By the Will of the Fairy

POV William Ferguson  Although no emotion was currently showing on my face, my heart was thundering in my  chest. Anger pulsated through my veins. I could not believe I was standing in front of the fairy queen’s guards awaiting punishment for something that I had not done. Yet, I was no fool. I knew how it went with werewolves. We did not get the same trials as a fairy offense. We had a different set of rules altogether. Minor crimes against fairies were major crimes for werewolves. As a matter of fact, things that were not crimes at all for fairies were crimes for us. Just the fact that I was a werewolf in the fairy’s kingdom meant that I was guilty of whatever they thought that I was guilty of.  I was seen as weak. After all, no werewolf voluntarily lived here unless they had no hope or protection of a pack. Although it was a well-known fact throughout the kingdom, it did not matter that I was dropped here as an infant. I had no choice. I was placed with a werewolf family and did not know of any of my past until I had my first shift. I was not one of the weak and simple-minded werewolves that came here voluntarily only to be treated as third-class citizens. As a matter of fact, if I had a choice, I would not be in this hellhole at all. The truth of the matter is that I would never choose to live among heartless fairies. Especially knowing their hatred for part of me. I was a hybrid and if they knew that I was a hybrid, and I had demon blood, I would be killed. Painfully and slowly. There was nothing that they hated more than demons. Troops of fairies would ride out nearly every night to hunt and kill them. Inwardly I felt a cold chill up my spine when I saw several guards come my way. I took a deep breath. It was time to face my punishment. Queen Shyanne I was annoyed. I was queen after all.  I wondered why I was the one that had to take care of something so trivial. Inside I sighed with annoyance. I knew that my husband was leading a raid because our son Robert had gone missing again. It was his responsibility to oversee the trials involving werewolves. Lately, he was ignoring his responsibilities as crown prince. His disappearance was something that we had to address soon. After all, my husband and myself planned to step down soon and enjoy our advancing age together. It was also frustrating seeing my husband go on a demon raid that was also the responsibility of my son and daughter. I watched with little to no interest as my royal guards brought in the werewolf. It annoyed me to no end that so many werewolves were always breaking rules and laws. They would show up at our doorsteps with nowhere to go. They had either no pack or been kicked out of their packs. We never asked questions. We had been kind enough to allow them to live in our territory. We gave them employment and land, yet it was always one of them that was standing before us. We were always clear about the rules and laws of our land. We even had them to take a blood oath to swear that they would follow the laws and rules set forward.All they had to do was to do their job and live their lives.  Inwardly I sighed as I watched the guards walk the prisoner in. I looked at my assistant, “What is this wolf charged with?” I asked, never taking my eyes off of the wolf. I wanted to see his reaction to the charges and his punishment. Interestingly enough, he did not look afraid. If anything, he looked angry. He had a proud demeanor, even though he was a werewolf and facing charges in front of his queen. “He is charged with stealing.” My assistant said. Normally, during this time, I would announce his punishment. I never asked for the wolf's side nor did I care to hear it. I was in no mood for lies and excuses. If they were brought to trial, there was a reason. I had some of the best investigators that there were. The chances of them being innocent were impossible. My investigators were thorough.  It was something about this wolf that made me want to know more.I wanted to hear what he had to say.  From the look on his face I was doubtful if he would be humble, but I was curious if he would beg for mercy. “What was he charged with stealing?” I asked my surprised assistant. I had never asked him to explain the charges of a wolf before. He knew as well as I that it did not matter what the wolf was charged with stealing. Stealing was punishable by death when done by a wolf.  I glanced at my assistant who had already closed the folder. A few seconds passed as he fumbled through the papers,”He is accused of hunting and taking animals from the royal forest.” He said after a few moments. “Step forward.” I commanded. Although he did as I asked, he never did break eye contact with me. He stood in front of me with defiance written all over his face. I cannot lie, it intrigued me. By now, most werewolves are begging for mercy or understanding. This one did not. I narrowed my eyes,”You do understand that stealing from the royal forest is a crime punishable by death, don’t you? What do you have to say about this?” I asked. He looked at me as though I had said something that made no sense to him. “Not being able to eat is also a death sentence.” He snarled back at me.  I was taken aback by his impudence. “We have provided forests and gardens for werewolves. Are you telling your queen that we have not done enough?” I snapped. “ With all the respect that is due to my Queen, maybe you should check the forests allocated for wolves before you assume that we have plenty to eat.” He brazenly said. Although I was growing angry with this wolf, there was something about him that I admired.  Maybe it was his good looks. He was handsome, to say the least. He had tanned skin, long, curly black hair and eyes the color of deep, rich purple and blue. He was as tall as a warrior fairy with broad shoulders and muscles. Maybe it was because he showed no fear even though his life was in my hands. I did not know, but I knew that we could not have a fearless wolf in my kingdom. If he got to others, we could have a civil war on our hands. He needed to be humbled. Killing him would make him a martyr. I racked my brain for the perfect job for him. I smiled inside as an answer came to me. “Until you can prove yourself trustworthy, you are assigned to chamber pots.” I said with a smile. I leaned in toward him,” I promise you, I had better be able to see my reflection. If I can’t, I will have your head.”