The kingdom was all dressed in black and quietly walking to the castle grounds. No one said a word, the only thing that could be heard was the quiet sobbing of those mourning their beloved queen. Queen Katherine was to be buried in the castle gardens, as this was where she spent most of her time planting and tending to her flowers.
King Richard stood on high alert in the castle garden, to his right was Sampson his advisor, to his left was his son Prince Caleb. All three men stood solemnly listening to the service, once completed; the men placed a white Lilly on her casket in order of rank and quietly said their goodbyes. As they lowered her casket into the ground the sobs of the kingdom could be heard louder than before as the reality sinks in their queen is gone. Taking a deep breath, King Richard slowly walks up to the podium.
"People of Alaria, this week we experienced a tragic loss. The love of my life is gone forever, never again will my son see his mother, and never again will the orphanages or hospitals be blessed with her presence. Please know I feel your pain and I will not let your pleas for justice go unanswered any longer than need be. Please be patient, and know we will be getting our revenge on the wolves when the time is right!"
The crowd cheered throwing their hands in the air. The feeling of grief and remorse had now been replaced with the desire for revenge.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Walking silently to the royal cemetery, Ravenna and Patrick were both lost in their thoughts. Today is the day Alpha Mitchell and Kevin would be buried and they would also hold a meeting for the incident at the ball the night prior. Taking her place next to David, Ravenna sits on her throne while Patrick takes his seat next to Maurice behind them.
The procession was beautifully written and full of lots of memories. Kimberly spoke as well as her mother Luna Claire. Finally, King Alistair called for every member of his pack to place red and black roses on their coffins. This was to signify pack colors between the Royal Pack and Blue Lake, and also represent they all were family. They finished off the ceremony with a group howling, their howls reflected the pain they were feeling over the loss of these two great men.
"Ladies and Gentlemen this concludes the services for today. Alphas, I hate to take away your time to grieve, but I need you in the conference room immediately." King Alistair nodded at the group and stepped down from the podium.
The group disbanded and those required to attend the meeting made their way to the conference room. The twelve Alphas also included newly appointed Alpha Samuel, the son of the late Alpha Mitchell, who has inherited the Blue Lake Pack. Once everyone was seated, the king looked around at the group.
"Thank you all for attending. I understand you would like to be with your families, but some news has been brought to my attention you need to hear. First of all, a few evenings ago it appears one of the Vampire princes was murdered by human Hunters."
"Serves the Leech right."
"Who cares?"
Ravenna felt her heart tighten at these statements. She knew they were just upset, but these words hurt. Knowing it's not the place to start an argument she continued to remain quiet.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" David yelled in an attempt to maintain order.
Nodding at his son, the king cleared his throat to regain attention. The second thing, the attack at the ball was performed by not the Vampires, but the Rogues. This was a warning; they will continue to attack each pack until we are all dismantled! I understand the Vampires are still an issue that will not go away, but the fact is, we need to place them on the back burner to give us the time we need to handle this Rogue issue first! We can't spread our forces any thinner than what they are now by starting a war with the Vampires!"
The Alphas said nothing, only looked at the king.
"The final piece of information was brought to my attention this morning. The human queen was murdered, because of this; non-human species are no longer allowed in Alaria. I need you to spread the word to every pack member, even down to the hermit who lives in the cave on your land. For your pack's safety, you cannot go to Alaria."
"Why is that so important Dad?" David asked concerned.
He turned to look at David. "Because son, she was killed by a Werewolf."
The room fell eerily quiet as the Alphas paled upon the news. Serena turned to Ravenna and mouthed the words thank you!
"What do we do?" Alpha Conner asked the king.
"I will be going to Alaria to personally try and maintain the treaty. We have too many fights knocking on our door to accept this one." King Alistair said to Alpha Conner. "Please keep this information in mind and be sure to tell your pack members. I am adjourning this meeting, take time to spend with your packs and families. I will be calling on you all. Please remember the Rogues and stay safe. You are all dismissed."
Quietly, the Alphas left the room until there was only King Alistair, David, Ravenna, and Serena.
"Father, how did you hear this news? Are you sure this source is credible?" David asked looking at his father.
"My source is sitting next to you; it seems your sister has made quite a name for herself in the fighting underworld," he replied looking at Ravenna with pride.
David turned to her, "you heard this fighting in the Rose?"
"Serena and I noticed the humans looking at us with fear and anger at the mall the day of your party. That night, I went to the Rose and was told I can no longer fight because all shifters are no longer allowed in Alaria. People were talking around the tavern and I heard them."
"Dad any news on the Vampire attack?" Serena asked.
"No one knows this guy or anything about him. We are at a dead end. David, please call Alaria castle and make arrangements for me to visit to discuss things. Ok enough of that take this time and go spend time with the pack you all."
The group exited the room to help their packs mourn those that they sent to the Moon Goddess that day.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Dusk, the most beautiful time of night for everyone, except the Vampires. This night they will be laying their beloved Prince to rest. "Oh Alias, why were you out there that night?" The Vampire Queen Drucilla sobbed as she put on her black shoes.
Zane walked up to his mother and gave her a tight hug. "He died a hero, saving a child from cold-blooded killers; this is the way he would have wanted to go."
Nodding her head she looked at her son, he took her by the arm and led her to the field. Vampires from all covens surround the pyre which housed the body of Prince Alias. The ceremony was quick but filled with honor and respect for the lost Prince. Once the coven members were finished speaking words in his honor, each member present, lit a torch and placed it in the pyre sending him off.
"Thank you everyone for attending our sons' service. Please know that the humans have waged a war, a war they will lose. Spend the evening with your family; I would like all coven leaders here tomorrow to discuss our next steps" King Lucius explained.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Walking across the streets of Alaria there was high tension in the air. The man shifted between Alarians until he finally came to the Midnight Rose. Adjusting his glasses, he went to the stairs and gained entrance. Stepping off the last step he glances around attempting to locate someone. Finally locating the man in a dark corner seated behind a large pillar, he walks over to the table.
"Great job the way you handled your past conquests." He smirks at the man and takes a seat.
"I always get the job done; you know this Sampson." The man flashed his canines in annoyance.
"What do you want?!"
"I require your batty services again."
"Who's the target?"
Sampson adjusted his glasses. "Just a royal visitor we will have soon."
The man flashes his fangs as his eyes turn red. "I'll be there," he replied smiling deviously.