LAST OF THE IMMINENT BEING (The Being Book 1)

C H A P T E R. 4

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     "He's taking classes in Business Economy and Political Science."

     "He's an honour student, all Advance classes. Probably be valedictorian."

     "Did you know, he transitioned at fifteen, but he's able to split form at any given moment... so rare."

     "He's basically like a Prodigy."

     "He is the befitting choice..."

     Befitting choice? 

     I'm sure if I wasn't royalty, I would've been treated like a Zeta, if not worse, a Solus. If I'm not being compared to the prestige of my father, or the elegance of my mother, then it's the academics and natural leadership of my younger brother.

     Bad enough I committed the grave sin of being born a female with a female werewolf, now I had to be born first too? I sometimes imagine a life where Tomas is my older brother instead of younger. Would I have been living easier? Would I have been happier? Would I have been accepted?

     Would my father have loved me too?

     I keep wondering about these things over and over again, as I'm nearing the permanency of my leadership. Maybe father has given up on me. Maybe that's why he's become colder these past couple of years. Maybe that's why he stopped talking to me... caring about me...

      Suddenly, Frazer's words find their way back into my thoughts.

     "We do not wish to contest your birthright. However, are you suitable to sit on the throne as your father recovers?" 

     "What are you trying to say, Frazer?"

     "Permit me to be straightforward and blunt. Your brother was groomed for the crown, you were born to it."

     "I'm being groomed as well. And I've actually taken my father's duties upon myself to fulfil on his behalf."

     "He is the befitting choice. I am sure your father would agree with my opinion, if he were well."

     "But that's it, your opinion."

     Frazer smiled at me as he adjusts his hood, his eyes shadowing a forewarning. "Indeed it is, but that is the remarkable thing about opinions is, if enough people share them, they become facts."

     So the befitting choice, huh? 

     "Your Highness?"

     These feelings of inadequacy have always haunted me. But now that I know just what everyone around me thinks, I want to prove them wrong. All of them. Every naysayer and whisperer behind my back. I want my name to be written in books, sung in songs, a lullaby in stories. 

     "Your Highness?"

     And I will do it my own way. Whether they like it or not. With or without their support. With or without my father's guidance.

     "Your Highness?"

     I will show them just what a queen is capable of. I will show them all.

     "Your Highness!"

     Suddenly pulled away from my thoughts, I look up from my laptop screen to find Ozzy peering down at me through his glasses, his murky blue eyes shining behind them. He has that look on his face - the one where he's preparing to lecture me about... something. It's always something. 

     "Have you checked the time?"

     Ah. Insomnia. I'm sure he wants to use a different choice of words, but submission won't let him speak too far out of turn. 

     "Its only five am." 

     "Exactly." He says, pursing his lips.

     "Fine, fine. Let me witness on these clan agreements, then I'll go to sleep."

      "Your Highness." Ozzy replies, with a weak attempt to sound stern and firm.

     "Okay then, I'll just reread through them."

     He sighs, raking his fingers through his thick auburn hair. "Princess Theresa, please. Go home and sleep."

     "But the-"

     "If you don't go home, I don't go home. And you promised me early evenings."

     I know he's right. Ozzy tends to be, which is why I chose him as my Attendant. Few Deltas are given such a high ranking position, which would usually be given to a Beta. But I'm royalty, so I choose who I work with. And Ozzy, despite his blood, is just too smart for his own good. I can't, in good consciousness, let such an intellect rot away in an office somewhere. 

     It also helps that he's the grandson of my governess, and with a life like mine, familiar is a rare luxury worth the scrutiny. 

     "Okay, okay, we'll go home."

     Ozzy's eyes light up—

     "Just after we approve my schedule for the new week."

     And then dim. I'm being a lot, I know, but every detail of my work has to be perfect to the second, even something as small as checking a schedule. I don't want to give the council any reason to oppose my ascension, even if they do have any control over it. Wanting to prove myself as a good leader is all I need right now. And I have a tendency to over-achieve, given the shadow cast over me by my own little brother. 

     Ozzy sits down in front of me and works through his laptop, most likely pulling up the schedule. After typing a couple of times, he looks up from his screen and smiles at me.

     "Nothing overlapping. Every appointment has already been confirmed, thrice. You are good to go as soon as you start the day on Monday."

