by Kat Zaccard
“Good. I’ll support any motions to that nature,” Lady Hanna affirmed.
Before we could continue our conversation, the Queen Regent arrived, demanding our attention. We took our seats as she greeted us. She welcomed the newest member of the council, Prince Kwento Balewa and lamented the loss of his late father. I smiled warmly at Kwento as I joined in the applause. Privately, I noted how the Queen had ignored my own admittance to the council the previous winter.
After a few moments, Queen Christina clacked her egg-shaped marble gavel and called the meeting to order. She reviewed a few incidental issues then asked Duke Aleksandr to apprise us on the developing upyr issue. “I understand the attacks in Russia have decreased? Perhaps you’ve overestimated their numbers?” Her syrupy words were laced with cyanide.
Aleksandr gave a stiff nod to the Queen then addressed the council as a whole. “There has been a decrease in upyr attacks in northern Eurasia, though attacks are not limited to Russia alone. There’re reports of major assaults on the Crimea peninsula, and some of our neighbors to the southeast have reported attacks. However they do not seem to be moving further south. There’ve been a few sightings to the east, as the Royal Clan O’Cleirigh can attest to.”
“We’ve had a few reports of sightings, though no attacks to support the claim,” put in Sir Liam.
“We haven’t had any activity in India or elsewhere in the Mediterranean,” interrupted Princess Saanvi.
“Nor in Africa,” added Prince Kwento, “but that does not deny the threat to the Great Pack.”
I was glad to hear Kwento support the pack and impressed that he spoke so confidently to the council. Clearly, he’d been groomed for the position far longer than I.
The Queen Regent cleared her throat before Saanvi could retort. “We’ll assess the threat with the facts, Royal Clan of Balewa. Please continue, Royal Clan of Ivanov.” Her formality put Kwento in his place, though he didn’t look happy about the rebuke. It reminded me that he was considered a younger council member as well, compared to some of the older families.
“Perhaps they can’t take the heat?” inquired a thick Southern drawl from an older white woman in a formal yet shockingly bright pink pantsuit with a matching wide-brimmed hat. Her comment drew a chuckle from a few. Her rich accent wasn’t the only similarity between her and the Queen Regent.
Barbara Reynolds held the Reynolds’ family seat on the council. As mother to the Queen Regent, she boasted the same straight nose, high cheekbones, and cerulean blue eyes. She also bore striking resemblance to her granddaughter, Jillian, except that Jillian’s eyes were brown. I worried that three Reynold’s women were more than I could handle and was grateful Jillian wasn’t a council member.
“Lady Barbara brings up a compelling question. They haven’t been spotted in the warmer territories,” Lady Hanna stated.
“Yes, it’s an interesting question, but we have more pressing concerns,” began Aleksandr.
“Our concern is for our clans and our pack. This threat maybe restricted to the north,” responded Hanna.
“Even so, the threat is growing,” Aleksandr tried to continue, but Ulric cut him off.
“You said so yourself that the attacks in Eurasia had decreased.”
“True, but they’ve increased in the Americas.”
“Not true!” protested Lady Barbara of the Noble Clan Reynolds. The white plumes on her pink hat bounced as she struck the table with her fist.
“He means in Canada, dear,” Lady Hanna said quietly to Lady Barbara. “They refer to continent, not the countries, just as we do for Eurasia.” To the group, she said, “If attacks have increased in both North America and Eurasia, that is cause for concern.”
Lady Barbara’s cheeks turned a few shades lighter than her outfit. In an effort to save face she continued, “Naturally, what I mean is that I thought there was only the one attack at the school?”
“Technically, two attacks, though only one victim,” I said.
It seemed the rest of the council had forgotten I was there, and they turned to me with expressions that varied between wary and pity. I looked for the more sympathetic eyes. “Please, Royal Clan of Ivanov, continue your report.” The interruptions simmered down as Aleksandr completed his report.
