Elspeth: Queen of Wolves

In a mythical land where strength and power were everything, there were four Kingdoms ruled by the Fire Clan. They ruled supreme over Air, Earth, Light, and Dark clans and merged the lands together to live in harmony. Any clans outside their territory would shake in terror whenever anyone mentioned the great Werewolf Fire King.

For 1,000 years, nobody dared to question his rule until their lineage has been disrupted. His Queen started having trouble conceiving a male heir to the throne as most of the royal children are Princesses which in the law of the pack cannot rule the Empire as they belong to their mates.

On the day of spring when flowers bloom over the land, the Queen was about to give birth to her first child which was anticipated by the entire household.

"AHHHH!" A woman screamed in pain as she tried to push the baby out of her womb. Her husband is by her side, holding her hands tightly as he prayed for his child and wife's safety.

"My Queen, please push one more time!" The doctor said in a panic. The Queen followed his instruction and gather all her strength for the last push.

"AHHHHHHHH!!!!" The Queen scream at the top of her lungs as she could feel the baby coming out of her. Closing her eyes, she could feel her energy draining out of her body.

"You did great honey," The King kissed her forehead and wipes away the sweat in her face and neck.

The Queen didn't say a word and only smiled at him as her focus is on her newly born child. After a few seconds, a newborn's cry echoed in the room as everyone cheered in joy for successful childbirth.

"It's a girl. We have a Princess!!!" The doctor screamed as he wrapped the baby on the softest white cloth and gives it to the Queen.

"My Queen, you did great," The doctor said softly as he gives the baby to her mother. It is evident on his face the disappointments that the child is not a boy, even the servants had a fake smile just to show their support to the Queen.

She looked at her husband to see his small smile while looking at his daughter. Then he signaled the servants and the doctor to go away so that he can have his moments with his wife and child.

"My love, I apologize for not giving you a son," The Queen lowered her head to prevent the tears from streaming down her face.

"No, don't say that, my love. We can always try to have a son next time but for now, let's take care of her first. After all, she's the first blessing in our lives." The King softly caress the baby's head as he turned around and made eye contact with his wife.

Both of them remained silent with a smile on their faces. It's emotional and touching in the heart but that moment was shortened when they heard commotions outside.

"My love, stay here. I'm gonna check what's going on there," He said and hurriedly run out to see what's happening.

The noise grew louder and louder that the Queen felt like something is clearly wrong and her motherly instinct kicks in. Even though she's still weak and in pain, she rises up and finds a place to hide. She was about to grab a robe when her lady-in-waiting arrived in a hurry and slammed the door close.

"Your majesty, we must hurry and leave the palace! We have been invaded!" She said in panic and hurriedly grabbed things that is necessary for the Queen and her child.

"Tell me, Eda, what's going on outside and where's my husband?" The Queen holds Eda's arm to stop her from what she's doing.

"Your majesty, we don't have time to discuss. You need to escape before they reach this room." Eda whispered and went back to grab a bag when the Queen pull her back again.

"Eda, tell me what's going on or I'll never leave this room!," The Queen looks dead serious that Eda didn't have a choice but to tell her.

"My Queen, the Dark Clan betrayed us. They wanted to take the crown from us and they have successfully caused chaos upon our citizens. Right now, they are within the palace walls to kill your Highness," Eda informed as she couldn't help but sob in front of the Queen. They already expected other Clans to grow in ambition but who knew they would mobilize their forces so quickly.

"My husband… I need to see my mate!" The Queen rushed towards the door with her baby in hopes that she could do something to aid the King but Eda pulled her back.

"My Queen, your husband personally instructed me to help you escape. Not the other way around," Eda forcefully pull the lever beside the cabinet to reveal a hidden escape door that leads outside the palace walls.

"Please, Your Majesty, my Queen. Let's go before it's too late, think about your child's safety first." Eda begged as her tears keeps streaming down her face but the Queen remained standing with her face void of any emotion.

"You are right Eda," She went towards the secret door and look at the eyes of her lady-in-waiting, "I should think of my daughter's safety and she's not safe with me."

The Queen handed her daughter to Eda then proceed to remove her necklace and put it inside the cloth.

"Your Majesty, what are you--"

The Queen hushed Eda's mouth as she heard approaching footsteps coming to their room.

"Eda, I'm also a Queen and I should do my responsibilities as well. Take care of my child," She pushed Eda into the secret room then hurriedly close the door with a heavy heart. The Queen bites her lips to prevent her tears as she must remain strong for her people.

"Her name will be Elspeth, remember that Eda."