38. A true Queen doesn't take demands from anyone.

"We're going home. Now." The beast growled, turning on her heel and rushing into the forest.

One thing Ally knew about her mother was that the woman didn't get angry without reason. She had grown person wise a lot, especially during the years Eve spent alongside her mate. Eros used to tell Ally how her mother was at the beginning when they first met; the woman back then was nothing similar to the powerful Queen she was today.

The young Princess follower her mother's footsteps without any hesitation. Disobeying enraged mother would get Ally into bigger problems than she already was by now. The young woman feared that her father had found out what happened at the lake. There was a possibility that Eve would lose whatever sanity she had after finding out that Eros knew about Wrath.

"Are we going to the caste or back to uncles Balthazars place?" Ally asked, feeling awkward to talk to her mother in her new form. She didn't know the beasts name, nor if there was one.
"Oh, and would you mind telling me your name, please? Or should I call you mom, just like I call, you know- my mom?"

"Enyo." The beast growled in response.

Ally followed her quietly, wondering why was the answer so blunt and emotionless. Of course, she wasn't talking directly to her mother, but the beast was now part of her. Wouldn't she feel even a little connection to the young Princess? The further in the forest they went, the more upset Ally felt. She couldn't accept the fact that a part of her mother wouldn't want her. The thought itself was devastating enough to make tears fill her eyes. The young woman refused to cry or seem weak in front of someone with such a dominating aura, but there were more reasons why she refused to show weakness. Ally knew that her tears would lead to another encounter with Wrath, and that was the last thing they needed.

"Enyo represents the Goddess of War, Destruction, Conquest, and Bloodlust. In ancient mythologies, she was frequently associated with war God Ares. I'm sure that you're a smart child, could put two and two together. I've been asleep for a long time, waiting for the moment when I'll be needed. The last time when I saw this world was centuries ago. Before I died, I was a Queen, just like your mother is today. Since I'm a part of her now, I guess I should say that I'm your mother as well, so don't hesitate to call me mom. There's no need to act as if we are strangers and call each other by our names, child. She is a strong woman; any other weakling couldn't take me as a part of them, trust me- many had tried. I would love to give you time with the Queen, but she's weak. Her body and spirit need to rest; the first shift is worst to endure, and you know that. Right now, we are going to the King, after what we shall return to the castle. It is not safe to be around forests right now, especially for you. Plus, I'm dying to see my mate. It's been so long since the last time we got to hold each other." Enyo sighed, a little smirk appearing on her terrifying lips. Ally nearly gasped, she had no idea their beasts could show off softer facial expressions, just like the beast was right now.

"Wait, I don't understand. Your mate? Do you mean dad? His beast? Ares?" Ally pushed out words before processing them. She had no idea how funny she sounded- more like a bubbling pot rather than someone speaking.

"We are Royals, baby. We don't die, well not quite literally. You see, when a Royals die, for the time being, their beasts stay locked, asleep if I may say so. We are awakened when the next high Royalties are born. My mate is your father, Ares. As I said, you could put two and two together, couldn't you? The God of war and the Goddess of war. We were meant for each other the same as your mother and father were. Throughout centuries we spent many lives and faced different destinies side by side. So for your question- yes, you're right." The best spoke in a loving tone. It was clear that Enyo was excited to meet Ares, yet Ally had no idea about things she was talking about. No one ever told the young Princess that their breasts don't die; they sleep and wait for the next body they get tossed in. It was quite fascinating but scary at the same time. She couldn't accept the fact that Seraphima wasn't hers and hers only. Ally understood how selfish and childish that might seem, but the Princess didn't care much- those we're her emotions.

For the rest of their journey, both of them kept quiet. Enyo led the way as if she had lived in the territory for years, heading straight to where Eros was supposed to be. Ally knew that the beast wasn't much of a talker, most of them weren't, but she did want to find out more. Perhaps after they get back to the castle, Enyo would explain some things to the young woman.

"Hey, listen. Before we get there, can I ask one thing?" Ally spoke up, trying to sound brave.

"Sure thing, what is it?" The beast laughed at Ally's frightened state. It wasn't anything new, yet she never expected her child to act that way. Enyo was new to this, particular body, but she accepted Ally and little Bea as their own as soon as she became one with Eve.

"After we get home, could you tell me more? I mean about places and times you've seen?" The young woman giggled, letting out a deep breath of relief.

"I would love to. Honestly, I thought you would ask me some stupid questions, but you did surprise me. You're a great kid. Now, let's go and find your father, as said- it isn't safe out here, and I have to make sure that nothing endangers you." Ally smiled at the beasts kind words and happily strode along.

Soon enough, the Balthazars house came in their view; her father headed to their direction, visibly distressed. Ally took a glance at her phone and noticed that an hour had already passed. Eros was out to find her.

Everything happened like in movies, his eyes focused on both feminine silhouettes, and he stopped. It seemed as if he paled, his eyes changing color, Ares taking over the control. Ally noticed how Eros didn't make it difficult or keep the beast away from getting on the surface.

