The Cardinal Majesty

The sun was setting in the west as a mass of people and creatures of all kinds gathered in the capital. Plants seemed to hum, the fae danced, and the dragons landed on the sturdy rooftops meant to hold their weight.

Excitement was palpable in their murumurs and chatter as they spoke to each other about tomorrow ceremony. Even the most elusive creatures in Asura, the Dream Bunyips, had come out to socialize.

This was the third time that the Cardinal Majesty had brought in people from abroad for the program. Each time, Asura had grown more powerful and even more prosperous. It was a stark contrast to where the had started. None of them ever wanted to go back to that nightmare.

The Cardinal had gathered them for one reason- to announce who would get to be in charge over teaching the attendees. It was not only an honor, but a grand opportunity. The Cardinal Majesty walked out from Asura Palace's announcement balcony which was immediately followed by heartfelt cheers from the crowd.

"Glory to Empress Valtaeru Asura, the Cardinal Majesty!"

It was a chant she didn't hear very often. Her people were clearly in high spirits and excited to meet their new visitors. For that matter… so was she. Her blood was much more potent than others, making her sensitive to things that even other Asurians weren't. The beast inside of her was riled up, sensing the importance of tomorrow's meeting. It was taking quite a lot of willpower to stay collected. 'This can only mean one thing…'

She smiled calmly in order to hide her own excitement, raising her hand to quiet the masses, "Every six months since the war ended, I have brought in people from other countries that may or may not be tied to our pasts. In doing so, many of you have found your soulmate and started families with them. This time, I suspect the one my soul is bound to will appear, making her Queen Consort."

Gasps could be heard from all around and Val picked on the slightest changes in her people's emotions due to the mind-link that connected them to one another. Their leader had gone for so long without fulfilling her soul bond. If it was true, then the Asurians would have their first royal couple.

Those vying for positions in leading the program were now much more nervous. They would be responsible for the Cardinal's mate! One mistake could end with them getting their necks snapped… Those thinking like this had the sharp tang of fear attached to them. However, some of them realized this was a chance to get to know their Queen personally before she even knew who she was. For these Asurians, it would be the highest honor to watch her blossom into her role as Queen Consort.

Valtaeru gave them a moment to take in her words before she continued, "I had a suspicion about one of my past friends and decided to invite her when I realized her family was one of the families in mass amounts of debt and danger. While I will be assigning her directly to me, she will still go through the program and learn the ways of Asura. Along with the other candidates, it will be the jobs of those I place in charge to train her. I will be watching through the mind-link."

She took out a piece of paper in which she had written down the names of those she would place in charge, "Even if you are not one of the ones I chose this time, feel free to interact with our visitors and make them feel at home. Please remember that even if one of them is your mate, you are not to reveal yourselves to them until I allow it. I will still go out of my way to make sure you have ample time with them. I will be struggling alongside you. Your Queen, my mate, is not to know about us Lycans until I permit it. Until then, treat her like you would the other candidates."

Everyone smiled bitterly at each other. There was no way they could treat the future Queen Consort like a regular candidate, was there? If something went wrong, they were sure to pay hell for it. Even the less expressive people were showing nervousness.

The Cardinal's heart felt a bit heavy at the thought of keeping such a large secret, but it was the guideline she had set for herself and her people. They couldn't afford information about their society leaking to the public. Many would just think they were the same as monsters. Or even worse, think they were some type of Dread Demons.

"Without further ado, Beta Rowan Gregor will take the lead as always. Joining him will be Carter Nolan, Katrina Blackway, Lyndra Rovell, and finally Gaius Eddlestone.

Minerva Hartwell of the Shadow Troops will be in charge of announcing tomorrow and showing the candidates to their new living quarters.

Carter, you are in charge of basic knowledge and, if needed, familiar training.

Katrina, you're in charge of etiquette, servant training, and extracurriculars.

Lastly, Lyndra and Gaius, you will both be over fight training. Make sure to separate those that start becoming Lycans due to their mate's influence when you deem necessary."

This was something they had discovered a bit late during the first program. It had caused a bit of panic in the attendees until they came up with a fake reason to explain. No one wanted to go through that large amount of unnecessary drama again.

"Remember, confiscate all of their electronics upon arrival. They are permitted their monthly call but must be watched and monitored closely." She raised her fist into the air with a charismatic grin, "Let's see what our future Asurian brothers and sisters will be like!"

Cheers and shouts of praise and congratulations to the leaders of the program rang out as Valtaeru made her way back inside of the palace. There was sure to be another pack run in the forest tonight.

As she walked through the large Palace doors, she was greeted by Rowan, her Beta, her kitsune familiar, Hikari, and Minerva, one of her closest friends as well as her personal shadow guard.