From The Ashes

Chapter Fifteen

After a restless night of sleep, I rolled over to look at the clock on my nightstand. It read 5:15. I groaned and decided it was time to get up.

My nerves were too frazzled to let me sleep anymore anyway. I heaved my exhausted body into a sitting position and rubbed my bleary eyes. Aislinn had spent the later part of the night telling me all about the royal council. 

According to her, they were terrifying. All dignified and regal, they were a group of four wolves- three men and one woman- who had the last say on every important decision in the pack.

They could even overturn King Ruben's rulings if they wanted to- though it had only happened once, Aislinn had told me.

She said they could be like vultures. They'd pick tear you down and pick apart at your carcass just for the fun of it. She had emphasized that it was important to have confidence in their presence, but to make sure you never disrespect a single member.

They could easily make my life harder here than it had been at Moonlight pack. 

I shook away the memories from last night and twirled my mother's ring on my finger.  Caffeine. I needed caffeine. 

I made my way quietly down to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. My trainings had been cancelled today due to the meeting and Aunt Maddie's arrival. I snuck over to the pot, added water and the grounds, and pushed the button.

I rolled my neck and relaxed my muscles while I breathed in it's heavenly aroma. As I was reaching for a mug, someone cleared their throat behind me.

I spun around with the mug wielded above my head in preparation for attack. Valen threw up his hands as a sign of peace. 

"Easy there, tiger. I'm not here to fight today." I sent a glare his way and pointed the cup in his direction. 

"Do not sneak up on me before my morning cup. I cannot be held responsible for any injuries you obtain."

He chuckled and moved past me to grab his own mug, before prying mine from my fingers.

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked while pouring us both a cup of coffee. I shook my head. 

"I'm pretty nervous about today, to be honest. I know your father didn't think too harshly of my solo mission, but I'm worried they don't share his opinion."

Valen grimaced as he took a sip, then crossed the floor to the fridge where he pulled out some vanilla-caramel creamer. He offered some to me, which I accepted gratefully. He turned back to look at me. 

"I think you'll be okay, I really do, but I should warn you," he began. 

"Warn me about what?" 

"Celia's mother is on the council." I choked on my coffee and almost spit it back in his face. 

"Excuse me?" I heaved.

"You couldn't have told me this last night? Not two hours before I'm supposed to meet her?"

The panic ramped up in my body and was clawing at my throat. Of course.

The only enemy I had here and her mother is on the council. Just great. 

"Calm down. She's mostly talk. She may look like a complete witch, and she has a sharp tongue, but she hates to be challenged. It makes her nervous. I'm not saying to disrespect her authority, but if she throws any snide remarks your way, don't hesitate to say something back." I watched him for a moment before nodding. 

"Okay, I can do that. Will Celia be in the meeting?" 

"It's possible. But her opinion won't be counted in the final verdict. She's a warrior, not a politician."