“The increased attacks at Mount Henley are not isolated events. There have been killings in Vancouver and possibly Seattle though the local pack was loath to credit the attacks to upyr. In addition, there have been sightings in Toronto and further east. Again, some of the local authorities believe it is more hysteria than credible reports. Still, we must be wary of the upyr. They have proven to be more cunning and organized than we first thought. Have the upyr always been in the Americas or have they traveled here from Eurasia recently? Do they have a goal outside feeding and survival? We need to understand our enemy better.
“In the meantime, we have to be prepared for potential attack. We have increased security and training at both the eastern school in Quebec and Mount Henley in British Columbia. Prince Kwento and the Royal Clan of Balewa have taken many exchange students from Russia, Ukraine, and northern European countries. We ask that Lady Hanna of the Royal Clan Lewis and Lady Barbara of the Noble Clan Reynolds also increase their exchange students.
“Finally, we’ve sent our best and brightest students to work with those at Mount Henley and Quebec Academy to help train the best and brightest among them.” Aleksandr paused and looked at me. “I understand our future queen is among them.”
I would have died to see Queen Christina’s face as Aleksandr declared me the future queen, but it would’ve been far too conspicuous to turn in my seat to look at the woman next to me. Instead, I focused on Duke Aleksandr’s bold eyes as I replied, “High praise from a known Sliver such as you, Duke Aleksandr of the Royal Clan Ivanov. If I may speak on behalf of our own Sliver Patrol, we will welcome the influx of enthusiastic werewolves.”
“My nephew, Prince Anatoly, will be among them, Your Royal Highness, and would be honored to be included on your security detail.”
I blinked in surprise at the mention of Anatoly, but I caught a warning look from Nadia, so I didn’t press the point. However, I couldn’t help but add, “I’ll be happy to keep an eye on him for you as well,” which earned me a few muffled chuckles and covered grins.
The Queen Regent clacked her gavel to get everyone’s attention, “Well, then I believe that concludes—”
“Excuse me, Your Majesty.” There were a few shocked gasps as heads swiveled between the Queen Regent and me; one did not interrupt the queen. I held my ground. “There is the matter of my betrothal.”
Nadia was glaring daggers at me. I could tell she didn’t want me to pursue the issue. She wanted to work the back channels and gather more solid support before addressing the High Council. But I couldn’t wait another day of having my future in the hands of twelve strangers.
“Ah, yes, do forgive my niece. She’s still a pup after all.” Queen Christina smiled around the table, though only a few faces returned the gesture. I was next in line, and they knew it.
I ignored the insult and continued, “If the council will indulge me, I petition that we consider an annulment of the betrothal arranged by my deceased parents and the Royal Clan Dolph. While I have the utmost respect for the Dolph royal family and the Great Pack’s traditions, I do not feel that I can be your best queen under the constraints of an arranged marriage.” There were disapproving mutterings and more than a few shocked faces, among them, sadly, Prince Liam’s.
Prince Ulric stood. “This is an outrage! It’s an insult to my clan and the Great Pack!”
“Yes, respecting our traditions means honoring them, my dear,” the Queen simpered beside me.
”Prince Ulric, I mean no disrespect. I learned of the betrothal only last year. It’s a foreign concept to me.” I tried to explain but worried I’d only made myself sound like more of an outsider. “I have the utmost respect for the Royal Clan Dolph, for you, Prince Ulric, and your g
randson Prince Logan.” I gritted my teeth through the white lie. “Logan and I have spent quite a bit of time together, and frankly, the match is unsuitable.”
This stirred another round of mutterings and Price Ulric grew practically apoplectic. “Less than ideal is hardly unsuitable,” he shouted.
“Your Highness, I realize you were raised in America,” Liam began, to which Hanna harrumphed indignantly, “but the customs of the Great Pack cannot be tossed aside by the, forgive me, school-girl fantasy of true love.” His eyes looked pained, and I could see the struggle at war on his face.
To my surprise, Hanna stepped in. “True love is hardly a school-girl fantasy, Liam, and I trust you to respect that all women in America, werewolves included, have the right to deny a marriage request if the arrangement is unsuitable.”
“Your territorial mandates do not hold sway over the High Council or the international factions of the Great Pack,” reminded Olympia. “Betrothals are a legal binding agreement.”
