Winter Waning : Dark Of The Moon

A King Provides

•Juniper•

Overwhelmed. That’s the only feeling I can seem to place. It’s been a day past since we were brought to Moongarde and I’ve been dizzy since – though no one has enslaved me yet. Ambushed and kidnapped is looking pretty good for me. Who would’ve guessed!

This place is like something out of one of those storybooks mother used to read to me before bedtime, the kind that left you with sweet dreams after. Everyone is happy and strange in marvelous ways. This is what I always imagined free people to look like – I’ve never known such a colorful, calm people.

Perhaps it’s her, the queen, or rather king, who rests in the brilliant castle atop a hill. I’m not altogether sure though; her skin was soft and supple but her gaze was hard, like one of someone who would crack a skull for blocking her view. Even still, with silver eyes that somehow shot daggers, I’m compelled by her. Hers was the first smile I’d seen in years and in that moment it belonged to me alone.

She swept away like a cool current after that, her face still imprinted solely in my mind as she sunk back through the crowd and disappeared into her high walls. I trace the graze on my finger still – a small cut in my print that holds a memory.

“Had enough, child?” the small, round house mother asks and I almost don’t acknowledge her talking to me; its foreign to be called anything other than curse words.

I nod and thank her with a very small voice, and she takes my half eaten breakfast away. I should’ve been more respectful and cleared my plate – that was one of the finer things I’ve eaten in a while. Overwhelmed. I guess that’s why I lack an appetite.

I sink deeper into my new coat and look around the table at the many content face surrounding me, mostly members of my pack but also complete strangers. She declared us free, taking only the people she deemed suspicious or rotten back into her castle walls. The rest of us were allowed to leave or stay.

Without an alpha the world would eat me up as soon as I stepped foot beyond these borders, and honestly, I have no idea where I’d go. I can’t stay here though. Soon enough, everyone will see me for what I am and they’ll turn on me as wolves always do. Wolves are notorious for gobbling up human girls in the woods.

The street outside stirs in a buzz and everyone is up from their seats to see what the commotion is all about. I don’t follow, it’s not my place and I’d probably get lost in the crowds, that’s even if I could see over any of their heads. I watch silently from the dining table as people line the curve in anticipation. I’m not entirely sure if they are excited or fearful. I’m guessing both.

A carriage comes to a stop just outside the home and through the wall of people just outside the door I can see the great horses that draw it. I grow a little eager now, rising from my seat for a closer look. The gathering parts just enough for the visitor to breathe and I hear as chatter swells in the air. The common folk seem to be fond of whoever it is.

I recognize his silky voice as he greets the people – the beta. His dark brown hair, that gleams almost golden in the sunlight, peaks just a little over the crowd that swarms him. I’ve never seen anyone so loved, probably because he’s beautiful – people always likes fine things.

“Morning, mother Gertrude,” he chimes in a pleasant voice and the small, round woman seems almost bashful as she meets him outside the home, “are you keeping well, how are our guests?”

“Morning, Beta Alec, everyone in this house has been fine and pleasant – the Alpha king always knows to give me only calm creatures.”

“Glad to hear,” he says, following her inside and meeting my gaze almost immediately.

What is he doing here? Surely a beta such as him self doesn’t wander the streets to simply visit people at random. I’m paralyzed under his stare and stirred by his subtle smile, only recalling his great rows of teeth from a time when I was pinned to the ground and he growled above me.

“Can I fix you anything, Beta Alec?” Gertrude asks.

“No thank you, unfortunately, I can not stay long. I’m here to collect this one, Miss Juniper Crane.”

If at all possible, I tense up further. Every gaze, from mother Gertrude’s to the lot who had dined with me, they all settle on me with questions. My pack must be most stunned. They are probably just as curious as to what the crowd’s men would want with me. Perhaps to take me to the woods and send me running like a rabbit from the chase. I can’t manage a single word, blinking quickly down at the ground and lowering my head like a coward.