     He's right. The i's are dotted and the t's crossed. He's even scheduled how long I'll be sleeping for, which is extremely accurate given how he's timed how long it'll take for me to get to my room, sleep, wake up, and get dressed for the day. Now all I have to do is sign it off.

     Training, including Lectures have my dawn.

     Meeting with the Elders for breakfast.

     Organising the Autumn Equinox at noon.

     Confirming territories between 1pm and 5pm.

     The Bloodline Academy Graduation speech for 6.

     The Valedictorian dinner.

     Seeing off the Graduates—wait...I'm sorry, what?

     My head shoots up just as Ozzy turns away and suddenly becomes intrigued by the art on the wall. It's the Goddess Selene kissing the moon, against the backdrop of a moonlit waterfall. But that's beside the point. He cannot feign innocence when he knows exactly why I'm shocked.

     "It's tradition," Ozzy starts, sheepishly lowering his head in very much deserving guilt, "Last year, your father did it."

     "And this year, my mother—who is still queen—can do it instead."

     He shakes his head as he closes his laptop, straightening his back to give me a firm look. "See this as cementing your legitimacy to the throne. If the future generation of Alphas, Betas, Gammas, and Deltas recognise your crown, you won't have any problems with acceptance."

      He makes a damn well good point and I sigh, knowing he's right. But... "Okay, I understand the graduation speech, but the Valedictorian Dinner?"

     "Yes."

     "Oscar Burnes-"

     "Your Highness, with all due respect, you're not even sure if he'll win the Valedictorianship."

      "It's obvious he will. It's all I've been hearing. The teachers can't help it, they gush about him every time they see my face. Like they're rubbing it in."

      Ozzy smiles warmly at me, a gesture so small yet reassuring. "If it is him, congratulate him, and see him off as the Alpha he will soon become."

      Once again, I know he's right, and that's annoying now. I remember when I first appointed Oscar Burnes. The elders, including my father, vehemently disagreed. They kept saying how there were much better Beta candidates. But blood wasn't enough for me. I needed an advisor, a diplomate, and most importantly, a friend. And Ozzy keeps proving to me why he's my right choice, every single time. 

      Finally, I relent. With a heavy heart, I sign off the schedule. Now all I have to do is go home and wait for Monday. Ozzy closes the office for me, and all but shoves me into the arms of my personal guards. He has a mate to return to, and the longer I lag, the longer his Being cries out in desperation to be reunited with Her other half. 

     My bedroom is surprisingly welcoming. Falling asleep isn't that hard to do at all. And for once, I don't dream at all. It's a dark empty abyss that swallows me and offers a short time of peaceful nothingness. 

     But for some odd reason, I have an unnerving feeling in my chest. Like something is amiss. Like I'm forgetting something. 

     Something important. 

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     "They will not be returning." Pepper huffs, gently brushing through my hair. 

     "Hmm... why?"

     Pepper blows air out of her nose as she reaches over and pulls out a hair-tie from the drawer to tie the half braid she plated on my head. She's extra moody this morning. She doesn't answer my question, most likely because saying it out loud will piss her off even more.

      Between the twins, Piper is always more emotional than Pepper, whereas Pepper is more reserved than her. Which makes little difference because they both rarely initiate a conversation unless it's important. So for Pepper to not only be upset but to speak as well, something must've gone bad, and I have a bitter feeling I know what it is.

      "Pepper, why won't those Zetas be coming back?"

     Pepper exchanges a glance with Piper, the latter clearly sending warnings in her eyes. A look I catch from their reflections in the mirror. I'm sure they think I don't see their silent conversation. They're probably contemplating how to give me the baby food version, in a genuine attempt to spare my feelings. But I'm a big girl, and as the future Queen, I should be trusted to handle all types of news, even in the smallest matters, such as domestic.

      "It's not a big deal. I'm just happy they didn't get to see me naked." I snicker lightly, hoping to crack a smile on their faces.

     They don't smile. Not even a little bit. They're so difficult to amuse, even at my own detriment. But I guess they're just so loyal that the thought of even agreeing to my self-mocking is as good as insulting me to my face. Piper and Pepper are just so dang serious all the time. 

     "They should be punished, and removed from the service of the Royal Family," Pepper says. "They don't deserve that honour."

     I shrug, not caring much about domestic politics. "If it makes you feel better, do as you will." I say to them. "Just make sure Lady Hazel okays it."

