The Reigning Queen

As the sun poked through the slit of the curtains, it shined directly in the King's face. He stirred slightly, trying not to wake his wife but was alarmed when he looked to see she wasn't in bed. "Ophelia are you in here" he shouted as he yawned while stretching his sleepy arms. "Yes, my love, I'm just in the bathroom trying to get ready for the day. I want to get to the bazaar early in case there's something I want to buy" she said as she brushed her long blonde hair. "You will be there as well right Zion?" she asked him as she finished her morning routine. The King stood up and headed into the bathroom, turned the shower on, and stood behind Ophelia as he kissed her neck, "Of course, I'll be there. I need to meet with the pack army first but I will be at the bazaar shortly after. The weather today looks to be good so this year the bazaar should bring in everyone from around the Kingdom." Ophelia turned to kiss her husband and walked out of the room. She headed out of the bedroom and down to the castle square where the bazaar was being held. King Zion finished getting ready and headed to the training grounds to address the pack army. He was impressed with their efforts in bettering their skills and wanted to show his appreciation for their hard work. Zion knew that to have his people, the army especially, trust in him, he needed to be hands-on and in full communication at all times. He led by doing and helping, not by ordering or commanding people constantly.

King Zion's POV:

The day had turned out to be perfect. The sun shined bright in the sky and there was a slight warm breeze that blew the castle flags. The square was filled with my people from all over the kingdom including some from neighboring territories. The sound of music flowed through the air, and the laughter of children echoed off the surrounding walls as everyone enjoyed themselves shopping, eating, or dancing. This year it looks like one of our farmers has brought a handful of his animals for the children to see and pet. This is what I loved about being the King, the joy felt when you know that your people are taken care of and happy. That the children aren't afraid of you but instead treat you as someone just like them. Titles here weren't something thrown around much. Although the kingdom respects me as their King most of the time, I try to show them that I'm just like they are and we're all in this together. Every member in this territory has a job to do to ensure that we continue to flourish and grow. It's what has kept us looking out for one another every day, if one-part falls, we must work together to fix it. My grandfather always told me that the cart won't move without the wheels and our people are the wheels that make our life here possible. I've led by that motto my entire life and it shows how well we've prospered.

Walking by the vendors, I made sure to stop at each one if even for a moment, to see what they had to offer. There were many talented people that brought amazing things here to be sold. "Good day my King," the vendor said as I held up the dreamcatchers he made. "Good day sir. I must say, these are beautiful. I must get one for the Queen." I said to him. Looking at his products, I was caught by the smell of jasmine lingering in the air and it awakened my senses. I inhaled deeply, "do you infuse these with any oils such as jasmine? I can smell it and it's, well, it's mouthwatering." I didn't know what I was saying, as if this man wanted to see me drool over the scent of a flower. "No, my King, I don't have anything with jasmine," he said slowly as he looked around. "My King, are you ok? You seem to be anxious about something and your eyes, they are in between colors right now as if you are going to shift." I dropped the dreamcatcher and stepped back, "I'm fine, thank you for the concern. I think I may just be a bit hungry, it was a busy morning" I said as I awkwardly laughed and turned to take my leave. "I'll be back for one later, I promise," I said over my shoulder as I continued down the line. I could feel Rex starting to pace at the front of my mind like something was bothering him. Just as I went to Lync him, I got another blast of that tantalizing scent all around me. I stopped dead in my tracks to allow it to blanket my senses and as I relaxed, I could hear Rex "Mate. Our Mate is here Zion. FIND HER" he howled loud enough to snap me out of my trance. My mate was here, I couldn't believe it. At 25 I didn't think I'd ever find my true mate. Ophelia was chosen by me so the Kingdom had both a King and Queen to rule. She knew there was a chance I could meet my fated mate one day but we thought if it hadn't happened by then, it wasn't going to. I was happy with Ophelia, I even loved her, but this was fate and there's no trying to ignore it. I was going to break her heart and yet, at this moment, I didn't care. I needed to find the woman that belonged to that wonderful scent, I needed to find the woman who would belong to me.

