CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINE: HEADED BACK TO THE KINGDOM OF SHADOW CROWN

Andor—

I found myself completely speechless in the presence of the queen. The memory of her sister's death had been buried deep within me for so long, a defense mechanism to preserve my sanity, my therapists had said. It was impossible for me to convey to her that I couldn't remember what she had seen in my subconscious. A weight settled in my chest as I realized how much her sister's role in my life meant to her, knowing that blocking the memory would only add to the queen's grief, knowing that it was Lisa who had saved my family's lives.

As if she could sense my turmoil, Queen Amira attempted to comfort me. "Don’t worry about what you can and cannot remember. You were just a toddler when this happened. I have another question for you. Could I get Ashina and you to take over the kingdom temporarily while my spouse and I bring in the traitors that abandoned their post to guard Ashina and her brother?"

I couldn't help but wonder why she wasn't sending her beta to find the traitors, or even Ashina and me. "Your majesty, may I ask a question?"

Her face contorting with anger, Queen Amira struggled to maintain composure, her nails beginning to elongate as if her inner wolf was straining to break free. The depth of her fury was palpable, and for a moment, it felt like the wolf within her wanted nothing more than to unleash its wrath upon the traitors. After reigning in her instincts, she took a deep breath and began to explain.

-Queen Amira- "You are now family, and I will explain why. Ashina's past was also revealed to me. I saw how the dragon children teased her because she was a wolf. There was never a time when she backed down from a fight. When my sister died, I saw her bawl as a very young child. The closest person who could be Ashina's mother was my sister. Three warriors and her uncle (my sister's mate) went to get supplies, but they never returned, leaving deep seeds of abandonment in Ashina's heart. It would have been impossible for her to cope without Rector and her nanny." I took a deep breath as today had been overwhelming and I was becoming very tired.

"It was difficult for Ashina to understand why my sister had passed away. It's clear to me how and why she died, all the symptoms were there. I lost my sister to a tragic death caused by her mate cheating on her and marking another. Her mate knew what he was doing but didn't care. Surely, this was murder, as if he had stabbed my sister personally. So, dear Andor, this is a personal matter for me. In retaliation for killing my sister, my brother-in-law will die at my hands."

-Andor- “Of course, I will, your highness, I will discuss this with Ashina, but I do not see a problem with her not agreeing to this. She put her duty to this kingdom before giving bond to me even though I am her mate. I need to ask one thing, your highness.”

-Amira- “Yes Andor, go ahead and ask.”

-Andor- “I and Ashina need to head back to my pack for a couple of weeks, to officially hand over the crown to my sister, the Queen of my kingdom. It was hers originally if I had not killed my father. Ashina is more important to me than being king. I will live and die by her side.”

-Amira- With hopeful eyes, I looked at the queen. She smiled a small smile and nodded her head. “Not a problem, King Andor. I may come to like you yet.”

-Andor- I stood up, bowing in reverence, “If it is alright your majesty may I take leave now and check on my mate?”

-Amira- I watched the Queen bow her head and wave goodbye to me, “Take care of my daughter Andor, son-in-law.” She smiled kindly at me. I felt relieved; maybe she could forgive me for my father's sins.

- Ashina –

As I woke, I found my wolf had already healed my wounds. The nurse was administering medicinal herbs intravenously, a necessary precaution against non-mated males trying to approach me. Being royalty and an alpha, I needed a higher dose of the herb than regular she-wolves. I received several vials of the herb to drink for the long journey back to Andor's wolf pack.

Once cleared to leave, I thanked the nurse and wished her a safe journey. Exiting the female-only tent, I was hit by a tidal wave of aromas, but one scent made me salivate. Spotting Andor leaning against a pole, I couldn't contain my smile and leapt into his arms.

"I love you so much, Andor! There is a rumor that Malcolm is dead! Do you know if it's true?” I asked eagerly.

Andor laughed and confirmed the rumor, adding, "Well, your mother killed him, of course it is true."

Laughing with him, I agreed that my mother could be scary. Andor then explained our upcoming journey to his kingdom, seeking my consent. I playfully hit him and assured him that I was okay with it.

We later traveled to his pack for a ceremony, where my heat kicked in, leading to a passionate moment. The condom broke, and there was a good chance I could be pregnant.

- Andor –

I haven't told Ashina yet, but at the coronation of my sister and Rector, we discovered that several warriors in the pack had been slain by magic. I also spotted a mysterious figure with blonde hair, who vanished before my men could apprehend them.

Knowing the dangers that lie ahead, I am determined to keep Ashina safe. There are too many threats within the magical kingdom targeting her and seeking to end her matrilineal line.

After enduring Malcolm's cruel rule, many packs who had initially supported him became dissenters. They approached us to discuss their grievances and explain why they had deserted the Royal Pack. They argued that no being should have the level of power that Ashina's matrilineal holds.