**3rd Person**
Prince Harlin had been christened. He was the first royal child to be both heir to the throne and heir of a Beta. It was confusing what to make of the child's heritage. The speculation however was that since the child was to be Alpha, it was best to give the position of Beta to a cousin of the late Lord Harlin. The decision was made which Princess Irvette gave her support to and a new Beta was installed. The only thing that was left for the Elders to settle was Princess Irvette's installation as queen.
The Elders wanted to crown her queen since they could find no discrepancy in her testimony and since the people had warmed up to her. It was also the best decision they could make because installing another family as Royals would not come without bloodshed and chaos. However, Elder Davis still held doubts about making Princess Irvette queen. He did not trust her at all and believed that she was still working with her father.
His doubts made the other Elders agree to grill Princess Irvette once more before they agreed to allow the pack to coronate their new queen. This time, however, the interrogation was to take place in the throne room and all the noble ministers in the Blood Moon pack were to be a part of the meeting.
Princess Irvette sat in her chair with a restive look on her face. She placed the young prince in her arms for effect as though to remind the people present that the innocent child had nothing to do with her father's folly and thus deserved to be king one day.
“I believe that it is clear why we are all gathered,” started Elder Thaddeus. There were murmurs and nods of agreement from around the room.
“I know that it must be hard for you, Princess to be under such intense scrutiny especially if you are innocent. However, you must understand that your father's betrayal of his people has left not only your pack hurt but the entire werewolf clan. It is therefore necessary that we get to the bottom of this and ensure that you have absolutely nothing to do with your father,” continued Elder Thaddeus.
“I do not grudge you, Elders. I understand that the matter is of a serious kind and I am willing to comply with everything that you say,” said Princess Irvette in a diplomatic tone.
“Because of the sensitive nature of our discussion, I will advise that the young prince be given to someone else to hold,” said Elder Davis, who did not want her child to be a factor in declaring her innocent.
“Of course, can I request Beta Asher to hold my baby?” Davis scoffed under his breath at her request. If she was working with her father like he believed she was then it meant she had killed her husband. Why then was she playing the united family act?
“You can,” came Elder Thaddeus’ response.
Beta Asher stepped forward to receive the child. Initially, he had wanted nothing to do with Irvette. He had not even come to see her when she had returned. He had been devastated to find out the truth about the former Alpha so he was angry with the Princess too. However, it was difficult to remain angry with her when he saw the child. The baby looked exactly like his cousin. He was older than Harlin and had seen when he was born. The child he held in his arms gave him a sense of deja vu. It was like he was seven again and he had been called upon to hold his baby cousin.
“It is our understanding that George might be responsible for the death of King Napoleon. Queen Emily's ascension to the throne happened not too long after that and so is your friendship with the new queen. From our standpoint it is a wee bit suspicious, especially given the fact that the hybrid clan are not very friendly people,” said Elder Walker.
“Do you mind sharing why the hybrid queen will choose to remain friends with you when your father is rumoured to have killed hers?” asked Elder Walker.
The throne room fell quiet and all eyes turned to Princess Irvette. Everyone was waiting for an answer. It was not only the Elders who had found her friendship with Queen Emily suspicious.
Princess Irvette could feel the eyes that sought to bore holes into her very soul but she remained calm.
She took in a deep breath before answering, “Perhaps the rumours are what they are, rumours. As for my friendship with Queen Emily; we happened to cross paths in the underworld and we shared the same ship on our way home. It was nice to see another Royal in such a distant place. I believe we had met already before her father's unfortunate incident.”
“I understand you have explained to us why you were in the underworld but I believe your people would like to hear you give the reason,” returned Elder Walker.
“I have been on vacation for a while. My mother passed away and my father sent word that it was her wish to be buried in the underworld. I did not question this because my mother has certain relations with the King of the Darkest Sea. I was to bury her in that water,” came Princess Irvette's response. She paused before she said, “That is why I had to go to the underworld.”
“You mean to tell us that you were not aware that when bodies are buried there, their souls cease to exist?” asked Elder Davis who did not believe a single word Princess Irvette had said thus far.
“That is true but like I have mentioned. My mother has relations with the King of the Darkest Sea. It was my belief that her soul would be an exception. Instead, I was made to believe that she wanted to spend her afternoon life in the court of this particular king in the underworld,” everything Princess Irvette had said made sense only that it was not true.