“Annulment without joint consent is sacrilege,” added Liam softly but firmly.
“Prince Logan has no desire to marry me!” I couldn’t contain my emotions. The tides were shifting away from my favor.
“Prince Logan has every desire and, more importantly, every intention of aligning himself to the Royal Clan Luna. Your children or grandchildren will be the next leaders of the Great Pack.” Ulric slammed his fist on the table then sat down to signal his finality.
“Unless, perhaps, the Lost Princess doesn’t want the throne either?” inquired a calm voice. I looked up into a kind face wearing a neutral expression. His dark chocolate eyes reminded me briefly of Diego, though I suppressed the feeling to focus on the quiet man. I focused my attention to recall his name… Abed Malouf.
“Blasphemy!” cried Liam, to a general outpouring of shocked exclamations.
The Queen Regent struck her gavel to silence the group but didn’t look inclined to speak.
I stood and all eyes turned towards me. “I am the last Luna. I am heir to the throne. I accept this great honor and all the responsibilities that go with it. I am committed to serving the Great Pack and protecting our people with my life if called upon to do so. We have a greater threat to our pack than we’ve previously known in modern times. I am committed to leading our Great Pack through this and any challenge that presents itself.” I wanted to look at the Queen Regent as I finished, but again, the angle was wrong. I stared into Ulric’s bright green eyes instead, so like his grandson’s.
Liam burst into applause, and most of the council joined in enthusiastically, the Queen being the notable exception. After a moment, the Queen Regent added a few stunted claps to the applause then struck her egg-shaped gavel once more. “What an impassioned statement, Alice. Of course, there is plenty of time for you to become familiar with our laws and traditions. I’m willing to continue to uphold my duty to reign in your stead as long as I’m needed by the Great Pack.”
“Perhaps our Lost Princess is ready,” Aleksandr’s voice rang out in approval.
“We’ve already acknowledged the need to allow younger werewolves to hold office when royal clans are dwindling in numbers,” added Nadia, a glint of excitement in her eye that Aleksandr gave her the perfect opening.
“Speak for yourself,” countered Ulric with a chortle.
“Princess Alice has shown exceptional leadership skills already. She ran patrols for several months last year and already has seven days of the moon in her control.”
“Seven days already?” whistled Kwento, “You’re well on your way to becoming a Sliver, I’d wager.”
“I’ve seen it with my own two eyes; she makes it look easy,” Nadia bragged.
The Queen Regent stepped in before she found herself being voted off the throne. “It’s a compliment to your clan that you’re prepared to take on this onerous duty, niece. I recommend that you enjoy your last years of childhood. I’m sure there is still plenty to learn at Mount Henley. I understand you’ll be taking additional civics classes to prepare you for your role in government this year?” Nope, the Queen did not like the idea of me taking the throne early. “I also agree that we uphold our traditions as long as possible. Shall we vote on the annulment?”
I was surprised that she had brought the conversation back around to my betrothal, but guessed that she needed a more shocking subject to divert attention away from her tenuous grip on the throne.
“All in favor of the annulment?” I was alarmed to see the vote called for so quickly. I’d wanted to add more to my defense. I’d hoped Nadia would speak further on my behalf as well.
My arm shot in the air and I looked around for support. Nadia raised her hand, as did Duke Aleksandr. Liam’s arms were at his side, and he wouldn’t catch my eye. Saanvi smiled encouragingly, her hand in the air. Kwento raised his hand, and to my surprise, so did Lady Barbara Reynolds, who also looked defiantly at her daughter. As welcome as the unlikely ally was, it wasn’t enough to carry the vote.
The gavel clacked. “All those opposed?” Seven arms rose, including hers. I looked at each of them. Liam, again, wouldn’t meet my eye. Olympia, Caleb, Abed, and Hanna, despite her earlier comments, raised their hands. Ulric looked at me triumphantly as his hand hung lazily in the air.
