The White Wolf Chapter 107: Is She Sick?

The ladies strolled into the parlor, their dresses rustling againist the floor. The sound of heels walking echoed againist the walls as they made their journey.

Morgan came to Alexia’s side and wrapped her arm through her older sister’s. They both looked elegant as they walked, Alexia in her dress and Morgan in a light blue gown that was modest and mature enough for her age.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” She asked.

“I am, thank you for having me, your majesty.” Morgan smiled and did her best to keep their interaction formal with so many eyes on them.

Alexia took a seat on the sofa in the middle of the room in front of the fireplace. The ladies filled in the room around her.

The older females moved towards the back and sides of the room where the Queen mother and Shelia sat. Judy retrieved a deck of cards and began to play with the other ladies.

The younger females gravitated to the Queen. Sipping tea they began to gossip amongst themselves.

Winning the first hand, Judy proudly clapped her hands before taking a sip out of her teacup. If Alexia had to guess she would surmise that it was not tea but gin in the dainty cup. Wanting to keep her senses sharp, ALexia stuck to her tea.

“You still have the lucky touch your highness” Alpha Tinzen’s wife praised in a soft voice.

“Oh, Amy it has been too long since we played. We should do it more often.”

“Of course,” Amy responded and another hand was dealt.

The parlor had various sofas and tables with chairs for the ladies to occupy. Priceless paintings ordained the walls to be admired. Cards, books, and snacks were laid out if they were needed but most seemed to prefer to chat amongst themselves.

One of Alpha Henry’s daughters, Pearl, spoke to Cynthia silencing all other conversation in the room “Is it true that the Eastern Kingdom Palace has a room entirely made of gold?”

Cynthia let out a small laugh and smile, I’m afraid those rumors have been greatly exaggerating the parlor’s golden wallpaper.”

Pearl seemed let down by the news but the chatter seemed to resume.

Marissa, Gabe’s mate sensed Cynthia’s discomfort as she beckoned her to come sit with her on the sofa away from everyone. “Cynthia, come sit by me.”

She immediately scurried away to join her, putting distance between her and the more prying females.

They conversed between the two of them but spoke so quietly that their words could not be distinguished from the other conversations.

The Eastern Kingdom Court members were questioned about their lives. They in turn tried to get closer to the Queen who gave vague political answers to their questions.

Alexia was alerted by one of the young females talking to Luca’s mate. “Are you alright?”

Abi squinted her eyes and then opened them “Yes I am just a little tired. There had been a lot going on recently.”

“Are you sure? You look a little pale.” Worry in her voice as she stepped forward looking at her face.

“Yes-“ Her words were cut off as she sprinted for the door causing the room to startle.

The young female she had been talking to followed after her along with Shelia.

Abi did not make it far before her dinner made a reappearance in the hall. The sounds of her vomiting could be heard in the parlor.

“I hope she’s alright, should I go check on her?” Morgan asked looking at her sister.

“No let Mother, she will tell us if there’s something we need to know,” Alexia reassured her.

Schooling her features, she tried to remain at ease. If she panicked, the entire room would panic. She trusted her mother and knew she would handle it accordingly.

A flurry of questions came from around the room.

“Do you think she’s sick?”

"Did she eat something?"

"Does anyone feel sick?"

“What if we all get sick?”

“What if it’s poison?”

Gasps echoed against the walls.

Taking control, Alexia did her best to calm the anxious females. “It is not poison. All of the food has been tested. There is no need to worry.” She offered a smile at ease.

She told them not to worry but she was anxious. Linking her mother, she hoped to get answers but her mother reassured her not to worry and that they would return soon.

Waiting for Abi felt like ages as the clock ticked. Some went back to their games, stirred their tea absentmindedly, or gossiped.

Marissa's eyes were keen as she watched, no doubt having already alerted her mate of the situation. Her presence was calm but Alexia could guess she had picked up a thing or two from her mate and was collecting information in order to be reported back.

Only having been gone for a few minutes, Abi returned. Entering the room, Shelia and the other female followed with a calm expression.

Clearing her throat Abi began to speak “My apologies for leaving so abruptly, I did not wish to alarm anyone. However, I feel as if though an explanation is owed to alleviate any concerns you may have.”

She swallowed as she gathered her courage. “There is no need to worry about being sick or poisoned as I recently learned that I am expecting.” The room was silent for a beat before the cited exclamations rang throughout. Offers of congratulations were made and a sigh of relief was felt after the tense situation.

Nodding a smiling she accepted them all and followed Alexia’s beckoning to come sit on the couch. Morgan squealed in delight and then vacated her seat for her bother's mate to have plenty of space.

“I am so happy for you both.” The Queen praised. "Please, relax, is there anything that can be brought to help?"

“Thank you, I would actually like some tea and crackers.” A servant stepped forward with a look from the Queen to prepare a plate and then present it to Abi. She accepted the plate graciously, taking small bites in order to settle her stomach.

“You must be so happy to have an heir to your pack, Shelia.” An older female sauntered over with cunning eyes.

“I am Bridgett but a grandchild is more exciting.” Shelia beamed making sure Abi was alright.

“Is Prince Dristan mated?” Bridgett turned to an Eastern Court female so quickly that her hair nearly hit her in the face.

“He is not.” The female responded skeptically.

“How interesting to be so old without one.” Bridgett pursed her lips in thought before continuing. “Without an heir, there is instability. My daughter just birthed her fourth child for her mate. I’m sure her younger sister will do the same when the time comes.”

Alpha Henry’s mate agreed with Bridgett. “Look at my daughters, I’m certain they are fertile and will provide heirs straight away.”

“If a mate fails to provide an heir it can cause turmoil. Take care of your health Abi so you can have a healthy baby.” Bridgett turned her attention back to Abi.

“Bridgett, leave the poor girl alone and come join me in the next hand.” Judy beckoned from her seat.

The topic of the importance of an heir danced around the room but none would say what they were all thinking.

The light conversation had turned into taking subtly jabs at the Queen that she decided to ignore and keep her expression neutral not giving them the satisfaction of getting under her skin.

Alexia felt the eyes on her. She had not yet conceived and thus Caspian was without an heir. Her anxiety began to rise and she fought back tears as she felt the weight of failure on her shoulders.

What if she never conceived? Would Caspian leave her? And find another? They had only been mated for a little while.