**Third Person POV**
The cry of the baby filled the air with joy. It was like the one good thing that had happened to everyone in that room since George had begun his manic behaviour.
“Princess, if I may examine the child?” asked Lloyd.
“You gave up on him; you gave up on my baby,” returned Irvette as she held the baby closer to her chest.
Lloyd would have allowed the Princess more time with the baby but there was not much time left because the child had not stopped crying and Lloyd began to fear that it was in pain.
“Princess?”
She handed the child to Lloyd. She was not stupid. She understood that the child needed care more than she could provide it.
“Is he okay?” asked Irvette. She was relieved that the child had cried but it would be devastating to find out that something was wrong with the baby.
“Congratulations are in order Princess. You have just delivered a healthy Prince,” Lloyd had a huge smile on his face. All throughout her pregnancy he had been worried that if the child survived at all, it may not be healthy but he was grateful that such was not the case.
“Will someone inform the Elders?” quipped Irvette. Since her return, the Elders had been staying at the palace. She understood that they would not leave the pack until they were certain she had not come to harm her homeland.
“I believe I should change and…”
“You must rest, Princess. Your body will need adequate rest to recover,” Lloyd advised.
Princess Irvette wanted to say something in response but she was soon arrested by sleep.
****
The pack was full of celebration. It was an awkward sort of celebration because they understood that the child Irvette had just had was a descendant of Alpha George. However, something very strange was happening. There was a strange rumour going around that Princess Irvette was not George's child after all. No one seemed to know how the rumour started but some began to say that Reuben, who had been Rowan's younger brother (Regina's father) had given birth to a little girl named Irvette. If that was the case then, Princess Irvette was not George's child and he had only manipulated them into thinking that she was.
Elders Davis was not pleased with the rumours and he believed strongly that Irvette was using it to take advantage of the people's trust. He especially hated the fact that Irvette had managed to secure the attendance of the cold princess at Prince Harlin's christening ceremony.
He also hated the fact that Princess Irvette had named the child after her husband. He was convinced of course that she had a hand in her husband's assassination so naming her son after him was simply cruel. If the child did not look like Harlin so much, he would not have believed the child belonged to the late Beta.
“I am honored, Princess Irvette, that you would invite me to such a joyous occasion as this,” Queen Emily was saying. Elder Davis rolled his eyes. He found it suspicious that the two of them were now friends. He did not believe it was a coincidence that Emily ascended to the throne very quickly just as Irvette was trying to reclaim her father's throne. Something was off but he could not tell what it was.
“Nonsense! You were very kind to me when I travelled on the sea and I must mention that it is your personal physician that tended to my pregnancy,” returned Princess Irvette with gusto.
“Do not mention, dear friend. I was only doing what I could,” returned Emily.
Elder Davis observed the exchange between the two women. According to the intelligence they had received, it was very likely that George had stabbed Napoleon which had led to the latter's death. He did not want to believe Emily was unaware of this fact.
“That is why I have decided that you will be my son's godson. I hope it is not too much to ask. I believe Prince Harlin can learn a lot from your wealth of wisdom,” said Princess Irvette with a smile.
All eyes were now on Emily. It had never been done before. Nobody asked the royal of the hybrid clan to be a godparent. They could attend your events and be friendly but they avoided being too friendly with outsiders.
“I doubt I have much to teach him but I shall do my best. I am honoured by the privilege, Princess. By the way, I learned you will not be Princess for very long, do I hear correctly?” quipped Emily.
Elder Davis scoffed. Did Irvette think that she could fool the Council of Elders with this silly exchange?
“I do not want to jinx it. But you will be among the first to know,” returned Irvette with a smile.
Princess Irvette smiled within herself. She had learned a lot from all those books she had read growing up. She knew how to manipulate situations to favour her and she also had her lucky stars to thank for her son. She had not known that she had been pregnant until it had been too late to be cautious. She had consumed a lot of alcohol during the early stage of her pregnancy and she was almost convinced the child would not turn out alright. Yet, somehow the child was doing just fine. He had been so tiny when he was born but he was a healthy size now and he had not fallen sick at all.
“Thaddeus, you do realise this is a ploy, right?” questioned Elder Davis in a hushed tone. He did not like any of this and he suspected that his colleagues were being seduced by Princess Irvette's tactics. He had to give her credit for being a good politician but her act was not going to fool him.
“Davis, I know but we must also conclude our affairs here. There are more pressing issues that demand our attention. We will meet once more and confirm her ascension to the throne then we shall continue our preparation for the fiery red Moon.”