The Wolf's Queen Vows

Chapter 42: A Divine Warning

Elder Soren spoke above the noise. "If the Wanderers are this close, that means they’re scouting. It means they’re preparing to attack."

Eirene’s voice cut through the rising panic. "Then it’s true. The crimson moon wasn’t a blessing but an omen—a divine warning. The spirits are angry. The curse of multiple bonds has angered the spirits, and now they send these creatures as punishment." freewёbnoνel.com

Her words stirred unease. A few elders nodded nervously, while others muttered under their breath.

Aveloria clenched her fists but kept her tone calm. "This isn’t divine punishment, Stepmother. It’s a strategy. The Wanderers have always sought to weaken Lycanthria. They’re testing our borders, not our faith."

Eirene turned toward her with a cold smile. "And yet, the timing is curious. Ever since you discovered your multiple bonds, chaos seems to follow."

Aveloria took a step forward, her gaze steady. "If you truly believe that, then let me prove you wrong. Allow me to lead the investigation and protect our borders. I’ll bring back proof of what they’re planning. And I’ll make sure they know Lycanthria is not weak."

The chamber quieted again. Alaric studied her face, the determination in her eyes reminding him too much of her mother. His heart ached, but he said nothing yet.

Elder Jareth frowned. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, this is no small patrol. The Wanderers are unpredictable and ruthless. Sending the Heiress herself could cause unnecessary risk."

Another elder nodded. "Yes. If she’s harmed, it could break the kingdom’s morale."

Eirene folded her hands delicately. "Perhaps the young heiress is not yet ready for such leadership. She’s...still learning to manage her bonds, after all."

The remark was deliberate. Aveloria could hear the venom beneath the polite tone, but didn’t react.

Then, Galen spoke up. "If the court doubts her ability, allow me to accompany her. I’ll make sure she’s safe. We’ll return with the answers we need."

All eyes turned to him. Trovald raised a brow but said nothing yet. Alaric, however, looked at Galen carefully.

Elder Soren broke the silence. "That might be acceptable. Galen is trained, disciplined, and loyal. It would be a good experience for him as a future Beta."

Before Alaric could respond, another elder snorted. "Future Beta or not, he’s still young. His experience lies in training grounds and skirmishes, not hunting down Wanderers."

Trovald’s voice rose slightly. "With respect, that’s not true. My son has led successful defense missions on the southern border. He’s fought Wanderers before, maybe more than most of you in this room."

The room grew tense again.

Eirene spoke softly, pretending to calm the air. "Perhaps we give him the chance to prove himself again. He’ll be Aveloria’s Beta when she becomes Queen. It would be fitting for him to stand by her now."

One of the elders murmured agreement. "Yes, perhaps this mission should be his test of worth."

Alaric’s patience snapped. He slammed his hand lightly on the table, silencing everyone. "Enough."

The room went still.

He looked at the elder who had spoken. "You call this a test? Galen has been serving this kingdom since he was a boy. He claimed his wolf before he even reached manhood, something that hasn’t happened in generations. He’s fought for this land before some of you even earned your seats at this table."

The elder lowered his gaze, embarrassed.

Alaric turned to Trovald. "Prepare the unit. I want the best-trained wolves under your command chosen for this mission. No less than twenty, all skilled in both tracking and defense. They leave at dawn in two days."

Trovald nodded firmly. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Eirene gave a small, graceful bow. "May the goddess guide them and protect our lands."

Aveloria said nothing. She knew the goddess’s blessings would not be enough if Eirene’s kind of faith was behind them.

Alaric looked around the table. "This council is dismissed. I’ll meet with my generals before sundown to discuss border reinforcements. For now, prepare the troops."

The sound of chairs scraping against stone filled the chamber as everyone stood. The murmurs started again, and most of them worried. No one dared to argue further, but the fear was evident on every face.

