Changes

"Saray, have you had anything in for the day?" she asks softly.
I shake my head in denial. "No, after the hospital, we went straight to the yacht. I have no desire for food at all," I explain, wearily hanging over the sink. This is not a healthy situation, I know I need to see the doctor soon for medication to whet my appetite and neutralize this nausea. My body needs vitamins to keep my pup healthy.
"Here, drink some warm water with the dissolved sugar and then the yogurt. It will help keep your stomach in check". I take the glass from her and drink it in one gulp. Indeed, several minutes later, I feel a lot more comfortable. I sigh in relief. Then I take the yogurt and sit down on a stool. "We'll have the doctor come in tomorrow to examine you. Although I am not in favor of all those tablets and chemical stuff, you have to decide for yourself whether to use them. This warm water with sugar has helped me and many other she-wolves around here," she notes. "You're two months far now, right? We should be able to see the gender already. Lycan pups grow fast. If you want, I'll ask her to bring all the equipment for the ultrasound," Alidya offers.
Eagerly I nod.
"Yes, I would like that. Then I can start searching for names and also be able to shop for specific clothing," I declare happily. "Four months is very little time. Knowing whether my pup is a boy or a girl in a few hours immediately puts me in a better mood. Alidya's eyes begin to sparkle. "Saray, I know we've only known each other for an hour or so, but I have a request," she begins hesitantly. With a nod, I encourage her to continue while sipping the yogurt. "Could I also be present when the ultrasound is done? I know it's an intimate moment between parents. I promise you won't even notice I'm there. I just want to see my grandchild," she asks pleadingly.
I smile at her, actually expecting some strange Royal protocol that she'd remind me of. "Of course, that's no problem at all. I'm sure Ralph is fine with that too," I let her know. With joy, she falls around my neck and kisses me on both cheeks. "You're so good. I'm glad Ralph chose a gentle mate. All those bitches hanging around him, I was terrified he would take one of them to the palace," she sighs. "I'm so glad you're here. With a bonus. You bring so much joy with you, Saray. And Ralph is obviously madly in love with you, I've never seen him so happy before".
"No, I'm the lucky one here," I refute. "You guys are the in-laws every woman wishes for. I was so anxious to meet you guys. Before I lost my memory, Ralph told me that I had refused to start a relationship with him before I met his family. And if you did not accept me, there could be nothing between him and me," I confess.
Even before Alidya can answer, there is a loud knock on the door.
"Alidya, can I have my mate back? You were supposed to make her feel well, not steal her away from me," Ralph complains irritatedly on the other side. "Ouchh, someone's getting impatient," my mother-in-law declares now, laughing. "Let's get out of here. I'll ask the servant to prepare some dry food for you. As soon as your stomach starts acting up again, drink the water with sugar in it. I'll have a big glass prepared for you".
When she opens the door, Ralph stands defensively with his hands at his side.
Alidya raises both hands in surrender and passes him quickly. "Are you all right now, love?" asks Ralph worriedly. I nod and lean against him. "Sugar with water. No tablets. It helps," I let him know. "Don't worry, we have quite a lot of that here. Tomorrow I'll have a few bales of sugar hauled to the palace. It will never be scarce here again," he promises.
We walk to the dining room table, where I sit at the head next to my mate.
Something in my mind moves; it's as if I've done this before. I shake off the thought, there is only a single King of Werewolves and I am sure I have not been here with Ralph in my past life. Probably reading a lot about werewolf culture online has made my imagination go wild. This is definitely my first time sitting at the head table with my mate. Looking around, besides Ralph's parents, I see Ivor and Eric seated. Alidya and Randall sit on our right and the two men on the left.

"Saray, we have three meals together every day. Things get very familiar, we discuss private and work matters at the dining table with empty and full mouths. There is little etiquette when among ourselves," Ralph explains. "It's different when we have guests like the Sages. Usually, they come in threes and demand that we observe tradition," he adds skeptically. Everyone chuckles at his words; it seems like everyone just doesn't like this decision of the elders. "Has that always been the case? I suppose, as the host, you are the one determining the order at the table and not the guest," I reply.
A burst of laughter follows.
Amazed, I look around. "My dear. Hierarchically, the King is above the Sages although they have veto rights on some issues," Randall explains. "On wars that Lycans are planning or harsh measures against a pack that would affect its members. The Moon Goddess gave them that power because otherwise, the King would have too much control over the survival of the entire species. Now about three more men share the responsibility for that. The Corps of Sages consists of at least three people, the elders in the Kingdom with Selene's permission," he further indicates.
Waiting expectantly, I look at him, my question still unanswered.
"Ralph has every right to determine what happens at his dinner table, but we don't want to antagonize the Sages. When I was King, I let them have their way too," he explains nonchalantly, waving a hand. "Besides, they don't come here very often. When they show up, it's to discuss something serious or remind Ralph of traditions". I throw a quick glance at my mate, who is listening skeptically. "So when was the last time they visited Ralph? What was it about then?" I ask curiously. Judging by the expression on Ralph's face, he's not really waiting for a visit from the elders.
Now a grin appears on everyone's faces.
"Well, it's a little painful to confess. My son was seen with a decidedly disputatious she-wolf. The woman was from a pack that practiced the occult. The Sages were terrified that he would be influenced and at worst, take the woman to the Kingdom," Randall explains with a smirk. "Not a chance!" sounds dryly beside me. "Who doesn't know that Jasmine? She just made sure to be photographed in my company and knitted a story around it herself". All heads are bowed to their empty plates, hiding their faces; something is clearly not right here. But I decide to ask Ralph about this later.
"Don't worry. We heard the news and are back here to meet the Queen," it sounds from the doorway. All faces turn with horror to the door. If the authority of the Sages in the room were not so overpowering, I could still laugh at the sudden changing attitude of the family....