The White Wolf Chapter 126: How is Your Brother?

Throughout the meal, Alexia could not remember what she ate. She had curated the menu but she was so lost in thought as she hatched her plan that she mechanically ate as she went through the motions.

As Luncheon concluded, Alexia decided to seek out Cynthia once again. Before she could do that various lunas and alphas came to greet the royal couple.

Luca being extra cautious of his mate made their excuses and left the crowd. Her parents however were unable to get away as there were many conservations for them to have.

Morgan came diligently to her sister's side. The females had Caspian and Enzo on either side creating a safe place.

After small talk and Caspian’s polite dismissal, they were able to make their way out of the room. Morgan had barely been able to obtain permission from her parents to go with her sister but Alexia was desperate for familiar company.

People were dispersing through the doors as she gracefully did her best to catch Cynthia before she dispersed without looking like she was looking for her.

Outside of the dining, Cynthia was speaking with a Luna from her kingdom. At some point, she had probably been introduced but the names and faces all ran together.

Whispering, Alexia carefully leaned towards Morgan. “I have a plan.”

“What is it?” The younger sister asked excitedly.

“Just follow my lead.” She instructed.

At her approach, Cynthia bowed. “Your Majesty.” The Luna with her bowed as well.

“Did you enjoy luncheon?” She made polite conversation.

“Yes, Luna Callie and I were just saying so.” Luna Callie, she will try to remember the name but more than likely forget.

“I’m glad.”

“Is there something I can help you with?”

“Actually I have come to apologize and try to rectify the situation.” Surprise passed across both of the Eastern female's faces.

“Apologize for what, your grace? I cannot think of a way in which you have wronged me.”

“I realized that this morning I apprehended you and prevented you from completing what you had set out to do,” Alexia explained as Morgan watched the scene unfold.

“Oh there’s no need to apologize, it was a nice time.”

“I feel just terrible about it, won’t you allow me to personally show you the gardens? Luna Callie can come if you like.”

“It would be our honor,” Cynthia responded as Callie smiled.

“Then it’s settled, let us-“

Before she could finish her sentence she was cut off.

“I had such a wonderful time this morning, that I would gladly join you on another adventure this afternoon if you’ll have me.”

“Another stroll around the gardens then?”

“Pardon?” His eyes blinked in confusion.

“We were just about to go to the gardens.”

“Oh well, I would hate to intrude on your female time, perhaps another time.”

“That is a shame.” She said without an ounce of sadness in her voice. Prince Dristan scurried off to speak with others giving Alexia some breathing room.

“Let us get going.”

She had not taken a step when a voice that never ceased to annoy her spoke up.

“Your Majesty, I could not help but hear that you are going to the gardens for a stroll. Might I accompany your grace?” Bridgett said as she went into a bow before rising looking at the queen expectantly.

“I cannot think of a reason why not.” No matter how hard she tried. She did not know what angle Bridgett was working but she was sure this was not a leisurely stroll.

*was this part of the plan?* Morgan snickered as she linked with her sister.

*Hush you* but Alexia could see the amusement on her little sister's face.

“I would also like to introduce you to Luna Azeala,” Bridgett said gesturing to a female her age standing two paces behind her.

At Bridgett’s words, the older light brown-haired female stepped forward offering a smile. “Your Majesty, it is an honor to make your acquaintance.”

“How kind of you to say, will you be joining us as well?”

“If your majesty will have me.”

“Very well, let us not linger any longer.”

It was not only the addition of Bridgett but several other lunas joined in. Much to Alexia’s dismay that included the gemstone females.

It seemed good news traveled fast, and the group grew to a robust size.

The gaggle of females made their way down the halls and out to the garden. Alexia went without a wrap as the air had warmed since the morning.

Alexia was in no mood to entertain the females therefore she did not offer any information on the gardens or Architecture unless they asked her specifically.

The sun came straight down on them but they were able to find safety under the various trees that lined the paths.

However, it seemed as if no one was interested in them either way as a topic of conversation was filled with gossip.

The unending jabbering hurt Alexia’s head, she wished they would cease or better yet disappear.

“Alpha Howie and his Luna Heidi from the Eastern Kingdom were seen fighting last night. She accused him of being cheap and then he called her shallow.” A Luna from her court told them.

“I heard she threw her jewelry at him.” Another one added.

The gemstone females squealed in delight with one another at others' misfortune. The glee was short-lived as the sisters began to squabble amongst themselves.