It’s mother Gertrude who steps in to fill the silence, “Very well then,” she says and comes over to push me forward, “shall I put anything together for her?”

Dammit; I thought this lady was nice but here she is offering me up on a decorated, silver platter.

“No, she’ll do fine as is. Everything else shall be prepared and provided in the castle,” Alec speaks while looking me up and down as if sizing me up to fit in the oven, “shall we be on our way then, Juniper?”

My jaw gives a quiver and my voice is soundless – I’m not used to hearing my own name. He takes my silence as a yes regardless, turning for the door where Gertrude hurriedly meets him.

“Beta Alec, if you don’t mind my asking – " she starts in a hushed tone and eyes out the townspeople who have dispersed but still wander about their day beyond the threshold, “ – how is the Alpha king? The people have been concerned, she hasn’t been present much lately.”

Alec smiles warmly at her and takes her shoulder in his hand tenderly, “there is nothing to be worried for, Alpha has been kept busy with matters of the kingdom and duties of the king. We can only hope that soon in time she will have a moment to breathe fresh air and walk among us again.”

Gertrude is satisfied with his answer, bowing her head in understanding before turning and ushering me out the door.

I follow him out into the bitter nip of winter, an icy chill in the air despite the sun blazing bright above us. He guides me to the carriage where he holds open a door for me and I feel myself growing wearier with each second.

Seated across from one another, the horses begin and we’re pulled down the street and around the corner. I keep my eyes fixed on my shoes but I can feel him staring.

A short while passes in silence before he speaks – “Is there a reason you’re looking at the floor?”

My mouth falls open as I glance to him briefly then blink away again, “Yes, my lord,” I murmur meekly, “I’m admiring the woodwork.”

He laughs and I bite the tip of my tongue.

“An odd combination of shy and witty – she will like you.”

My eyes snap his again and a spark fizzles out in my veins, “The queen?”

He smiles brilliantly and nods his head, “Though I’d refraining from using the title queen, it’s Alpha King or informally, Alpha – and while you’re at it, don’t call me my lord. Makes me feel like one of those old mundane men from the far west, the ones with thick armor to conceal their fat gullets.”

I study him through my lashes, he is not mundane nor fat, far from either – “What shall I call you then?”

“Gods’ divine,” he says in a low, smooth voice and my face warms – I’m not saying that!

“Relax, little one,” he laughs, “Beta is fine. Simple and sweet.”

The carriage comes to stop in the courtyard where I was once kneeled in chains. A frenzy begins to stir within me as I follow the beta out – I’m going in the castle, I’m actually going in the castle!

“Beta, did she send you?”

“No, it’s a surprise actually.”

A surprise? Obviously not a pleasant one. I can’t picture any scenario where my presence would be a pleasant surprise.

We climb the stairs and pass an infinite amount of guards along the way, they all stare at me like I’m some strange being that had risen from the ground. I don’t think I’m very welcome here. I unknowingly draw closer to the beta as we walk. He seems somewhat friendly and harmless now in human skin.

I’ve hardly a chance to properly take in the sights once in the castle walls as I follow behind him; he’s walking at such a quick pace that I’m struggling to keep up.

I manage to glimpse enough to make my heart swell. It is as magnificent within as it is outside, from the gigantic portraits in golden frames that line the walls, to the deep-red velvets that coat the windows and floors. I have never seen such a grand place in my life, and I still grow uneasy imagining it may very well be the last grand thing I ever see.

I’m sure we’ve reached the end of the castle from the great length we just conquered, and the beta finally turns to me as we stop at a tall set of stained glass doors.

“Point of no return – whatever you see and hear within these walls, remains in these walls. Is that understood?”

My eyes are widen in anticipation – is he about to show me some great unknown? “Why?”

“Juniper,” all humor has fled his face as he addresses me, “I need to be assured that I can trust you around my Alpha, that my Alpha’s confidence can rest easy with you. If she is ever to falter in action or word – you will speak of nothing to anyone, or else you will be become nothing. Do you understand?

