The Departed and Return, Princess of Lyconia

Catching up

QUEENS POV

“Oh dad, we’ve been so busy lately with the twins and the recent rogue attacks in the smaller territories that we had to keep postponing visiting you and mom. How’s mom doing? Any improvements?” I asked dad, as I linked arms with him as we walked into my childhood home.

I grinned walking into the massive house as memories assailed me, remembering the days of my childhood and younger years before finally meeting my mate and future King.

I looked up, when a familiar face opened the door.

“Welcome home, your highness” a young man greeted as he held the door open for me and my father.

“Derek?!” I squealed and let go of my father to grasp my old friend’s hands. “How are you? How’s your mama? It’s so good to see you again!” I exclaimed excitedly.

It had been some years since I’ve been home, and members of the pack were more like family than Omegas around the house. I remember when we were much younger, and this young man, back then a small boy, followed me around like a love-sick puppy.

“I am well your highness, and my mama is doing just as well, we’ve been taking care of each other. She’s happy as long as I am happy” he shrugged as he gazed down at my protruding belly. “Congratulations, to you and the King on your pregnancy” and bowed to me.

“No need to be so formal Derek, I am home and your one of my oldest friends, we can catch up later alright?” I asked and eyed my father walking away towards the parlor.

I looked behind me looking for Harold, but he seemed busy instructing his second in command Beta Jason and third in command Reece.

“Please tell my husband, when he enters, that I will be waiting for him in the parlor, catching up with my parents.” I stated, slowly walking away, only realizing that he was the one still holding my hands.

He let them go and nodded, “Yes, your highness” and bowed once more. I rolled my eyes at him still addressing me formally, then followed my father. Not looking back at Derek who was staring at me fiercely watching me retreat from his post at the door.

Entering the parlor shortly after my dad, I see my mother sitting regally on the lounge in the corner with a book in her lap, waiting for my father’s return as he strides towards her.

“Well look who finally came to grace us with her presence my dear” he said to mom, helping her sit up more comfortably on the lounge so that he could sit alongside her.

‘Mother looks so frail El’ Jun said to me sadly.

‘Mother has been sick Jun, the last I heard she doesn’t have much time left, something to do with a sickness that she’s had for quite some time’ I responded.

‘Is there nothing any doctor, royal doctor, fairy, witch, whatever that could help her?’ she asks determined for an answer.

‘No Jun, I had everyone in the Kingdom medically and magically trained to come and try to heal her. Nothing can be done,’ I sniffed as tears gathered in my eyes, sorrow filling my heart at the thought of losing my mom.

‘I really wish I came to visit more often; I was just so busy the past few years that time just passed by’ I said regrettably

‘Its okay El, no need for regrets or wishing what could have been. Just enjoy your time now with mother, soak every bit of it up’ she said doing her best to lighten the mood.

‘Ok Jun, I will do my best’ I promised her.

“My lovely, Ellie belly!” my mother greeted with my childhood nickname, spreading her frail arms up at me as I walked towards her.

I cringed at the mention of that old nickname and bent down to give her a long hug, “Hello mama! I’ve missed you so much!” Once we released each other, we both giggled as we looked at one another because we looked so silly with tears in our eyes.

“Oh goodness, were such sissies!” my mother said swiping her tears away. “I’m such a mess! It’s as if I didn’t have a strong bone left in this weak body of mine,” she laughed it off.

“It’s alright mama. How are you? I’m so sorry we’ve been gone so long, it's like time just sped up and it’s almost years later.”

“Oh honey, I’m alright. They say I still have time; no one knows what’s wrong with me. Not even my wolf Callie knows. Each day our energy and power are being sucked out of us, little bit by little bit. We haven’t been able to shift in years. I can barely hear Callie now too. All I can do now, is wait it out until I have nothing left” she sighed sadly.

“Oh mama!” I whined, not ready to lose my mother. “Quit that Ellie, you’re a strong woman and a Queen at that! Everything will be fine, have faith my sweet” trying to encourage me.

Sitting beside my father, I admired my frail yet beautiful mother and admired their love, getting sad to think of them a part. Back when I was younger, she always stood tall a strong warrior, training hard along with my dad and the other warriors. Always fierce and protective while fighting, then soft and caring when needed. My father always supported her in all their adventures, and he was there when she needed him even now. They were so cute together!

Trying to hide my tears, I waddled away to pour us all some water. Finding it hard to not let my emotions get the best of me, seeing my strong mother so weak and frail. She had lost a lot of weight and the taught muscles in her arms seemed like just skin and bones now. Even though I knew that she was taken care of well here at home, no one could ignore the faint whisper of death nearby.

‘I tried to greet mother, but I can barely hear or feel her’ Jun whimpered feeling sad as Callie was Juniper’s wolf mother.

‘Oh Jun, I feel so helpless!’ Here I am, Queen of our Realm, yet I could do nothing! I hear Juniper whimper as she retreats.

“Mother there just has to be something that can be done! Please don’t give up.” I begged as I handed them their waters and sat down on the floor and laid my head on her lap.

“Mom, do you remember that time when I was just a pup and you took me to the pond not that far from here to feed the ducks?” I asked her.

“Yes, my sweet. I always loved walking you out there, watching you feed the ducks and their ducklings, laughing and giggling happily. You were the cutest little pup ever! At the time, you loved having your hair put up in pig tails too and wearing your prettiest little dresses. My red-haired princess” she remembered while stroking my hair.

“Well do you remember that last day we were out there and got attacked by rogues?” I asked her, going back in time.