Ravenna: She who struck back

Chapter 11: An invitation? A command

/-Ravenna-/

"There are six members in total besides the Alpha. You already know the first two who are the most notable, after Lady Aviendha, the seer."

My eyes grew large, "There's a seer?"

"Yes," Chesmal nodded quickly, "Many say she's just a mad wolf while others say she sees too much but the Alpha values her a lot."

I processed her words then nodded, "That's very convenient."

"I haven't seen her myself and from what I have heard, she is constantly in recluse and barely sees anyone else but the Alpha but she still is a member of the council."

Again, I nodded, waiting for her to continue.

"Then, there's Lord Brymore, the leader of the patrol guards. He's a frosty looking man who is very calculating. You should stay away from him," She said with a hint of wariness in her voice which made my brows arc.

"There's also Lady Isla who is in charge of the noble court and alliances. She's very respected. Lastly, we have Lord Thorin and Lord Saul. Those two just exist as religious relics if you ask me."

Again, silence descended upon us which I took advantage of to silently chant the names of the people she had listed so I could commit them to memory.

If these were people who held the most power after Mael, then I needed to know them all.

Chesmal leaned into me, with an expression that looked disturbed, "Many say the council is split into factions. Those who want the Alpha to take a Luna, they have been supporting Lord Eldrich for months while the others believe the curse is true and is too risky."

The curse again...

My curiosity was growing through the roof the more she mentioned it and I really wanted to know what it was.

The problem now was who I was going to ask, who would trust me enough to reveal it to me.

Mael?

The council members?

How laughable...

Letting a sharp breath of air through my nostrils, I turned my gaze back to the silver crest over the fireplace, "What about the people?Are they...content?"

Aeloria was vastly different from Virelith in many ways.

We didn't have so many customs and people bearing power.

My Father stood at the helm and there was Nolan.

I had no idea which of the rulerships would serve the people more, I guess it all depended on how much the ruler was willing to do for them.

Chesmal grimaced.

A look she probably didn't know she made then pursed her lips, "They are loyal to the crown."

"Aeloria isn't an easy place to live in," She sighed. "The winters are harsh and rogues roam the Wildlands but thankfully, Alpha Mael keeps the peace. He does it himself if he has to and he has managed to keep the southern borders in check as well as hold back the rogues."

That explained why he was in the woods and had been able to save me.

"Strength breeds loyalty as much as fear and Alpha Mael is a powerful man."

"You seem to be fond of your Alpha," I nodded, letting go of my spoon as my appetite began to slowly slip away.

"I respect him," She corrected her brows wrinkling slightly, "I just don't understand him."

That made two of us.

Even after hearing so much, I didn't understand a thing about Mael or what his intentions towards me are.

All I knew was that he was insistent on making sure I stayed.

The reason for which eluded me.

A short while later, Chesmal rose and stepped back a few paces away from me, "If there is nothing else to do, My Lady, I will take my leave now."

"It's Ravenna."

"Huh?" she muttered in confusion and I smiled, "My name, it's Ravenna."

Her eyes filled with understanding and then she gave me a small smile as well before turning to leave, her footsteps echoing in the hallways after she closed the door.

I sat in silence, exhaling intermittently for a while then stood up and wandered to the window, pushing the window aside so I could look out to the darkening skies beyond.

There were no stars and the sky seemed gloomy, properly representing my state of mind.

My thoughts roared and memories resurfaced, each one more painful than the last.

My gaze drifted back to my wrist and everything paused at the sight of the mark which I began to trace my other finger over.

For some odd reason, It was a soothing action.

The skies grew darker and the night dragged on until a soft knock sounded at the door.

I crossed the room and pulled it open.

"Good evening, Lady Ravenna," Chesmal curtsied, her eyes darting behind me into the room as though uncertain of how to put her thoughts into words.

"The Alpha has requested your presence."

My eyes flickered.

"He wants you to have dinner with him at the great hall."

At her subsequent explanation, I crossed my arm, "Requested?"

Chesmal nodded, then brought out a parchment that was similar to the editorial scrolls my Father was always scribbling on in his private chambers, "It's written right here."

Did he think a verbal command wasn't offensive enough that he had to write it down as well?

I took it from her and unfolded the small parchment, revealing neatly inked words, "You are to join me for dinner at the great hall, do not delay."

No name, no sign, nothing.

Just an order with a tone that gave off the impossibility of refusal.

I squeezed the note and without a second thought, I tossed it into the fire, watching the flames swallow it then turned to Chesmal who swallowed thickly, "Should I get you something to wear my Lady?"

"No," I said, a little too sharp.

My voice lowered to a soft tone, "There's no need, I'll go like this."

I had no idea what Mael thought he was doing or what game he was playing but I wasn't going to doll myself up like some prize.