Cherished Lady: Part II

8-Oberon Whiteclaw

I was mentally exhausted. No I was beyond exhausted. I don't know how my father kept up with this for so long. Of course he had mother to help. 

That conversation with my uncle could have gone better. I was just so frustrated. First I got that blasted report and then my uncle still refused to return to his duties. He even refused to reestablish the pack bond! My wolf became angry upon hearing that. He felt as if my uncle was hiding something and I'm starting to agree with him. Something happened when he went to the Ever Green pack, and it hurts that he won't tell me what. 

I needed a rest from it, to take off the weight of it all even for just a few minutes. That was why I was headed to my mother. Even though her official title was the Dowager Queen, she still did most of the duties of the Luna Queen and would until I took a mate. She had gone through similar issues with my father and she was someone I could lean on now. 

I walked solemnly through the hallways to my mother's wing. I tried to keep an air of regal authority but I knew those who really looked at me could tell it was a front. My shoulders were sagging by the time I reached my mother's apartment door.

Straightening my vest and jacket. I knocked on the door. Even though it was my mother, I knew better than to barge in there without permission.  I only had to wait for a moment before the door was opened by a young woman I have never seen before. 

"Hello, can I help you?" Her voice was soft, almost unsure of what she was suppose to do. I stared at her feeling similarly. I was caught off guard at seeing her. She was beautiful She had dark black hair that was pulled up into an elegant bun. Her skin was pale in comparison, and her eyes! The were like two jade ovals staring at me. I knew she was waiting for me to say something but I unabashedly continued to stare at her. She was wearing the grey dress of a Lady's Maid. It was simple but elegant on her.

"Excuse me sir. Can I help you?" She interrupted my thoughts again and only then did I break my study of her, fidgeting trying to cover the obvious stare I had made. 

"Oh yes, I was wondering if the Dowager Queen was available?" Smooth Oberon. I sounded almost like a school boy again stuttering over my thoughts. The young woman didn't seem to let it bother her. 

"May I ask who is calling?" A smile tugged at one side of my mouth. This woman was oblivious as to who I was and I was enjoying the anonymity. Before I could answer my mother walked near the door.

"Artemis who is there?" She called out. I saw her peak past the door towards me, and I gave my mother a bright smile. Her face instantly lit up and I was given a feeling of excitement. No doubt it came from her. "Oberon! I didn't expect you!" My mother cried. I tried to see my mother often, but it was not unheard of to go for days without visiting her. I saw her at official dinners and such but those didn't really count. 

"Good morning mother! I hope I'm not interrupting your morning."  Even if I was I knew she wouldn't care.

"Of course not my dear come on in." The young woman opened to door wider stepping to the side to allow me room to walk past. I couldn't help but to stare as I walked by. She was now looking at the ground avoiding my gaze. She obviously made the connection between my mother and who I was. So much for the anonymity. 

Once I walked past, the young woman closed the door and stood by it clasping her hands in front of her still looking at the ground. I wanted her to look up at me and see the reassuring smile I held. However, her looking away gave me the chance to study her more. It was then that I noticed on her face the  three faded scars that ran along the side of her face. I knew what they were instantly. Claw marks. Seeing those scars made me frown wondering who would attack such a sweet creature.