Alexia walked from their bickering and the the others followed suit splitting into different groups to walk the paths. Morgan stayed by her sister where Enzo was never far behind as various lunas came to converse with her.

Bridgett decided to speak with the queen so she left the company of Luna Azeala and walked over to the silver sisters who were standing under the company of a great tree on the path.

"The gardens are splendid Your Majesty." Bridgett greeted her.

"That is kind of you to say, Luna Bridgett."

"Such a beautiful palace, my daughter will fit right in."

Alexia passed over the compliment towards Bridgett's daughter “Is your daughter pleased to be coming to the palace?”

“Yes Your Majesty, I am sure you will find her to be a valuable addition.” The likelihood of that happening was slim.

Since Bridgett had decided to include herself in Alexia's afternoon she decided to make the Luna useful. “Since I have you here, there is a matter of which I would appreciate your thoughts.”

“I am happy for you serve.” Bridgett gave an exaggerated submissive bow as if she were a humble servant.

“This morning I gave Prince Dristan a tour of the gallery and I realized I had not appointed anyone in charge of procuring more pieces to the royal collection.”

“An important matter Your Grace.” Bridgett beamed in anticipation.

“Yes, which is why I thought I may converse with you Luna Bridgett as you seem knowledgeable on candidates.” Alexia threw her some flattering words in the hope she would be cooperative in what she was after.

“Who are you considering?” She puffed up in importance at the words and held her head haughtily.

“I was thinking perhaps Alpha Lennon." Bridgett kept a pulse on all the comings and going at court. If anyone heard of trouble she would be it. Morgan fought a smile as she heard the name

Bridgett looked shocked. “Are you sure Your Majesty?”

“Is there a reason not to?” Bridgett’s eyes darted to Morgan causing Alexia to prompt. “Please speak freely in front of my sister.”

“I do not want to speak ill.” She said hesitantly.

“Please if you know something I would like to as well.”

She looked around before speaking. “There are whispers that Alpha Lennon is ruined.”

“Ruined?” Alexia feigned shock as she let out a gasp and quickly covered her mouth.

“He has made bad investments and lost his fortune.”

“I had no idea.” Morgan stifled a laugh with a cough watching her sister.

“Yes, and I would not put it past him to sell some pieces of the royal collection in order to pay for his lifestyle.”

“You have given me lots to think about.”

Bridgett seemed pleased and Alexia was conflicted about having her suspicions confirmed. She would pass along the intel to Gabe and hope he would be able to make sense of it. That is given Caspian has not tasked him with a mountain of work.

The Gemstones' argument seemed to gain traction as they resorted to hair-pulling. Bridgett frowned and went back to conversing with Luna Azeala.

Morgan and Alexia walked the path in peaceful bliss till they converged with Cynthia and her friend whose name Alexia had already forgotten.

“The gardens are beautiful your grace.” The friend said as they met.

“Thank you, I hope they will be in full bloom soon.”

“It will be a sight to behold.”

They made polite conversation after deciding to walk together. It was easy for Alexia to talk to Cynthia. Much easier than Bridgett or goddess forbid the gemstones. It was almost as if their friendship was meant to be. Fated.

She waited for the perfect time to set her plan into motion and maybe then she would have some answers.

Enzo stepped away a few paces to speak with a security that was stationed outside. While he was not next to the queen his eyes never left the group. Seizing the opportunity to be out of hearing distance, Alexia turned to Cynthia.

“How is your brother, I hope he is well. He looked as though he had fully recovered.”

“My brother? Recovered? I don’t understand your grace.” Her head immediately whipped in Alexia's direction in alarm.

“From his sparring match this morning, Prince Dristan said he was unable to accompany us as he was recovering,” Alexia explained as she kept her face neutral.

She felt a little bad playing with the female's feelings but she needed answers. Luna Callie also looked surprised to hear such words as words. Alexia did her best to remain nonchalant as she studied their reactions. There was a limited amount of time before Enzo returned and if her guess was right she needed to hurry.

“I was unaware. He and Greyson do spar quite aggressively.”

“It was not Greyson but instead Enzo.”

“Pardon?” She furrowed her brow as she stared at the queen.

“Your brother was sparring with Enzo this morning so I must offer my apologies for any pain that was inflicted during it.” Alexia did her best to feign any understanding as if she were speaking of the weather.

“Oh, well then…” her thought was interrupted by squealing.

The females turned to see the gemstone happily cheering as they spoke with others.

“I wonder what that is about?” Luna Callie asked as they watched.

“Nothing good,” Morgan answered her.