Test Of Generosity

Third Person's Pov

Inside the most opulent of palaces, Zedon stands in front of his mighty father with an anxious expression.

"Have you noticed how good the sons of your brother have become? I had misjudged them. But I have finally realised that they are just as virtuous as Tolis was. It's like the son that left me came back to life through them. Actually I was of the thought that they should assume their rightful place as heirs of my throne," King Thaddeus proudly says.

"They have only been acting right for a short while after years of sin, father. Surely you cannot be so dupable as to let a few things that happened by chance cloud your judgement, for I promise they will disappoint you greatly if given more time," Zedon argues.

"Your brother's blood runs in their veins. I have faith that they will remain virtuous. They just needed time to find their way," King Thaddeus assures.

Zedon shakes his head, seeming desperate. "I have served you and this kingdom with unmatched loyalty. Allow me to test their virtues, then you can decide who is your heir based on the results," he requests.

King Thaddeus considers his proposal for a brief moment. "You can test their virtues, I have faith in their hearts," he states.

* * * * * *

Keira's Pov

We make our way to the top of the walls of the palace to get a clear view of the multitude of horrified refugees camped outside the gates of our palace. They look famished, sick and without hope. Many have injuries, mostly children who are yet to phase.

"So our border guards allowed hundreds of wretched beggers into our kingdom and towards the gates of our palace?" Angel Fenris asks in annoyance.

Woodland pack is the most impoverished place, it's more of a small desert than actual productive land. It puzzles me why anyone would seek to attack a place with nothing to take and unusable land.

The refugees must have traveled across several packs and kingdoms to get here. None of those packs would take them in of course. So they kept going towards the only place that is ruled by angels. They must have been expecting mercy.

"Your majesty, they claim to have no where else to go," Henry responds to Fenris. "Their leaders have pleaded for an audience with you," he adds.

"Have them searched before escorting them into our palace. We will be waiting," Conrad orders and the assistant hurries away.

He puts a hand around my shoulders as we walk back into the palace. "Our honeymoon will carry on regardless of those beggars. They are not our responsibility," he says.

Henry leads a group of three men into the throne room as soon as we have settled in our seats.

"Your majesties . . . the alpha, beta and gamma of Woodland pack," he introduces and the men bow deeply in respect.

"Speak," Garren orders.

The alpha steps forward.

"Your majesties, thank you for granting us your audience. We have come a long way with our wives and children. My pack was invaded at night by the great Firemoon pack. Many died trying to defend the innocent, we were outnumbered and unprepared. So we fled with those that could leave and walked for many days until we reached your palace," the alpha narrates. "My people and I beg for your help. We are without food or shelter. I promise to rid you of the burden as soon as we are able to reclaim our land."

My mates scoff.

"You seek our help? Tell me, when did you or your people pay taxes to us?" Conrad questions.

I am astounded by his lack of sympathy. The people out there are at a blink of death. If we do not help we will have corpses rotting at our gates.

"You ask for food produced by our people, many of whom have never heard of your pack. Surely you did not expect us to betray their hardwork upon your request," Garren shockingly says.

I have no doubt that Fenris has the same selfish stand. He is not the kindest of them.

"Your Majesty . . . we only ask you to feed the weakest among us. We promise to repay all that you give once we reclaim our land," the beta pleads in a sad tone.

"How can you possibly repay us? Last I checked your land had nothing but sand and stones," Fenris questions.

I have finally heard enough of their arrogant utterances. After everything we have been through I expected better from them.

We have enough food to last many months if not years. These people may not be able to repay us but helping them won't affect the people of our kingdom in any way.

"I have heard your appeals," I say to the three men, "and as queen of this kingdom I promise that your people will be granted food and shelter until your land is safe enough for return," I state.

My husbands stare at me in surprise, but just as I expected, none opposes my decision, not now at least.

"Now excuse us, my partners and I have a lot to discuss," I tell the men of Woodland pack and they immediately turn to leave, their faces calm with relief.

"You're being too generous to strangers of far lands. They will never be of help to us," Garren points.

"Those strangers include innocent women and children. Not everything has to be about business. We have enough extra food to give them," I point.

"Then they will never leave. Their pack cannot defeat their Lycan enemies regardless of what that alpha said. They will be our burden forever," Conrad responds.

"Then it would be easier to help them get back to their pack as soon as possible," I suggest.

They all scoff and shake their heads. "Dear, you are asking us to fight wars of other Kingdoms. They are not our business," Conrad says.

"Then why are you so powerful? If it's not to help the weak," I ask.

They all fall quiet. Guess they never thought that their powers can be used for anything else apart from protecting their own kingdom. One of them can end that war in seconds. They wouldn't even need a sword.

"We will only do this for you, Keira. Not because we believe that those people deserve our help," Garren says.

I sigh in relief because they finally agreed to do the right thing,whatever the reason.