Testing Candidates

Leia's POV

I woke up feeling fresh, and the voice in my head stopped as I drifted to sleep and rolled out of bed. The door opened to find my mates walking in. Kai was holding the breakfast tray, and Xavier held a dress for me in hand, and I raised an eyebrow at them.

"Good morning," I muttered, and they smiled in return, saying their greetings and kissing my forehead one by one. "What a special occasion," I asked.

"You must have breakfast and get ready to meet the new candidates," Xavier said, showing me the gowns and his muscular muscles flexing in a half t-shirt without his intention of showing off. I gulped, seeing his strong arms and the beautiful dress in his hands showing it off.

"Do you like it?" Xavier asked in a husky purr, and I blushed, as he noticed my eyes trailing his body. Kai scoffs with jealousy at placing the breakfast in front of me, and I chuckle at Kai's fake pout.

"You stare at me, and I can strip for you." Kai purred.

"Not here. You guys make me lose my focus." I blushed. Focus on eating breakfast instead. I heard their chuckles, hiding my blush.

"You should wear the purple gown. It gives you more authority," Kai said.

"I suggest the same," Xavier added, and I looked at the purple gown, which looked beautiful.

"Okay, I will wear purple. It's beautiful indeed," I muttered, chewing the breakfast and drinking coffee as Xavier and Kai were on their phones. Kai and Xavier were still in the room as I undressed, and I felt their gaze on me as I came out of the shower. I knew my mates wanted to ravish me, and I wanted to tease them more than I walked in a bra and thong.

Xavier's gaze trailed over me, and with a mischievous grin, he said, "You've got an incredible figure, Leia." I raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence.

"Hey, you both promised not to gawk no matter what I do," I reminded them.

Kai smirked, his eyes filled with warmth. "How can we resist when there's such a captivating display before us?"

"Keep teasing us, Leia," Xavier warned playfully, "and you might find it hard to leave this room without feeling much more love." I took a sharp breath, surprised at the boldness of his comment.

Just then, a knock interrupted the charged atmosphere. "Leia, are you ready?" Jennifer's voice called out.

"Give me five more minutes!" I called back, quickly darting into the room. Eager to avoid further teasing, I hurriedly got dressed. Kai zipped up my dress, while Xavier knelt to assist me with my heels. I applied minimal makeup, letting my natural beauty shine. Seeing me struggle slightly with my accessories, Kai graciously offered to help, clasping on a necklace and bracelet that glittered against my skin.

Once ready, both Xavier and Kai accompanied me downstairs. Jennifer and Susan awaited our arrival, their eyes widening in admiration. "You look stunning," Susan whispered.

Jennifer nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Absolutely regal. Like a true queen."

Thanking them, I watched as Xavier and Kai headed to their room. Due to the restrictions of the Witch Courtroom, only witches were permitted. As Jennifer and Susan led me forward, I was introduced to five individuals from the higher echelons of the witch community.

"Meet Geeta, Han, Jole, Aline, and Fiona," Jennifer stated. They each gave a respectful bow. Although my title was Temporary Queen, the sense of power and respect was palpable. I graciously acknowledged their greetings, mentally preparing for the challenges ahead.

Jennifer looked at me thoughtfully. “Have you decided on the first test?”

I nodded. “Xavier filled me in. I learned from him that traditionally, witches test their potential Queen through a unique challenge.” Veronica, an old acquaintance, used to share stories with Xavier, which is how he knew of it.

“The initial test,” I began, “involves sending the candidates into the Dark Forest for a week. In this treacherous environment, they must fight for survival. Only five of the ten candidates will make it to the next round.”

Jennifer's eyes narrowed in understanding. “I see,” she murmured.

Needing to make arrangements, I called over the security officer. “Lily,” I addressed her, “I need you to announce the selected candidates for the Dark Forest challenge tonight.”

Lily nodded in acknowledgment.

“To all the candidates, please prepare yourselves,” I added, watching them nod and disperse to get ready.

I returned to my room, finding Xavier and Kai engrossed in their phones. An exasperated sigh escaped my lips. “Really? Both of you buried in your phones?”

Xavier glanced up, slightly sheepish. “I'm handling some business matters and checking our company stocks.” He set his phone on the table. Meanwhile, Kai grinned, admitting, “I got caught up in a game.”

