The White Wolf Chapter 127: A Knife to the Heart

The afternoon turned into tea time. Since they were outside they gathered on the veranda where Harley organized tea to be served.

Enzo left the female's company to speak with the king once they made it to the veranda. There were plenty of guards to keep their eyes on the queen.

Other females joined them as they settled in taking sets after a long stroll. Tea and pastries were passed around by the servants while the females enjoyed the view.

Harley slipped away to complete some task that the queen had asked her to do.

Abi was still absent using her pregnancy as an excuse with Luca firmly planted next to her side. Without her there, she quickly became a topic of conversation.

Shelia assured everyone she was doing well and announced Abi's family would be coming to the palace. They had not been able to attend sooner but quickly rearranged their schedule when the news broke.

Alexia was a little miffed that she had not been consulted but what was she to say? No, they can’t come. The palace was her home but also a business. With great privilege came great responsibility often at the expense of her own comfort.

Knowing her mother, she probably thought it was insignificant to all that was going on and did not want to burden her.

There were also her ties to the eastern kingdom but Alexia could not bring herself to think about it. She would need to inform her mate and add them to the list of those to be watched. The list seemed to encompass almost everybody.

As conservation revolved around pregnancies and heirs Alexia felt as if she were under a microscope with everyone analyzing her.

She had done her best to build up her confidence since Abi’s pregnancy was announced but it came shattering down like a glass wall. The self-loathing caused her hand to begin to shake subtly. Immediately she grabbed a pastry and tore at it, mumbling under her breath low blood sugar.

To distract her from the swirling conversations, she munched on her pastry slowly. Focusing on every bite, she stared nowhere in particular. It seemed no one was aware of her inner turmoil or at least they did not let on. It took all she had to show no emotion as she would not give them any ammunition to use against her.

After speaking with the queen, Bridgett seemed to have some newfound self-importance. The females were loosely gathered around where they could hear one another. Luna Bridgett spoke up gaining the attention of those around her. “I would love to hear more about the Eastern Kingdom’s arranged mating. Cynthia, would you mind telling us more about it?”

The room went into stunned silence all looking at Cynthia who looked like she was on the brink of crying due to all the attention.

Thankfully Luna Amy came to her rescue. Her quiet demeanor was gone replaced with a fiery temper. “Luna Bridgett I hardly believe this is the time or place for such a personal conversation.”

“I am sure everyone here will be interested to learn more about the subject.”

“Only if you shed light on how you handle your mate’s infidelity.” Amy shot back and they were off to the races. The arguing continued as years of animosity that had been built up came to the surface.

The females had attended the same alpha training years ago as their history ran deep. The words that came from their mouth spat insults and contempt.

Judy stepped up to divert the attention from the feuding females. “I for one am excited got the blood moon celebrations.”

“It had been so long since we had a proper celebration,” Shelia added helping her out. The lesser-ranked females diverged their attention to the older lunas who were held in high regard.

“I’ve never attended a blood moon celebration!” One squealed in delight.

"Naturally, I will be covered in Rubies." Ruby Gemstone announced with her nose in the air.

Alexia gave a brief overview of the festivities saying it was a surprise as she had not finished with her preparations. She had made some headway but the finer details were still to be prepared.

*In other words you haven’t started.* Morgan linked her with a smile.

*Careful or I will make a royal decree banishing you from the gemstones.*

*A knife to my heart.* Morgan clutched her hand to her chest in mock pain.

Alexia rolled her eyes at her dramatic little sister. But tuned towards Cynthia who was distracted and a little distraught "What do the blood moon celebrations consist of in the Eastern Kingdom?"

It took Cynthia a moment to process that Alexia had spoken to her and what had been said. "I would imagine very similar here. We honor the goddess in the forest with fires on the night. There are also games and festivities leading up to the blood moon."

Alexia nodded in agreement as it was similar. Luna Callie informed the queen of different games as well as different dances they performed.

Morgan was more interested in Alexia asking various questions and even standing to where Luna Callie showed her various dance steps with Morgan following her lead.

The conversation turns into outfits and unmated males. There were many wolves who were unmated and wished to find their other half. Most of the guests at the palace were mated lunas and alphas. Very few brought their offspring.

Finally, tea ceased and Alexia’s tedious day would have a break before dinner. Shelia, Morgan, Judy, and Alexia made their way back inside where they stood speaking with one another.

“That was interesting,” Alexia said carefully with a smile.

Shelia laughed “I’m surprised it has not happened sooner.” Judy agreed with her.

Luna Amy walked passed the group when Judy flagged her down. “Amy, can you come here a moment.”

“Certainly, your grace.” She stopped her exit and walked over to the group offering a bow to the royals. “How may I be of service?”

“I was hoping you could shed some light on what that was about with Luna Bridgett?” Judy asked kindly.

Luna Amy let out a sigh. “Cynthia has an arranged mating back home planned for her.”

“What?” The entire group gasped in shock. Morgan and Alexia’s eyes shot to one another and then back to Amy.

“Yes, her brother mentioned it at dinner but I did not think it was a topic she wished to discuss.”

“It was very kind of you to step in.” Shelia praised her with a concerned look only a mother could give.

“I was happy to help plus Bridgett and I have needed it for some time,” Amy explained her early irritation gone replaced with her calm disposition.

A look of agreement was passed around.

“Thank you, we will not keep you any longer,” Judy said dismissing her to continue on her way.

Amy bowed respectfully before leaving the group.

“What does this mean?” Morgan asked Alexia hoping her big sister would have then answer.

“I don’t know.” Alexia’s voice was barely a whisper as she contemplated.

“What are y’all talking about?” Shelia asked.

“I need to talk to Caspian,” Alexia said.