It’s been six months since Ruari left for the royal court. There’d been a lot of unrest before his coronation. And although I was supposed to be with him for the ceremony and celebration we decided it’s better if I don’t appear at court for now.
Ruari had notified the high council, the royals and packs that he’s already found his true mate. He also informed them that he wouldn’t take another consort aside from me. He’s worried that I’d be a target for those who don’t want to see him on the throne so for the time being he wants to keep me hidden, away from the public’s eye, in order to keep me safe.
I could very well protect myself but to ease his worries and not be an added burden to his already heavy load, I agreed to what he wanted. And for the past months I had to content myself with weekly reports on how he is and what he’s doing.
The royals have easily embraced Ruari as the new alpha king. Although there were opposition at first due to his lack of knowledge of the court and the laws and the fact that he grew up among commoners. But Ruari proved himself more than willing to learn and that he is capable despite his lack of knowledge and experience. He surrounded himself with people who could provide intelligent inputs to help him make sound and reasonable judgments.
The packs were harder to persuade due to the incident with the raiders but once they saw what Ruari is capable of, that he isn’t just a fancy king who wears a golden hat and sits on an elevated chair the whole day, it didn’t take much time for them to change their tune.
Ruari implemented a lot of changes since he ascended to the throne and it shows at how the court now functions. He created a sensation when his first order of business as the new alpha king turned out to be the reconstruction of the high council.
Ruari visited all the packs allied and tied to the crown. He spent enough time with each pack and listened with an open mind to everything his people had to say. After his sojourn he decided that the packs needed a voice within the high council. It’s not enough that the royals govern them. He saw first hand how some packs lived in impoverished conditions while the royals who’re supposed to support them don’t seem to give a damn about anything but their own comfort.
He selected an alpha, from each region, that commanded trust and loyalty from the other alphas on the same territory to sit as high council members. He made them representatives in charge of coordinating messages between the pack and the crown. This way, even the slightest problems within the packs would be easily detected and dealt with in a swift and effective manner. The strategy promotes awareness and open communication within the packs in order to avoid incidents like that of the raiders from ever happening again.
Ruari relieved the previous council members of their positions due to their corrupt activities and lack of respect towards the lower classes. He appointed younger, more freethinking royals to sit on the council with the alphas to help create ways on how to better manage and utilize the resources of the throne and the crown.
All in all, Ruari’s aim is to make the court able to function by itself without giving too much power and influence to just one individual or a select few. He wants everyone to unite and think about the packs and the people first. To forget about status and just live like our ancestors during the olden days. His aim is to create equality among packs, big and small, royal and commoner. It is a bit idealistic considering we’re in the new age and it’s definitely a hard task to set one’s mind into but the majority have complete faith that if anyone could do it, it would be the alpha king Ruari.
So far all the negotiations for the reconstruction of the court are progressing smoothly. And everything in Moonscape is almost back to normal after months of rebuilding. I thought my troubles are finally coming to end and I’d have some free time to breathe a little easier but I was wrong.
Recently there’d been whispers of a political marriage. I don’t know where the gossip started but as it turned out the previous queen and her pack are demanding retribution for the death of Meinor. They’re arguing that Meinor’s death was not fair and just for his position. He should have been tried in front of his peers and found guilty by the high council before being executed not killed during a brawl like a commoner. Their cries for justice is creating a wall of opposition that halts the smooth progression of everything that’s happening at court.
Meinor’s former pack is determined to see another from their bloodline on the throne and the only way to achieve that is for Ruari to select a female consort from their pack. Or so I heard…
“You can’t hide out here forever,” Lorcan said as we sat side by side on the steps of the cabin.
I’ve been isolating myself from pack for the past three days after my meeting with the alpha of the neighboring pack, who happily informed me about the alpha king’s plans for matrimony.
I know that he didn’t realize he’s talking to the alpha king’s true mate when he relayed the news. It was not his fault that such gossip is now circulating heavily among the packs. But I had to exercise amazing self-restraint to control Keiron and not to jump over the table to tear the man’s head off. And after that incident my wolf refused to communicate with me.
“It could just be rumors you know.” He added and I tossed him a copy of a publication, a human scandal sheet, with a picture of a woman hanging onto Ruari’s arm with a headline about wedding bells and engagements rings in big, bold letters. Lorcan took one look at it and cursed under his breath.
I couldn’t bring myself to tear the paper into shreds when I first saw it. It was clearly a lie, the photo must have been edited or there has to be some other explanation as to how that picture came be. But a part of me still felt hurt and affected after seeing it. Because after the photograph surfaced the weekly reports I’ve been receiving from court have stopped arriving to my desk.
“Why don’t you call Ruari and ask him directly?” Lorcan suggested. “Instead of sulking out here why not go directly to the source?”
