The Delta's Daughter Chapter 68

Lamia

“So you have no idea what your grandfather wants?” I asked Tawny.

She had arrived yesterday shortly before Ria had come home also, and yesterday was a cluster of introductions and being reacquainted with familiar faces. The afternoon and evening had passed by so fast we didn’t get the chance to sit down and have a good chin wag.

So after breakfast this morning, we took one of the jeeps out and headed out to the hot springs that were situated in the northern part of our territory, a hidden gem tucked away inside the mountains. We had packed a picnic basket with sandwiches and other snack food, but I also packed a couple bottles of champagne and orange juice.

So that’s what we were doing now, the three of us, Me, Tawny and Ria, sitting buck naked in one of the pools, drinking mimosas and catching up.

“I truly don’t, his Zeta told me he was seeking an audience with me, when I asked why he didn’t call himself, he gave me a half-cocked answer and said ‘the Chief said it was time to let the past go’. Honestly, he practically begged me to come”, Tawny related.

“And you just agreed?” Ria asked while taking a sip of her drink.

“Well yah, ask Lam’s, It’s no secret I have been dying to meet my grandfather, more to ask why he cast my mother out and disowned me, more than anything.” Tawny ran a hand through her short hair as she regarded Ria.

Goddess, it was so good to see Tawny again. I had missed her so much and she had blossomed into a courageous and strong Lyoki (were-cat). She had changed her appearance since the last time I had seen her. Gone was the long flame orange hair, in its place was a short pixie cut and dyed a darker rust color. It really suited her and her delicate features, the cut, style and color of her hair accentuated her yellow eyes. A beautiful color contrast against her dark skin, like a summer garden at night under the glow of a lantern, was the only way to describe her.

She was a breath of fresh air in my eyes.

“You just make sure you stay in touch with me while you’re in his kingdom.” I stressed, pointing my finger at her “You have been raised in wolf packs and have never experienced a Pride or Clowder. That’s why I am sending Mason and a couple of others with you.”

“Mason?” Ria cocked her head, her blond hair falling to one side, and a small grin creeping on her face “Now that is one yummy looking warrior”, I laughed as she pointed to Tawny with a ‘you know’ look in her eyes.

Tawny giggled at the nineteen-year-old. “Oh, you think so, huh? Are you trying to tell us something, Ria?”

“No,” she said, her cheeks turning a shade more pink. “I can just appreciate a fine specimen is all.”

We sat there until the alcohol had been drunk, the food eaten and the sun began to go down. By the time we climbed out of the hot spring, the three of us looked like old women with wrinkly skin and fingers.

“You should really think of building a spa, or a retreat out this way, like a vacation place” I smiled at Tawny’s suggestions; it was actually something Ria had previously also suggested.

“Yes! That there! I said the same thing!” Ria piped up.

“I will give it some thought. Maybe you can draw up some plans, Ria, after you have organized this dang ball we are meant to have next week.”

“Already on it my Queen, I got you covered.” Ria excitedly replied. She was all girl and LOVED throwing a party. I sighed in relief; the girl was a life saver. I cast my eyes at Tawny, whose shoulders were shaking with laughter.

“Ria, thank goddess for you, because that is Lamia’s one weakness. She doesn’t do parties. An hour before her eighteenth birthday, after we had been to the spa, her mother had to drag her ass from the training fields.” Tawny laughed at the memory and then went quiet, putting her head down.

“What? What’s wrong?” Ria looked between the two of us, obviously feeling the awkwardness in the car as we drove back to the castle.

“It was the same night she found Zane, the same night things started going to shit.” Tawny replied for me. I was silent, she could tell Ria, I didn’t mind, I just would rather not explain it myself. Ria knew some of my history, but not all of it.

I listened to the girls talk about clothes, makeup and everything in between on the hour drive back. I was lost in my own thoughts again and only caught bits and pieces of their conversation.

*****

I slipped on a pair of shorts and a tank top to sleep in and climbed into my bed next to Tawny. You were never too old for a sleep over! Especially when it had been too long since I had the company of my best friend. She was there for me and she was there when they finally rescued me from these very dungeons, helping to carry me out. This beautiful girl curled up next to me was no longer the bullied wall flower I first met. She saw me at my worst and held my hand the whole time, never judging me or looking at me with shame in her eyes. She never felt sorry for me. She held me up, her and my mother.

