And Her Name Is Estelle

Chapter 2: Under Pressure

The early rays of the sun were starting to pierce through the night sky as the gang of men finally made their way back to the castle. They all wordlessly hopped out of the vehicles and quickly rushed to their assigned positions. Two of the unranked lycans worked together to carry the stranger. The other five dispersed. The castle was massive, but fortunately, the East gate was closest to the King's chambers. All took different routes, avoiding the night watch to avoid questions.

The men carrying the heavily armored body struggled much more than the others who only had themselves to worry about. Her breathing was getting heavier by the minute, and she started to sweat. It was bad; her scent was getting harder to conceal. They started to wonder if getting her there quietly was an impossible task. A few close encounters happened here and there, but luckily everyone was able to go undetected.

Rushing in, the two men lay the woman on top of the covers in his bed. Everyone took notice of her declining condition and posted up in various corners of his room. The King stepped up and looked at her closely. His hand instinctively reached out and moved stray strands of hairs that covered her face away. Again, he took her face in. Everyone exchanged glances at one another. He was oblivious to their actions until the Royal Physician walked into the room. Noticing what he was doing, he quickly withdrew his hand and locked eyes with the person coming in.

"Jacob must still be away at the conference. It would explain why I could only feel you," the King stated.

"Apologies my King, he isn't due to return until later tonight due to an unforeseen delay. I will have to do for now," he bowed. Quickly, he walked in and closed the door behind him. He scanned the room to get a feel of the atmosphere until his eyes landed on the person on the bed. The physician walked over to her and examined her face. His brows furrowed together momentarily before returning to a neutral expression.

"I originally thought one of you had been hurt, seeing as short and stocky over there is a regular in the clinic," he jabbed at the nameless follower who was stationed by the windows.

"Tsk. Quit yappin' about me Doc, I ain't what you're here for," he grunted while trying to hide the smirk playing at the corners of his lips. He scoffed and moved his hand above her forehead. Right before he touched her, there was a slight spark.

"That's new," the Gamma sang.

"My King, the most I can do for now is administer a potion I have on hand. It should help alleviate the side effects of mana-exhaustion. She will wake up soon after she has gotten enough rest."

"Is that really all?"

"Yes. She's used up a considerable amount of her powers and still uses them even now. Defensive magic isn't hard to break normally, but this feels older than what we're used to. Luckily, I've already started my Old Magic studies," Doc smiled softly.

"If you would," the King gestured. Doc rummaged through his medical bag and pulled out a vial.

"I'll have to use some counter-magic of my own to get her to drink."

Runes formed on his arms and the light radiated just barely. He parted open her lips and poured the liquid down her throat. Something unexpected happened.

The woman's hair slowly changed. The color of pure white crept down, starting from her scalp, eventually glowing once all her locks were changed. Her body began to emit a soft light. Everyone tensed up at the sight at first but soon relaxed when the power they felt was different from before. Instead of the harsh malice that originally plagued her being, it now felt warm and comforting. Her unsteady breathing from before calmed itself and her face that was twisted with pain turned serene. The light eventually faded and she returned to normal.

"That said, while I still have a lot to learn about the Old World, it doesn't take a decorated scholar to recognize her attire," he said, examining her armor. "It seems I might have missed some details?"

"Right, our King here is so great at explaining things when he mindlinks," the Gamma chuckled and smirked at the King who awkwardly scratched his head.

"Right... I suppose I might have left out a detail or two," the King rebutted.

"No worries, I've got it," the Beta started, "Of course, it should go without saying that everything said here must stay between us. No one else can know anything as of this moment."

"Of course," Doc nodded.

The Beta gave a brief yet thorough description of the events that took place in the middle of the night. When he was done explaining, everyone looked back at Doc waiting for his response. He nodded.

"I see why you are gathering the Council, this is the best course of action," Doc looked at her again.

"This trinket," he said, pointing to the star-shaped pendant that roused the King's lycan earlier, "Did it not offend you my King?"

"You know what that is?" The King rose a brow.

"Not exactly. I can only make a conjecture based on what I know. It's faint, and you could miss it if you weren't searching for it, but there is a touch of Wolfsbane in it."

"As much as I want to take the armor and seize her equipment, I'd rather keep her in something familiar in hopes that it is a form of goodwill when she wakes. I don't want to run the risk of fighting her if she wakes up enraged," the King stated.

Doc nodded.

"Well... It's not like it's enough to actually harm any of us. It's some sort of charm. Again, this isn't modern magic. I'd have to do some research on it and wait to see what my mentor has to say about it."

A wash of relief overcame the room, but it was short-lived. As they all congregated in the king's room, they smelled a familiar scent.

"Oh s**t," The Beta breathed. " There is no way...has she caught on already?"

The King dragged his hand down his face and rested it on his chin, clearly annoyed.

"Look, I could attempt to get rid of her, but we all know how much of a waste of time that would be because of who she's really here to see," Gamma snickered.

Rhythmic knocks tapped on the door and everyone stood still frozen in space. All heads turned to look at the King, whose annoyance did not budge in the slightest.

"Your majesty," cooed the voice.

"You could always use your command to make her go away," the Beta mindlinked with a grimace.

"You know I hate doing that. It would only make her more curious anyway-"

"May I come in," the question interrupted their silent conversation.

The King stiffly walked to the door, and cracked it open enough for his body to be seen, while blocking his background. In front of him was a petite blonde who looked like a shorter version Devon Windsor. Her hair was tucked back into an elegant low bun, with wispy strands that framed her face. Her tan skin was complimented by her mid-length, white silk robe that hugged her body and exposed her cleavage. She looked up at him through her lashes and gave him a slight smile.

"Octavia."

"Lord Adnois," she purred. "I was looking for you last night, but then I couldn't find you. Did you leave somewhere?"

"If I did, I shouldn't think I'd have to report it to you," he said flatly.

Her brow twitched slightly and, for a brief moment, her smile faltered. Her poise returned as she breathed out and straightened her back. Her eyes left the king and attempted to peer behind him.

"Was there something you needed?"

"I'm not sure what your reasoning is for trying to keep quiet, but if you think I didn't feel it, it'd be an insult to my pride. What was that out there," her eyes narrowed.

"I was on my way to get answers before you came. However, for some reason, I don't think that's the reason you came to my room. It had to have been something else."

"Well, we were supposed to be getting better acquainted. You missed dinner again last night, so I figured I would come to you," she reached out to take his hand into hers, and moved it to cup her face. The King stiffened under her touch, but before anything more could happen, they were interrupted by someone clearing their voice.

"I believe we are pressed for time, my King," the Gamma said loudly.

Octavia glared when he came into view behind the King.

"You-," she started.

"If there is nothing else, then you are dismissed. I have other matters to attend to," he confirmed. He walked forward, causing Octavia to step back, and shut the door behind him.

"I could always help you and-"

"No. Octavia, you are a guest here. If I allow you to help, that would make it look as though your King is weak. Everything is under control for now, but until we have definite answers, I am going to have to ask you to return to your chambers," he said sternly.

She looked as though she was about to say something else, but instead, bowed and walked back in the direction from which she came. As soon as she was out of sight, the King rushed off in the opposite direction, hoping to get answers before the mystery woman woke up.