Departing

Next Night...

After freshening up…

Lenora and Maximus went to the dining hall. There was still a little orange hue in the sky, along with the pitch black color. Lenora could say that it would take another half an hour for the sun to set completely. 

Maximus showed extra care to his wife by serving food on her plate. 

"With the amount of care you show, I can say that you tired your wife too much last night," Serene said with a raised brow to her son. 

Lenora coughed violently upon hearing her. Maximus just shrugged his shoulders at her. 

"I wish to tire my wife too. Too bad, I don't have a chance," Maximus threw a glare at Zaros for uttering those words. 

Zaros, who was pouting, felt his scalp go numb as he felt his gaze. He shrunk back into his chair, acting timidly.

Who would have known that the vampire king would have to be scared of the werewolf king one day?

"Come on now! Have i said anything wrong? I as your brother-in-law, have been supportive of you! And you should do the same!" Zaros said it righteously.

"Your chance is near. It's time for our departure. The werewolf King and Queen will follow us back to the kingdom for your crowning." Eudora answered her son's question. 

"When are we departing?" Zaros asked excitedly. 

"The day after tomorrow. Start packing your things," Eudora said calmly. 

Adira blushed seeing Zaros's excitement but again she was a little down after hearing these words. She knew she had to leave her family behind eventually but still, she couldn't digest that fact when the day came. 

She ate her breakfast silently. Lenora, who was being served by her husband, noticed the silence of her sister-in-law. She can understand the thoughts that are going on inside her head. Lenora went through these too. 

But she can't compare herself to her sister-in-law. She was hated by everyone but again… Her sister-in-law was someone who was loved immensely and was raised in love. 

To Adira, it would be harder than her. Maybe she needs to have a talk with her. This little girl was too young. Given the circumstances, she needs to protect this girl. Maybe this was what her sister, Victoria, meant when she said, 'When you think it's the right time, tell mother." There was no better time than now! 

Adira was too simplistic and innocent. Her intelligence needs polishing to deal with those centuries-old vampires. 

"Lenora, after breakfast, you need to handle your first duties as the queen. I will lead you there after breakfast," Serene said. 

"Okay, Mother," Lenora agrees. 

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the castle grounds as the family finished their meal. The dining hall was filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the clinking of cutlery, but Lenora's attention was on Adira, who sat silently, her food barely touched.

As the meal concluded, Lenora turned to her sister-in-law with a gentle smile. "Adira, would you join me for a walk in the gardens? I think we could both use some fresh air."

Adira looked up, surprise flickering in her eyes, before she nodded. "Of course, Lenora."

"Do not be late for your first duties as Queen," Serene reminded. 

"Of course not," Lenora said with a reassuring smile. Serene could understand the intentions of Lenora. She was glad that her daughter have a such kind sister-in-law. She shared a silent smile with Eudora. 

They rose from the table, and Maximus, catching Lenora's eye, gave her a reassuring nod. Not only Lenora, but everyone around the table caught the depressing expression of Adira earlier. They were not in a position to say something to her. If Maximus were to open his mouth, he would ask Adira to stay back. Serene would say the same. But that's not how things go. So, when Lenora offered to have a talk, they said nothing.

Together, the two women slipped out of the hall and into the cool night air. The castle gardens were bathed in moonlight, the flowers and trees casting long, soft shadows.

Lenora led Adira down a winding path, the only sounds being the rustling of leaves and their footsteps on the gravel. They reached a secluded bench under a large, ancient tree, its branches stretching out protectively above them. Lenora sat down and patted the spot beside her, inviting Adira to join her.

The night breeze was so soothing that it made the uneasiness in Adira's heart diminish greatly.

"Adira, I can see you're struggling to digest the news from earlier," Lenora began softly. "I remember feeling the same way when I first came here. I have so many thoughts in my head. Always be ready with Plan B if the marriage doesn't work. But fortunately, you, your brother, your mother, and everyone else are great to me. Eventually everything worked out despite being two different races, ain't they?"

Adira nodded meekly. "Trust my brother and mother, they will take care. No one will harm you. That doesn't mean... you can be careless. You have to have your gaurd up. Trust me, you will be fine. Soon, everything will be to your liking," Lenora said. 

Adira was still silent, not saying anything. Lenora smiled slightly and hugged her, letting Adira bare her emotions.

Adira's eyes filled with tears, and she looked down, her voice barely a whisper. "I knew this day would come, but it doesn't make it any easier. Leaving my family, the only home I've ever known... is terrifying."

Lenora reached out, taking Adira's hand in hers. "It's natural to feel scared, Adira. Change is always difficult. But you're not alone in this. You have Zaros, and you have me. We're your family now, too, and we will support you every step of the way."

Adira sniffled, wiping a tear away. "But what if I'm not ready? What if I can't handle the responsibilities?"

Lenora squeezed her hand gently. "You are stronger than you think. You have a kind heart and a sharp mind. Your family has raised you with love, and that love will guide you. No one expects you to be perfect from the start. We all learn and grow with time."

Adira looked up, meeting Lenora's gaze. "How did you manage it? How did you cope with leaving your family behind?"

Lenora smiled softly, her own memories surfacing. "It wasn't easy. I leaned on Maximus and his family, and I allowed myself to be vulnerable. It's okay to ask for help and to take things one night at a time."

Adira nodded, seeming to draw strength from Lenora's words. 

They sat in silence for a few moments. The soft sounds of the night surrounded them, creating a peaceful ambiance.

Finally, Lenora stood up, holding out her hand to Adira. "Come, let's go back. We have much to prepare for, and you have a kingdom to prepare yourself for. And I have to attend the first queen duties,"

Adira smiled, "Yes, let's go."