represents our commitments but also honors our unique cultures.”
As we continued to outline the key points for the treaty, the conversation flowed seamlessly. It was a collaborative effort, each of us contributing ideas and insights. I could feel the air shift from uncertainty to optimism, our shared vision uniting us in purpose.