She had killed for me and it had hardened her. It made me feel sad for her. I didn’t pity her, but I did sympathize with her. Taking a life will change a person. I know she doesn’t regret killing Kira, we have had multiple conversations about it over the past couple of years, but it did toughen her up. I couldn’t imagine Tawny taking shit from anyone ever again.

“So does Travis spend a lot of time in your room?” Tawny cleared her throat and when I side eye her she had an eyebrow cocked in a questioning manner.

“I have no idea what you mean” She saw through my lie and her yellow eyes shot daggers at me.

“And how long has this been going on?” Again with the eyebrow cocking and glowering!

“I didn’t sa…”

“Don’t play stupid Lamia, you insult me” She feigned hurt, holding a hand over her chest.

“A year, but it’s over now.”I admitted and shrugged. I must have been too casual with my reply as she gave me a knowing look and hummed.

She turned on her side to get a better look at me, her eyes boring into mine and grimaced “Lamia, are you doing OK? Like are you seriously doing OK?” so much love and true concern poured from those few words. She was genuinely worried about me. And I genuinely worried about her visiting the were-cat kingdom.

I slumped my shoulders and sighed at her melancholy expression. “I am always OK Tawny. According to Ashe, I will be a Queen and bear the next line of Demi Gods” I lied, I am not always ok, but I managed a small chuckle as I recanted what the Demi Goddess herself had said to me in some crazy ass comatose state.

Every now and then I would see her, Ashe, in my dreams, when my sleep wasn’t plagued by nightmares fueled by memories, but she has never spoken to me again.

“But are you happy Lamia?” She asked sincerely.

“Ha! You forget. I have experienced true happiness, however too short of a time it was. So if you are asking if I am that happy, then the answer is no.” I flopped onto my back, sinking into the pillows. “I don’t think I will ever be that happy again.” I whispered my truth.

“I love you Lamia, I’M sorry I won’t be here for the council meeting, to support you.” She whispered back as she leaned over and grabbed my hand.

“That’s ok. I know you are there in spirit. Good night Tawny.”

*****

I stood in front of the mirror giving myself one last glance. I was a ball of nerves. I snorted at my own pun; luckily no one was around to witness it.

Tonight was the winter solstice ball I was hosting. There were Alphas and council members and other ranking positions here from the Kingdom as well as our empire and various allies. Tonight was my debut and tomorrow the high council would decide if they liked me or not and vote on whether MacTire would become a kingdom, and if I would be given the official title of Queen.

So yeah. tonight was important and I had to play nice. The perfect host, the perfect Alpha, I had to prove to them that I was worthy of the title. To say I was nervous about tonight would be a huge understatement.

I was fine until I had said goodbye to Tawny. Giving her a crushing hug and sending her on her way to the kingdom of were-cats, where she would meet her long estranged grandfather. I had sent a team of warriors with her, Mason being the top cat shifter warrior we had. With the promise of checking in with me, she returned my hug and hopped in the car for the second leg of her trip heading down south.

It was a deserted feeling left in the pit of my stomach as I said goodbye to her. Another friend, whose life had taken a path so far from me?

“Oh Alpha, you look so beautiful! Like a princess!” Petra’s little face reflected behind me in the mirror, breaking me of my wandering thoughts, but her innocent face gave new pause to my sentiments.

“Thank you Petra. Now come hug me, before Mrs. Brown comes to find you.” I smiled at her, hoping it reached my eyes. Her little body hesitantly flung into my open arms, she was scared of messing up my dress. I hugged her tight, “Now be a good girl tonight and I promise you and I will do something fun at the end of the week, OK?”

“Yes Alpha” she nodded as she broke from my embrace. I shooed her out of the room and once she had closed the door behind her, I returned to look in the mirror.

