Rebecca initially planned to reveal her pregnancy the following week. But as she remembered it was only few days before Sophie’s coronation, she thought it’d be even sweeter to announce the it before then. She had already sent Axel the message. Now, she just needed him to take back what he said.
Axel, on the other hand, had his hands full. The inauguration of his Luna was something that needed efforts and preparation that he had only seen Rebecca’s message the day after she sent it. She was offering a deal.
If you’ll let Edward in to your Kingdom, I won’t tell Sophie about us.
-Rebecca
Axel massaged the temple of his nose upon reading Rebecca’s scheme. A blackmail? Axel pushed his back on his chair. Rebecca was surely pushing him to his limit. She knew Axel wouldn’t change his mind even if she pursued him, so she blackmailed him instead.
Rebecca’s done it. Axel drew a deep breathe. What happened to Rebecca? When they were together, she wasn’t like this. They shared a lot memories together, but he had never seen her act this devious. Sly. Clever. She was… kind.
Axel stood up from his seat, and went out of his room. There was no way he was going to let Rebacca have her way just like that. He wasn’t the Alpha for nothing, and he’ll make her remember that.
----
Sophie was busy watering the flowers she just planted on the garden of the Palace. On the other side, was the gardener who looked troubled while looking at the Alpha’s lover. He knew she wasn’t supposed to be doing this, but Sophie was persistent. He refused at first, and offered to plant the white roses as she liked, but she wanted to do it on her own.
The gardener sighed, before she turned to Flora. “I didn’t know Alpha’s mate has a thing for flowers.”
Flora, whose eyes were still busy admiring her grace, nodded. “I know you’re worried, but My Lady loved this habit of arranging and watering flowers whenever her Alpha was not home. You have to understand.”
“Won’t the Alpha fire me for letting her Luna do my work?” The gardener asked.
Not to mentioned, she’s going to be our Queen, soon. He thought.
Flora looked at the gardener and shook her head. “My Lady will not allow that to happen.”
“I hope so, Flora.”
Sophie continued what she was doing, without discerning the two pair of eyes looking at her. She started humming, while holding the sprinkler. She was thinking about buying more white roses to plant. She wanted to have two straight lines of them near the gate. But she would have to discuss that first with the gardener in charge.
It was the only thing Sophie did in the morning. She went inside just after she was done, and asked Flora to accompany her in Axel’s library room. She wanted to kill time, and it was one of the perfect one. Axel’s books were mostly educational, but there were also few about fairy tales, and romance. The one that caught her attention was the one about a beauty falling in love with a beast. She didn’t realize time has already passed until Flora told her she still has to attend the practice for tomorrow.
Sophie put a bookmark on the book, before she returned it. She took a quick back, and let Flora chose a dress and shoes suitable for the kind of meeting she has today. She, then, asked Flora for help to put a right amount of makeup.
“When is Axel going home, Flora?” Sophie asked.
“He said he’ll be back before seven, My Lady.”
I see. So, he wasn’t going to come with me.
“Seven…” Sophie repeated. “The practice will end at six. Can you cook something in that short amount of time?”
Flora nodded. “Yes, My Lady.”
No. She thought. Flora wouldn’t be able to prepare dishes alone in an hour. She’ll need manpower.
“I’ll help you.”
Sophie and Flora left the castle at three-forty. They went to the place where her coronation will be held. She wasn’t expecting people, as it was only a practice. But when she arrived, she was welcomed by a lot of Beta, and Luna. Some of them weren’t even familiar, but they were very welcoming. They greeted Sophie, who was then a little astonished. Some even bow down their heads. It felt like she wasn’t the only one waiting for the inauguration. She felt accepted. She was going to be the Alpha’s mate, and they seemed fine about it.
Sophie didn’t know how to thank those who came with words. The practice started, and the amount of Beta grew in numbers. She felt thrilled. She spoke the incantation, as the binding promise, and vows of being the most important wolf’s mate. It was long, alright. Almost seemed like a wedding ceremony.
Sophie and Flora went home at six. The other Luna wanted to share a meal with her, and was even planning to take her home, but she kindly refused. Flora had to go home at six to cook for her Alpha. She needed to be there to help, and to eat with him, of course. In return, Sophie promised them she’d find time tomorrow.
And while all has been going well for her, Axel, on the other side, was on a long discussion with the council. Just a few hours ago, Edward, Rebecca’s mate from another pack, had offer them to form an alliance. It was unheard of. All of the them knew they couldn’t be put in a single room together, and an alliance?
“I suggest that we figure out Edward’s motives,” said Rome, the oldest in the council.
Axel didn’t want the council involved in this. But Edward didn’t only message her, but the people in the border as well. It led to this. What’s more was that two of the council agreed, for the reason that it would benefit us.
“I do not wish to form an alliance with him––“
Axel was cutted off when the door slammed open. All of them turned, and saw Hansel, Axel’s trusted Beta, at the doorway. He looked perturbed.
“Alpha, I have to report. Rebecca has just entered the Kingdom with her mate!”