I began weaving back and forth through the crowd of people probably looking like a madman but I could only focus on one thing at the moment. Coming towards the end of the line of vendors it hit me so strongly that my knees almost buckled. I frantically looked around at everyone until I saw her, standing against the castle wall staring right back at me with her large green eyes. It was her, my mate for only those with royal blood have green eyes. Once a mate is found their eyes will change to green as well, I bet hers did the moment she caught my scent. Rex was howling in my head as he was more than excited to have found his wolf. He went long enough without a partner because Ophelia was a witch, not a werewolf.

My body, out of my control took long strides to get to her quickly. I could see the joy on her face as she reached out her arms for me. I grabbed her and immediately put my nose in the crook of her neck so I could drown in her smell. She ran her fingers through my hair making Rex lose all the control I was fighting so hard to keep calm. I stepped back and stared at her "Mate" I breathed out and smiled. She held my oversized hands in her soft, petite ones and smiled "Mate." Her voice was heavenly and I was weak for her already. Holding her hands, I started walking towards the stables where I knew no one would be at that time. She hurried behind me trying to keep up with my long strides "Ca-, can you slow down a bit." She said breathing heavily. I instantly stopped and picked her up into my arms. As she wrapped her arms around me and laughed, I knew that this woman would be my entire world and I was going to enjoy it. Setting her down on a bench outside the stables that overlooked the gardens, I sat beside her, engraining her beauty into my brain. "My name is Niylah, from the southern border. I belong to the White Moon Pack and I am so glad I decided to come to the bazaar today" she spoke quietly but I heard her clear as day. I looked at her as I felt as if my heart was about to explode, "I'm Zion, King Zion from the Midnight Shadow Pack otherwise known as the Knite Kingdom. Safe to say that you are now my beautiful Queen." She gasped softly and threw her hand to mouth "King Zion. Oh goddess, she fated me to a King. I will do everything I can to be worthy of the title of Queen." Her innocence was enchanting, but Rex was on edge and pushed me to mark her instantly, the more I tried to hold him back the harder it was getting. "Niylah, I'm going to be honest here. I'm losing control of my wolf and I'm afraid he's going to take over, and if he does, he will mark you right here." I strained to say through my clenched jaw. She looked up at me with her beautiful eyes, pushed her hair aside and bared her delicate neck to me, and whispered, "my wolf said we are all yours."

In a flash, Rex had surfaced and gently grabbed Niylah to pull her closer. Tracing my lips from her jaw down her neck, I found the spot that would make her mine. My jaws nipped at her as my fangs elongated and slowly bit down into her flesh. The rush of ecstasy was overwhelming and although I was in this pleasure-filled trance, I had to focus on holding her up until I was done. The small moans that slipped through her lips fueled my desire for her and I didn't want to let go. Retracting my fangs, I licked the spot I just marked and looked at my Queen. Once the initial rush of finding my mate had passed, I immediately thought about Ophelia. Bowing my head, I said "there is one thing we need to discuss but I will take care of all of it. You need not be involved and I hope you understand that none of this was meant to hurt you." Her fingers grazed the mark I left and the urge to pick her up and carry her to the castle was overwhelming me. "You had a past life, my King, I cannot hold any of that against you, especially being King, there needs to be a Queen." She said as she placed her hand on my chest. "We will do this together if you wish, otherwise I respect your need to do it alone." I pulled her close to me and thanked the moon goddess for bringing me such a blessing. "Come," I said to her as I held out my hand, "I'll show you around the grounds and plan your transfer here. I will speak to Ophelia about what will now happen." I wasn't ready for this conversation at all but Ophelia knew there was a chance this would happen so I pray that she takes this well.

Ophelia's POV:

I was sitting on the lounge looking out the window when the door creaked open. Turning I saw Zion walking in with a somber look. He quickly shut the door behind him and stood there silently. Standing up I quickly walked toward him, "Zion, is everything alright? What happened?" He lifted his face and I could see a single tear run down his cheek which worried me. "Zion please," I begged, cupping his face in my hands, "what's wrong?" He extended his hand to me and walked back to the lounge chair motioning for me to sit. As I sat, he bent down on one knee and I knew I was going to be told something horrible. I slouched my shoulders preparing myself for the blow as he started to speak. "Ophelia, I don't even know how to say this without hurting you. I don't want to hurt you nor do I want to push you out but, but I found my fated mate." My heart broke into a million pieces like he just shoved a dagger through the middle. I couldn't speak, I couldn't move and I couldn't focus on anything but him telling me we were over. I was no longer his and him no longer mine. I cursed myself for not secretly covering him in a spell so he'd never find his mate. "Ophelia, please say something. I'm hanging by a thread here and it's killing me" he said. It's killing him, HIM. The nerve of him to act as if he cares. I know how wolves are with their mates, it's an intense love at first sight and they can't control it. His heart was complete now while mine was in shambles and he had the nerve to say it was killing him. "Zion, save your lies for someone else. I know you are in this blissful pleasure right now finding your fated mate. I knew this day could come, I just selfishly hoped it didn't. I'm assuming you marked her already meaning I'm no longer to carry the title of Queen, so I shall take my leave then" I stood up and walked towards the closet. Zion didn't move for a moment but then stood up looking at me intently "I never wanted to hurt Ophelia. I love you; you were my partner and I'm so sorry this happened to you. I can't apologize for having met my mate, but I will apologize because it truly does pain me to see you hurting. If you need any help getting your things please ask." He turned and left while the room felt as if it was closing in on me. I felt suffocated and just wanted to pack my things quickly and get out of here. I straightened my back and wiped my tears telling myself that no one would ever throw me to the side like this again. I will walk out of here with my head held high and plot my revenge on this good-for-nothing King and his home-wrecking mate. They will feel my wrath for eternity yet, they will never see me coming, for I will wait in the shadows until the perfect day comes to make my move.

1 YEAR LATER:

The Kingdom has rejoiced with the announcement of a new heir as the King and Queen spread the good news. Niylah was pregnant with a pup and was to give birth soon. The couple had lived a happy life this past year as Zion's fears of Ophelia causing trouble never came to light. Zion felt relief knowing his pup would be born and they would become the family he always wished for. The kingdom was economically growing and his people were prospering which made his heart burst with pride.

Today was beautiful, the sun was hot shining down on his land, and the sounds of nature rang out for all to hear. Zion was on the training field going over strategies with his pack general when Beta Kane came rushing over. "Alpha" he yelled trying to catch his breath, "It's the Queen, she needs you, she thinks it's almost time for the pup to arrive." Before Beta Kane could finish what he was saying, Zion had already started running back to the castle to get to Niylah. The closer he got the more he could feel her pain and discomfort surging through his body. He rushed up the stairs three steps at a time and sprinted down the hallway. Bursting through the door he saw Niylah lying in bed slowly breathing trying to get comfortable. "My love," he said as he knelt beside the bed next to her grabbing her hand, "Are you ok? Do you think it will be today?" Niylah, even through her discomfort was still able to flash him her beautiful smile and say, "I'm only feeling the effects of my body preparing for birth. It's uncomfortable but I can manage. I do think it will be soon though, possibly tomorrow." Zion was overcome with excitement at the thought of his pup coming and how their lives were about to change for the better. "I will be here with you until it happens. I'm not leaving this room, not even once" he said while wiping the sweat from her forehead. She laughed at him, "I'm trying to relax here, not panic and that's all I can feel radiating from you. Calm it down Zion." He apologized to her and let out a small laugh. Calling for Niylah's chambermaid, he instructed her to bring in new towels, warm water, more pillows, and to summon the pack doctor. He also asked that she bring a spread of fruits and bread to ensure Niylah didn't go hungry. Zion spent the remainder of that day and night tending to every one of Niylah's needs after she was examined by the pack doctor, and ensured that she was comfortable.

