The White Wolf Chapter 114: Tea Time

Stepping into the parlor, Alexia made her entrance with her head high. Several females had already arrived and were milling about.

Those who were there stopped what they were doing to greet the queen. Finding a sitting area in the middle of the room, Alexia took her seat.

The doors to the patio had been thrown open allowing the curtains to sway in wind. There was a slight chill in the air but the warmth from the sun allowed for the temperature to feel inviting.

Pastries and tea lined a table that was set up at the end of the room. Waiting servants, were ready to serve the guests.

A delicate tea cup was placed in front of the queen as another filled it with warm tea. Selecting a pastry, her plate was filled.

The older ladies gravitated toward Judy and Shelia while the younger ones gravitated towards the queen.

Many gossiped of the evening before, delighting in those who had made fools of themselves. Several had made mistakes, mostly from the overindulgence of drink but Alexia did not care for their chatter.

Many eyes were red and heavy from the night before. Alexia was alert with the mixture of coffee that Harley had kept flowing and rage from the news Enzo had given her.

The gemstone sisters hovered around their chatter was like a buzzing nat irritating the Queen. She did her best to ignore them but their obnoxious voices pierced her ears.

She smiled when they through compliments her way but for the most part left them be.

Her eyes twinkled with interest as Cynthia walked in. Morgan sat up intrigued with the female's emergence and beckoned her to join them.

“Your Majesty, I must apologize for our earlier encounter.” She lowered her head as she approached with her shy demeanor.

“Nonsense, all is forgiven.” Alexia waved her off with a smile. “Here have a seat.” She gestured to the seat across from her.

Timidly Cynthia sat down and was greeted by a delighted Morgan. “I hope you are enjoying your stay. I’m Morgan, by the way, we did not get the chance to introduce ourselves earlier.”

“I am, and it’s nice to make your acquaintance Morgan. I’m Cynthia.” She said sweetly.

The two conversed with Alexia joining their conversation from time to time. What intrigued her the most was how distracted Cynthia looked as her eyes darted around the room.

Marissa arrived but spoke with some of the eastern court members. An older Luna, perhaps sent to try and keep the wayward prince in line. However, she seemed eager to speak and Marissa listened intently.

“Your majesty.” Bridgett approached with a slight bow. Age showing on her face.

“Yes, Luna Bridgett?” Alexia turned her head to look at the female with a bored expression.

“I have come to make a request of Your Majesty.” Holding her head she announced to the room.

Disinterested Alexia asked “A request? And what might that be?”

“I would like to request that my daughter join the palace as a member of your household.” She said with pride as if she were bestowing a great honor on the queen.

Pursing her lips, the queen pondered the proposition. “I shall consider it and send word to you of my decision.”

“Thank You, You Majesty.” Bridgett did not seem pleased that Alexia did not show greater appreciation of her request but Alexia did not care. She would consult with the council before she brought anyone into the palace.

Many presented themselves to her with big smiles and cunning eyes. Some wished to flatter her to gain favor while others boldly proclaimed their requests. Few requests were granted as they were simple calls to housekeeping to freshen the linens to the alpha's delicate tastes. Others were to be given thought. None were denied but would be denied later as Harley was compiling letters to be sent out.

Alpha Lennon’s mate walked by catching the queen’s eye.

“Luna Lydia, how are you?” She asked startling the female.

“I-I’m wonderful, Your Majesty. It is kind of you to ask.” She fumbled with her words visibly shocked by the Queen’s attention.

“Come, tell me about your pack. I wish to hear all about it.” Alexia beckoned her to the group that surrounded her.

“Of course, I would love to.” Following the queen’s instructions, she hastily came and sat next to the queen. As she sat down, Alexia could not help but notice her shoes.

Slightly worn and mostly obscured by the long dress she wore. Morgan gave her a knowing look that Alexia ignored and tried her best to stay welcoming to not frighten the female.

Lydia seemed very nervous as she rambled on to the different aspects of her pack and praised her mate’s leadership. Most of what she said did not reach Alexia’s ears as the dull conversation bored her.

A course of hellos rang out as Abi entered the room. Many of the females flocked to greet her as she rubbed her stomach.

Jealousy perked its head up in Alexia’s heart. She hated herself for the feelings she had. The conversation of an heir seemed to roar to life with Abi’s arrival and Alexia did her best to maintain her composure. Her relief finally came in the form of shouting.

“There’s the males!” A female exclaimed causing all the females to scurry to the patio through the doors.

They each strained to see their mates and those that they fancied. Waving to them from the patio, some vied for the male's attention.

Alexia could see Caspian off in the distance, his muscles shown off by his golfing attire. Watching as he swung his club with excellent form she felt her body begin to heat up but pushed it down.

As she looked away to calm her racing heart, she noticed Cynthia scanning the males with an intensity in her eyes.

In a single stroke, Caspian shot a hole in one gaining applause from the ladies on the patio.

After the excitement settled down, they returned to their seats. Morgan sat down with a sigh, “I hope one day I’ll have a mate.” Before she turned to Cynthia “Do you have a mate.” There was a mischievous glint in her that if Alexia had not been watching she would have missed it.

Cynthia choked on her tea as she was taking a drink. Causing questions of concern to float towards her. Once her coughing subsided she said, “I am unmated.” In an uneasy voice.

Morgan seemed to open her mouth to follow up but was shut down with a glare from her big sister to not push the subject.

The rest of the afternoon seemed to consist of the unmated females vying for the males on the course's attention The gemstone females fought over who the prince fancied between the three of them as he walked by in sight of the parlor.

The squabbling provided some form of entertainment till it became tiresome. As the sun moved across the sky, it signaled dinner was approaching.

The females finished their tea and adjourned to ready themselves for dinner. The air was less anxious than the day before with a more relaxed feel. However, chaos could arise at any moment as deception lurked around every corner.