The White Wolf Chapter 134: The Vault

Exiting the king and queen’s chambers, Alexia was on a mission. She had walked a good way before Harley had the courage to speak up. “Your Majesty, are we not going to your study?”

“No,” Alexia said as she walked. 

“No? Might I inquire as to where we are going?” The timidness in Harley’s voice was evidence of her unease. 

“The royal vault. I have jewelry to pick out.” The words came out as if she were on any normal errand. 

“Oh.” Harley’s surprise spread across her face. 

Traversing the many halls of the palace, Alexia arrived at the royal vault. Guards stood stationed at the entrance to the chamber who stood at attention at the queen's approach. 

They opened the doors revealing the entrance to the vault. Visible cameras and sensors act as deterrents to those who may lurk hoping to steal its contents. Several feet of concrete and steel entombed the treasures that lay within. The large door was guarded by more guards who looked alert. 

The collection that lay within was priceless and required the utmost security. 

Alexia stood in front of the door and looked at the guards expectantly. They each looked at each other unsure. 

Hurried footsteps came from behind causing the queen to turn. A guard in a decorated uniform walked through the door. Based on his adornments, she surmised he was of high rank. 

“Your Majesty, we were not expecting your visit.” He bowed, the keys at his waist dangling as he did. 

“I am here now, and have been waiting for the vault to be open.”

“Your majesty very few are allowed to enter the vault.”

“Like who? The Queen?” She asked with a hint of sarcasm. 

“Um, we normally receive word from the king.” They were confused with the sudden appearance of the Queen.

“Harley, please interrupt the King’s meeting to inform him that the Queen is unable to pick out which jewelry she would like to wear this evening.” Alexia smiled as she said the words but it did nothing to quell the fear growing in the hearts of the guards. 

“No no there’s no need.” The guard quickly fumbled for the keys and imputed the necessary codes needed. Off took all three guards to open the heavy door. 

Alexia walked right past them as they huffed and puffed in fatigue. 

The room seemed to be filled with stars as light reflected off the pieces of the collection. 

Slowly walking through the room, Alexia looked at every piece with scrutiny. As she was looking at an emerald set, Enzo appeared. 

At his appearance, the guards seemed to set more on edge. Alexia smirked to herself. It was not him they needed to fear. 

“My apologies for the delay, Your Majesty I was unaware you would be here,” Enzo said politely. 

Alexia dismissed his worries with a wave of her hand. “It was a spontaneous trip.” She bent down to pick up an emerald earring. “However, it seems I am not allowed to visit when I wish.” She shot the guards a side eye causing them to cower slightly. Letting her alpha aura slip slightly so they could feel the pressure of her presence. 

“I don’t see how anyone could tell the queen what she can and cannot do.” Enzo looked perplexed as his gaze cast over the guards. 

“I’m over it. I’m here now.” She put the earring back down and continued to peruse the room. 

Rubies. No. Topaz. No. Pearls. No. Every stone was represented in the collection but none felt right. 

Diamonds. Diamonds felt right. She would shimmer in the light. She found a pair of earrings that would cascade diamonds from the ear. She placed the pair on a velvet tray Harley was holding behind her then she looked for a necklace. 

The room was silent as the queen studied the pieces of art that filled the room. Harley was too in awe to speak and tired Enzo preferred the silence as he leaned against the door looking unimpressed. 

One necklace caught her eye. Four strands of diamonds around the neck but at the very center a large red diamond. A blood diamond. 

The rarest of all diamonds she would surely command the attention and intrigue of her dinner companions. It was her full intention to give them something to talk about. Alpha Genstine was not even in procession of such a rare treasure. 

She did not need a second thought that was the one. Selecting a diamond-encrusted tiara, she was done. 

She summoned a guard to take the tray from Harley and deliver the jewelry before dinner that night. 

Statistics ahead gave the vault one last look. Before exiting before she could leave the higher-ranking guard stopped her with his hat in his hand. 

“Your majesty I apologize, it won’t happen again.” The remorse on his face was obvious but not as blatant as the fear in his eyes. 

“See that it doesn’t.” She said with a bite before walking away without looking back. 

As they walked down hall Wnzo huffed a laugh. 

“What’s so funny?” Alexia asked confused as he seemed so uninterested in anything. 

“Nothing, it’s just nice to see you show teeth.” He shrugged. 

“Happy to oblige.” She rolled her eyes. 

“Any disrespect to you is disrespect to the King. Do not let them forget.” He told her. 

She did not acknowledge his words but pondered them as she walked through the halls. Her halls. Hers and her mate. No one would disrespect them. She would see to that. 

Walking into her study, everything was neatly organized. On her desk were the various items needing her signature that Harely had diligently laid out. 

As she worked through the stack, fresh coffee arrived and was placed carefully on the desk. 

Once she finished Harley gave her a brief overview of updates from the various charities she was on the board for. The Queen mother still dominated in terms of the amount of charity work but it was a welcomed relief to Alexia as she could not give them the proper attention needed.

News or gossip from the different packs throughout the kingdom filed in and was relayed to the Queen. Enzo used that time to meet with security as well as receive his morning briefing from Gabe on any updates he needed to know. With the Queen staying in one place, he was not as needed and kept guards stationed outside of the door. 

The Queen was the more sympathetic side of the crown. Having to care or give the illusion of caring for the different afflictions of the members of the kingdom. Enzo did not and had not mastered the art as was happy to leave and not hear the various grievances. 

Harley was in and out throughout the morning running errands on behalf of the Queen. Every time she returned, the queen's tasks seemed to double. She wrote correspondences as well as went over the palace budget and receipts careful that the accountants did not miss anything. 

A stack of ledgers covered her desk. It cost a fortune to keep the palace running and each department had its budget and ledger which was then combined to form the grand ledger that gave an overview of the palace expenses. 

The numbers began to give her a headache and she decided to set it aside for the time being. Harley cleared the ledgers away for her and placed them where they belonged. 

Lunch came and as predicted, the king sent his regrets but could not join her. Alexia had predicted that as there never seemed to be enough time in the day. 

Just as she sat her pen down a knock came at the door. The two females looked at each other as there was no one scheduled to meet with the queen. Where were the guards? Harley crossed the room and opened the door to reveal a visitor.