As morning approached, Niylah was beginning to become more uncomfortable and knew that today would be the day she would give birth. She tossed and turned while throwing the sheets off of her. She stood up from the bed and walked to the bathroom needing to soak in a warm bath. Zion felt her get out of bed and quickly sat up while looking around. "Where are you going, are you ok?" he asked as he jumped up and headed towards her. "Yes, Zion I'm fine. I'm just going to rest in the bath to relax the cramping" she said while pushing him away playfully. Zion rushed in front of her to start the water while she undressed and stepped into the tub. He was there to help her carefully slip into the tub and began to rub her shoulders as she laid back. Niylah's body relaxed and she hummed as he rubbed the tension from her neck. Once he finished, he told Niylah to take her time and he would prepare the room for her. Zion had the pack doctor summoned and a fresh change of sheets brought into the bedroom. He burnt lavender to calm the room and opened the curtains just enough to let the sun peek through but not blind anyone. Zion could hear Niylah trying to get up from the tub and he rushed in to help her. Stepping into the bathroom he saw her bent over clutching her stomach and his nerves sparked like fire. She put her hand out to stop him and in between the grunts and moans she said "No, it's just contractions but they are coming on much stronger. It's time." Zion went to her, picking her up bridal style he walked her to the bed and placed her down softly. While he propped her up and fixed the pillows to help comfort her, he turned and smiled, "you are the strongest woman I've ever met my Queen. You are bringing our pup into this world, the next heir to this kingdom. At this moment, you are absolutely beautiful, you are strong and I know you will do this effortlessly." Niylah had tried to steady her breathing through the contractions and rolled her eyes, "I don't think effortlessly is the word you should use. This may be easy for you but it's not easy for me." The pack doctor had now arrived and began setting up his table with supplies in case they were needed. He talked Niylah through her contractions and guided Zion on how to help her without being so overbearing. Labor came fast and the pup came furiously, and Niylah did wonderfully. Zion held his breath while the doctor helped guide the pup out and held him up happily while saying, "It's a BOY." Zion and Niylah were overjoyed. He kissed Niylah on the forehead over and over, praising her for giving him a son. The doctor wrapped the boy up and placed him in Niylah's arms while Zion stood over her side and cried tears of utter bliss that this was his pup, his son. As the doctor finished the delivery and Niylah was able to clean herself, she held her son close thanking the moon goddess for this blessing. In an instant, both Zion and Niylah perked their ears up and heard the commotion coming from the hallway. Zion instinctively stood strong in front of Niylah, shielding her from the door as it was blown open coming off the hinges. Zion let out a guttural growl warning the person not to come in the room, but they didn't care. Ophelia turned the corner and Zion immediately moved forward to block her but had no chance. Ophelia flicked her wrist and everyone in the room went still, paralyzed from any movement. "Now, now, King. Is this how you treat a guest in your castle? One who only came to congratulate you both on your child." Ophelia spits as she circled Zion slowly. "Oh, my my, what do we have here. You already birthed your beloved pup" she sneered as she stalked toward the bed. "If you touch them Ophelia, I will have your damn head on a stake outside the gates. DO NOT TRY ME WITCH" Zion threatened in a deep and throaty commanding tone. "You were not invited, what did you do to my staff" he growled. "Oh, Zion my dear King, I thought you knew me better than that. I get what I want and I wanted to come and see you both. They wouldn't let me so, I got rid of them. You're lucky I didn't kill them, but you'll have some redecorating to do. Sorry, not sorry" Ophelia laughed. "I swear to the moon goddess witch, I will brutally kill you where you stand if you touch either of them," Zion screamed through a clenched jaw. He was fighting hard to break the hold she had on him. Ophelia stood over the bed looking at the child, the corner of her lip quivered as she started to laugh. She thought to herself, this child was already beautiful and his aura was strong. He will be intensely commanding later in life and it made her sick.

Ophelia scoffed in disgust and started to chant "Let all my cruelty, pain, and evil ways follow this abomination for all of his days. Begin the torment upon him to give him a cruel fate. May every spell, candle, or ritual fall apart and rebound in all ways. For he will be lost as an unknown with nowhere to call home." She waved her hands and the castle shook. Niylah, fighting to break free cried out "No, please stop, your revenge is not with the innocent child, it is with me. Take me, I'll willingly give myself to spare him." Zion was teetering on the edge of utter destruction; Rex was pushing to get out and he would destroy anything in his way. He could feel the spell breaking as he fought with everything that made him the Alpha King. His gut-wrenching growl made Ophelia snap her head towards him as he was able to move his arms. She quickly summoned her powers again, released a handful of herbs on the child, and chanted "Blood turns black and the flesh turns blue, you have forced my hand to put this curse upon you. You will soon see things clearly but will live as an outcast far away from here. That is if you even make it." A thunderous boom shattered the windows as a bolt of energy pierced the child, surrounded him, and vanished. Just as the King was able to remove himself from the spell, he lunged and shifted in mid-air ready to attack Ophelia. With a deadly smirk on her face, she flicked her wrist and was gone. Queen Niylah fell to the floor with a loud grief-stricken howl, longing for her son. The King had shifted back and swiftly embraced her tightly, letting out his painful cries knowing he would spend his life looking for his son while hunting down that witch.

