Queen

They say that the Mother Goddess always looks after her children. Wherever they live, or however they look, she will always care for them as any loving, doting mother would do. She provided her children with so much love that she even chose her most favored girl to lead them all. I once believed that I was that child. I knew I was favored by Her. She often said so.

But if the Mother Goddess really favored me, why am I in hell right now?

Why did she let my mate, my first love, not even care for me after I disappeared and make me look like a fool in front of the whole pack?

Why did she even let my sister, the one I trusted the most, to betray me? Why did she even let me live, barely, as I lay in the middle of the forest, losing blood and consciousness?

I almost wanted to laugh at the irony of my situation. Before my marriage, I was considered the strongest candidate for being the Queen, whom the Goddess favored the most. I was in the last stages of claiming the throne. I had the abilities. I had the strength. I even had the beauty. Aside from my sister Medea, there was nobody else better fit for the crown but me.

But Augustus… sweet Augustus. He wanted a loving family and a devoted mate. I wanted that too. Hell, I’d give up everything just to fulfill that, too.

And I did. I gave up my dream of becoming the Queen for him.

“Didn’t I tell you before, Hestia? Giving up the throne and settling as Augustus’ mate would be your downfall. I planned many great things for you!” the voice of the Goddess echoed in my mind.

I forced out a smile, trying to stop more blood from seeping out of my wounds. “But I loved him, Mother…”

“Hestia, child, it’s not the right time. I already told you that. But you didn’t listen, and I can’t do anything. You must learn the consequences of your actions to become greater and wiser.”

“Is the consequence of loving someone… death?”

Mother Goddess didn’t answer. I was then again engulfed by the sounds of the forest, like a cruel torture to my already ringing ears. I closed my eyes and tried to move my fingers to check on my wounds. My wolf stopped howling anymore, and I…

Another harsh, painful round of cough came out of my mouth, and I couldn’t help but wince at the pain it caused my body. The dried grass beneath me wasn’t helping at all, and all I could do was just stare into the distant sky, hoping that the Goddess wouldn’t make my suffering long.

Tears started streaming down my face as I was reminded of the times when Augustus was courting me. He’d often bring me to his favorite places and show me how much he loved me. That was bliss. Now, it’s nothing but agony.

Pure, hellish agony.

He was an Alpha of a huge pack. I was just a meek and shy debutante who happened to have the blessing of the Goddess. If anyone would suit him the most, it would be Medea, my sweet and caring sister.

For so long, he told me not to listen to my doubts. I believed him. Until he stopped and I paid the price of his betrayal.

Was it too much to ask for someone to love me?

I was almost losing consciousness when I heard the crunching of dry leaves near me. Judging by its weight and its speed, I deduced that it was a wild animal. I closed my eyes and decided to just let my fate be, as I had no strength in my arms anymore. Even if I tried to fight for my life, I’d just lose.