He’s concerned for her but not just that, the storm brewing in his eyes suggests something much more which I can only presume is love. He loves her.

I manage a nod, still widely alarmed by the scraps of fear in his voice. What is he covering up – and why would he ever think my word was good for anything? If I ever had to see or hear anything, would anyone really believe me if I told?

Beta Alec steps forward and pulls open the doors to another courtyard of sorts – a battleground that descends into a pit. Thick, high walls surround the snow and stone arena. There are rows upon rows of wide steps that I imagine host an audience when a battle takes place. The steps are clear at the moment, though I can almost hear the cheers in the back of my mind as a dual is fought in the pit.

The Alpha King clashes with another man, her delicate yet muscular body covered in bruises and blood, as well as battle attire. They are vicious, no mercy shed as steel clangs and he knocks her to the sand, but she gets up with more fury in her steps, bashing him across the yard with her shield.

“I don’t think this is a good time,” I swallow and ball my hands into fists at my sides. Fighting makes me anxious.

“It’s a perfect time,” my escort assures, “she’s at her calmest after a battle.”

I follow him down the shorter steps at a slower pace, my breathing heavier as we draw near. She’s going to kill me. At least it’ll be someone pretty, a decent last face to be seen as I flee this world.

She is beautiful, even now while slick with sweet, blood and anger. She’s the most fearsome creature I’ve ever seen and somehow I still find her utterly beautiful.

We reach a seating podium with chairs and a generous coverage from the mild sun, and beta Alec leans over the barrier – “Ruelle! You know it turns me bitter when I’m excluded from a sparring!” his voice echoes back.

Ruelle. Her name is the only echo I cling to.

Her long, black hair is like a whip as she turns sharp and looks up to us with raging eyes, then she flickers over to me and softens enough to appear stunned.

“Alec!” her voice rips through the air and even I, a wolf-less girl, can feel her dominant aura resonate.

Her dueling partner falls back immediately like a dog with his tail tucked and a pair of handmaidens rush from beneath the podium we stand upon. They come to her with a cloak and cloth but she brushes past them like a strong wind. She’s furious!”

I stumble back with fright as she climbs the wall in a single leap and pulls herself effortlessly over the spiked fence. The Alpha immediately pulls her beta into an argument but I can not grasp a word – it’s all in a foreign language and spat at furious speed. She appears to be scolding him, her silver eyes darkening as Alec desperately defends himself. Are they arguing because of me – that can’t be it, I only breathed.

I take another step back to evade the pair who could shapeshift at moment and that’s when she notices me. Her gaze snaps in my direction and she stills, even her heavy breathing falls quiet.

The moment is only a few seconds but it feels like forever. I feel like the world has dropped from beneath me and I’m about to fall with it. This is not the calm and collected queen from the courtyard, the one with the faint smile I reminisced all night. This queen lacks her previous composure and through the cracks I see something formidable.

Tension is severed when the handmaidens appear in the podium with her belongings. She breaks eye contact to cover her body and wipe the frosting beads of sweat and blood from her forehead. I turn my eyes to the ground in retreat but the beta lifts my face with a finger under my chin.

“How many more times must I warn you not to meddle, Alec?” She asks.

“I pictured you’d be a little more content, my king, pictured gratitude even.”

“And I’ll be sure to express that gratitude later,” she hisses coldly but he smirks regardless, “You, Juniper was it?” she turns to me.

“Y – yes, Alpha King." I stammer like a senseless fool and look down.

“Why are you looking at the ground?” I hear her ask.

“She prefers the view of our woodwork.” he jokes but she misses his humor, frowning down at the floor.

I’m being mocked and although I feel the urge to say something snide, I manage to contain myself in her presence.

She swats him with a backhand to his ribs and he winces a little – “Run along, Alec – company arrives within the hour and I expect perfection in these halls.”

He seems disappointed at being dismissed, but he surely bows his head to her then to me before taking his leave. Once alone, save for the servants who stand idly near, she finally turns to me again, calm like last time we met.

