From The Ashes

Chapter Seven

Our caravan had been travelling for close to a day now, only stopping when someone needed to relieve themselves. Valen and Von and most of the guards had taken one SUV, while the King and Queen, a couple of other guards, and I rode in the other. 

So far, it had been a rather quiet ride and I was getting restless. Sienna was also on edge and it made my urge to flee even worse. I sighed and looked out the window. Picking up on my unease, King Ruben turned to look at me. He regarded me with curiosity for a moment before clearing his throat. 

"I know we have a reputation to our kingdom, one that was not gained in vain. However, I want you to know that we are not savages. We will not kill you unless you deserve it." I nodded my head and uttered a small thanks.

 "That being said," he continued, "I wanted to tell you that you will be expected to prove yourself. You'll be staying in the palace for the foreseeable future, but that could change at anytime. We expect you to participate in training, learn of our culture and history, and we expect you to help where you are needed. If you are destined to be one of our sons' mates, it means you are destined to be a future ruler of our kingdom. You need to understand this and not take it lightly. If you are not one of their mates, then all the testing you have done will not have been in vain. We'll be able to place you somewhere that you can prove your worth to the pack."

"What do these tests consist of?" I asked. 

"You will see, young one. I cannot give out all of the information right now, can I?" He said with a grin on his face. I smiled back. Queen Stella turned to me as well. 

"We will also have someone take you out shopping, so you can get outfits appropriate for any event at the palace. I will help you personally to learn our histories and rules. I hope that it will be to your liking."  

I was shocked to say the least. Queen Stella herself would be helping me? 

"Thank you, ma'am. It's such an honor," I told her. She gave me a small smile.

 She seemed shy for a Queen, but I could tell there was a depth to her that made her a perfect wolf to take on the responsibilities that came with it. 

"Also, you will be working with Valen and Von. Valen will work with you on combat, both in human and wolf form, while Von will teach you etiquette and war strategy," she said as she turned back around.

 I tensed the muscles in my hands to stop from growling. I knew I was supposed to try and get along with them for my sake, but the way they had been acting just mere hours ago made me less than excited to get close with them.

"Excuse me, how much longer now?" I asked the driver.

 "Not long, only about a half hour," he replied. I looked out the windows and noticed the rolling hills covered in trees to my each of my sides.  Wolves began to run with the cars, and occasionally you would see one weave through the trees. 

"Are these wolves from your pack?" I asked.

"They are. They stay close to the territory line the majority of the time, but they run forward to escort us when they know we are coming home," King Ruben told me. I nodded. 

"Do they know about me and the treaty? Will I have to be initiated as a member?"

He chuckled. "A curious one, aren't you? Yes, they do know of you. I do not keep secrets from my pack. As for being initiated, in time it will happen. As long as you have proven yourself. The councilmen of the pack will take a vote when it becomes time and it will be decided then." I was silent as I looked back out the window.

True to the guard's word, we arrived at the palace gate about thirty minutes later. As we pulled up in front of it, I couldn't help but gasp in amazement.