Suspicious
1191 Words
Claire's POV
I wake up before Ethan and slowly remove myself from our embrace without waking him.
Today is the day of the council meeting and it's taking place late morning.
I want to hurry up so I can have a small talk with Katherine on what to expect before going.
I dress to look presentable before the elders then grab my phone and exit the room quietly.
He's so tired he didn't even wake up to me moving around like he usually does.
I walk to the office floor and soon I'm at Katherine's door.
I knock then wait for her instructions but nothing comes. I knock again and wait patiently. I even check the time to see if I'm too early but it's only seven.
Maybe she didn't come home early so she's still asleep or maybe she's not in the castle at all.
I turn the handle to see if the door is locked but I find it strangely unlocked.
She always locks the door when she isn't around to use the office.
I sigh then turn to leave but weirdly the door opens making a creaking sound. I turn back to look at it and it's slightly opened now.
I walk back to close the door when I hear the sound of papers flying around.
It seems a window might have been left opened.
I walk into the office closing the door behind me to shut the opened window. I then pick up the papers on the floor then arrange them neatly on the desk.
I sigh again and turn to leave when something on her idea board catches my attention.
My legs lead me closer to the board and I take in the things I see. I study the pictures of dead naked bodies with blood all over them.
"This looks like wolf kill." Mia says to me and I nod.
Suddenly the door opens and Katherine walks in totally surprised to see me.
"You shouldn't be in here without my permission." She says more like a warning and that makes me feel bad.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to--" She quickly walks over and flips the board to the otherside.
"I came here looking for you but you weren't around, I was going to turn around but then I heard some papers flying." Katherine narrows her eyes as I speak and I wonder why she suddenly seems suspicious of me.
She looks to her desk to the neatly arranged papers then to the closed window.
"I'm sorry dear, I'm supposed to thank you." She says out of the blue and I try not to look awkward.
She walks back to her desk and takes her seat.
"Are you okay, your majesty?" I ask more concerned than I need to be.
She's acting so strange, maybe it's the stress.
"I'm fine Claire, why are you looking for me again?" She changes the subject and I choose not to probe further.
"I'm going to have a council meeting with the werewolf elders. I was hoping you could give me some advice and tips on what to expect and do."
Katherine nods then shakes her head at me.
"I'm so sorry Claire."
I look at her perplexed.
"You see the thing is the werewolves never accepted me as their Luna, because I'm a vampire and all. In fact it's been twenty five years since they had one."
Realization suddenly hits me.
"Oh, of course. I'm sorry, it didn't really come to mind." I apologize.
"It's okay." She smiles at me.
Now I know why she was so keen on queen duties. It's basically the only thing she can teach me.
"But I can give you some advice, if you still want."
"Yes, please." Katherine nods then walks over to me.
"I know the council can be very intimating sometimes, but you'll be okay as long as you stand your ground. Don't let anything they say or any of them get to you. Even if it does, don't show it." I nod at her words.
"Just be calm and calculated, that's all." She says with a smile then reaches for my hand.
"I'm sorry I couldn't be of much help, but all the best with them." She smiles at me and I smile back.
"That was very helpful Katherine, thank you." I say as I almost let go of her hand but her grip around me tightens.
"Also, can you please forget everything you saw on the board. It's for you own safety you do not know or tell anyone, especially my son." She looks at me both serious and very concerned. I nod at her request.
"You have my word." I assure her before she lets go of me with a smile.
I excuse myself before walking out of her office to find Logan and Lucas.
I think of the queen's awkwardness on my way such that I don't realize Lucas and Logan approaching me.
"Everything is ready Luna." I hear Lucas's voice breaking my train of thoughts.
"Is everything okay?" Logan asks looking concerned for me for the first time.
"Yeah, yes. I'm fine." I reply putting all other thoughts aside.
"Let's be on our way then." Logan gestures for me to lead the way and I nod.
What ever the queen is hiding is sure taking a toll on her.
I'll discuss it with Ethan when I come back, except she doesn't want me to tell him. I gave her my word.
I sigh as the car starts moving.
*
I followed the queen's advice. Everything went well and now I'm heading back to the castle.
Before I enter the car I look around and I realize the security detail has doubled.
I smile to myself when I realize it's Ethan's doing.
The ride back to the castle is quicker than expected and I'm so happy when I finally get out of the car.
Surprisingly I meet the queen at the entrance and it looks like she is now going out.
"How did it go?" She asks when I get to her.
"They surprisingly asked a lot of intimidating questions but I was okay. I followed your advice. It really helped." She smiles at me.
"Are you tending to some royal duties?" I ask and she contemplates for a while.
"Something like that."
"And when are we going to continue the mentoring session." She smiles even wider.
"Soon, there're just somethings I have to handle on my own."
I nod at her reply.
"Oh, and before I forget. The maids told me Ethan hasn't eaten anything since morning."
Worry immediately sets in.
"Is he okay?"
"I don't know, but please check up on him and make sure he eats something. He just returned from the hospital." She says the last statement more to herself.
"Sure, I'll make sure he eats."
Katherine smiles at me before walking towards the cars which soon drives away with her.
Is it me or there's something really on her mind.
I need to get back to helping her, maybe I can take some of her workload off.
Now to my mate.
- Writer
