Chapter 100

• HAERA
• It's funny how things suddenly took a turn for the worse Starting from my sudden sickness to the meeting with the council where I was summoned a week ago. Yes. It's been a week since it all happened. A week since I had no choice but to stand in front of the oldest men and women in the pack while they hurled words at me and called me out for failing at my duty and deceiving them and the entire pack. Their words still linger and ring in my ears till date and when I remember them, I only get angry; at myself, at the clueless mate who caused everything and at the council for being so insensitive and focused on their pack and things haven't been the same since it all happened. Including my relationship with Zachary. I still remember the fear and sadness in his eyes when I yelled at him that very day after I returned from the meeting. He was just being his usual self, trying to comfort me with his brain the size of a 10 year old but all I saw right then was a man who ruined everything worked for. Everything I have done for him. Things changed a lot between us as I waited and dreaded the day for the meeting of the summoned Alpha's of the other packs and the council. He stopped being clingy to me and just does what he is told to do. He still sleeps beside me but every night, it is with his back turned to me and not cuddling like he always does. He wakes up early and doesn't even bother waking me. Most times, I am always awake and aware of his eyes on me for long seconds as if contemplating what to do before he finally leaves the room. He now takes his bath on his own and would eat whatever is cooked for him by the maids because I don't even have the strength or the time to cook anymore. My attention and focus was on how to put the meeting of the council in my favour. It was as if that one single angry moment I had totally changed him. I wasn't sure if I liked his new self but I hardly paid any attention because I was in a pickle of my own and I knew Alan would be around to watch him. He was both the top and the least of my problems. Each day of the past week dragged on and on like it would never end. The days might have been normal for others but mine was filled with hope, sadness and at the end of each day, disappointment. My hope and disappointment stemmed from the fact that I was waiting for a response from my father who I had sent words to after leaving the council meeting and getting to know that he and the other Alpha had to be in attendance to give either their support or their oppositions to the appointment of a new Alpha. I knew it was only right that I informed him of the situation first before he arrived for the meeting and that was what I did regardless of how scared I was that my father would be disappointed in me because of all that has happened in the past week and beyond. I wrote to him and sent Alan to deliver my message secretly to my father. My letter had all of the needed information about the things that have happened since I got here and enough to keep him updated about the issue going on. The only problem now was that he hasn't sent me a response and it has kept me on edge. I counted each day since the day I sent the letter to him and they never failed to disappoint me. I would keep my ears out for words like "you have a letter, Princess Haera." Or "A letter came for you, princess Haera." But they never came. Not even letters that are in no way related to the one I was expecting came. Nothing. Each day, I think of new things and new reasons why my father must have failed to give me a response while I waited and while the day of the meeting drew near. Each passing day was like torture and I just wanted to lay on my bed until it's all over but I still had to attend to pack matters as much as it annoyed me. And now today is the day, the final day and the day of the meeting. I was in my room getting dressed with Opaline taking it upon herself to touch up my makeup and dress me. We did everything in silence as if she knew silence was what I needed right then. Zachary was nowhere to be found but I assumed he was somewhere with Alan. Alan probably knows I need my space and took him with him somewhere and for some reason, I knew Zachary must have been eager to go with him too considering how strained our relationship has been. I was nervous but I tried to hide it. I really could lose my shit if I stand in front of those men and women once again only to hear them say things I really didn't want to hear. The meeting was in a few moments from now and I wasn't even looking forward to it. "All done." Opaline said and I nodded then breathed in. Opaline placed a hand on my shoulder and gave me an encouraging smile. "It's going to be alright." She said. It didn't look like it was going to be alright but I nodded. I didn't know what else to say and what fight to put up. Once the two Alpha's support the appointment of Tybalt,then it's all over. My father has probably arrived and is at the meeting now. I stood up and prepared myself for the inevitable. I stepped out of my room while Opaline followed behind me. I was only halfway through the entrance of the Alpha's chambers when a guard ran in and stopped in front of me. "Princess Haera, you have a guest." He announced. I frowned because what I really wanted to hear was that I had gotten a