The Queen's Conquer

Chapter 38 : The Return

Coddiwomple • [kah-dee-whamp-uhl]
To travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination.

🖤

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The gentle spring winds whisk through the strays of my hairs on this ironically cloudy day. I thought staring out long enough at these woods would guide my mind away from what I'll be facing today—not towards it.

Last night's sleep was fundamentally pointless...and more of an unfair fight between my incessant fatigue and my need for rest. Even though my mate did his best to comfort me—to help me find that serenely unconscious state, not even he could cease my nagging thoughts.

So now, standing here practically sleep-deprived, I'm very much wishing I'd made some coffee after waking up this morning. Because let's face it, I'm going to need some type of caffeine if I plan on getting through the entirety of this road trip.

The voices from a couple of dozen feet away bring me back to reality as someone calls my name.

"Anastasia," Liam says.

I twist around, my arms continuing to embrace myself as if they're able to shield me against the cool breeze. This light jacket barely does its job well enough given I can still feel the air even under two layers.

I take in the sight of the group: Samuel, Liam, and Xander all conversing with Max, likely rediscussing the details of the plan—and his own permitted boundaries. Sterling, Lilith, and Killian are gathered near the half dozen vehicles, packing some belongings in their trunks to prepare for their end of this mission with the help of a few other warriors.

Isaac is nowhere to be seen since he was given the responsibility of managing border patrol while we're gone, but he did help drive some supplies over to the Eastern entrance—where we are now—earlier this morning before being needed for a minor issue at the Northern entrance.

I'm motioned over by the Beta and quickly join their conversation. And once I'm within close proximity, I notice the shiny metal object being handed over to Max by Samuel.

"In the event that shit goes to hell—and only when shit goes to hell—are you allowed to use this," my mate instructs him, making sure the safety is on the decently-sized handgun before sliding it into a holster that's able to fit snugly on Max's side while being concealed under his coat.

"Why are you giving him a gun?" I find myself asking, but not out of approval or denial of the precaution.

Samuel turns to me, explaining, "I'm not sending him into that kingdom unarmed. Especially since we still don't know what kind of security they have."

"Do I get one?"

My mate smiles at me. "You and your badass powers? I think you'll be alright," he half-laughs the words out. "Besides, he's the one who can shift here."

"They'll probably confiscate it right at the border when we get there, anyways," I retort, crossing my arms.

"Let's hope that's not the case since you two were former citizens," Xander says as he looks between me and Max.

"We just needed to remind you to not take any severe measures unless absolutely necessary," Liam finally says with his attention on me.

"Because if you do...getting you and Max out of there might be more of a challenge than we initially anticipated," Xander adds.

"Trust me, I have no business getting vengeance on anyone. Especially my parents," I mutter.

"Speaking of which, we received news that Julianna and Arthur aren't even in Mylithia at the moment," Samuel reveals.