The Lord ✔️

Chapter 45

Chapter 45: The Real Queen Cora

Andromeda's eyes trailed over the wolf's body, widening ever so much. The wolf was grey, with warm amber eyes, and streaks of black across her back. Her underbelly was white, glowing like the moon, and her paws were a light shade of grey. There were circles under her eyes, probably from staying awake, but she looked kind, nevertheless.
"Mother?" Andromeda gasped. She had never dreamed, that up in the North-East Cave, or Tower, covered in blood and after defeating Saeva, she wound find her mother.
The Real Queen Cora stepped out of the shadows, where the Fake-One had hidden, a brilliant smile lighting up her features. Andromeda did not need convincing to believe it was really her; she simply bounded forward, her tail dancing in the air, nuzzling her mother for the first time since pup-hood.
She did not pull away until she heard her mother chuckle, and she stared at the male whom had saved her, who was staring at them both with jealousy written in his eyes. He sighed when he caught them looking.
Queen Cora smiled at him. "I cannot pretend that your mother loved you," she said. Andromeda detected a trace of sadness in her voice. "But, I can say she has not corrupted you. You are strong, Amandi. You have saved my daughter and shown me the way back home. I welcome you to our family."
Andromeda felt shock course through her body—Amandi? Well, it wasn't that surprising after what she had just witnessed, but still—Amandi, from her memory!
Amandi, the male, looked up with wonder. "Your majesty, are you sure—"
The Queen interrupted. "I am very sure, Amandi. You have done everything to prove yourself worthy. Though, you will never get to be a prince. I think my Queenship has come to an end."
This time, Andromeda was confused. She turned to her mother, her brows knotted. "What do you mean? You're back. You can continue ruling Findrut."
Queen Cora's smile stretched across her face. "No, I still have time. But, Andromeda, you are The Lord; and, you have returned to save the kingdom. You have ruled Skystar fairly, with justice, and you have fought against all evil. That, to me, is the sign of a perfect heir, a perfect leader. I think it is time you became the Queen."
Surprise course through Andromeda's body, spreading like ripples in a lake. She turned to her mother. "Me?" Her heart skipped a beat. "Now? The Queen?"
Queen Cora, or perhaps, now, Lady Cora, laughed. It was a melodic sound, angelic, and music to Andromeda's ears. "Yes, but not just of Findrut, Andromeda. You have led Skystar, and you have done everything possible to make it an amazing place. From now on, Andromeda, you will be Queen of Srail, Place of Stealth; a combination of Skystar and Findrut."
"Stealth?"
Queen Cora nodded. "Stealth was born in the middle of Skystar and Findrut—he was a legend, much like Ina. A great wolf indeed. He was mates with Queen Estella, Ina's daughter. A precious relic of his was hidden here, but it has been stolen."
Andromeda looked at Ina for confirmation. The old wolf nodded.
"Who has stolen it?" Andromeda asked. "Who will return it? If it is the property of a wolf as great as this, should it not be returned by someone?" She blinked.
Ina spoke. "A friend of mine is coming forth to return it," she said. "She will gather some wolves to help her. Her name is Moonrise, Leader of Quests. She will find and return it from Bracken."
"Bracken?"
Queen Cora said, "you will find out more into your Queen days. For now, shall we leave? Ina, you will come right? And you too, Amandi."
Andromeda nodded. Then she paused, turning to Ina. "Wait," she said. "I know why I was the stars and my army was the sky, or the other way round. But why was Saeva represented by the wind, and those who stayed with her the roots?"
Ina smiled. "The wind is something that passes, like Saeva," she said. "And the roots? They were never loyal her. They were simply something that would never leave their birthplace."
Queen Cora nodded. She beckoned everyone over and said, "now, let us pay our respects to the fallen."

Amandi = Loving in Latin. Saeva = Cruel in Latin.
- Aspen