Eirene rose gracefully and gave Aveloria a long look as she passed by, not of concern, but of quiet challenge. "Do be careful, my dear. I would hate to see the kingdom lose its heir."

Aveloria didn’t reply. Her jaw tightened as she watched her stepmother walk away.

When the chamber finally cleared, only a few people remained: Alaric, Trovald, Galen, and Aveloria.

Alaric waited until the doors were closed before speaking again. "You’re certain about this?" he asked, turning to his daughter.

"Yes," Aveloria said. "The Wanderers have already crossed into our borders. If we don’t act now, it will be too late. They’re marking their territory inside ours. They’re not hiding anymore."

Alaric looked down at the map spread across the table. Red markers showed the last known attacks, all near the northern edge. "You’ve seen them yourself?"

"Not directly," Galen said. "But the markings are unmistakable. They’re warning us, testing how far they can go before we respond. If we don’t meet them head-on, they’ll keep advancing until they reach the palace walls."

Alaric exhaled slowly. "You both realize what you’re walking into. The Wanderers don’t fight fair. They won’t honor any treaty or code."

"We understand," Aveloria said quietly.

Trovald placed a hand on the table. "If you’ll allow me, I want to accompany them. I’ve faced the Wanderers before. I know how they move."

Alaric shook his head immediately. "No. You’ve just returned from a mission, and I need you here. Your duty now is to coordinate reinforcements and protect the capital. We can’t have both you and your son gone."

Trovald looked frustrated. "Your Majesty, with respect, Galen is still my son. I should be there."

Alaric saw the conflict in his old friend’s eyes and softened his tone. "He will do fine, Trovald. You raised him well. And I trust him with my daughter’s life."

Trovald’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Then I’ll make sure the team is ready by dawn."

"Good," Alaric said.

Trovald bowed and left the chamber quietly, leaving the three of them alone.

Aveloria stood silently, her mind already on the mission ahead. She was thinking of routes, supplies, patrol schedules, anything to keep from focusing on her father’s worried expression.

Alaric looked between her and Galen. The concern on his face was apparent now. "Aveloria," he said softly. "I don’t like this. Not one bit. The thought of you out there...I can’t bear it."

"You can’t protect me forever, Father," she said gently. "If I’m to lead one day, I must face what threatens the kingdom now. It’s not just my duty, it’s my responsibility."

He sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "You sound too much like your mother."

That name brought a moment of silence. Aveloria’s eyes softened, but she didn’t speak.

Finally, Alaric turned to Galen. "Stay behind for a moment."

Aveloria glanced at them both, then bowed slightly. "I’ll start preparing." She left quietly, closing the heavy door behind her.

The King looked at Galen for a long time. "You’ve always been loyal to this family. To me. But this mission...this is different. If anything happens to her—"

"It won’t," Galen interrupted gently.

Alaric’s gaze hardened. "Swear it to me. Not as your King, but as her father."

Galen straightened. "I swear on the crown and the blood of my ancestors. I will protect Aveloria with my life. No matter what happens, I won’t let harm come to her."

The King studied him carefully, searching his face for any trace of hesitation. There was none.

Finally, he nodded. "Then go with my blessing. And may the moon guard your path."

Galen bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Alaric’s voice lowered. "One more thing. You know what she means to this kingdom. But she also means something to me that no title can define. Don’t let her carry more than she must. She’s strong, but strength can be her greatest weakness."

"I understand," Galen said.

The King nodded again. "Then go. Prepare with Trovald. Leave nothing to chance."

Galen turned to leave, but before he reached the door, Alaric spoke again.

"Galen."

He stopped and looked back.

"Take care of her as if she were your own soul." He said quietly.

Galen gave a single, firm nod. "I will."

Alaric sank back into his chair when Galen left the chamber, staring at the map again. His hand hovered over the northern border, tracing the red marks that seemed to crawl closer to the kingdom’s heart.

He whispered, "May the goddess watch over you both."