“Juniper, you must be terribly confused.”

My hands have begun to fidget at my front and I give a brief nod, “I am, Alpha – Alpha king.”

She breathes a heavy sigh and leans back against the banister – “My beta, my silly, meddling beta, thinks I need a pet.”

“A pet?”

“You aren’t a pet, are you?”

I want to say no but truthfully that’s all ever really been. I lower my gaze again and shake my head, hoping it’s the right answer before she chains me up.

“No, you aren’t. You are conscious and feeling – which is why I must ask if you want to stay in Moongarde, in this castle?”

I freeze over when I look at her and murmur a voiceless reply before trying again, “Here – but I’m a wolf-less nobody.”

“We all start off powerless nobodies, Juniper, it’s our choices that make us something.”

“Not everyone is born a queen – no disrespect, Alpha King.”

“You’re right, some of us get the keys to the kingdom,” she purses her lips and looks up at her towers, “I will not deny that my being here was paved by my father’s position, but I am only here to keep peace and order, serve my people as they serve me. That is the life of a king – that was my choice. What is yours?”

I have no idea how to reply, anything I say now would just sound pathetic, so I just end up shuffling in place. Of course I want to stay here, this place is magnificent, but I can’t help feel like it’s too good to be true, like I’ll end up shackled by nightfall.

“Let’s start with this then – what value could you give to the crown and what could the crown give you?”

“Give me?”

She nods her head smoothly, “this pack was built off wanders, be it those seeking shelter from an abusive litter or simply without a home – we all come from somewhere else and now thrive off the crown.”

“But I have nothing to offer you, Alpha King, in my pack I was – I am nothing, a scullion and bait for the rogues – I could be good for war practices, I’m quite numb in a few places,” I say with a nervous laugh but she doesn’t find me amusing, her eyes glazing over in disgust.

“What are your interests?”

“My interests?” my brows shoot up, “well I wouldn’t know.”

“You heard a piece of music once – piano – when you were a child. You thought it was the most magnificent sound the world had ever conjured – it made everything seem beautiful and pointless. You felt perfectly ambivalent and nostalgic for a time you never lived in.”

How did she – my mind immediately shuts off as I imagine she can read it, but even still, I wasn’t thinking of anything. The hairs on my arms are already standing on end.

“Your mother used to read to you most nights. You loved the way a perfect arrangement of words, perfectly timed, could make you feel – made you dream,” she speaks and while in shock I’m still able to marvel the wonder in her eyes, “hand in hand, you have the soul of an artist. We have one of the finest libraries and the king before me loved music, which would explain the piano we possess. All is at your disposal, if you choose.”

“But – but I can not play, nor read.”

“There’s no harm in learning,” she generously smiles and makes for the stairs, leaving me to linger in disbelief, “though I must warn, you will have to fit a purpose – can’t have anyone thinking I’m playing favorites nor do I favor laziness.”

Her handmaidens rush after her and she turns to the one, a curvy brunette in fine clothes, “Bena, would you see to it that Juniper is cared for until we can place her?”

“Yes, Alpha,” the young woman says with a warm smile.

“I’ll be returning to my chambers for the time being – to ready for our guests, you are all excused for now.” – and with that she continues up the stairs.

My legs, as if possessed, quicken in little steps as I attempt to hurry after her, “Alpha,” I call without thinking and she barely looks to me over her shoulder, “why are you doing this? Why would you show me any kindness?”

This all troubles me. This woman doesn’t know me or owe me anything, I can’t offer her anything expect perhaps being a jester in her court, something I’d still slack at. She’s surrounded by beauty and strength, what would she ever want with me?

“Kindness should be a given not an option – if you have to doubt me on that, then I am truly sorry for the way the world has treated you.”

If there was anything I could say, I’d be incapable of saying it. Struck to ground as if lightening had placed me there and watching in a trance as her ethereal majesty leaves me those words.