Red Riding Hood | BoyxBoy | COMPLETED

Extended Family

Alexander's POV

Against all odds, I made it to the port of Lupus without throwing up again. But docking came with its own new set of problems. Back in Nasales, I was the only werewolf. And I'd gotten used to having that much territory all to myself. Here, every other person was a wolf and it grated on my nerves to be surrounded by unfamiliar wolves in unfamiliar territory.

I grit my teeth and bore it. What else was there to do? Cass and I were here on official business and not to make a scene; at least not yet.

It is close to dinner by the time we arrive. Queen Tasha comes to welcome us. She looked exactly like the portrait, except that the painting failed to capture the luminescence of her platinum blonde hair. She was strikingly beautiful, in an unadorned or overly embellished robe that swept the ground. I thought she would have been a divine creature if I couldn't smell the earthiness of her wolf.

Queen Tasha led us to the dining room. It wasn't as large as I expected, though I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting. The table had seven sets of cutlery neatly arranged. I wondered who would be joining us. The Queen invited us to our seats and we did so courteously, eagerly anticipating the arrival of King Olcan. I could feel Cassidy's curiosity mixed with my apprehension.

"I hope you don't mind waiting a short while for the rest of them," Queen Tasha smiled kindly. She was a graceful woman and had a quietly firm manner.

I nodded politely. "Not at all, your Majesty."

She watched us across the table. "Forgive me for bringing this up," she paused, "you are a born wolf?"

Cass glanced at me. "I am," I said.

"I see." Queen Tasha leaned forward slightly. "And there are no other werewolves in Nasales?"

I coughed uncomfortably at the probing question. "I do not know of them, your Majesty."

She sat back. "Interesting." The Queen looked between the two of us. "A mated werewolf with no pack," she murmured.

I bristled. Cassidy reached for my hand.

"Would you be interested in perusing our library?"

I looked up in surprise. "Excuse me?"

She smiled, her features lit up as she did so. "I don't imagine you have access to the texts we do. While you are here, you are welcome to our library. I think you will find some things quite helpful."

"Thank you," Cassidy replied gratefully for both of us.

I nodded in agreement. "Yes, thank you, we appreciate the offer."

The doors opened before Queen Tasha could say anything else. Princess Seffrin, in a simple blue dress, entered with Prince Timmeu clutching her fingers beside her. The little Prince had a stuffed bunny in his other hands that he dragged along as he toddled over to his high chair between the Queen and Princess.

I could feel Cassidy squealing through the bond. I felt the same. Prince Timmeu tugged on Princess Seffrin's skirts when they reached his seat. "Up, please," he said.

The squealing intensified.

Princess Seffrin settled him in his high chair and took a seat in hers. Two more people arrived as she sat.

"Hello," said Duke Kellen. "I see we're all here now." He nudged the rather sullen-looking Prince Colin to his place. "Apologies for the wait, I was looking for Prince Colin."

Queen Tasha nodded graciously. "And Olcan?"

Duke Kellen's mouth pursed in a thin line. "He has taken ill again, I'm afraid." Queen Tasha frowned. The Duke continued. "And he was doing so well earlier. I even brought the medicinal tea." He sighed and sat down, rubbing his temples.

Cass and I exchanged glances. King Olcan was unwell? No one had heard of this. No one outside of the royal circle, apparently.

Tentatively, I asked, "What happened to his Majesty?"

There was an awkward pause.

"He is unwell," Queen Tasha said after a moment. "We do not know why."

"Oh, I see," I said. That was unfortunate, Cassidy and I had come here with the underlying intention to meet him. "If there's anything I or my kingdom can do to help, please let us."

"Thank you," she nodded graciously. The Queen gestured at the table. "Shall we?"

Baby Timmeu reached for his spoon and said, "yes," rather solemnly. Even Princess Seffrin—who had maintained an impressively blank face the entire time—cracked a small smile.

~

The next few days, Cass and I were stuck in the King's study, discussing the trade deals on alcohol production and tariffs. Truthfully, neither I nor the werewolves in this kingdom would get more than a light buzz from human alcohol, but given that nearly half of Lupus was human, they needed non-aconitum laced alcohol. It was one of our more lucrative deals.

Unfortunately, we were unable to catch even a glimpse of King Olcan who had been bedridden since our arrival. Even so, Cassidy and I agreed to extend our stay. Officially, we meant to make use of the library here. Unofficially, it was to speak with King Olcan.

Cass wrote the letter that said we would stay in Lupus for a few more weeks at least. King Edward's reply was brief but understanding. I clenched my jaw to stop myself from tearing up. I missed my father, but I needed to know the truth.