King Zion's POV:

The moment I could move that wretched witch vanished. I can't believe I spent so many years with her as my Queen, I'm disgusted with the mere fact that I ever longed to touch her. Now here I am holding my true beloved as we unleash a fury of grief for the life we now will never know. The sheer chaos this will cause and the lie that will have to be kept moving forward terrified me. This isn't how I operate; this isn't what I do. I don't deceive people, especially not my own people, yet that's what it's come down to. I held Niylah close while gently stroking her hair, "hush my love, we will get through this, and I will never stop hunting both her and our son down. I will bring him back to you if it's the last thing I do" I softly spoke into her ear. I would burn this world down if she asked me to and I'll never allow her to go through this pain again. I could feel the darkness slowly creeping into me threatening to take over. The feeling of being utterly worthless in this situation, having no control and no idea of what my next move should be had my wolf itching to get out. I could feel my eyes change as Rex pushed to the front, he was also grieving, and the pain was overwhelming him. I quickly stood up while my whole body was shaking with rage, Niylah looked up at me with her beautiful green eyes glassy with tears and nodded. I'm sure she can feel my self-control slipping away, I had to go run off this emotional storm. I turned to leave but Niylah grabbed my wrist and pulled me to face her. She stared into my now blood-red eyes, took a deep breath, and while she put her other hand on my chest said "I know Rex needs to release his anger, I can feel it vibrate through me. Zena is also demanding to be unleashed. Let's run together". The longer I stared at this woman the more in love I fell with her, she was amazing in every way. I nodded at her saying "Anything for you my love, let us give Zena and Rex some time together to mourn as well". I held her hand in mine and we turned and walked out of the room, heading towards the vast forest that would allow us to run free and calm our anger. Once Rex has calmed down and the Kingdom settles, I will ensure that a plan is formed to find my son and destroy everything that witch holds dear. She must have forgotten that I know her, and I will start tearing apart everyone I know she loves until it destroys her. I may be a compassionate King to my people, but she took my son, and that is punishable by a torturous death. I grinned as I thought, I can't wait for that.

It had been 5 days since his son was taken, vanished out of thin air. Five days of summoning different covens and trying to track down the witch who stole from him. He was once a kind and caring King but now, now he lost his reserve and vengeance plagued his every move. Queen Niylah calmed him each time he found the darkness and brought him to light again. If not for himself, he had to do it for her and his people. "Your Majesty" Beta Kane said as he poked his head in the door. "Come in Kane. I must apologize for my time away and thank you for your extensive ability to sit in my place, so our kingdom continued to prosper. I am slowly coming to the light although I will forever be broken" King Knite struggled to say. Beta Kane stepped in and closed the large heavy door behind him. "Please your majesty, never apologize for releasing your grief. We all mourn with you. I understand it is only I and the Queen's chambermaid who know the truth?" The King looked at him with weary eyes and just nodded his head. "Am I correct to assume that we won't burden our people with the thoughts of a rogue witch that is taking children?" He watched as the King nodded his head again and he continued "I do not wish to overstep my position but what if we told our kingdom that the heir was stillborn. This will allow them and you to properly grieve in the open. I feel that if you let your people show their support, that you're not alone, it may help this process and ensure that everyone continues to feel safe."

The King stood silently with his hands behind his back as he stared blankly out the window. Beta Kane approached him and laid his hand on his shoulder. The Kings Beta was his longest friend and he trusted him with his life. He knew that his words came from a place of love and understanding as he only wanted what was best for him. The King sighed heavily and turned to face Kane and when he least expected it, the King grabbed Kane and hugged him. The moment of hesitation from Beta Kane came and went and he embraced him back. "Thank you, Kane," King Knite whispered, "for everything. I believe your suggestion will be best for everyone involved. I do not like lying to my people nor will I ever do it again, but for now it may be our best option before rumors start to make their rounds" The two men pulled away from each other, and with a deep sigh they knew that although the people would think this matter passed, the King and his Queen would never stop looking for their son.