Queen Christina slammed the gavel down. “Well then, motion denied. We’ll see you at the winter session, everyone, and remember the Winter Ball is a black and white dance as always!” She clacked the gavel again and smiled approvingly at Olympia, who chuckled at her obvious dig towards me. The previous winter session had been my first foray into life at court. Nadia had wanted me to make a big splash and had encouraged me to wear red to the Winter Ball. Not realizing it was a black and white ball, I stood out like a sore thumb. Well, I had to give the dressmakers some credit, I stood out, and the dress had been stunning.
Council members were leaving, and I tried to catch Liam before he left. He must’ve anticipated me because he’d already deserted the chambers by the time I stood up. I did, however, see Hanna and made a beeline toward her. She saw me coming and held her ground, for which I had to concede grudging respect.
“Lady Hanna, I appreciate your statements on my behalf, though I was disappointed by your vote.”
She curtsied formally to me before she replied, “Your Royal Highness, if I may clarify, I spoke on behalf of all women. However, in your case, you are less familiar with our ways. A suitable match with a royal family may go a long way to legitimize your claim to the throne.”
“With all due respect, Lady Hanna, my legitimacy to the throne is not in question.”
“Oh, ignore her excuses, Princess; she did it because she is incapable of voting in my favor.” Lady Barbara approached us and bobbed a brief curtsy in my direction.
“Really, Barbara!” exclaimed Hanna.
“It’s true.” She smiled sweetly. “The Lewis Clan couldn’t stand it when the Reynolds Clan gained a seat on the council.”
“Bought your way in, you mean,” retorted Hanna.
“You see? I may sound like a Southern belle, but she’s the snob among us!” Barbara laughed heartily and Hanna looked affronted.
“I am not a snob. I value all members of my pack.” Lady Hanna pulled her blue shawl around her ample bosom and tucked a greying lock back behind her ear.
“Your pack, dear?” Barbara’s honeyed words didn’t mask the icicles in her eyes.
“The pack within my territory; of course we are all part of the Great Pack.” Despite her age and roundness that comes from comfortable living, Lady Hanna Lewis was an imposing woman. Her dark eyes flashed at Lady Barbara’s challenge.
“Yes and your territory shrank a little when my great-grandfather was knighted and presented with a seat on the High Council. It’s ancient history, dear. Let it go.” The matriarch of the Reynolds Clan waved her hand to declare it so.
Lady Hanna apparently had little else to say and excused herself curtly. Lady Barbara eyed me shrewdly as if deducing my intent t
o make my own quick exit. “I am sorry the vote did not go your way, Princess Alice.”
Surprised, I stumbled over my reply. “I’m grateful for your support, Lady Barbara.”
“Hmm, well, in this instance, you have it. I didn’t always agree with your mother, but I did often respect her reasons. You take after her, you know?”
My heart skipped a beat as it did whenever someone brought up my long-dead birth parents. I was unprepared for grief in this moment, thank you. But like wishing on a falling star, I had to ask, “Do I?”
Barbara’s laugh reminded me of Christina’s, but her words left a far different impression. “Many called her willful, but I recognized her determination for what it was … the strength of a leader. That same stubbornness helped her be a true alpha.” The shock must have shown plainly on my face. I wasn’t certain of the context of her words, but didn’t know quite what to ask. Barbara laughed like a wind chime again. “Yes, Alice, I see much of her in you. Remember, nothing is more important than family.” Barbara nodded the tiniest of curtsies and strode across the room toward Prince Ulric.
Nadia approached, and I wanted to direct some of my ire her way. She held up a hand to stall me. “Not here.”
“Nadia, why didn’t you say more in favor of the annulment?” I whispered the accusation.
“Alice, didn’t you see my signal to drop it? I had the read of the room. I knew it wasn’t going to go our way,” she whispered fiercely.
“But now we know who we need to work on,” I began. She shushed me and steered me away from the lingering council members.
“Alice, that was it. We voted, and the motion was denied.”
I began to panic. “You mean we can’t put it to another vote?”
“Not without cause. And there is little further evidence to gather.”
My heart plummeted, and I tried not to droop from the weight of it. “Seriously?”
Nadia sighed, taking pity on me. “Alice, there’s still a chance. Diego’s suggestion was a good one. It might work.” I wanted to believe her, but Nadia didn’t do optimistic very well.