Lewana POV
While the mostly polite conversation was happening at the other end of the table I started to hear strange noises that don’t belong in a forest. Very light footsteps and hushed whispers. But many of them.
Not a rogue attack. Something else.
Conrad instantly picked up on my changed expression and noticed I was listening to something.
“What is it Lewana“.
That was when I heard the tiny voice and I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my face.
“Apologies your Highnesses. We appear to have a minor security breach. It appears that a pack of pups have snuck out and are trying to sneak up on us from the south. They are trying to see if the beautiful fairy princess is real or if we made it
up“.
Rose instantly lights up at this compliment. Faes always admire the innocence of children which is why they tend to show
themselves around them.
Cordelia starts clawing at Conrad’s arm again while overspeaking everyone at the table again. “Well, MY Alpha King will stay here and protect us while we order the guards to make sure these troublesome children are dealt with properly“.
Like hell, this bitch is ordering anything for a pup in my pack.
I snap at her. “I will go deal with the pup in my pack. You continue to enjoy dinner“.
As I walk into the forest I can hear her snide remark as I leave. “I suppose it is fitting for her to be doing a servant job as that is likely where she will end up after this“.
I don’t even care at this point. The woods are dangerous at night for the pups with the current threat level. I have to get there to protect them and make sure they are OK.
I find them quickly as they are not being quiet at all. The group is twelve pups and they are all under 10, and they are talking to each other as they hide. As they try to hide behind a bush they are moving it a lot making it russel while they giggle at how clever they think they are.
They are cute running around but after watching them for a minute, I decide they need to be taught a bit of a lesson.
I start growling from the spot I’m in and they all freeze. They start to panic.
One whisper shouts, “What was that noise“.
Another replies, “Maybe it was the wind“.
I’ve changed spots so I am hiding behind another tree and growl louder this time. They all panic and run holding each other in the group. I can start to smell their fear. I don’t want to freak them out too much but they need to remember this.
I can hear the tears starting to form and the tremble in the voice. “Do you think the rogues have come onto the territory again“.
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I decide they have had enough and step out. “Maybe“.
They let out a collective scream at my sudden appearance before looking at my stern face a crossed arms. They all know they are in trouble now.
I hear someone else hiding in a bush nearby but can sense who it is.
“And if it was“.
All the pups scream again and run to hide behind me. They peek their faces out to see their Alpha King staring back at
them.
They all start softly whimpering while peaking out from behind my skirt.
Conrad starts talking very firmly to them. “If there was another rogue attack none of the pack would have known. You lucky Lady Lewana heard you“.
Through whimpering sobs, one starts trying to defend herself. “We heard there was a fairy princess. We just wanted to try
and see her“.
“Would you be talking about me“. Their faces instantly light up as they see Rose walk towards them with her light pink wings fully outstretched and glittering. She has even called some of the woodland pixies to fly around lit up so they look like fallen stars floating around us. The pups are in awe as they take in the most magical site they have ever seen.
Conrad starts laughing just as the guards come running with some angry parents behind them. They are amazed at the
site.
Conrad walks over and wraps his hand around my waist. “All of you go home. We will deal with your consequences in the
morning“.
The children skip away and Rose appears to have vanished again. Conrad and I suddenly realize that we are alone.
He grabs my waist tighter and starts kissing me like he is trying to make sure I’m real.
“That was amazing you know. Protecting the pack pups on instinct. How they all ran to you for safety“. I can feel his hands running up my back as he starts kissing down my neck while inhaling my scent.
I start to go weak at the knees but know we have to finish tonight. “We have to go back“.
He let out a muffled sigh against my skin as reality started to come back into focus and his dream slipped through his fingers again.
‘I don’t know how much longer I can do this. I need you. I need to see you with my mark. I know I always say I need to be by your side to protect you but, I need you to physically survive“.
I can see the emotional toll it has taken to manage Cordelia and the Royal Faes in one night with the pressure of knowing this is a test. We just hold on to each other to try and ground ourselves.
“Well, this is adorable“.
Conrad spins me to put me behind him. To protect me from the threat that has appeared from nowhere. His eyes start glowing but pulls them back quickly when he sees Azalea watching us.
Chapter 79
Conrad starts spluttering. “I’m sorry your Highness. You surprised me“.
“Don’t be. I was just checking on our moonflower and seeing if you would be joining us for the rest of the meal“.
Conrad stands up straighter. “We will. And I would also like to formally apologize for the guest Lady Cordelia’s actions tonight. I hope you can see she is not a reflection on the rest of us“.
“Don’t worry about it. Lewana gave us some warning. You said she was bad but that wolf is basically a Dendrocnide plant“. She rolls her eyes and walks off as I try to hide my laughter.
Chapter 80
