The White Wolf Chapter 152: Lunch Meeting

The pair made it back it back to the study without incident. The doors to the study opened to reveal Caspian had yet to return. They both seemed to let out a sigh of relief because even though Alexia did not fear her mate she did not want conflict either. 

They walked in and Alexia took Caspian’s seat and called for more coffee. The day was almost halfway over but it felt like she had been awake for days. Mostly due to her not sleeping the night before. 

She had hidden away long enough. The alphas were trying to get answers from her and she would soon face the music. She instructed Harley to prepare a lunch in the great hall inviting all of the alphas and lunas to dine with her. 

“Should I have anything in particular prepared?” Harley asked on her way out to make preparations. 

Alexia waved her off “Have the chef prepare what he thinks is best.”

Caspian would most likely be unable to attend but Judy would be there to assist since she had been running around trying to appease them. 

She would drag Edmund there if she had to for moral support. His life of court functions was a great help in navigating politics. 

Enzo brought in an updated report. Placing it on the desk in front of the queen. His eyes shot to Edmund who stood by the desk playing with a paperweight. “a little birdy told me something interesting.”

“Sounds like a dead bird if it feels the need to speak,” Edmund said picking up the report before Alexia could grab it. She moved to take it from her but he swatted her hand and turned away. 

“I don’t think Caspian will appreciate the both of you going to the dungeons”. Enzo said emphasizing both. 

“Not our problem.” Edmund cut in before Alexia could offer a response. 

Enzo snorted “Yeah it’s yours.”

“Wrong. It’s the rogues. Who do you think will be on the receiving end of that unpleasantness.” Edmund held up his finger to emphasize his pound before putting it back down. 

“Diabolical.” Enzo conceded following Wdmjnd’s thought training. He knew the stress and anger that was building up in the king was like a runaway train and that train was headed straight for the prisoner. 

“I have my moments,” Edmund said not looking up from the report. 

Alexia wanted to ask Enzo many questions but she decided to hold her tongue seeing how relaxed he seemed to be. 

It was as if Enzo could sense her unasked questions and gave an excuse to leave. Something about printing off reports for the alphas. 

Edmund poured himself a cup of coffee before taking the pages of the report that Alexia had already read to look over. 

They were useless but they made them feel like they were doing something productive. Nothing had changed apart from some injuries being accounted for and others being healed. 

The capital was still working on securing the water supply and testing it to make sure nothing had been contaminated. Bottled water had been distributed in the meantime before the water could be turned back on. It was projected to be done by the end of the day. Any longer and it could turn into a real problem. 

“This luncheon is going to be hell.” Edmund bemoaned from his seat unfazed by Enzo’s swift departure. 

“Your deduction skills are second to none.” Alexia rolled her eyes. 

Harley fetched Alexia a suit to change into and freshen up as the smell of the dungeons seemed to cling to her clothing. Edmund left the study to change out of his clothes giving Alexia some privacy. 

In Caspian’s private bathroom, she changed out of the clothes she had been wearing and put on the suit Harley had fetched. She left the discarded clothes on the floor to be fetched later and fixed her hair making sure not a strand was out of place. 

Edmund had not returned when she emerged and she found herself leaning against the desk as she waited. 

She looked at the clock in the office. Tick tock tick tick. She watched it hoping Caspian would appear but to no avail. She let out a sigh. There was a knock at the door. 

“Your majesty, the alphas have assembled.” The voice on the other side told her. 

“I’m on my way.” She called back. 

She pushed off the desk and crossed the room to the door. Throwing open the door Edmund waited by the guards buttoning his shirt cuffs with his mother standing next to him. 

Once he was done, Jusy handed him his jacket. He shrugged it onto his shoulders and turned to the queen. “Let’s get this over with.”

Enzo appeared falling into line after them. His arms were filled with papers. Alexia led the way with Judy and Edmund a step behind and Harley and Enzo trailing the group. 

Caspian was still not back no matter how hard Alexia prayed. She was nervous. Her anxiety was at an all-time high. 

Guards standing outside of the great hall opened the doors at their approach. The alphas and their lunas stood to their feet in respect. Alexia surveyed the room. They were all there. Except Luca but she could not fault him. Morgan was also not present but neither were any other of the children of alphas. 

She walked to the head of the table. Before she sat down she spoke to the group. “I understand you all have many questions. Let me start by saying the borders have been secured and the recovery operation is under way. A brief will be distributed shortly. You can read over it and then you may ask questions after we have eaten.” 

Alexia sat down and the alphas followed suit mumbling amongst themselves. Judy sat amongst the older alphas and Edmund amongst the troublesome alphas such as alpha Dennis. 

Next to the Queen was alpha Tinzen on her left and Prince Dristan on her right with his beta. He looked annoyed wanting to ask questions. 

Enzo appeared carrying stacks of papers. Servants took them from him and began distributing them to the alphas. 

The sound of paper turning could be heard as the first course was surveyed. Alexia prayed for a short lunch regretting not telling Harley to instruct the chef to keep it brief. The sooner she could leave the better.