Chapter 3
Like an excited foal, Ael pranced up and down, Watching her was almost painful to my eyes. “So that’s what it is,” 1 muttered, my voice flat, lacking any real emotion. The Founding Celebration–an event revered by all werewolves, the one celebration that held the most weight in our kingdom. It used to mean a lot to me too, but after everything that happened, it had lost its shine. It felt trivial now, empty.
Just a ceremony marking the founding of the werewolf kingdom every ten years why should I celebrate it.‘ I thought bitterly, my gaze darkening “Last time, I put all my efforts for it to be perfect only for me to be poisoned in the end. My thoughts were sharp, filled with anger and disillusionment.
But no matter. That night was also the night when River came into my life!
After the founding ceremony when returning to my quarters, I realized I was poisoned. The toxin was very potent, something that had yet to appear in the world. It paralyzed my entire body and locked down my power. That night, I found myself on the verge of dying on my own bed.
Then, he appeared. He used his own body to absorb the poison from me. He risked his life to save me, and in the process, River was conceived.
That sweet, little boy whose eyes were exactly like mine. The memory softened my expression, and tenderness swelled in my chest.
Unfortunately, because of the poison I consumed, his golden eyes–symbols of his power and rightful claim to the throne were blind.
I narrowed my gaze. In order to protect him, I hid him from the kingdom and sent him to my father’s pack. Only a few people, including Silas who I thought was his father, knew about his existence.
“But in the end, he took my son’s life. My eyes flashed with fury.
“This time, I would properly protect my son and I would find out who his real father is, I thought with a cold smirk.
Ael’s voice broke through my reverie, full of impatience. “Everyone’s waiting for your decision, Sister. Do you really have to take this long?” Her tone was whiny now, but there was something else behind it.
“You could just pick my father as your escort,” she suggested, her voice barely masking her discomfort.
“Oh, my con
“I mean, waiting for Silas all the way across the world… it’s a bit much, don’t you think!” Her cheeks flushed as she said his name, a soft, almost guilty look in her eyes. I stared at her for a moment, realizing just how much she was affected by him.
“So, it’s like that I thought, my gaze narrowing. I knew she had a little crush on Silas, but this.. this is something else.
Is this why you stabbed me in the back, sister!”
Ael pressed on, her words more insistent now. “Everyone will be watching you that night. Everyone will be kneeling down on your feet! It really won’t maner who your escort is!” She was starting to sound desperate. She was not even trying to hide it, her eyes flashing with jealousy.
“No, I thought, a trace of bitterness flashed in my eyes. This girl isn’t just desperate for Silas. She’s far too selfish Even without him, she would betray me in a heartbear‘
“So, as I was saying, just pick a name. Pick someone and we can finalize everything!” Ael insisted, her voice rising with urgency.
Pick an escort, huh? I thought, a bitter laugh bubbling in my chest. Here I was, the queen of this kingdom, with every head bowing before me, yet every three years when we celebrated the founding ceremony, they insisted I choose a male to accompany me.
It was as though my status, my power meant nothing in the face of tradition–like being a queen and a woman couldn’t possibly be enough. How
A soft, almost mocking chuckle escaped me.
“An escunt?” I said, my voice surprisingly gente, betraying none of the frustration churning inside me.
don’t need
one,” I declared with finality, my words cutting through the room like a sharp blade.
I stood slowly, my gaze swept through Al who was looking at me with shock on her face.
“Prusted with the preparations” I continued, my lone unwavering. “Tell everyone I’ll attend alone” i flicked my hand dismissively, the motion upuding the end of the duc union
Arl opened lar mouth to protest, but I turned and walked away before she could say
And as they proceed with the preparations, I have something very important to do.
ay another word. Her voice, soft and pleading, followed ine,
I thought before pushing the door of the drone room open
Chapter 3
As queen and heir to the Moon Goddess‘ power, I was perceived as distant from everyone around me. To maintain an ethereal image. I never performed mundane tasks with my own hands. So, when the servants outside saw me pushing the door on my own, their eyes widened in shock.
“M–my queen!”
“My 1–lady!”
Three of the guards, including the one who had announced Ael’s arrival, turned pale with fear. It was as if they had been caught committing a mistake one that could cost them their lives.
‘Indeed, it wasn’t i
‘t just that adorable boy, I thought as I observed the guards frantic reactions. In the past, all my servants had always treated me with deference. I had always believed they merely respected me and wanted to keep their distance from their queen.
own servants to this extent?”
“But this is very unusual. Am 1, who is a kind, generous, and benevolent queen, feared by my own servants to
I remembered that old man, one who was ordered to dispose of my dying body at the abandoned human alley. His eyes were looking at me with haired.
That old man called me the evil queen.
So, what is really happening?” I raised a brow towards the three guards who were already kneeling on the ground. I guess I will find out…”
squatted in front of the three guards who were as pale as ghost. “The three of you, what could you be doing on the ground?” I asked them with a soft smile on my face,
“M–my queen” It was that adorable boy who spoke. “We beg your mercy.. P–please forgive us-
Forgive you for what?” I interrupted him gently. But instead, the boy immediately turned even more pale.
I stopped for a second. It seemed as if my approach was not effective. Thinking deeply, I tried to think of a better way to talk and get information from the servants. Suddenly, a face appeared in my mind.
A handsome face who, though feared by many, was able to allure his supporters and enemies alike.
Rowan, the alluring rouge king who amassed a strong support bespite having an evil image. Someone who, the people could not help but follow
and admire.
Should I try acting like him?
to imitated how Rowan
Copying the soft yet seductive way
way the corner of Rowan’s lips tilted, I looked deep in the young guard’s eyes. Then, trying to it alked, I said.
“For being cuties and feeling excited the moment you saw me?” I added with a laugh.
It took a moment before the first boy looked at me, confusion filled his eyes
Oh? What an interesting reaction.
s while a blush started appearing on his cheeks.
It seems like Rowan’s technique is reallt effective, I thought as I watch him closely. Finally, after a while, he started to say something.
“We” Though he started talking, he but could not continue his sentence. Thus, I finished it for him. “I will forgive you,” I told them.
Shocked expressions immediately filled their eyes. It seemed as if they were about to bow their heads even further. But before they could do so, I reached forward with my hand and softly tapped the chin of the boy. It was the same way Rowan touched my lips to stop my thoughts that time. Then, with an alluring voice, I added.
“I will forgive you only if fought, you, and
I the two behind you…
“Accompany me to my quarters,” I said. Moments later, his face, that was just pale with fright, turned bright red.
AD
