The White Wolf Chapter 78: A lot of Security

“The Blood Moon occurs every thirteen years. Every kingdom does its own celebration. We, however, connect with our inner wolves and celebrate in the woods. A large bonfire is erected and accompanied by dancing and singing.” Judy did her best to describe the event to Alexia.

“How do we keep things from getting out of hand?” Alexia asked worried thinking a fire in the woods would be a recipe for disaster.

“A lot of security,” Judy said flatly. "The males will handle that so you need not worry." She added hoping to relieve some of the stress from her daughter-in-law.

Alexia relaxed a little however there was a lot she did not still know how to do so she listened eagerly.

“Since we will be connecting with our wolf, the gathering is more or less informal. The rank still stands but there is no ball. Other kingdoms hold balls and have more formal affairs however it has been tradition in this kingdom for centuries that there be a lax in formality for the blood moon celebrations.”

It would be important that Alexia know the customs in other kingdoms as she may be called to visit.

They began going over the different logistics of the celebration. The food that would be served, cooked by fire, as well as the guest lists. Only top members of packs would be at the royal bonfire while smaller celebrations would take place across the kingdom and in the different packs.

"Caspian will give a speech that I am sure Gabe will write for him. You as well will be responsible for saying a few words." Judy told her.

"Is there anything in particular that I should talk about it?" Alexia asked hoping for help as she hated speeches. When she was younger, members of her pack told her she spoke well in front of crowds. She however was not convinced as she would become nervous. Her hands would sweat and her tongue felt like it was falling over itself. She banished the thought trying to forget it all together.

"Officially I should say anything from your heart but realistically it should focus on the power of the moon and wolf," Judy told her. "I usually would just flatter those in attendance or at least those I needed something from.

Her honesty made Alexia laugh.

Since Alexia had just been a child at the last blood moon, she had vague memories of the events. She mostly remembered running around with the other children till she fell asleep. Since Caspian was older, she hoped he remembered more than her but she was not sure since he considered canceling it all together.

Judy had her private secretary retrieve all the files she had when they planned the blood moons in the past. When Alexia's study was complete they would move them there, till then they read through the stacks in Judy's study.

"How did you figure all this out?" Alexia asked as she turned the pages over looking at the amounts of food ordered in the past.

"Well, my mother-in-law did somewhat help in directing me," Judy said plainly without emotion.

"Did you get along with your mother-in-law?" Alexia asked.

Letting out a laugh Judy responded "Heavens no! She only helped me because it would have made my mate look bad if she failed. It took all I had not to dance on that old bat's grave when she died."

Suddenly Alexia became very thankful that Judy seemed to like her. "Why didn't she like you?" Alexia could not fathom who would not.

"Because I was not meek. She wanted a meek little girl to control. I fought back against her and did not go along with what she wanted me to do. "

"I'm sorry you went through that," Alexia said not quite knowing what else to say,

Judy shrugged "In her own way I think she at least came to respect me in time. That alpha blood in some wolves can be too much. Anyway, we need to send out the invitations in two weeks. "

Nodding Alexia looked to Harley who was already writing it down. While Harley made notes, Judy's personal secretary pulled samples for Alexia to look at.

She picked up and studied the different invitations. She sat aside the ones that seemed to frily and leaned towards the ones of more simple taste.

After she chose an invitation, she went over the previous guest lists. Making notes of those who had died. Using her ball's guest list as a guide, she wrote down more names to list before giving the list to Judy to check. After Judy had made any adjustments she saw fit, she approved the list, complimenting Alexia on her work.

"How much is left?" Alexia asked, exasperated. The lack of sleep had caught up to her.

"We still need to go over the food, now would be a good time to summon the head chef before the dinner rush gets busy," Judy told her.

Alexia wondered if she would ever be able to rule without the help of Judy. She hoped so. Following the older female's direction, she had Harley summon the chef on her behalf.

Once the chef arrived at the study, he nervously wiped his hands as he stood in front of the royal females. He, of course, had worked with the Queen Mother but had yet to work with the new Queen and did not know her temperament.

Alexia took charge of the conversation. "I wanted to make you aware of the upcoming celebration as well as ask for your input on the menu," Alexia told him.

At her words, he relaxed a little "Of course your majesty, may I prepare a tasting menu for you in the near future."

"That would be lovely, all food however will need to be cooked outdoors over the fire."

"I will begin constructing a menu immediately." The chef said.

Alexia dismissed him to continue his duties, the day was growing late and she longed for her run with Caspain. She had been inside for far too long and needed a breath of fresh air but she was sure he was nowhere near being done with his own work.

The office doors flew open, causing the women to jump.