"I see you've found our pup, and here I was, about to go and find her. One step ahead of me, as per usual, my love." He chuckled. The tone of his voice was the one he used only when speaking to his mate or daughter. Ally instantly understood that everything Enyo had said was the truth. They were made for each other, and she couldn't be happier for both. Finally, the missing piece of the puzzle was where it was supposed to be.

"I did. You did a great job with this one. Both of you." Enyo smiled side hugging Ally, pulling the young woman closer.

One moment she was tightly pressed against her mother and the next she stood aside, tearing up as she watched the heartwarming reunion of lovers. She didn't care about whatever happened back in the forest; the happiness of her parents was all that matters. Deep down the Princess hoped that one day she would feel the same, and Wrath would look at her with the same amount of adoration and love.

After a while, they bid their goodbyes to Mary and Balthazar, promising to visit soon. Everyone seemed like a big, happy family, and Ally couldn't be happier. Enyo had to shift before they could get into a vehicle, which led to Eros and Ally watching sleeping Eve and whispering to each other to avoid disturbing her sleep. The whole car ride was spent with positive emotions only, Eros spoke about everything Ares had told him, reminding Ally the importance of mates and all the good things they bring to one's life.

After reaching the castle, Eve finally woke up. The Queen couldn't hide her excitement, asking questions about Enyo over and over again. She had yet to learn how to communicate to her beast properly, but so far both seemed to get along great.

"Mom, would you like to sleep some more or are you hungry? I know how the first shift can be; it makes you feel like a food killing machine." Ally laughed, entering the castle hand in hand with her parents.

"I have to admit; I'm still sleepy, but I'm dying to eat something as well. We could have some snacks, maybe?" Eve laughed, admitting the truth in her daughter's words.

Instead of snacks, they all sat across the dining room table and ate some steak the servants happily cooked for the Royal family. The more time they spent together, the more Ally forgot about an encounter with deadly creatures.
She couldn't take her eyes off of her parents; the way both of them looked at each other was admirable.

"I think I need a shower and some sleep. I'm sure you two need some privacy as well." Ally laughed, hugged them both and ran upstairs.

Up until now, she didn't have an idea how much she missed her bedroom. The familiarity in the room made her feel safe and content. No wonder people say that there is no better place than home. Quickly, she dropped the clothing and went to the bathroom. Before hopping into the shower, the young Princess took a glance at herself in the mirror.
"I should start eating a little more; all this stress is messing me up." She whispered, taking her time to stare at ribs which were showing through her skin.

The young Princess never pitied herself, but she wasn't one to starve if her body didn't seem good for her own standards. With the thought of having more food and training as a goal, Ally got into the shower and let all negativity wash away. It took her around an hour to feel content enough and leave the bathroom. She chose an oversized t-shirt and headed straight for the bed, hoping to get some rest.

As soon as she covered herself with sheets, Ally overhead unusual shouting from the downstairs. At first, she thought that someone had an argument, it used to happen since many people spent a lot of time in the castle, but when she heard the sound of breaking glass- she jumped out of bed and ran downstairs.

As she reached the final steps of the staircase, the voices faded. As if no one shouted just seconds ago. She could, of course, drop it and get back to bed, but the curiosity got the best of her.

Ally walked through the seemingly lifeless and empty rooms, exploring one after another. Nothing.
She reached the library, peeked inside, and it was empty, yet the voices seemed to come from there. Before heading back to the bedroom, she decided to check one last place- the throne room.

The Princess quietly opened the door and instantly covered her mouth with both palms, to avoid a gasp leaving her lips. Both of her parents sat on their thrones, Ares and Enya obviously having the control over bodies. They didn't take their beast forms, yet it didn't seem like it would be long till they do. Ally had never seen both of them in such an enraged state. Her eyes scanned the room until they stopped on a figure. A silhouette surrounded by shadows. It was a man, very tall and well built one. She couldn't notice his face, but the Princess was sure that the male must be handsome.

"Repeat yourself; I don't hear bullshit," Enya spoke up, shaking in anger.
Ares placed a hand over hers, attempting to calm down his mate.

"Gladly, give humans back the control, I'm not in the mood to argue with savages." The male laughed. Ally knew how wrong her thoughts were, especially taking in the hatred radiating from her parents, but the male had the voice of an angel. She had never heard a man with such a delicate and sweet voice; it was almost inviting Ally to get closer. She wanted to see his face.

Standing in a safe distance, she watched how Enya closed her eyes and opened them again. She gave control to Eve, probably sure that her human side can handle the situation as good as she would.

"Talk," Eve ordered, glaring at the male as if he was signing his death sentence.

"I'm here to take what is rightfully mine, and you're about to comply." The male announced, unbothered by the tension in the throne room.

Ally was sure that she hadn't heard that voice somewhere, but she couldn't understand why it seemed so familiar. It couldn't be one she had actually heard, since it was the silkiest male voice ever. But for some reason, she couldn't get rid of an idea that she knew the owner. Who was he?

"A true Queen doesn't take demands from anyone."