“The timing of this report is troubling,” the King says.

“Is there something more to it, my lord?”

“The humans have gone to the creatures they fear the most and offered them their blood? And all this at the time we get reports of some human-like beings causing death and destruction to the towns near our south-eastern border.”

“My lord,” the queen says. “What do you mean by human-like beings?” 

“Our commander has received reports of human-like creatures with black eyes attacking two of the towns closest to the border we share with the humans. Apparently, these creatures have killed nearly everyone there and my people failed to kill a single attacker.”

The queen widens her eyes and stares at the army commander. “It’s what the report said, your majesty.” he replies as little rivers flow freely down his face. Presently, she narrows her eyes as if peering into the depth of Gunther’s soul, searching for the smallest speck of a lie. Finding none, her face heats up with rage, but like the summer rain, she quickly regains her calm-water composure. 

No wonder they call her the Queen Mother. The love of a mother and the ferocity of a queen.

“Are we able to confirm these reports?” she asks.

“Not yet, your majesty, but my lord has just given us permission to do what you suggest.”

Again that widening eyes-stare comes out, but this time she is more mother than queen.

“Us?”

“Do not worry, my love.” the king says reassuringly. “I have given strict instructions to the commander not to leave their side and the boys know not to get in the way or take this opportunity to be a hero, but to observe and learn.” She didn’t seem to like the idea, but she remained silent. I prepared myself mentally for the long barrage of instructions that would assault my ears once this meeting was over.  

“Is there anything more you’d like to share with us, Scott?” the king asks as he redirects his focus to the royal advisor.

“Yes, my lord. The Fairies sent a carrier pigeon. They wish to speak to the council immediately. They have heard of the blood treaty and send word of a solution that they want to share with us.” 

“Very well. How many are they and when should we expect them?”

“They should arrive at noon, my lord and they will have the entire royal family and a small escort of the royal guards.”

It will be nice to see Princess A’el again. I wonder what kind of mischief we’ll be up to this time.

We’ve been friends since, as far as I can remember. My memories are filled with moments when I would find myself in trouble whenever Leon and A’el were around.

“I am curious to hear about this plan they have,” says the king. “In any case, I admire their quick thinking and call to action. Thank you, Scott.”

Normally, at this point, Scott will bow and take his seat, but he doesn’t do that. He remains standing with that unnerving air flowing around him like a cloth caught in the wind, whirling but going nowhere.

“Any more news, Scott?”

“Honestly, just one, my lord.” he swallows hard, straightens his back and takes a deep breath. “My lord, it seems that the Vampire Count wishes to show the new unity of the vampire and human creatures. He has sent word that an envoy will journey throughout the continent. They started in the human nation and are now heading this way. They should arrive at the same time as the fairies.”

“And who leads this envoy?” the king asks as he shifts uneasily in his seat.

“The heir to the vampire throne, Leon Von Duke. He is escorted by a woman called Monica Flaughan.”

I wonder what Leon has to say about all this. 

The king brings a hand to his mouth and narrows his eyes before saying, “I don’t think I know this Monica Flaughan. Do you, my queen?”

“Her name doesn’t ring any bells, my lord.” 

“I know nothing much about her, but I will see what I can find.” Scott says hastily. 

The king’s first response is to slowly nod his head with his eyes closed, as if reflecting on this information. His eyes fly open as one stirring from a dream. “Thank you Scott.” Scott bows low in response and takes his seat. 

“Are there any matters that we still need to discuss?” 

Eyes glance left and right, daring one another to be the bearer of more surprising information. When it is apparent that no one has anything else to say the king rises to his feet and we all follow in this gesture. 

As we leave the council room, my mother pulls my brother and I aside. Although she wasn’t the woman who gave birth to Valark and I, she still chose to take care of us and I loved her all the more for it. She was worried, which was understandable, though sometimes I felt she worried too much even when there was no need for it, but this time is warranted. 

“Take care of each other. I didn’t raise you just so I could bury you.” She says as she looks at me, then my brother, and back at me. 

As the next alpha, it would be embarrassing to die so soon, I think to myself. Other alphas lived for many years; old enough to see two more alphas take the throne. None had died so young in recent history. I will not be the first.

“We’ll be fine, mother,” Valark says, his voice taking a dismissive tone. “The commander will be with us at all times. No need to worry. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get ready for our journey.” He walks away without another word. I see the hurt in my mother’s eyes as she follows Valark with her gaze. I place both my hands on each of her shoulders and give her a little squeeze. She turns her attention towards me.

“You’ve taught us well, mother and so have our teachers. We will be careful, and we will do everything we can to come back to you.” She smiles, but I can tell she’s still afraid. I, on the other hand, I’m a mixture of emotions. Fear and excitement are being mixed together in my heart without aid from any external influence. The resulting potion is something I will taste once the journey begins.

“You’re more eager than your brother, my boy alpha.” That’s her nickname for me, my boy alpha. She leans closer and in a whisper says, “And you're sweeter than him too, but don’t tell him I said that.” We laugh and I release her shoulders, only to cup both her hands in mine and gently kiss them. She pulls her right hand away and playfully slaps my shoulder.

“Oh don’t be so dramatic. Go, get ready, and don’t keep the commander waiting.”

Turning away from her I say, “Give A’el and Leon my greetings.”

“I will do that.” She raises her voice and, masking it in a flirtatious tone, she asks, “Any special message for A’el?” Mother has always suspected A’el and I of being more than friends. Perhaps A’el might have said something to her, but I never bothered to investigate. I don’t have feelings for A’el, I’ve never had any.

“No mother. No special message for anyone.” I shout back, even though we are a few paces apart. I turn and continue to walk away before my mother can find another embarrassing question to ask.

At least she is smiling now. Father always says to ‘leave her smiling instead of crying.’

As I mount my steed outside the palace, I catch the faintest melody of paper cutting across the air in a quick rhythm. The wind changes direction and I can hear the paper-like song even clearer, along with the scent of grass and flowers. My mind fills with memories of the meadow of the fairies and I allow myself to indulge in the beautiful memories of my childhood. 

It would be nice to see A’el before I leave.