The White Wolf Chapter 79: Through the Trees

Coming through the doors was Enzo, his face serious hiding all emotion.

With their eyes wide with alarm they could only gape at the unexpected visitor. Before they could ask about the interruption Gabe spoke "There's been another attack."

Alexia's heart sank. The day just continued to get worse. An attack was definitely not the news they needed after a long day.

Enzo continued as he walked across the room to startled females. “The rogues infiltrated our defenses. The royal guards intercepted before any civilians were attacked but they have called for reinforcements. The king has left to aid them.”

Walking past the females, he continued to the windows. Looking out the glass his eyes scanned the vicinity for threats. After he was satisfied he closed the curtains and returned to the seated females.

"Should we be concerned?" Judy asked sitting up in her seat.

"No, the palace is secure but do not leave the grounds. The king has ordered your constant supervision till the matter is resolved."

"Where has Caspain gone?" Alexia asked in a voice that came out in a cry as she worried for her mate.

It looked as if Enzo was hesitant to answer, his eyes narrowed slightly and he bit his lip. Reluctantly he finally allowed the words to escape his mouth in a small whisper "He has gone to the border. The guards were able to push back the attack but a second wave is approaching.

Alexia tried to link her mate immediately but could not find the connection. He was either too far or too busy both situations caused her unease.

"What happened now?" She asked looking at the two who would know more about the proper protocol.

"The palace goes into lockdown. Servants have a location that they go to during such times as this where they will till the all clear is given. Guards are stationed at the doors and no one goes in or out."

The idea of being stuck in the Queen Mother's office did not sit well with her. "Are we free to move around?"

"You can if you must with guards but everyone else must stay in place," Enzo said with an emphasis on you. With Caspain out of the castle she ranked the highest and was in charge.

Sighing Alexia asked, "There is no way to know how long it will take, is there?"

Judy raised her eyebrow and Enzo just looked at her without emotion.

"Fine. Fine. So we are to sit here doing nothing?" She felt like that was always how it was. She was powerful but always sidelined. The attitude that was etched in her voice surprised her companions with her normal mild temperament that had experienced.

"Yes, per the king's orders." He made sure to mention the king when responding to the queen.

Alexia sighed loudly.

"Gabe and I will be checking around the palace to make sure it is secure. Please, and I mean this earnestly, please do not disappear or try to leave till the king gets back." He looked directly at the queen and Judy suddenly became very interested in the pages sitting on the table next to her.

Rolling her eyes, Alexia looked away. After looking at her for a minute, Enzo seemed to be content that she was safe and left to continue on with his duties.

"The rogues are getting bold," Alexia said through gritted teeth.

"They are." Judy concurred but remained calm and collected.

"When was the last time the palace went into lockdown?" Alexia asked.

"When my mate died," Judy said void of emotion. The room was enveloped in a silence that began to eat at Alexia.

The sound of the clock ticking echoed. It annoyed Alexia causing her to walk around the room.

Pacing around the room Alexia could no longer take the waiting. "I'm going to check on Abi." Checking on her brother's mate was a good enough excuse to get her out of the study and do something even if it was a weak attempt.

Her declaration only gained a wave of the hand from Judy who seemed unbothered by the circumstance and was back to reading reports.

As she stepped out of the room and made her way down the halls two guards flanked either side of her immediately following wherever she went.

The female's background still troubled Alexia, there was something there that could not just be coincidence she felt. There was no doubt the young female cared for her brother, that she knew but was it enough?

When she arrived at her brother's chambers, she knocked on the door as the guards behind her stepped back to give her privacy.

The door flung open and standing before her was a startled Abi. "Your Highness? Are you alright?"

"I am sorry to surprise you but that is actually what I came to ask you?" She said softly.

"Me?" Her eyes went wide with alarm and surprise.

"Yes, on behalf of my brother," Alexia said with a smile trying to calm her nerves.

Abi seemed uncomfortable and shifted her weight from foot to foot.

"Oh thank you." She mumbled. "Please, come in." As it dawned on her that the queen was standing in the hall.

Alexia grasped for something to talk about with this female as she walked into her chambers. "Are the rooms to your liking?"

"Oh yes, they are very spacious. Growing up I had to share with my sister and our room was not near this big." She said sheepishly.

"You must have been close then," Alexia said causing Abi to nod in agreement.

After apologizing for the state of the room, Abi and Alexia spent a while sitting and conversing getting to know each other better. When Alexia was sure she had overstayed her welcome. She rose gave Abi her farewell and exited the room.

The sky was dark and the palace was dark and she had no desire to wait with her mother-in-law so she returned to her chambers accompanied by the same guards.

Starring out the window she hoped she could see her mate even though she knew it was impossible.

Her eyes narrowed as she looked out the window. She wondered if they were deceiving her. In the distance, she saw something move. Not something, someone.

Watching closer she tilted her head in confusion, the guards stayed in pairs but this one was by itself deep in the trees. Looking closer she realized it was not a guard.