A Gifted Queen

Chapter 78

Chapter 78

Mariah Plays

Good morning, baby. Did you sleep well? Chris asks as he lays in bed holding Ray.

I always sleep well next to you. You hear kissing sounds and a few giggles. The newly mated couple are spending the day together, just enjoying each others company. This is a special time for them, a time to bond with each other, get to know each other all over again. Especially since the memories just returned to Ray, and they havent seen each other for two years.

The king and queen want us to go away on a honeymoon, I just did not want to leave the girls. I hope you dont mind Chris.

I dont mind at all, as long as I have you with me.

I was worried about the pups. I didnt want to leave them. They are just getting settled in here so taking them and bouncing them all over, would not be good.

I am happy spending the next two weeks here with you and the pups Ray. Stop worrying so much. When we are done the honeymoon your dad and mom want us to take the last of our training, to become the king and queen.

Ray then smiles, Enough of all that. What do you want to do today? We are on our honeymoon.

I thought we would take and spend the morning with the girls maybe take them to one of our favorite places when we were kids, we could have a picnic. Then after we could take a run and let our wolves out.

That sounds wonderful. Mariah hasnt run in so long.

Well, lets get started. You get the girls and Ill get lunch.

Ray makes a face, When did you start cooking?

Im not, Ill just ask the cook. Looking down like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. I was planning on helping. Chris is pouting like a two-year-old, causing Ray to laugh.

Come on big baby. Ray teases as she grabs his hand and heads out the door.

The girls are wiggling on a blanket laying on the grass cooing and playing. The sun is warm and the stream running by is making the most beautiful music. This was one of my favorite places we played at when we were younger.

Mine too. I loved swimming in the river, it is always cold even in the summer. The girls are tuckered out. Ray picks up Anastasia and rocks her.

They have had a full day being out in the air. Chris picks up Felicity.

Lisa would you and the girls take the pups up for their nap?

We got them, the omegas hold the pups and go inside leaving Ray and Chris with two of the guards. The rest went with the pups.

Chris looks at Ray, Ready?

Mariah is more than ready. Lets go. With a blink of an eye, they are off running. They run in their wolf form free and wild, jumping logs and boulders chasing a rabbit or two, the day has been perfect. When they come back to the stream each takes a drink and then lays down rubbing each other.

Ray is getting mad at Mariah, Behave yourself.

Why? He is my mate.

Ray yells, No! Dont you dare.

Mariah hushes her. I always have to watch you have fun. Its my turn. She makes a shit ass grin then returns her attention to Apollo, Chriss wolf.

When the day comes to an end Ray is madder than ever. She tells Mariah, Im not letting you out again.

Why? I just had a little fun.

You know what you did. Ray is mad. I dont want pups yet.

Oh. Im sorry, Ray. I didnt think. I forgot it was easier to get pregnant as a wolf. Ray was half in tears. Ray, what is really wrong?

Tears still falling, I cant do that without seeing that man and Im so scared. I feel guilty I just laid there. Im never going to be touched without being scared and totally petrified. I will never touch him without shaking and running as fast as I can.

Oh Ray. How didnt I see this? Mariah tries to console her.

I laid there and let him put his dirty hands on me, who does that?

Someone who wants to survive, someone who did survive. Dont let that ugly, I dont think he is worth calling a werewolf take the rest of your life away. If you do, that means he wins. Youre stronger than that. You will survive and have a real life, one he doesnt control.

Im trying. Im really trying Mariah.

Ill stop, Im so sorry please remember what I have told you.

Im not sure if I can come back from this nightmare. The guilt is eating me alive.

Talk to Chris. He could help you or maybe your mother.

Maybe she could help me. Ill talk to her tomorrow.

The next morning Ray is determined to see her mother. Mom, I need to talk to you.

Darlin, what is it? You seem so upset.

Mom, I need you, please help me.

With tears falling from Rays eyes again, the queen reaches out her hand to bring Ray alongside of her on the couch. Oh, Ray, you never cry talk to me. She then wraps her arms around her.

If I tell you dont think less of me.

I could never be ashamed of you.

Mom, I ran away from him, but they caught me. He tied me up in the bed and he took me. I laid there, I was a coward.

Ray, you did all you could.

No, mom. He took me every night for nine days. I just laid there and didnt fight any more. I let him do what he wanted. Mom, I just laid there, what kind of person does that?

A smart one. One who came home to us.

I cant make love to Chris without seeing him. Then I freeze and I cry. I feel so guilty for not fighting harder.

How did you finish you mating ceremony?

I told him to do it with my back to his front. I hid my face in the pillow and cried.

Chris didnt stop?

He didnt know, until it was over. He got mad at me for not telling him to stop. What should I do? Ray looks at her mother. The tears havent stopped yet.

You are so strong. You go through every day just as kind and caring. How do you do that?

I dont think about the time I was at that pack. I go through the day like it never happened.

When you see your guards and nannies you must get mad at them. They were there and didnt help you or keep you safe.

I just remind myself it is not their fault, and they are not to blame. I dont blame any of them.

When they knew what was happening and didnt stop it?

They couldnt stop him, and they couldnt help me.

Could you stop him?

No. If you fought him would he have taken you anyway? He would have tied me up and did what he did.

Could you do any more then what you did?

No. If I kept on fighting, I think he would have killed me.

Then tell me if you were just like your guards and omegas why cant you forgive yourself? You have a heart that is so big you give it to everyone else. Cant you give a piece to yourself?

I never thought of It that way. What do I do with the fear?

This might not be as simple but if you leave the lights on and have Chris look at you, it would only be his face you see. When you feel more comfortable things will get better.

Mom, you are so smart., thank you. Thank you. She hugs her tighter. You mean the world to me. Her mom smiles at her. I will remember what you said. She says with real hope in her heart. I can do this. Ray runs out of the room to see where Chris is.

Where are you? Ray calls as she enters their wing of the castle.

Im in our room taking a shower.

Ill be right there.