Chapter 37

Samira
I hadn’t heard much of Brutus, but I do know that he betrayed the royal family and was killed for it…. His family fell after his death, and now the only reason they have power is that the 14th seat is related to him by marriage. That, and OilMoon is named that for the actual oil within the pack, so they are one of the richest families in the entire supernatural world…
Why would anyone want to mess that up.
I also knew I’d wake Tyson with my awake-ness, so I thought it best not to go back.
I wondered around, and oddly enough, the castle was mostly empty. Court wasn’t held, so the other council left while we were gone. They had their own packs to attend to. I turned a corner, but everything was unfamiliar… I know I’d been here before, but I didn’t know how to get back….
And Just like that… I was lost.
Gosh… gosh *darn* it!
This place has to have more than 500 rooms… There are so many halls, grand this and that… I couldn’t make heads or tails of anything. This place needs a moldy map!!
I nearly bumped into the Sixth Seat. I could bet someone told him I was lost, and he came to fetch me.
“Morning.” He yawned.
There was no pack to go home to, so I guess he likely only leaves the castle to make sure his pack isn’t vandalized….
“Morning; I should thank him.” I said sheepishly. “How’s your mate?”
He looked shocked that I asked. “She’s a little more chipper this morning. The Queen wonders the Fountain. Tia told me to fetch you.” He yawned again, rubbing his eyes… He must have been asleep.
“Then could I trouble you to show me where it is from here… I have no idea where I am.” I admitted.
“About halfway to the gladiator arena. It’s no trouble at all.” He chuckled, leading me back the way I came. “I’d show you, but it isn’t wise to keep the Queen waiting. She isn’t dead after all.”
We got to the Queen’s quarters, and Tia stood at the threshold.
“This is as far as I go.” Said Jang. “The Queen doesn’t like me much, but I truly do deserve her ire, so do not pity me.” He said leaving
I could see how active this place was… Most spirits were blue or white, but a few here and there were darker colors.
“This way.” Said Tia.
“Thank you…. Do you really want to be here?” I asked, and she stopped.
I don’t know how, but I felt like this would be the only time I’d be able to ask without Jang being present.
“….I must be here for him.” She said somberly. “I don’t want to go to hell either…”
“You won’t.” I said to soothe her, and she shook her head.
“All who die by the master’s hand belong to the master…If you die from their ire, they toss you where they please…. I can never be with my wolf again… I can never see my children or family that weren’t in the pack that day, as they are with the Pale Lady… I will forever feel this.” She motioned her missing heart, something that doesn’t happen unless you’re cursed. “But this is what I want. Please do not purge me mistress, nor the other tormented damned here…. Your mate can do that.”
“I won’t.” I said firmly. “But… like if you ever change your mind, come to me.”
“I will… Inside she is waiting.” Tia vanished when the door opened on its own.
In front of the magical fountain…. There stood the woman in front of her portrait. It was Queen Gwen. She was a dark-skinned woman with moon colored curly hair that trailed to the floor. It was white, but the lightest cream, like a pale moon that’d just risen. Her silver eyes looked through me, rather than at me… She was the Soul Mender… It only made sense that she could spirit travel in her sleep.
She was in sterling silver robes… The thread looked to be of actual silver…
It wouldn’t be impossible… Silver and gold thread exist here, but most of the time it’s either fake precious metal, or an incredibly small embroidery patch.
I bowed. I felt a warm pet on my head. “I’ve seen your behavior.” She said firmly.
I cringed…
I didn’t behave at all like a queen.
“You did *very* well, healing all those souls by accident… without even knowing by your facial expression. Tia also told me how you handled the challenge to your Luna authority.” She smiled gently. “Why did you cringe at my words? Do you think you’re not Queen enough to replace me?”