Chapter 85: The aftermath.

It was a bright, sunny morning. The kingdom was quiet. The gossip about Evelyn’s exposure was the talk of the town. Some sided with her, especially the villagers from the lower class. Evelyn was like a goddess to them  they worshipped her. They believed she was wrongly punished.

Unlike the villagers, the city folk knew how cunning Evelyn was, especially the council members. They knew it was impossible for Evelyn to be subdued by just a single wolf. They knew her performance in the council was just an act to save her skin.

In the palace, there was joy. Ariella and the twins were excited to have finally beaten Evelyn in her own game, but they knew the battle was just beginning.

“What would happen to Evelyn’s Palace of Pleasure?” Claire asked.

“Well, I will take control over it. I’ve always loved to run a brothel. Maybe I could even taste the delight of the half man, half werewolf,” Ariella chuckled.

Clara gasped. “Are you serious?”

Ariella laughed. “Of course I’m joking,” she replied. “It will be turned into a motel for visiting wolves and tourists. At least that’s what I have in mind. I’ll discuss it with Ares.”

“Speaking of Ares,” Clara said, munching loudly and dusting the crumbs of bread from her gown, “the two of you seem to have bonded perfectly.”

Ariella blushed. “Yes, we have. He’s a calm, loving wolf.”

“Is he also calm in bed?” Claire chipped in, laughing.

“Claire!” Clara snapped. “You’re a spoiled brat.”

Ariella’s cheeks flushed red. “I don’t know. Maybe you could try to eavesdrop in the middle of the night to find out, like you did with Evelyn,” Ariella said curtly, smiling.

“I’ll do just that,” Claire replied with a sheepish grin.

Clara cut a small chunk of the bread she was eating and threw it at Claire playfully. “The King will have you banished like Evelyn  so you and your mystery man can be free to explore as you wish,” she said.

They all laughed.

“I’m going to join Ares in the throne room,” Ariella said, standing up to dust her blue gown.

“Come on! We were supposed to have some girls’ time to celebrate our victory,” Clara protested.

“Well, I’m married now. I’m no longer a girl; I’m an Omega. I want to have some bonding time with my mate,” Ariella replied proudly, folding her arms with a knowing smile.

“Oh, you’re married now, you have a mate  like we didn’t know, right?” Claire teased, mimicking Ariella’s voice.

They all laughed.

“You know Cole will strike. We have a war to plan, guys. Don’t worry  I promise we’ll have our girls’ time,” Ariella said.

“Where is Ares?” Ariella asked Cassian.

She had searched through the throne room and couldn’t find him.

“He’s in the study room,” Cassian replied.

She nodded in acknowledgement and walked straight to the study. When she opened the door, she found Ares with Lord Cador.

“Your Majesty,” Lord Cador said, bowing as Ariella stepped inside.

“What’s going on here?” she asked sharply.

Ares replied, “Our scouts have just returned from their mission. Cole has an army of rogues stationed just a village from our borders. We expect him to move soon.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Lord Cador added. “That’s why His Grace called me to begin preparations for the war.”

Ares rubbed his face with both palms, eyeing Lord Cador as he did, displeased that he’d revealed their plans.

“So, you’re planning a war without me?” Ariella said, clearing a space to sit on his table. The tone of her voice betrayed her disappointment.

“Step outside, Lord Cador,” Ares ordered, pointing to the door.

Lord Cador bowed in obeisance and exited the room.

“Ares, why would you plan a war without involving me? You wouldn’t even know about Cole’s plans if it weren’t for me and the twins,” Ariella said, her voice calm but firm.

“Technically, it’s because of the twins that we know about this impending attack,” Ares said playfully. “They hatched the plan against Evelyn without you.”

Ariella nudged him, smiling. “I’m serious, Ares. Why didn’t you inform me about your plans? I’m the Queen ,an Omega. I ought to be involved in all war decisions.”

“I know,” Ares sighed reluctantly. “But we all know the reason for this war is because of you. Cole’s army has been found, and we still have no information on Dylan’s whereabouts. They might be planning something mysterious. I can’t risk having you alongside me in battle. If something were to happen to you… I don’t think I’d ever recover from it.”

Ariella’s expression softened. She had felt downcast that Ares was planning without her, undermining her status and authority. But now that he had revealed his reasons, she looked at him with burning affection. He looked impossibly handsome with his clean haircut, the lamplight tracing his jaw.

“I’m stronger now, Ares. I can defend myself. You saw what I did when Clara was ill. I feel stronger. I can hear my wolf thirst for vengeance. The Moon Goddess’s light guides my path. You’re also correct we know nothing about Dylan’s whereabouts. What if he plans to ambush me here in the palace? Will you be here to protect me?”

Ares reclined in his chair, thoughtful. “I never even considered that. You’re so smart, Ariella,” he said with a small smile.

“Of course I am. Very soon you’ll have to start paying me for my wise counsel,” she teased, curling a strand of her hair.

Ares laughed. “That’s why you’re my mate,” he said, blowing her a kiss.

“Why are you planning this war with Lord Cador alone? You ought to discuss it with the general council,” Ariella said.

“We didn’t know how many people Evelyn has influenced in the chamber,” Ares said. “They may reveal our plans to her. Perhaps I should have sentenced her to death.”

“You made the right choice, Ares,” Ariella replied with a reassuring smile. “But the council ought to be consulted for this war. It’s the right thing to do.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Ares said, bowing playfully.

They both laughed.

Ariella called for Lord Cador to step inside.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” he said as he entered.

“Inform the members of the council of a general meeting,” Ariella ordered. “We have a war to plan.”