I smoothed down the front of my dress, my hands stopping over my stomach. I regarded the emerald green, off the shoulder, long sleeved lace and satin dress I was wearing. The top portion was all lace with a nude fabric underneath, and the bottom was a sheer satin that flowed out down to the floor. I had matched the color with the emerald and diamond earrings Zane had given me, along with the ring of the same design he had been keeping for me that I found in his bedside table.

“Oh Zane,” I whispered to myself. “I wish you could see me now, I wish you were standing by my side.” A melancholy feeling settled over me as I was reminded of all that I had lost, my hands still lying over where I once carried my child.

In a few short months, I would be turning twenty-one, and despite Ashe, the demi-goddess, telling me I would find another. I wondered if I really would be able to find that true love again, and if I did, would I even be ready for it? Would I want it?

My hair was half up, half down, with the curled strands framing my face. My black streaks being a stark contrast to my strawberry blond hair and olive complexion, but the dress accented my eyes, giving them an ethereal glow. A little charcoal eye shadow and clear lip gloss and I have to say, I agree with Petra. I looked like a Queen.

I cleared my throat and stood up straighter, facing myself full on in the mirror “Tonight you are queen. Tonight you show them who you are. Show strength and leadership.” I gave myself a little pep talk, and pushed down any emotion that would make me feel weak, leaving only, a poised and composed expression on my face over a mask of indifference.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I was met by Hunji, who would be escorting me into the newly renovated ballroom. He bowed his head low and bent at the waist when my feet touched the last step.

“My queen, you look stunningly exquisite. Like a true royal.” He said, casting his eyes over me in an approving, but not creepy manner.

Hunji was dressed in a traditional black tux, but wearing a deep red shirt, his signature color. His long hair tied back and into a knot at the nape of his neck.

“Thank you, you clean up pretty nice yourself.” I said, giving him a warm smile. “Shall we do this?” I asked, taking his, held out arm and he steered me in the direction of the ball room.

“Remember, Lamia, tonight is your debut. Try not to kill anyone, no matter how insufferable they are. Keep your head and smile. It’s all a game of politics.” He advised, right before opening the door.

The hall was already packed, with most attendees arriving earlier this afternoon. Some I had greeted, but most I had Hunji and Travis do the honors of greeting them and Ria had assigned them their rooms. I had given the excuse that being Alpha, I had to make sure security was up to par, seeing as most of the people in attendance were of high rank or council members.

I would hate for something to happen to happen tonight and we were caught under prepared.

The murmured chatter accompanied by the small string orchestra stopped. All eyes were on me. “I don’t think I can do this.” I whispered to Hunji, the attention grated on my anxiety and my palms became sweaty from my nervousness.

“Of course you can. You can do anything. Have faith in yourself.” He encouraged me while gripping my elbow tighter and bringing me into the room, where I was announced by one of the pack omega wolves.

The orchestra began playing again and I moved further into the room, greeting people as I did. I spent a few minutes with each person or couple, before making my excuses that I had to greet other guests, leaving them each, with the promise to come back and talk with them.

“Lamia, or should I be calling you Alpha or Queen now?” A deep chuckling voice came from behind me. I spun around to see Beta Michael beaming a great big Cheshire smile at me.

I gasped, and forgot where I was when I leapt into his arms and hugged the ever loving shit out of him. “Uncle Michael! I’m so happy to see you, is Aunt Olivia here?” I asked excitedly, turning my head to scan the room for her.

“She is…” He began but was cut off by a smooth feminine voice.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. You look so beautiful Lamia,” Aunt Olivia regarded me, holding me at arm’s length before bringing me in for a warm embrace and kissing my cheek. “I have a surprise for you, waiting on the veranda, my dear. Why don’t you go see?” She ushered me towards the small covered porch on the other side of the hall.

I stepped outside, the night air chilly and frosty. The cold February air nipped at my exposed skin causing me to shiver and goose bumps prickle my shoulders. I caught the whiff of spice and pine and when the large man that was standing at the end of the veranda turned around, I gasped and couldn’t contain the sob that came out.

My knees almost buckled at the sight of him, but when I thought I would fall to my knees, a strong pair of arms gathered my up and held me firmly.

“Kellen” I sobbed. He was here, he was really here.