Chapter 27

Samira
Tyson wore a black robe, brandishing his sword and shield… There were so many bodies… He’d killed so many that he stood on top of a pile of corpses, though his face was still as stone… My mate held no inkling of remorse or regard… Their cries did not stop him… Their begging was like his candy.
It was then that he smiled. It was one that lacked any real amusement or humor… almost as if he were thinking of something ironic….
The dreams I had were of my mate’s death dealing… How easily he could kill, without any regret, guilt, nor hesitation… It was like breathing for him. Yet, I did not fear him. Opening my eyes didn’t come with the reaction I thought I would…
I was a little rattled, but I was fine.
Tyson slept like a rock while I laid beside him. He didn’t look like it was good rest either…
Then I saw Nanatori’s scathing, yet painfully formal elvish request text to come home…
I needed air.
I pet between my mate’s horns a few minutes first. Tyson seemed stressed, but I figured it’d be best to leave him be.
“I’m going to go get breakfast.” I whispered gently.
“I’m glad you said something.” He mumbled rolling over, grabbing my pillow. He smelled it before yawning. “What time is it?”
“About 15 to 5.” I said and he sleepily nodded.
“I’ll get up around 9; 10 if no one needs me.”
I got dressed silently and I went downstairs. I didn’t know where anything was, but I did see servants. I even saw a council member. He was the only man of Asian descent, Alpha Jang. His eyes were blue, though his fur looked grayer more from age than it being his true hair color. He looked older than the others too.
If I remember right… he was cursed because he tried killing Tyson, his siblings, or possibly Queen Harmony in her crib. You wouldn’t be able to tell right now though… He held the face of a humbled man, one defeated with little hope… All plotting seemed to have been purged from his mind.
He gently thumbed a leather bracelet as he mumbled to himself. It must have been a keepsake from his mate. I heard King Xaxas destroyed his entire pack, and cursed him…
“Morning.” I said to be friendly, and he turned as if he were being interrupted speaking with someone. He bowed…. So did a woman who was see through.
“Morning my queen. I heard about the servants yesterday. I instructed Julian to punish them.” He said formally.
“You didn’t have to do that.” I said nodding so they could rise.
“I did your highness.” He bowed again, but rose this time. “But to ease your mind, we do not lay hands on the wolf-less. The three have been suspended 4 days without pay. It’s the same treatment they would receive if they were disrespectful to anyone else of your stature.”
“Then I trust your judgment. Also, who’s your friend?” I asked. The spirit had a gaping hole through her chest where her heart should be, and she looked to be tired and in pain, yet held onto the leather bracelet on Jang’s hand tenderly…. She looked so melancholy, yet I knew by a thin red thread linking them both, that she was his mate.
He looked surprised.
“My mate… Tia.” Jang said this somberly confirming my guess. “I’m sorry. I haven’t introduced myself… I am Jang, the Sixth Seat…. Alpha of GhostMoon…population me.” He bowed from his waist, holding his hand over his heart….
“I’m sorry for your loss. I’m Samira, though I know you know that.” I said sheepishly, giving a polite head nod to release him
“No need to be shy my lady.” Jang chuckled. “I assume you’re here for something to eat, not worrying of this old man’s daily life.”
“I don’t mind.” I said walking with him. He escorted me like a gentleman. I didn’t know what to say… A wolf with no pack should be insane… I heard that’s what happens after a long time…
“I heard that you lost your pack and mate due to a disagreement with the Realm King.” I mumbled, and his mate’s spirit vanished. “Sorry!”
“Don’t be…. For that night, unfortunately it will forever be fresh for my mate… I… I am wrong for keeping her around, but I have no one left. I am a reminder to the rest of them… I was made an example for doing wrong, and had this not happened, I might still be up to my old ways.” He grumbled.
I wouldn’t press it anymore… but maybe one day I might ask the Realm King to pardon him… and at least allow someone to keep him company so his mate can rest.
