Her Reign

Chapter 32

ALENA

I watched my mom stand in front of those responsible for attacking me. I am angry. I’m trying really hard to not show how bad I want them to suffer. If I had my way, they would die right here on these steps for everyone to see but then I look out and see children with their families. Some of the same children that were in the woods with me during the attack. They clung to their parents. You could see the fear in their eyes when the elder said there would be more attacks. It hurt my heart to see them so scared.

No child should ever grow up and feel like that. They should be happy and be able to play without having to worry about losing someone they love.

My mom stood there, causing pain to the elder. He flopped around on the ground unable to bear it. I couldn’t help myself, so I walked down the steps to my mother’s side. I put my hand on her arm and she looked at me.

“As princess, I order these men to death. They don’t deserve to live. Not only did they try to kill me and hurt my family, but they caused so much more pain because these people, who lost loved ones deserve justice. The children who were in the woods that night, deserve to live without fear. They deserve to not have to worry about these cowards hurting anyone else. Yes, I call you cowards because none of you fought in that attack. You used rogues to do your dirty work because you wanted to hide in the shadows so you wouldn’t get caught but rogues have no loyalty to anyone but themselves. We know exactly who is responsible and they will all be dealt with.” I said loud enough for everyone to hear.

I looked away from those cowards and turned to the victims' families. I walked up to each of them offering my condolences even though I’m sure it didn’t help their pain.

“Please go to my mother’s royal advisor, my Aunt Jessica and give her all your names and information. We will make sure that all of you are taken care of. We can’t bring your loved ones back but we want to make things easier on you and your family.” I said.

I looked at my mom and she nodded her head and gave me a small smile. I know this wasn’t discussed but it's the right thing to do. These families shouldn’t suffer because people hate my family. Those men died trying to protect me and their families will be taken care of.

I looked down and saw a little girl holding her mom’s waist. I remember her being at the lake with her friends. She can’t be no older than ten. I stepped to her and slowly bent down. It was painful, but I took a deep breath.

“Hi, I would like to invite you and your friends to have lunch with me today. Is that ok with you?” I asked her.

She smiled and looked up at her mom. Her mother nodded and she looked back at me with a big smile shaking her head yes.

“Ok, well go gather your friends and come back in an hour. That should be enough time to get lunch together. I’ll see you then.” I said.

She let her mother go and took off running towards a group of kids.

“Thank you, Princess. Ever since the attack, she has been really depressed. Her father is in the pack hospital severely injured. When I heard about the attack, I was so scared because I knew she was there and I knew what those rogues would do if they got to her but when she came through the woods, the first thing she told me was that you saved her. You saved all the children and I’m so grateful to you. I don’t know what I would do without her. We fought so hard to get pregnant and the doctors told me I was unable to have children. She is my miracle baby.” She said with tears in her eyes.

I gave her a hug and said my goodbyes to the other families. When I turned around, the prisoners were gone. They had been escorted to the cells and await their sentence. I grabbed my mom’s hand and walked back up the stairs to my family. Once I got to the top, my uncles took turns giving me a hug.