Alpha King and I

Chapter 30: Rose Colored

There was a couch in the library which seemed to beckon to me whenever I arrived ready to do intense research. It had a firm stale marshmallow feel, which gave only slightly to my back and feet as I laid into it with my head pressed against the armrest. Soft velvety fabric caressed my neck and the part of my arms which used the couch to support them.

A heavy book above me held just high enough to read without adjusting my position. When no one was looking, like now, I would use some magic to keep the book up as my hands relaxed during the reading. Magic which required my fingers to grip together as if in desperate prayer, in order to work. As I did it, I would lose my ability to speak, because the spell would attack my throat in a very painful --but worth it-- manner. Luckily the pain and effects would dissipate as soon as the spell was done being used.

"Hello Queen."

Thud.

The book landed right on my face. Surprisingly heavy enough to break my nose for a second. I held in a gasp as I pushed the book off of me and sat up with great speed to address my surprise guest.

Crack!

"Heh." He snickered.

My nose was fixed.

The almost molten feeling eyes of Alpha Everett stared at me. A thankfulness filled me as I reminisced on the surprises of my mother desensitizing me to moments like this. As the thankfulness stayed creeping at the edge of my conscious, I nodded at Everett, ignoring all feelings telling me to call for the guards. I need to handle this on my own.

His words came out far less eloquent than expected, "I was going to try and be charming with you, but I don't have it in me." Each word like an angered rattlesnake hissing. His eyes held a soft glare. Aimed at the wall. I nodded.

"What is it that you need Alpha Everett?"

"Call me Everett in private."

"No."

"Okay."

So he's a hypocrite maybe? I could still call the guards...

I cross my arms and check the door to the library, seeing its condition. It is a crack open and in no way blocked. Alpha Everett is casually resting against one of the bookcases, still wearing the same attire as from the meeting, but it is slightly ruffled out of place. Suddenly our eyes land on each other.

We stare. Analysing more openly then done at the meeting. I had missed it before, but his face had somewhat of a more tired look to it.

"I'll get to the point Queen, I wish to see your wolf form before the festival, for safety reasons." I stare more firmly. My eyes squinting just slightly. I can feel my nails gripping into my arm in a distracting but calming way. I respond with a more satirical intent.

"Are you jesting me? I have Rei," and my magic, "and am an Omega." I do not have a wolf form. This was also the first time I've heard of someone beside Cadeth speaking of the festival to me directly. Even in planning, no one has really mentioned anything about it to me, more so they discuss it with Cadeth around me and then he and I discuss it. A strange pattern, but I doubt of all people, Alpha Everett would be the one to first be allowed to break it.

Yet Alpha Everett's response was more incredulous than my own.

"Huh! What does that have to do with anything? I still need to see your wolf Queen." His words now pompous sounding. His arms cross too. An eerie smile etches his face. The anger of before, gone and replaced with a surprisingly naïve expression. Even his eyes were enlarged. The atmosphere, though still tense, relaxed just a bit where it counts.

Communication.

I stayed in my place, my arms loosening as I swayed my arm forward then sideward. Trying to add emphasis.

"Alpha Everett, you know as I that Omegas cannot shift." He chuckled then.

"Oh yes they can. It's not easy, but they can. I would expect as Queen you'd be skilled enough to do such with ease after all. You have the people to please!" I do not believe him.

But it makes sense. But it also doesn't.

Alpha Everett continues, "As the Queen, you must shift for the festival, and I must see beforehand so I know who you are to protect you. Did his highness not tell you this?" No he didn't. I doubt he'd do such without reason though.

I answer, "I am responsible for looking into such things. My error. Thanks for you help," Alpha Everett steps toward me as I speak, "I'll have Cadeth get back to you later."

"I see." Within barely a blink he stands in front of me. I'm still sitting on my couch. More stiff now. I choose to assume he will be heading for the door. If not, I'll do what I must, even if it could harm the delicate relationship between him and the King. Any and all relaxation from before has left me and the similar uncomfortable feeling of jagged edges and darkness fills me again upon his presence.

He brings his hands into the form of prayer, and my book from before lifts from the floor. It moves from the still air to beside me. Now closed above the couch cushion to my right.

His lets go. The book falls.

His hand moves toward my face. I raise my own up to stop him. My other hand directs toward the door. Hopefully reminding him where the exit is, and that the guards are still very close. Also preparing me for a potential spell if I need.

He chuckles again, "You know magic Queen, I'll have to remember that."

Then he disappeared, just as mysteriously as he arrived. The door still barely a crack open.

I close my eyes and the image of Cadeth with a small smile fills my mind.

I decide I do not trust Alpha Everett, in any way.

But still, I need to go to Prince Tei. See what's going on and figure it out. Hopefully without worrying Cadeth.

If its true about the festival, why keep it from me and not let me know in advance? Maybe to prevent me from feeling pressured? Yet I still have to transform, if true. I need time to prepare.

I must do what I can and not fail.