Fate /fāt/- the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power.
(Not ever edited I'm sorry :((()
—————
Another week passes after my coronation. The gold and red decorations are packed away, the leftover food and delicacies shared with the Court. Everything looks as it did before, almost as if nothing's changed.
And yet it all has.
"Make a list so I don't leave anything behind. Pants, shirts, underwear, toiletries, socks, my weapon bag, a dress or two- do you think I'll need a dress?" I say to Vizen, who matches my hurried pace. We walk the inner walls of the castle, heading towards the front. The castle itself is an enigma, filled with maze like halls and long, winding paths. Before that day, the castle was entirely shaped like an onion almost, with the Throne room being center front. After we had to tear down the back half and rebuild, it became a half onion, half rectangle. The idea being that if a fire ever broke out, we'd be able to seal the back half off and protect as much as possible. Admittedly, it's a bit silly looking from the side.
Vizen and I come to a stop outside the grand doors to the throne room. It's a floor to ceiling double door, that glide open once Vizen gestures for the guards to open it. I enter first, taking in the extravagance of my parent's legacy. The floor is a gleaming white, stark against the dark maroon of the walls. There is white and gold everywhere, from the rows of pews opposite the thrones, to the many waist high pillars. On each pillar is a deep red cushion and a piece of my parent's past, during and before my time it seems.
It's the mural on the wall that takes my breath. It's a life size portrait of my parents and I, from the night of my sixteenth birthday. It's the kind of realism that makes me believe I could just reach out and-
"Queen Amaris," I hear Vizen whisper to me, shaking me from my impulse. I turn to her, the tight curls of my hair and spins of my skirts turning with me. My crown is pined tightly in place, resting snugly against my forehead. Seeing myself with it this morning in my mirrors was a shock, a reset almost. I've officially been Queen for a week. No major damage, no take over plots, and no oddly timed mass casualty.
"Yes," I ask, before noticing that the throne room doors are closed. "Is the council outside?"
"Yes. I can send them away if you need more time...?" She trails off, looking towards the mural.
"Uh, no. You can send them in, I need to leave within the next two hours to arrive at Evanderlan province. That's White Stone pack, correct?"
"I believe so. I'll be taking my leave after introducing the council. I will make sure your luggage is properly sorted since you ignored my warning to pack last night." She side eyes me, turning towards the doors as I take a seat on my mother's throne.
"I didn't ignore you... I just put it off so long I fell asleep," I said, rolling my eyes to the moon.
"Excuses, excuses," She mumbles, before clearing her throat and guest urging for the guards to let her out. Vizen announces the council, who begins to file in along with the small group of warriors I'll be traveling with. Of course, they're not aware of this yet. Vizen bows and leaves, the doors falling closed behind her.
"Good morning, council, soldiers. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me before departure." I wait a moment for everyone to be settled in the closest pews before continuing. "First, I want to inform these brave warriors here about the details of the mission. While your core mission is to travel to White Stone pack, gather information about the missing wolves are report accordingly, you will also have side missions. Each of you will be responsible for gathering intel from anyone you can, we may even send you to other provinces."
The warriors don't murmur between themselves, but do nod while looking in my direction, so I continue again. "I take it you've all attended to your affairs here? You may be gone for some time, especially with the storm taking out our transportation routes for a week after. The other thing is that I will be traveling with you."
This time there is mumbles, which are silenced by one look from Josiah. "I understand that this isn't the way that my parents may handle a situation like this. But I have lived my entire life in these walls and what is skill if not put to the test? This is a chance for me to gain experience the say as you," I gesture to the three newer soldiers, who haven't seen much combat. "So don't be worried about your appearance or formality while we are on this mission together. As far as anyone outside of this court understands, I am simply a Crown Guard as well. Please do not refer to me as anything other than Josiah's equal once we depart."
I take a second to breathe, having stressed the important parts now. We have about an hour and a half until it's time to leave, so I answer their questions as quickly as possible and usher everyone out to make last minute visits and preparations. Such as tradition, the warriors families get supplements when they are deployed for their support. I check in with Vizen over the phone, who passes me once in the hallway as she buzzes around like a small tornado. She lets me know that everything is good to go, and if any problems happen after she ran the entire castle in heels, to leave her alone.
"Roger that," I say, laughing.
"I'll see you in 30," She says, through a mouthful of strawberry jam filled donut.
"See you Viz-" I end the call, stepping out into the winter garden. I pull a large faux fur cloak around my shoulders, waving at Mitch, the guard on duty to follow me around. He waves back from his pillar a few feet away. I sit on the snow covered bench, watching the flowers sway in the bitter wind. Snow falls around me at a steady pace, covering my lashes and melting on the palm of my hand. I prefer the snow to rain, that leaves you drenched and shaking. At least the snowflakes make unique shapes.
"Mothermoon," I pray, looking down at my hands covered in snow. "Lead me, guide me to my fate. At my last prayer, you gave me the guidance to this pack territory. May you now lead me to my reason? Show me a sign that I am doing right by you, Mothermoon."
I sit in silence for all of 3 minutes, before a gust of wind blows a single blood red rose petal into my hands, where it nestles into the snow.
"Thank you Mom," I whisper to myself, brushing the delicate petal with my thumb.
YOU ARE READING
Wysteria
Werewolf*UNDER SERIOUS EDITING!!! FORMALLY KNOWN AS CHILD OF THE MOON* She is found in the middle of the woods on the night of one of the kingdom's most dreaded storms. She is taken in by a Queen of the name Maribelle and her husband. Together, as they rule...