     Pepper smiles, much to Piper's dismay. They know that even though Lady Hazel is my Governess, they have more power than her. And Pepper doesn't take too kindly to disrespect.

     "Your Highness, announcing the arrival of Queen Sophia."

     "Let her in."

     Piper and Pepper immediately bow as mother enters the room in her royal attire. Truly, I completely understand the adoration that follows her. Her skin, a beautiful light tan, glows brightly as if personally kissed by the sun, her hair just as golden and glorious. Mother's eyes shine a gentle green, seemingly endless in love and kindness. And her smile can start traffic. If the gods lived and walked on earth, mom would've probably been mistaken and worshipped like one. She's just that beautiful.

     Whereas I... that's for another day.

     "Mother, I wasn't expecting you this morning."

     Mother's lips curve upwards in loving ways as she looks towards the twins. "Thank you for all your labour. Now, if you may, please give us the room."

     "Yes, Your Grace." They say in complete unison, before bowing deeply and leaving the room. 

     Once they're gone, mom drops onto my bed and throws her hands over her head as she lays back. "Your father means well. I know this, but he is exasperating sometimes."

     "You saw father this morning?" I ask, turning on my seat to face her. 

     "Yes, just to update him on kingdom affairs, and the results of the Council meeting—which he's requesting a full report of by tomorrow, including the contents of the envelope."

     Oh s**t. The envelope, that's what I completely forgot about. But it's all the way in my office, and Ozzy has all but banned me from coming in. He calls this little break: The calm before the storm. 

     And I'm pretty sure he wants an excuse for quality time with his mate. 

     "How is he? Is his condition changing for the better?"

     Mother, not having realised I changed the subject, sighs loudly. She's graceful and elegant, even when she's being dramatic in her theatrics. "Bated breath, Theresa. Doctor Parkers has removed me from his case. I am being updated like a family member."

     Which is what she is, but that's not the reason she's upset. Queen Sophia Annamaria Prisca has an MD-PhD, and when she isn't fulfilling her duties as Queen Sophia, she's Head Royal Doctor S. Prisca. So, if anything, mother is more upset that Doctor Parkers, her direct subordinate, is using her relations to the king as a reason to keep her on a need to know basis.

     And she hates being in the dark, but she has to follow the law, even if it's human laws. 

      "Let's not discuss your father." She says, suddenly sitting up. "Come. I've checked with Ozzy, and your Sunday is completely empty. Let's have a mommy-daughter date?"

     "I can't."

     "And why not?" Mother pouts, a beautiful frown creasing her eyebrows.

     "I have to prepare for the graduation speech."

     An understanding look crosses her eyes, and then a warm smile graces her face. "You will do fine, my love."

     I wish I could believe her, but suddenly remembering those five Zeta females who didn't show up this morning, I can't help but feel repulsed by her kindness. I'm sure if she had offered them employment in her chambers, they would've fought to work for her. But me? They didn't even spend a full day here.. A brief encounter with me and they requested a transfer. 

     Fine isn't good enough. Not for me.

     "I always make sure I do more than fine." I scowl, noting the sudden hardness in my voice. "I don't need you to tell me."

     Mother is taken aback by my sudden shift, but I can't bring myself to apologise for being cold. Though my father favours Tomas, I know she's trying to over compensate for him. The love she showers me with isn't because she loves me - which I know she does, as far as a mother's love can reach - but because my father hates me. I'm sure she's the one that convinced him to give me the crown instead of Tomas. Which would explain why she's being so encouraging.

     I mean, what can be the reason other than the fact that she feels sorry for me? Mother is a charitable person, and what greater pity can there be other than her discarded cursed daughter?

     "Thanks for stopping by, but I really need to start working." I say, nearly biting my lip in regret. Why can't I stop speaking to her like that?

     Mother's face falls a bit, before she quickly collects herself and nods. "Right, yes, I'll leave you to it...if you do end up changing your mind, I'll be at the spa. I'll keep a chair open for you."

     "Noted." 

     Mother walks to the door, which opens at the sound of her footsteps. As soon as she leaves, I pull out my second laptop from the drawer of my vanity table, and open up my emails. My speech is still in word format. I have a lot of editing to do, but at least it'll stop me from thinking about the dejected look on my mother's face.

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