letter with my father's response. "Whoever it is can wait, I have a meeting to be at." I said and moved to sidestep the guard but he was quicker. "The guest says it is very important that he meets you." The guard tried again. I shook my head. "I do not have time for this. Deliver my message to that guest that I have a meeting in ten minutes and I can't afford to be late." Someone stepped in before the guard's opened mouth could form words. "I'm sure you can spare those ten minutes for your father, can't you Namia?" The voice shocked me just as the words did. I was stunned to find my father in the room, walking towards me with a cape and a hood to cover his head. With that look, it was obvious that he shouldn't be here. "Dad!" I cried and ran into his arms. He caught me and wrapped his big hands around me. I breathed in that familiar homely scent that I haven't sniffed in weeks since I left the pack. I missed him so much. "Common, let's find a quiet place, I can't be seen here." He whispered, letting me go. I nodded and pulled him along with me after telling Opaline to wait outside the chambers for me and not allow anyone to come into my room. I led my father into my room and the moment we got there, I threw myself into his arms again. He chuckled and held me there. "What took you so long?" I cried. "I'm so sorry my dear." He soothed. "I sent a letter, I told you all that was going on but you didn't even send words back to me. Do you know how bad it's been for me here? How much I want to go back home and away from this mess?" He let me go so he would look me in the eyes. "I really am sorry my dear daughter, I had my reasons. Your letter got to me in good time and all I wanted was to jump on the next carriage I could get my hands on and come rushing to you but considering how strict the committee is, I couldn't. I couldn't even send words back because of how delicate the situation is. I am required to either give support or be opposed to their decision and so sending a letter to you could cause suspicion that I got compromised because you are my daughter." My father's explanation all made sense to me but it only made tears leave my eyes again. I was just worried for nothing. My father was only looking out for me. "Oh dad." I cried and hugged him again. "It's all over now my dear. You're going to be fine. Not just because you are my daughter but because I won't sit back and let that horrible wolf get crowned as the Alpha of this pack on my watch." The determination in his voice was sound and clear and it gave me all the assurance I needed. "Thank you so much dad." He only smiled. "Common, we have only a few minutes till the meeting starts. I shall go before you to avoid arousing suspicions." He said and I nodded while I watched him turn around and leave. He suddenly stopped and turned back to look at me. "Your mother sent her regards. She really wishes she could be here with you." He said and then turned to leave. I smiled. My parent's assurance of love and support was all I needed to put me back in the right frame of mind. I washed the dried tears off my face and touched it up with makeup again. I had barely five minutes left and so I rushed out of the Alpha's chambers after my father left. I made my way to the throne room where the meeting was meant to be held. I took in harsh breaths and let them out before stepping into the room. It was filled up as always and the once rowdy room from the murmurs of the crowd turned silent once they sensed my presence. I felt their eyes follow me as I made for the throne of the Luna that was my usual seat. From the side of my eyes, I caught sight of my father on the left side with a few dignitaries and I didn't fail to notice the Alpha of the last pack on the woodlands standing dutifully beside him with his own dignitaries. His presence soothed me more than I have ever been since I started coming for these meetings. As usual, the men and women of the council stood on the right side and were more in number than the people on the left. I could boldly say I recognized each and everyone of them because of all the times I've been here and the way they position themselves probably in order of status and rank. Maybe it was the reason why I noticed a new and different face among them, standing beside the spokesperson,Jared. Only the face wasn't entirely new. In fact it was so familiar and it brewed the kind of emotion I was really meant to have inside of me. Hatred and anger directed at none other than the man who has been the very foundation of all these but that the council has been so insensitive to even think about him. Tybalt. He stood beside them like he deserved to be there and not in hell where he belonged for all the atrocities he had committed. Seeing him looking so free and innocent while Zachary was totally out of it only made my blood boil in anger and if it wasn't for the fear of ruining my chances today, I would have delivered a blow to that face of his. Not to even mention that he was smirking at me with the usual look of mischief in his eyes. The council were fast in finding him and getting him here, no doubt. It was as if it's always been his and their plan all along but I didn't want my mind to wander down that lane. So I wouldn't regret it, I looked away from him and continued to my throne where I sat and as soon