Chapter 101
Conrad POV
I refuse to let go of Lewana’s hand from that point forward in the afternoon. She keeps sending me a calming aura but I put up barriers to block it as I need to be on alert to protect her.
We showed the Sirens to the repurposed swimming pool and the Queen was delighted. Mud masks, soft blue linens on furniture, even arrangments of seashells and saltwater for them to drink.
She points to the large hot tub. “I hope it is OK. The main pool has the same mineral content and temperature as the ocean but I wanted to try something with the hot tub. It has a higher magnesium content and higher temperature so it should help with any aches and pains you have from traveling”.
The Queen walks over to the hot tub to inspect and cautiously puts a foot in. “I’m sure it will ……. Oh my”.
She instantly erupts in her full siren body again and fully immerses herself.
The King just looks at his wife with a small smile. “She’s not coming out of that any time soon. You did well little Orca”.
She smiles. “Well, dinner is in 30 minutes through that door. We will let you get settled and see you there”.
“Thank you. And Alpha King. I apologize for the tense start my son caused. I hope it doesn’t impact the rest of the visit”.
“As long as he doesn’t pull any stunts like that again, I’m sure we can keep it amicable”.
As soon as we leave I pull Lewana close needing her scent like oxygen. She can sense my distress and tries to soothe me. “Let go to the living room for a minute”.
“Fine. But I meant what I said about killing him if he does something like that again”.
“Well, what am I meant to do”. We both turn and see Cordelia looking furious.
I honestly completely forgot she and the other Alpha’s were even here. At least Lady Valerie can occupy herself.
I take a breath and know I can’t go anywhere. I have to see this through.
“Everyone just take a walk or something and be back here in 20 minutes”.
Cordelia starts whining again. “Why does this species eat so early anyway. It’s barely 5 and It’s rude to expect us to because they like it”.
“They have traveled a long way and they eat at dawn and dusk as most sea creatures do”. Lewana explains. I’m so lucky to have a smart mate.
It’s an awkward wait til the Sirens come back. It’s not long before the food comes out. All centered around the Ocean and family style again. Oysters, fish, seaweed salad. There is also some rice for us as my girl knows we need carbs. It looks amazing as usual.
The Sirens join us and it feels very familiar to the conversations with the Faes. We talk about climate change, preventing plastic in the ocean, and even how creatures help improve water quality.
“Instead of creatures, I think it would be best to put in a filtration system in the lake so it’s cleaner. At least then it will be drinkable”. Cordelia and her big mouth.
"That would disrupt the marine life there". I state this as if it is obvious and have to try and keep my temper in check.
"Well, at least the food is better this time. When we had dinner with the Faes it was only vegetables. A wolf of MY status is more used to this calaba of fine dining with Oysters and Caviar". Cordelia starts laughing at her joke as does her father. I just scowl at her.
Prince Aalto sensed the tension immediately and decided to stir the pot. "So not a fan of the Faes huh beautiful".
Cordelia laps up the attention. "Well, if I was put in charge of organizing events like this instead of getting people who are used to being the help, I could show you how a wolf of true status lives".
"Oh, interesting. Why didn't the Alpha King ask you to organize this dinner then". He seems dramatically confused. What is he playing at?
"Well, he hasn't accepted me as his Luna Queen yet. This ceremony finishes in nine days, and when I'm declared the new Luna Queen I will show everyone how it is truly done".
He dramatically sighs again. "So because Lewana prepared it this time, she is currently the preferred candidate for Luna Queen. Got it".
Cordelia gasps. "That is NOT what I said. Alpha King is only using her as the help for now but when I am Luna Queen, I will be in charge".
"Wait I'm confused. Is she the help or current preferred Luna Queen. And if you become Luna Queen why would you be doing a job that the help currently does".
Cordelia starts stammering. "I could have done a much better job than Lewana at showing everyone what wolves of status are truly worthy of".
"Sorry, I understand now. You will be the help when Lewana is Luna Queen. That's why you're wearing a hat".
Cordelia goes pale realising that he is twisting her words so well and now he attack her tiara. I couldn't help it and burst out laughing. Most others start as well. Cordelia just sat there humiliated and it was glorious.
Lewana rolls her eyes to redirect the topic again. "This is why I never started arguments with you when we were younger".
"Is that because you were scared of losing or because my devilish good looks were a distraction".
"It was definitely the expended mental energy to keep up with you. I've never found your smurf appearance appealing".
He makes a loud dramatic gasp and clutches his chest. This makes his parents laugh as well.
The rest of the night is easier after that. Before we go Aalto calls me over with Lewana.
"I want to give you a gift Alpha King. To apologize for earlier. When Rose told me Lewana was being protected by wolves now I didn't believe her. Wanted to test the theory. Again I apologize".
He hands me a small box with pearl cufflinks in it.
"I accept the apology but the threat to kill you if you do it again still stands".
He smirks at me and rolls his eyes. "Understood".