Platonic Love

Charlotte

With Logan gone, the kingdom was in total chaos. Requests for meetings, issues with roaming wolves attacking smaller wolf packs near the capital, and the North and West regions under the Alpha King's control added to the turmoil. Michael did his best, but he wasn't Logan's official beta for major decisions.

In the absence of the Alpha and Luna, someone had to take responsibility for leading the pack. But, I wasn't prepared for such a responsibility. I hadn't received any training, nor did I have the necessary confidence for it, but I wanted to be useful in some way.

One afternoon, I passed by Logan's office which Michael was using to handle some paperwork, and overheard him talking to Lia.

"She's not ready for this, Michael," Lia said firmly.

"She's the Luna of this realm, and eventually, she'll have to take on that title and all the responsibilities it entails," Michael said, and I understood they were talking about me and my complete unpreparedness to be a future queen.

"She's just a child; being a Luna requires training, and you know how complicated all these things can be," I peeked through a crack and saw Michael sigh as he looked at the papers on the desk.

"If you agree and take responsibility for her training, I'll do my best to handle what's within my reach until Charlotte learns at least the basics."

Because of me, everyone was pushing their limits, handling tasks that should have been mine. I was fed up with burdening others, constantly sheltered, even from responsibilities I should be taking on. I walked into the office, catching Lia and Michael off guard as they swiftly got up.

"I want to start immediately," I said firmly, with an upright posture. Michael and Lia exchanged glances and smiled.

"If that's your wish, so be it," Michael said, taking a step aside and showing me the chair. With reluctance and fear, I walked over and sat down, looking straight ahead.

That seat was oppressive, the weight of the responsibility of managing hundreds of thousands of lives on my shoulders. One mistake could mean a death sentence for an entire pack, an error I couldn't afford to make at any time. Michael put his hand on my shoulder, and I looked at him.

"Don't overwhelm yourself; we're here to help and teach you. You're an intelligent woman, and I know you'll learn quickly." I nodded in agreement.

The next few days were tough. Michael and Lia alternated, teaching me various aspects of running the kingdom as well as I could while Logan was absent. Whenever an audience was requested, they stood beside me to tell and lead, demonstrating how to be a fair and worthy queen.

A few days had passed since I started learning my duties as Luna. I was with Lia in the office when a soldier rushed in.

"My lady," he said, bowing. "A message has arrived; the Alpha King informs that he's returning from the campaign." I stood up excitedly, but Lia looked at me seriously, and I calmed down.

"Thank you; you may go now," I said seriously, and the soldier left the office.

It was challenging to contain my excitement at that moment. I missed Logan greatly and was concerned for his safety. In my heart, I hoped that he was returning with our son, but I couldn't hold too many hopes.

"We need to prepare everything to welcome them. I don't think the King would like anything flashy like a party, but at least a procession to greet them when they enter the city," I said excitedly. Michael entered the office while I was speaking.

"You know he might be returning alone, don't you, child?" Michael said, touching my shoulder lightly.

"I know," I said in a low voice. "I know our son might still be in Aiden and Diane's hands, but Logan's safe return should be celebrated. After all, he's the Alpha King." Michael and Lia exchanged glances, and she smiled proudly.

"All right, so be it. By the way," Michael turned around, and a young soldier entered the room wearing a well-crafted raw leather outfit. "This young wolf is undergoing training and will be your escort from today onwards. My days are too busy with the training of the recruits the King selected before he left, and this young man stood out the most among all of them."

"An escort? Is that necessary? I'm learning to fight and defend myself," I questioned Michael's hasty decision.

"Exactly, you're still learning. We can't take any risks. If the King is returning, it means he feels secure enough to do so, and Aiden is either captured or cornered," Michael pointed out, raising his fingers.

I didn't like admitting it, but Michael was right. Even though I was training every day, it had only been a few short weeks compared to the wolves who were under Aiden's command and other enemies of Logan. I couldn't let my pride put my safety at risk.

"All right, let's do it," I said with a smile, which Michael returned.

Wherever I went, the young wolf trailed behind me, only leaving when I went into my room. He even spent the night outside my door. There were only a few times when he wasn't in my sight, and those were short-lived as he'd quickly return to his post. Having someone follow me was unsettling, but with time, I got used to my constant companion and continued my castle duties.

It was a lovely day with bright sunshine and a refreshing breeze. I had observed some curious looks from the young wolf, even though we had never spoken. Michael had recommended that I keep a safe distance from the soldiers, as I was the only female among males. Regardless of my status and Logan's absence from the castle, it might lead the males to feel overly at ease.

On that day, I was enjoying my free time in the garden. The preparations for Logan's arrival the next morning were already in place, along with the paperwork in the office. It was a beautiful late afternoon, and the flowers filled the air with their fragrance. I sat down next to the jujube bush and started to eat the small, succulent fruits when the young wolf stopped in front of me.

I had no idea what was about to happen, and if I had, I would have stopped that young man immediately. He fell to his knees in front of me and took my hands in his. His face was flushed, and his voice trembled as he spoke.

"I beg for your forgiveness, my lady, but I can no longer bear the pain that crushes my chest," he said, and at that moment, I felt the blood drain from my face. I tried to pull away, but he held my hands with even greater force.

"Don't do this, I implore you," I said in desperation.

"I wish to take you as my mate and implore you to come away with me from this place," the young man said, and I felt panic growing inside me.

The wind blew harder, casting the shadow of a cloud and carrying Logan's unmistakable scent. I looked to the side, and there he stood, with Michael and some soldiers behind him. His eyes were fixed on the hands of the soldier that still held mine, but now they were trembling uncontrollably.

"Where do you think you're touching, foolish pup?" Logan's thunderous voice filled with anger echoed through the place, his eyes taking on a murderous red glow. I didn't know what to do; I was paralyzed.