PROWESS. (COMPLETED)

Chapter 30

Anastasia POV;

Waking up the next morning after a restless night, I felt jumpy and giddy; today I was going to meet the Queen. I would actually meet the Queen! I know it seemed silly, I mean I was the Prowess and really I should’ve met her already, but I’d only ever met the King and that was essential after I’d been instated. Even then I don’t know how I'd kept my composure; I’d never been so nervous in my life! Deciding I couldn’t fool my body into getting any more sleep, I threw off my quilts and headed into my en-suite bathroom to take a long shower, hoping to calm my nerves and relax my tense muscles.

The boiling water cascaded over my body, steaming up the bathroom as the heat escaped. I stayed in the shower until my fingers wrinkled, before reluctantly turning the water off and opening the door to shiver at the sudden contrast of temperature. Wrapping a towel tightly around myself, imagining it to be the reassurance and comfort I needed; I carefully choose my outfit- going for a mix of smart but casual. Since telling my pack about Kellen being my mate, I felt more relaxed in what I wore around the house and didn’t have to worry about whether it would affect what the pack thought of me.

I slipped on a pair of tight blue skinny jeans with a few white gems lining one side, designed to look worn with white areas up the thighs. Next I put on a baggy white blouse which I tucked into my jeans, added to by the long necklace I combined it with before finally completing the look with my black leather jacket. My black leather jacket never failed to give me the confidence I sometimes lacked; it made me feel powerful and badass. I slipped on some heeled ankle boots, also black but not too high. I took another settling breath. Putting minimal effort into drying my hair, I eventually gave up and left it to hang damply, half way down my back. I coughed as I applied roll on deodorant, then body spray and then perfume. Do I seem nervous? I ask myself, Of course you do, you just choked on deodorant, silly girl!   

Checking the clock on my bedside table agitatedly, 11am, I head out my room, up the few stairs that led to the small passage connecting my underground bedroom to my study. I pushed open the door disguised as a bookshelf and enter my office. Shutting the door behind me I pass through my office- heading into the kitchen join dining room and living room where the pack are seated about to have breakfast; they look over as they hear me enter and smile. “Morning Ana.” They greet.

“Hey everyone, how are you all this morning?” I ask taking my seat at the head of the table, breakfast being served up by Samson and Ellie, the honourable cooks. “Thank you," I tell them. A few cross table conversation began taking place, some on football games between the boys, while the girls and I chatted about our shopping trip later this afternoon. I felt more nervous than excited about this afternoon, although for the girl’s sakes, I played along with their enthusiasm. When at length, everyone began finishing their breakfast, I spoke up.

“Everyone will be involved in the plans for the new policy today; Rick, you’ll be helping me make a start on organising the development plans for more accommodation on our grounds. Jackson and Brandon I want you both to work on a draft for a training schedule drawn up by the end of today, just run through ideas and training regimes to see how we can get all the new members, mates ect, up to the stamina level you boys currently maintain please. Nate and Lindsey, I’ll give you the estimate of how many new pack members I’m currently expecting, please estimate how much that will effect our bills ect. Mick I’d like you to do the same for our pack resources and Anya and Kelly, the same for our health insurance. I want rough estimates as soon as you can get them to me please. Samson and Ellie, if you also work with them that would be great. Chanel, I’d like you to work with the pups and sort out schools and jobs.” I say, writing down which jobs I’d given to who as I say them, on a notepad that was on the counter. “Everyone understand what they’re going to be doing?” I ask looking up expectantly. They all nod. “Good, then let’s get to work.”