Trust Me

Rain's POV

Impatiently I wait for Magda and Esis' arrival.
She wouldn't reveal anything on the phone about what her mission had accomplished. But from her voice I could tell she had good news. I stand on the balcony of my apartment and look at the driveway for the hundredth time. Technically, they should be here in two hours, but impatient as I am, I'm hoping for a miracle.
I've instructed Eric to deploy the Royal Jet as close to their route as possible.
First, they ride by car out of some werewolf pack and then board the Jet via a private airstrip. They should arrive at the airstrip any time now and then it's an hour and a half flight to the Kingdom. I sigh deeply, it's time to eat something. The pups are starting to get restless. Quickly I take a bath and put on a wide dress. As I step into the dining room, I smell meat and garlic bread. "There you are, Saray. How was your night?" asks Ralph as he kisses me on the forehead. "Did my pups keep you awake again?" I chuckle, several times my mate has stayed overnight with me because the pups were too rambunctious and didn't spare me. As they grow bigger, they need to remind me of their presence more often. Sometimes I wonder if there are really two of them; it's more like eleven in there.
Once I am seated, Ralph fills my plate.
The rest of the family slowly joins, and once everyone has served themselves, I can finally begin my meal. "Saray, I suggest you eat more now. I don't mean the fruit you have through the day, but a full meal. You'll have four as of today," Alidya begins as she looks at my empty plate. "I will ask the cook to deliver some more for you between lunch and dinner." I nod, indeed, my appetite increases as the pregnancy progresses. Ralph bends over and kisses me on the cheek. "Yes, I'll pick it up from the kitchen and bring it for you. Then I'll have some quality time with my pups, too," he declares proudly.
"Have you heard from the Sages yet, Ralph?" his father asks. "The Full Moon has already ended and they didn't return to the Palace to report back to us yet on how things went at the Oracle. I have already told them that we have decided to hold your mating in six weeks." Randall seems to be losing patience in all of this. Especially now that the pups are about to arrive, he wants everything taken care of on time. Since the day Ralph came up with the idea, preparations have started all over again. Alidya talks about nothing but the ceremony. We have yet to pick up the garments in Human Town. Now that the coronation has been postponed, dressmaking for that occasion is no longer a priority. It looks like this activity will take place after the birth of the pups. But by then, my figure and my measurements have changed for sure.
"Speaking of the ceremony," Alidya begins as if she has read my mind. "We need to get back to Human Town. The dresses should be finished by now. We will have to wait with the traditional robe but still have to try on the rest of the collection for the mating ritual again," she indicates. Ralph's face tightens. "Does Saray really have to go with you? Can't you pick up the clothes or have someone from the fashion house come here?" he asks displeased. Alidya shakes her head. "They are humans, I don't want them here. And besides, I'm sure Saray wants some change of scenery. Once the pups are here, these trips won't happen for a long time," she states.
Ralph sighs and resigns himself to his mother's decision.
"Okay, if you insist, mother. I'll let Ivor and his team go with you," he declares defeatedly. "But please be alert. No more escapades that could endanger Saray. I mean it". His mother looks at him from under her lashes but stays silent.
"The Royal Jet has just landed. Esis and Magda are on board," Eric suddenly reports.
Delighted, I jump out of my seat to get out of the room but Ralph holds my hand. "Magda? Is she coming back? She has settled her issues with her mate, then shouldn't they return to their own pack?" he asks displeased. Oops, I have to keep him from getting suspicious. I'll tell Esis to distract him while I talk to Magda. "Ralph, I hope you don't mind. I asked her to be with me for a few more days before they go home. I don't think I'll see her again before the pups are born". I look at him pleadingly. Ralph stares at me to see if I'm up to something. "And since we're going to Human Town to get the dresses anyway, she can come with us. This is our last chance to be together again, Ralph".
Finally, he lets me go, following me with brooding eyes until I'm out the door. Hastily, I make my way to the palace gates to greet my friends. When their vehicle finally stops, Magda jumps out and runs to me. "Saray! Oooohhh goodness, how happy I am to see you again," she exclaims, full of joy. I hold her tightly in my arms. "Ooohh girl, I'm so curious to hear what news you brought. I can't wait until we're alone," I whisper in her ear. I wait until Esis gets out and quickly walk over to him. "Please, keep Ralph and Eric busy so I can talk to Magda undisturbed. I don't think Ralph completely trusts me with Magda," I speak out softly. Reassuringly he takes my hand and nods. "No problem, Saray. And I want you to know that everything is going to be okay", he states before walking quickly into the Palace.
I pull Magda through the hallways to my apartment.
We get straight to my bedroom and sit on my bed. "Magda, please, tell me what information you were able to gather. I'm dying of curiosity," I call out. But then I see her hesitate, her eyes becoming watchful.
"Saray, your past is complex. And as your friend, I have to protect you. If I tell you everything in one go, you might fall apart," she says softly. "What I urge you to do now is to trust me. I am going to lead you slowly through the labyrinth of it all and then everything will become clear to you".
Startled, I stare at her, not knowing what to say.
"Do you trust me, Saray?"...