Chapter 56
Jasmine's POV
Dimitri didn’t come with us this time. According to him I had everything under control and I didn’t need him. As soon as the guards were stationed we’d know every move. Who left, who came and what time. With all these precautions they’d get caught sooner or later. Even if they go to Earth they can’t leave Luna Regina, because of the other supernatural races and werewolf packs. Ajax teleported us to the man’s house and I knocked on the door. As soon as he opened it he fell to his knees.
“Vasílissa mou! It’s such an honor. I’ve always believed that Nicholas didn’t die back then and I’m relieved that I was right and didn’t give up hope. You can count on me and my family. We’ll support you until the day we die.”
“Please stand up, there’s no need for kneeling. I came to talk to you about the things you said in front of Hector’s house.”
“Please, come in. The house is very small and my family lives here too. I hope it won’t be a problem.”
“Of course not, I grew up in a regular sized house too. Hector, I suggest you drop that face right this instant and you won’t show this disgust again. Not everybody is as fortunate as you to live in a mansion. I wonder why?”
“My Queen, please sit down. I’ll bring you some refreshments.”
“There’s no need, you’re an elder. Hector, would you be so kind and bring us a cup of tea? I think you won’t be lost in the smallest kitchen you’ve seen so far. If yes, ask Ajax for help.” - he was as red as a tomato, but he swallowed down the profanities that wanted to escape his mouth and went to the kitchen. This was so much better than comedy shows on TV and I enjoyed every moment.
“You mentioned that there are still some demons who support my family. Do you know anyone who’d be interested in a position as a member of the council? I have no idea who else I should turn to. So far there are three empty spots, but tomorrow there could be more. I want women in the council too so you can recommend them too.”
“I’ll ask my grandson and I’ll reach out to my old friends too. I can’t promise you that I’d find enough demons until tomorrow, but I’ll hurry.”
“Take your time, I’m not in a hurry and you can tell your grandson to come and find me either in the palace or on Earth. Ajax knows where to go and he’ll help him. If you have any news, you know where to find me. I won’t hold you up now. The same applies to everyone else who’s interested in my offer.”
“My Queen, my dream came true when I met you. A young, kind and ambitious woman from the Vasileiou family. You’ll restore this realm to its former glory I’m sure of it, but you’ll have to be careful about traitors. You don’t know who betrayed your family back then yet, but like you said their descendants live among us and they’ll do anything to stop you, but you can’t let them win.”
“I’ll do everything to stop them from achieving their goal. I’ll avenge my family and the traitors will wish that they were never born.”
I intentionally told this in front of Hector. He had to realize that I wasn’t anybody’s puppet and a toy to play with. I was a warrior, a queen and I’d show this to everyone. I wasn’t afraid of him and his actions. If he wanted to play dirty, I’d play dirtier. After we went back to the castle I still didn’t let Hector leave. Not until I made sure that the guards were in their place.
“Jasmine, I selected the guards and they’re already at the gate. There are sixteen guards in total, two on both sides. There will be day-and night shifts and then a day off. I leave the rest to you. Did you manage to find potential members?”
“You’re a lifesaver, but you know that you can make decisions like before. You don’t need to take a step back from everything. I’ll talk to them in a few minutes about the rules. I talked with the man from before and he promised to help me by recruiting demons. He can be trusted. I’ll tell you something as soon as we’re back at the pack house.”
“I know that Jasmine, but you deserve this chance to show everyone what you're capable of.”
Ajax and Hector were waiting for us outside. When we reached the gate the sixteen guards were already standing there and bowed when they saw us.
“Hello everyone! I believe that Dimitri told you why we need guards at the gate and about the shifts. You’ll have to write down every detail. Who came, who left and the exact time. I’ll bring back watches for you and you’ll have to wear them during your shifts. You’ll write down the names of the people who are not demons and the name of the demon who brought them in too. There won’t be hopping between the realm either and I confirmed this with Ajax already. Everyone will cross the gate on foot. There’s only one person so far who cannot cross the gate, her name is Barbara Smith. She and her companion might try to trick you, but I’ll show you her picture to avoid this.”
“Of course, my Queen! We’ll make sure that nobody crosses the gate unnoticed.”
After this I dismissed Hector and we went back to the pack house. Dimitri stayed in the realm to help me with the paperwork and said that he’d join us later. There were watches in the pack house that weren’t used anymore, but they were still working and I sent them to the guards until I went shopping for new ones. I didn’t tell anything about Hector, because I was too lazy to repeat all that when Dimitri arrived. I was exhausted, being a Queen sure was tiring and this was only the first day. It was already 8 p.m. when Calypso told that Dimitri would spend the night at the castle. I took a shower and put on sweatpants and one of Axel’s hoodies. I stole another one from him, but he didn’t say anything. I was ready to sleep, but my stomach prevented me. I put on my fluffy slippers and went to the kitchen and made a sandwich. After I ate I went back to my room and switched off the lights. I was sleepy, but I couldn’t sleep and this didn’t make any sense. Something was missing. I sat up frustrated and knocked on Axel’s door.
“What’s wrong? Come in Jasmine.”
“I don’t know, I can’t sleep, but I’m so sleepy and exhausted.”
“Come here and sleep here today. I’ll turn off the lights.”
I didn’t protest and climbed under the covers. Axel laid down beside me and I felt the world fading. That was the missing piece, my mate. I knew that from now on I wouldn’t be able to sleep alone and I was totally fine with this arrangement.