A part of me snarled at the idea. If I call and ask Ruari directly it would mean I believe whatever story they’re trying to sell. It would mean I don’t trust what he told me, what he promised me. Ruari said he’d come back and I promised I’d wait no matter how long it takes.
I don’t regret my decision, letting him go and not coming with him, those were choices we made together. But I never thought that waiting could be this nerve wrecking. And seeing articles like the one printed on the paper and hearing whispers from other packs doesn’t make it easier.
“The pack is stable now and everyone would understand if you want to go.” Lorcan said. “Personally, I think this is just a trick from the opposition but it would be easier for you if you go, see Ruari and ask him yourself.”
I know it would be. And if I weren’t so damn terrified of what I’d find once I get there I would have gone already.
The mating bond is a very fragile thing, I realized that these past six months, especially if you’re away from your mate. It’s like suffering from a rejection but instead of feeling pain from having your bond cut and carved away, you feel loneliness and intense longing. The fierce possessiveness wraps around your system until doubts and insecurities starts to surface and slowly eats at you.
 I trust Ruari. He would never say or do anything without a just cause or proper reason. He’s not the type to hurt people and I know that he wouldn’t purposely hurt me. But it’s been six months. We haven’t seen or hear each other directly since he left. And as much as I hate to admit it, a lot can change in six months.
I ran a shaking hand through my hair and stood up. This is not my finest moment, I know. And I have a feeling I’m handling this situation badly but shit what am I supposed to do? I don’t want to march to court and demand to know what’s going on but I can’t just sit here, wait and do nothing either.
Gad! This is so fucked up!
“I’d stay here for another night,” I said. “I’d come back tomorrow. I just need more time to think about what I’m going to do.”
Lorcan nodded in understanding before heading towards the forest.
I opted to go for a long run to clear my head and burn some pent up tension. After that I decided to hunt for food. For the past three days I’ve explored these woods more than I did in my entire life. I understand now why Ruari seemed so fascinated every time he was here.
I was on my way back to the cabin when a familiar scent wove through my senses. I immediately ran at full speed towards the scent. I skidded to a full stop by the waterfall and gaped when I found Ruari bathing in the middle of the pool.
“I was wondering when you’d get here,” he smiled slicking his wet hair back away from his face and walking out of the pool gloriously naked.
I didn’t move, actually I couldn’t. I just stood there and watch his slow approach. It’s been six months and I could see a lot has changed. Ruari had this air about him, of innocence, that makes you want to corrupt and exploit him just to see what lies underneath. He seemed to have shed that innocence and vulnerability. I eyed at him closely and he appears more confident now, more in control. Worldly.
“I have a lot of things I need to explain to you,” he said. “But first, can you phase back? I really want to kiss you before we talk.”
I realized I’m still on my wolf form and I haven’t even thought of shifting back until he asked me to do so. When I was finally phased he moved to wrap his arms around me but I unthinkably took a step back.
“Ciaran?” Ruari asked a bit concerned at my reaction.
I don’t know what the hell got into me. He’s here, he’s finally in front of me so why in freaking hell am I hesitating?
“I’m sorry, I…” I don’t know what to say. I stood where I was not even attempting to move closer to him. And Ruari just watched me with wary eyes.
“It wasn’t me,” he said suddenly.
“Huh?” I asked dumbly.
“I assume you saw the photo and I’m telling you it wasn’t me. It’s Kevan.” He said. “He’s been standing in as my body double for the past months. After I took over I’ve had about half a dozen assassination attempts so the high council thought it wise to have someone act as my double to take some heat off me and Kevan volunteered. I wasn’t very keen on the idea but I’ve been outvoted.”
I nodded but still didn’t say anything.
“The woman he’s with, she’s from the queen’s family pack. They’ve been pressuring me to take her since I’ve never brought you to court with me. They’ve been telling anyone who cared to listen that I was just using you as an excuse to get out of being fully mated.” He explained. “Even my father demanded I take her as royal consort to avoid more conflict since only the high council and a select few knows my true mate is a male.”
I nodded again but I still couldn’t bring myself to say anything. This situation have happened before with his parents. Not in the same terms but they also want me to step aside so someone more qualified could stand and rule beside Ruari. I don’t really know how I feel about that. I don’t think I can be like Alessandra. I don’t think I can sit back and watch my mate with someone other than me. If Ruari wants to claim someone else then I’d release him that way it’d be easier for both of us.
Some of my thoughts probably floated to his because Ruari suddenly crossed the distance between us and grabbed my hand, like he wanted to keep me from running away.
“Whoa! Hold it right there. I turned them down okay?” He said hurriedly. “And I told my father he could go fuck himself. The high council supports my decision and no one is going to force me to mate with anyone other than you.”
They’ve relented for now but what would happen when talks about an heir starts. Ruari is the alpha king. He won’t live forever and eventually he would need a successor. Kevan could be his heir since he’s from his bloodline but since Kevan’s mate is also a male there would be problems on that avenue as well.