“How did the candidate interaction go?” Xavier asked, redirecting the conversation.

“It went well,” I replied, brushing my hair back. “But I've got more to do. I'll address the candidates and crowd soon and must draft my speech.”

“I can assist with the speech,” Xavier offered, quickly typing on his phone. He had always had a way with words, making him invaluable during moments like these.

Turning to Kai, I teased, “When do you plan to make me your Luna?”

Kai looked up, pausing his game. A soft smile played on his lips. “I've already set a date to officially name you Luna,” he replied, intertwining our fingers.

“I was starting to think you hadn't planned anything and that I'd have to remind you,” I said, feigning annoyance.

Kai chuckled, leaning in to plant a gentle kiss on my lips. “While you were on that mission helping Jennifer, I was making preparations with the pack.”

Xavier looked up from his phone, amusement evident in his eyes. “I'm grateful you're stepping up as a responsible Alpha. I often think you're more in line because of her,” he teased, nodding towards me.

Kai rolled his eyes playfully. “Always the comedian,” he retorted, causing both of us to laugh.

Our light-hearted banter was interrupted by a knock. “Your Majesty,” Lily's voice echoed from the other side. I moved to open the door.

“The assembly will convene this afternoon,” she informed me, “and the people wish to mark the occasion as a minor festival, celebrating the hope and joy it brings. They believe it will bestow luck upon Candidates as they embark on this journey to become Queen or King. Will you allow it?”

“I wholeheartedly support what the people desire. And if you need any assistance in the preparations, just let me know,” I replied.

Lily's face brightened. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” She described plans for setting up the castle grounds, including food stalls, a small parade, and various celebratory events. I approved her suggestions, and with a bow, she departed to bring the festival to life.

Feeling the weight of my impending public appearance, I turned to my mates, “Please stand by my side during the speech and greetings. My introverted nature is taking over, and I'm feeling nervous.”

Understanding my plight, Xavier nodded reassuringly, and Kai leaned in, planting a comforting kiss on my forehead. After a few moments to refresh my makeup and adjust my hair, my mates changed into more formal attire, exchanging casual clothes for garments befitting the occasion.

Hand in hand, we descended the grand staircase, making our way to the stage. The sheer number of people in the crowd was overwhelming, but Xavier's subtle healing magic helped soothe my nerves.

Addressing the crowd, I began, “Esteemed witches and witchers of our land, today I present the selected candidates standing before you. They are the potential heirs to the throne, those brave enough to venture into the Dark Forest to prove their worth. I urge you to stand behind your candidates, offering them your unwavering support and blessings.” Pausing for a moment, I continued, “Many of you are aware of the fate of Queen Heather. She was dethroned due to a unanimous decision by the higher witches and witchers. As for her future, Queen Heather has been held in imprisonment. The final judgment on her fate will be determined by your newly chosen monarch once the tests are concluded. I hope we find a ruler who truly deserves to lead.” The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, affirming my words.

“Please, enjoy the festivities,” I concluded. Their applause intensified, echoing the happiness and hope they felt. As I stepped down from the podium, the golden afternoon sun cast a warm glow on the grounds. Together with my mates, we relished the local delicacies. Many approached, offering free food and expressing gratitude for confronting the past misuse of power by the former queen. As night blanketed the sky, I opened the portal to the Dark Forest, sending the candidates on their testing journey. The crowd chanted prayers for their safe passage, and deep in my heart, I fervently hoped for the same.

Exhausted from the day's events, I sank into the comfort of my bed, awaiting the return of the candidates. As days passed, updates reached me. Greeta, Aline, and Fiona were extracted from the forest due to injuries. Han, too, had to exit the test. Eventually, only six contenders remained. Soon after, news came that Dina had withdrawn, leaving five potential candidates who successfully emerged from the Dark Forest's challenges.

During this time, Xavier and Kai traveled back to our pack's territory. The aftermath of the war was still clear; our homeland required rebuilding, injured soldiers needed care, and crucial security barriers had to be re-established.

Upon the candidates' return, I greeted them, “Your next challenge,” I declared, “is to face me in combat. This will be your final test.” Despite their visible bruises and injuries, their eyes shimmered with determination. I could sense their relentless spirit. Reflecting on the traditional selection methods, I decided on a new approach.