The White Wolf Chapter 124: Fruit?

Waiting at the doors to the gallery were footmen who promptly opened the doors without question at the queen’s approach.

The double doors were the pieces of artwork the group saw as various wooden carvings decorated the faces depicting different stories. Wolves fighting and playing all under the watchful gaze of the moon.

Entering the room one wall was filled with masterpieces and the opposite wall had grand windows providing a natural spotlight that had tapestries that were artworks in themselves.

In the middle were various seating arrangements but the room was fairly empty with the limited furniture. Intricately woven carpets sat under the chairs that decorated the wooden floors. Nothing in the room was short of a masterpiece.

The servants had scurried ahead of them to ready the room throwing open the windows to let in the fresh air.

Harley turned to bow as the group entered the room but did not say anything. Releasing Cynthia’s arm Alexia removed her wrap and discarded the garment into Harley’s waiting hands. Turning away, she gave the wrap to a servant to return it to the Queen’s wardrobe.

“Cynthia, do you have an enjoyment for art?” Alexia asked deciding to monopolize the female's time so she would not have to cater to the prince.

“I enjoy beauty like anyone else.” Unsure of how to answer she looked around like a bird caught in the net.

It was obvious the female was not a warrior and was of a timid nature. Enzo fought the urge to pull her into him and keep her safe from the world.

“Good, then you can walk about the room with me.” Once again she dragged Cynthia off with her using her as a human shield.

Enzo stuck close to the pair almost within arms reach.

The group hovered after as Alexia walked to the wall of paintings. “The royal collection is composed of many different pieces both ancient and modern. Unfortunately, the collection is so robust that we can only showcase a few at a time as I hope you will find the ones on display suitable.”

Many pairs of eyes roamed the wall that was too numerous in paintings to count as the queen continued.

“Around the castle, other pieces are displayed but these are the ones which we would like to highlight at this time.”

“They are a sight to behold.” Dristan praised feigning admiration for the arts.

“I do wish to expand the collection. Perhaps you can recommend something to me?” Alexia smiled as she asked.

“I’m not sure I’m qualified for such a task.” Dristan stumbled to find a way out.

“Nonsense, I can not think of anyone better. Perhaps something from your kingdom?”

“I would have to think about it.” He paused. “But I’m sure Cynthia has a better understanding than I do.”

“I- um.” She looked for words visibly started by the prince bringing her into the conversation. “There is an artist who paints landscapes that has exceptional work, Your Majesty.”

Dristan looked relieved and slowly drifted a few steps away.

“You must give me his name, Harley,” Alexia said not really caring but happy to have the prince giving her some space.

Harley stepped forward to write down the name of the painter. The monarch would purchase a piece more than likely on at least the guise of fostering goodwill. It may end up in a basement or on display as the future is untold.

It was evident the males were bored but Alexia had no desire to leave before luncheon as the prince would try to follow her. There was one person who seemed to genuinely be enjoying themselves.

Alexia noticed how Cynthia seemed fixated on a particular painting. “You have a good eye.”

“It is captivating.” Cynthia smiled nervously at the compliment.

In the painting was a beautiful female running in the woods. The trees were uninviting as if they were trying to catch her. Her dress was torn and her eyes were as if they were staring into your soul full of warmth and love through her battered state.

“It’s quite a tragic story behind it I’m afraid. You see the artist painted it about his lost mate.” Alexia explained seeing her interest in the painting.

“A lost mate?” Cynthia questioned.

“You see they were omegas in warring packs. In order to be together they would sneak out into the woods to be together till one night she did not show. He searched and searched for her but never found her.”

She dove into recounting the tale that was so old it was considered a fairytale and its authenticity had been long lost.

“He painted this to remember her but unfortunately died not long after its completion.” She told the sad ending.

“What happened to her?” Cynthia asked with concern.

“No one knows.” Her voice came out as a sigh of disappointment.

Looking back to the painting she swore she saw out of the corner of her eye Cynthia wipe a tear.

“It’s all a hoax so the artist was made more famous.” Prince Dristan interjected coming up behind them. Enzo frowned at him and Greyson frowned at Enzo.

“Why do you say that?” Her brow furrowed as she asked the question.

“Because who would care about an omega?” He seemed perplexed that the answer was not obvious.

A second passed and then another as Alexia straightened her back and smoothed the features of her face.

The servants around the room shifted their weight from foot to foot in nervousness but the queen did not back down. “The greatest of great care about the lowest of low.” She narrowed her eyes before turning away pulling Cynthia with her who looked startled.

Prince Dristan seemed to become aware of his misstep and followed after her. “Of course, we care about everyone, I’m just saying would anyone really stop them from being together?”

Digging the hole he dug even further, Prince Dristan seemed keen to keep digging.

His ramblings became background noise as the Queen tuned him out. Once she was satisfied looking at the paintings she let go of Cynthia’s arm.

“Cynthia, I find myself needing a rest. Shall we sit?” Alexia gestured to the seating area.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Cynthia dutifully replied following the Queen to the seating area.

Enzo hovered with alert eyes watching every move. Throughout their time he had listened to every word uttered and studied every lingering gaze.

There was so much he wanted to say but could not in present company. She was right there so close to touch but untouchable at the same time.

Harley had the servants bring glasses of ice water with slices of cucumber in them and gave them to the group.

Cynthia surprised Alexia by breaking the silence. “Do you paint your majesty?”

“I’m afraid not.”

“Really? You seem so knowledgeable on the subject.”

Alexia laughed “I just enjoy reading. Do you paint?”

“I did when I was a little girl but have not seen to have found the time as I have gotten older.”

“That is a shame.”

“Do you have a favorite among the collection?” Cynthia asked gesturing to the gallery wall. Since their meeting, she had seemed to have opened up to the Queen. At least a little bit even if it were minuscule.

“Probably Caspian’s portrait.” She said before she could help herself causing her to blush slightly. “Or the landscapes.”

“They are beautifully done as if they were transcending you to another place.”

“Perhaps when you find the time, you can paint one for the collection.”

Cynthia smiled but offered no reply. Enzo listened to every word she spoke.

Alpha Jacob, the prince, and Greyson seemed to have finished their tour of the room and came to where the females were seated.

“You have an impressive collection, your majesty.” Dristan praised seemingly trying to reclaim the queen’s good graces.

“Thank you.” She responded politely. “Gamma Greyson did touch enjoy the paintings.”

The gamma was unable to hide his surprise at being addressed directly. “Of course your majesty.”

“What was your favorite?”

“Pardon?”

“Your favorite painting of the collection, what was it?” She clarified not letting him off the subject.

“Oh, I liked them all.” He did his best to sound convincing but she doubted he even cared for any of them or had any deep sense of appreciation. Not that she blamed him, she was bored as well.

“There must be one that stood out.” She said like a cat playing with a mouse.

“The one with the bowl of fruit”

“Fruit?” She was not sure if she was hearing him correctly.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” He confirmed and looked as if he were praying for the conversation to cease.

“I’m glad the fruit brought you enjoyment.” Being more reserved, she had imitated more conversation this morning than she ever wished to be subject to but such was the role of the queen.

Her eyes shot to Enzo and the look he gave her told her that she better not ask for his favorite painting. She almost laughed out loud but stifled it.