“I know what you’re thinking and your fears are well founded that’s why we already searched for a solution.” Ruari said. “We’re going to legally adopt Cale and name him my successor. After more search on his family and pack background we found out his mother was originally from my mother’s old pack. Cale and I, we’re from the same bloodline. And if we adopt him as our son no one would be able to dispute his rights to the throne.”
I’m acting like a complete sissy. I never realized the extent of my fear in regards to giving up Ruari until this moment. I grabbed him to me and wrapped my arms tightly around him. I didn’t even notice I was shaking until Ruari pointed it out.
“I meant to go back sooner,” Ruari whispered burying his face on my chest. “But I wanted everything to be okay before I take you to the royal court. I wanted to fix everything before I announce you as the royal consort. I never meant to hurt you by staying away too long Ciaran and I’m sorry about the misunderstanding.”
“I know… I understand. It’s all okay because I love you.” I whispered back repeating the same words he once said to me.
He turned his head up to me and for the first time in six months I get to taste and feel him again. The kiss was gentle at first, both of us are just savoring the feel of being together. When my tongue darted out to trace his bottom lip, Ruari immediately opened his mouth and his own tongue pushed forward to meet mine. The kiss became more heated and passionate after that.
“Oh did I mention the high council is now at the pack house,” Ruari breathed out as I trailed open-mouthed kisses on his neck and chest.
I straightened and looked him in the eye.
“And why are they here?” I was almost afraid to ask but I need to know why the high council is currently on my land without prior notice. But then again, if we’re talking about technicalities, Ruari, as alpha king, should have announced his visit before he arrived here.
“They’re preparing for our mating ritual which I believe would happen in five days, during the full moon.” He said kissing my neck and shoulder. “I told them the pack is more than capable of handling the ceremony but they argued that it’s the high council’s obligation to oversee the mating ritual of the alpha king. Personally, I think they just wanted an excuse to come visit and get away from court for a few days. Besides, they’d be coming here for meetings in the future so might as well have them acquainted with the pack.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Well, I was thinking we could spend some time here and some time at court. You’re still the alpha of Moonscape so when we’re needed here, we’d be here and Kevan would act as my steward at court.” He said. “I haven’t thought about it properly but I don’t want you or the pack to feel that we’re abandoning Moonscape for the royal court. Honestly, I’m thinking of a way to move the court here. The other royals would grumble since they only care about their comfort and the palace provides a lot of that so we might have to build another house, a villa or something within the pack land to accommodate everyone when they come here. I really don’t want us to spend another day…”
I stopped him from babbling by kissing him deeply. I can’t believe it. He already thought of a solution for every major hurdle we might encounter along the way. And granted it would probably cause us a lot of headache for a few months but in the long run it would definitely pay off.
“I’ll have the plans drawn up and start construction right away. Just tell me what you require from this new building and I’d get it done.” I said when we separated for air.
“I’m guessing that’s your way of telling me you approve of my plan,” he smiled and I gave him a quick peck.
“Do you think the high council would wonder where you are if I keep you here for another hour or two?” I asked biting his lobe and tracing the edge of his ear with my tongue.
“What do you have in mind?” He asked seductively and I rubbed my erection against his. I can’t be more straightforward than that. “I think they’d survive the night without us there. Lorcan and Kevan could handle them while we’re away, it would be good practice for them in the future.”
I laughed and lifted him in my arms. I don’t think we’d survive the walk back at the cabin without having each other. I found a nice spot and lowered him there before covering his naked body with mine.
“Why is it that every time I come here to look for you, I always find you bathing?” I asked teasing his nipples.
He threaded his finger through my hair before answering, “Because I’m trying to seduce you, what else? Now are you going to stop talking and devour me already or should I top you instead?”
I laughed at the suggestion. I know he said it as a joke but I have no problem if Ruari wants me to bottom for him. As he boldly stated before, everything is fine as long as he feels good. Â
“What’s this?” I asked as we cuddle together hours later while watching the sunrise. I held up his left hand so I could properly see the new ink he has on his skin.
It’s a small image, an inscription on a language of sorts tattooed around his left ring finger. I know I’ve seen those symbols before but I can’t remember where.
“I met an elder, Tysane, on one of my visits and she still remembers the old language of wolves. She’s probably the only one who knows how to read and write it so I asked her to teach me. You’re going to love Tysane. She’s going to give the court historians a run for their money.” He explained. “I had this made after my I finished my lessons with her.”
I nodded and rested my chin on his shoulder and quietly watched the skies change color. Soon we’d have to go back to the pack house and do our duties but for now, we’re allowed to have just this… us.
“Do you want to know what it says?” He asked smiling secretively at me.
I turned my head to him smiled back. “Are you going to tell me or do you want me to guess?”
He laughed and kissed me on the lips before whispering, “It says ‘Ciaran, always and forever'”.
THE END… or is it?
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