“Then for that… I am grateful, but I still lament your situation.” I said looking at the leather cuff… The bracelet did have a few wispy stray strands of hair now that I noticed… It was worn, thin… but he kept it still…
“I got what I deserved, but feel free to mourn my pack…” He said with sadness, before clearing his throat. “Also, the reason why the Omegas were rude is known as well. My findings revealed this stems from your cousin, Ahgillia. She meant it to simply make trouble and be mischievous while your brother encouraged her behavior. However, I know his majesty wouldn’t be too fond of that. A formal letter was sent to Nanatori as an official warning.” He said casually.
“You didn’t have to do this…. But I do thank you for it. My cousin was out of line, as well as my brother… They seemed to have a hard time accepting that I am a Queen, not a child.” I grumbled the last part, like a child honestly, but I was right!
“I serve the crown, my Luna. Any ill word of you is also an insult to my Alpha.” He said as his eyes changed from blue to purple, since his wolf’s eyes are red. “It irks me that the Elves disrespect my Queen, as cowards no less. Neither could say such things to my King’s face.” Councilman Jang said that firmly, escorting me to the proper dining room.
“So long as you didn’t maim anyone.” I half-joked….
“All parties have been interrogated without any violence, nor threats. The only reason why the Omegas weren’t fired, was that they cooperated.”
“Then I must commend your efforts.” I said with a firm nod.
Jang opened the door for me.
This place was absolutely enormous. It reminded me of the ballroom, though smaller. There was a buffet open to the public, and guards. Every staff member who could shift seemed to eat here, however those who were Omegas ate where Tyson took me last time.
We made our way to the slightly elevated long table.
Jang pulled the chair out for me, as apparently the royal family and Council had their own table. It was long and wood, like the others, however its orientation was left to right, while the others were north to south.
This table also seemed to be placed on a two-step carpeted wooden platform. I sat just to the right of the center seat, and Jang sat in his place, though he didn’t have to. Nothing was asked of us, since it seemed our presence had them bring us all that they’d prepared.
I had kale this morning with baby spinach and an apple smoothie. I was also given pita bread that contained finely chopped hay. This traditional dish is uncommon, however for many who eat a solely vegan diet, the hay is sweet, like a lightly sugared pound cake.
“Do you enjoy the bread?” Asked Councilman Jang, who ate an incredibly rare steak with a knife. More was being added to the table, and I could see a few Councilmen appear.
“I want 5 more of these! They’re sweet, flakey, yet savory enough that if I want to turn my kale into a sandwich, I can.” I said as he cracked a small smile.
“It was Tia’s suggestion.” He looked down at the leather bracelet, and stroked it gently.
“You must miss her.” I said cutting into my kale.
“I do, but at least my mate is always with me.” He motioned the bracelet, but I already knew. “Before you ask, this is a bit of her pelt… Not even souls wonder the empty grounds of my deserted pack… It’s why I changed it to GhostMoon; I don’t even remember its original name anymore.”
“I am aware all this happened before I was born, but know that If you ever need soul mending, I believe the Well within the Queen’s Quarters will aid you….Also… I haven’t the heart to press you to be rid of it until she asks…” I didn’t know what to say to such a statement….
“She won’t…. Neither of us can move on.” He said with a sigh. “Good morning Ronitus.”
“Morning Jang. I have the report you requested. Good work on snuffing out this incident before his majesty.” Said the Second Seat, Ronitus.
“Ron, I had to.” Said Jang seriously. “Her majesty is fresh, but so too are the vultures. They did not give us a chance to have our own opinions.” He hissed, referring to my family.
“Aye, they meant to undermine her majesty’s image. The Warriors live in the mansion, however many of the Omegas live in town…. To Poison RoyalMoon’s image of their Luna before they even see her…. I did not expect your family to be so cruel.” Said Ron.
“That’s the thing.” I said being handed 2 more pita, already cut this time. “They’re all blinded by their own righteousness. They probably think that if I become upset, that I’ll just run home like a good little princess. What they don’t know, is that even *if* I came home, I can never stay home. The mark on my neck holds Both the markings of the Pale Lady’s crescent moon, and the Horned One’s circle with devil horns.”
I showed my mark…. It was a little fresh, but it was custom for all to see it, especially when it’s new. But I also did that because I was proud to be Queen. The only real shame I ever feel is for my weakness…