Wolves

05

(Y/N) knew even before entering the dining hall that dinner was going to be nothing but a disaster. She could hear the Henchmaniacs yelling at each other across the table and the clattering of dishes. The obnoxious sound of chairs scooting along the floors passed through the door, filling (Y/N) with regret instantaneously. 

"That does not sound like a typical meal," Elemynn said, opening up the two doors. 

"Doesn't really look like a typical meal either," (Y/N) added, taking in her surroundings. 

The food was already set at the table. At the head, the Queen sat regally, her hands folded in her lap. She looked angry but managed to keep her composure. People who looked like they should be important sat close to her, but both the right and left hand seats were vacant. Bill sat next to one of the vacant seats at the head of the table, but he was talking around all of the other guests to his friends, who were all the way at the other end. 

Bill and his friends already began eating, and by the looks of it, all of them were messy eaters. Crumbs littered the table and the floors and a few spilled drinks spread across the polished marble floor. Mani was already running around and trying to clean everything up, but they seemed to find joy in his displeasure. Anytime he would get one thing clean, something else would be spilled. 

"Oh, dear," Elemynn mumbled, taking in the sight. 

(Y/N)'s mother stood and the conversation died down. (Y/N) thought she was going to yell, having had enough of their behavior, but instead, she smiled and held her arms out towards (Y/N). "My dear, you look exquisite!"

Everyone turned to see who she was talking to and, upon seeing (Y/N), stood, as well. Although, some looked happier about it than others. Elemynn stepped away and stood beside the mighty Xoggin, who stood by the wall with his hands clasped behind his back as the queen approached. 

"We've saved you a seat, of course." She wrapped her arm around (Y/N)'s and brought her to the right hand seat. "We were going to wait until you arrived, but it seemed a few of our," She struggled to find the right word. "guests couldn't quite contain themselves."

(Y/N) gave her mother an apologetic look as she sat down. She didn't get time to speak before Xoggin pushed in her chair, catching her completely off guard. She gripped the arm rests tightly as she looked up at him, but he only gave a reassuring smile and a polite nod before going to stand back beside Elemynn. 

"Your meal still waits, although Bill couldn't keep himself from eating some. If you would like a new plate that hasn't been tarnished, we can arrange that."

"It's fine," (Y/N) said, not wanting to be too much trouble. 

"Told you she wouldn't care." Bill said victoriously. 

The queen looked down her nose at him, but the directed her attention back to her daughter. "Yes, well, many of us haven't eaten, as we were taught our manners when we were young." She gave those at the end of the table a sidelong glance. 

Bill straightened and sent a glare her way. "What's that supposed to--"

"Oh," (Y/N) picked up her fork, but was still too afraid of ruining the dress to eat quite yet. "Thank you. A-And I don't really care if they've eaten, I did take a while."

"You're right on time, dear, they're just quite impatient." She picked up her utensil and began to eat. All of those who appeared to have a more royal stature followed her lead. 

(Y/N)'s eyes fell on the vacant seat across from her. In place of the plate was a little place card that read "Time Baby." She vaguely remembered Bill mentioning him once or twice.