as I got there everyone in the room was now in reverence. "The meeting shall begin now." Jared announced and stepped forward as the spokesperson. I calmed my nerves because I was assured my father was there with me. I looked over to him just in time and he gave me another reassuring smile that I returned. "Without wasting too much of our time, we all know what it is we have come to do here. The agenda of this meeting is for the betterness of the packs of woodlands at large. It is no news that the Alpha of this pack is not in the right state of mind to rule over the pack and his mate has also refused to be crowned Luna in his stead. However, the pack cannot be left in care of a mate who isn't even marked yet or has the right to make important decisions." Jared paused his obviously long speech for effect. Everyone silently watched him. "And neither can we let a man whose mental health is derailed, to be in charge of a pack as big as this one when there is an alternative. It is why we summoned all Alphas because according to tradition, your approvals are needed to dethrone an Alpha and crown another in place of him." Jared finally stated the agenda. More silence. "Come forward, Alpha Prince Tybalt." Jared called and Tybalt stepped forward with a spring in his steps and with pride obviously in the way he walked. I wanted to cut those legs off so bad. "This is the one and only eligible person for the throne and we can all agree that a throne cannot be left empty when there is a butt to fill it." The other men of the council nodded their approval while the other side that had my father and the Alpha of the last pack in the woodlands remained unimpressed and silent. "All that is needed is the approval of the Alphas of the woodlands pack or an opposition but of course, with tangible reasons." Jared spelt out the tangible reasons part as if he knew the men would outrightly oppose him. "Over to you, Alphas." Jared said. I looked in the direction of my father and waited with bated breath for what would happen next. I was surprised when the other Alpha stepped out when I expected my father to. "I am honored at the opportunity given to be here. But I can't help but notice that the "alternative" you have brought out is the same man who attempted an attack on the Alpha of the imperial pack. Not once but twice at that?" The old man stated. Jared shifted uncomfortably on a foot. Did he think he would have what he wanted that easy? "He is the Alpha Prince and the only one fit for the throne." "So you'd rather have a thoughtless traitor on the throne?" The Alpha bit back. "What other options do we have?" Jared bit back. "I am surprised that he isn't dead right now or in jail. Do you need a tangible reason for my opposition? I have one. He is a traitor! One who wouldn't hesitate to do the same thing he did to his brother to any one of us here. It might be you tomorrow because he just doesn't like the way you sound as a spokesperson!" Silence fell in the room and even I didn't have to say anything because there really was nothing I could say. I just watched. Jared seemed to be at a loss for words. "So we have one opposition." He finally found his voice. He turned to my father and my father came forward as well. "What's your take on this, Alpha Jarvold?" Jared asked my father. "The only thing that bothers me asides a traitor sitting on the throne is a council that fails to stick to their words." My father spat. Jared looked shocked. "You shall respect the council and not lay unfounded claims, Alpha Jarvold." Jared sounded really annoyed. "Unfounded claims? Tell me, is it an unfounded claim that the mate of the Alpha was given four moons to get things into order but was revoked immediately because she got sick? Does her sickness automatically render her incapacitated?" My father spat again. "She kept it away from the council for a reason Alpha Jarvold." "And I see the reason now! Because you have failed to be transparent and she'd rather keep it a secret than trust you. I oppose the dethroning of the Alpha to appoint a new one. At least until his mate finds a solution to his health. Until then, I shall stand by my word and no man shall sit on that throne. Need another tangible reason, Jared?" Jared said nothing for long seconds but I could literally see the wheels turning in his head. "I shall consult with the council." He finally said and stepped back into the midst of the council. My father gave me another reassuring smile and I was really so grateful and hoping for the best turnout of events. Jared was finally done with consulting and he stepped out again. "We have come to a conclusion. On account of the two oppositions from the Alphas, we made our decision. We are not a body controlled by mere thoughts of people but by what's right and putting the pack in order is more important to us. Which is why we have come to the decision that the princess can be granted the rest of the nooks to get things in order. And if she is unable to get that done within the remaining days given, the council shall not consult with anyone before we crown the Alpha Prince. Any objections?" None came. "Then," Jared turned to me "good luck, princess Haera." Jared didn't complete his words but I knew what should have followed the rest of those words. You're going to need it. Yeah, I would really need it.