Winwolfa (A Roan x Female OC Fanfic)

Chapter 27

Frost crusted trees began decorating the forest. Between the tips of the trees, Astrid could make out the snowcapped mountains that gave Astrid a sense of home. It had only been a few months since she stalked up to those gates, but the wave of nostalgia hit her deep in the gut. Slight tingles travelled through her arms with the simultaneous excitement and fear. 

Astrid wasn't sure what to expect when returning back to the kingdom. Cheers, or petrified gasps, or pure silence. She had gone through every possibility during that trek. Nothing compared to the actual moment though. Now to be standing upon them once again, as a Queen. It was surreal.

When the King and Queen rode through those front doors with the wolves tailing them, it was a mix of shock and awe. The Prince who was banished and the prophecy that fled. What a band of misfits they were. Yet, here they were, destined to rule the nation. 

Azgeda warriors left and right dropped what they were doing to gawk at them. A steady line formed behind them as they trotted to the keep. Waves of eager people formed around them as stopped in the center. As they dismounted the horses, children swarmed their sides. More specifically, Astrid. 

"Is it true?" One of them asked, tugging Astrid's hand. "Is Queen Nia dead?

"Have you returned to lead us?"

"Are you going to be the new Queen? Is it because you love the Prince?"

"Are those your wolves? Will they eat us in our sleep?"

Astrid couldn't help but giggle as she strode with the children to the front doors, doing her best to answer the unending slew of questions. Most of them held onto her hands or furs, leaving Roan to grumble and watch from behind. When Astrid finally approached those doors, her face went as white as her hair as she found Tilda standing in front of them.

"So it's true. Winwolfa comes back to lead her Kingdom once and for all." Astrid nodded once, tears brimming her eyes. Her friend looked exaclt the same the last time she saw her. Minus the scowl pressed along her lips. Apparently, Tilda wasn't as ecstatic about their reunion at first. She quickly plastered a slap across Astrid's cheek. Too stunned to speak, she blinked once at her, searching for understanding.

"That's what you get for leaving without telling me." Tilda then pulled Astrid into a warm embrace with a wide smile on her face. "But, I'm glad you're back. I've missed you so much."

"So I've heard." Astrid pulled them apart, but still held onto her forearms. "Roan had told me you already took over my bed before he was even banished."

"And I hear you are destined to marry him." A smile spread on her face, both mischievous and warm. Astrid groaned and shook her head, then dragged her inside to speak privately. Roan followed them a minute after.

"So please, can somebody explain how the hell my aunt was killed, my cousin was lifted from his banishment and then destined to marry the Winwolfa all in just a few short hours?"

Astrid and Roan exchanged a panicked look between each other, waiting for the other to speak. Tilda watched the interaction between the two, arms crossed against her chest with an impatient look on her face. This was one of the rare moments Astrid could see the similarities between the cousins. It was those moments that Astrid feared for. 

"Well..." Astrid finally mustered up the courage to speak, "The Commander and I may have conspired against Nia. Though, Lexa had informed me of the marriage part after I killed your aunt in solo gonplei."

"Would you have denied the offer otherwise?" Roan asked, cocking his brow as she looked down at Astrid. Yet, somehow, she squared her chest to him and looked down on him, despite their severe height difference.