Chapter 31 - The Chosen

I doubt that anyone slept that night. Everyone seemed like zombies, wandering from one side to another.

"Miss, do you want to go to the waiting room now?" Chant snapped me out of my reverie, and I got up, smoothing my dress.

"Yes, let's go." She walked with me to the waiting area and stepped aside when she saw Lady Menphis waiting at the door.

"I'm glad you're okay, my dear," she said as I passed by. Freya and Ember were already seated in the armchairs, waiting for the dining room to be ready.

I sat quietly, noticing that both glanced at me briefly before resuming their conversation. I didn't feel like engaging in small talk now, so I preferred to stay silent, waiting for everyone to arrive so I could find out what was going on with Eldric.

"Last night, he kissed me," Sable announced as she entered the room. "I'm sure that he has to say today is about his choice." She took a seat and glared at me, and I returned the same look.

Irritated and jealous.

I took a few deep breaths before entering the room and meeting his dark eyes. My heart was devastated by the news the contender had given. Was he like this with all of them? I thought he liked me.

"Good morning, ladies." I took my usual seat, and his eyes bore into me questioningly. I lowered my head, trying to avoid any conflict at that moment, as I couldn't demand anything from him. "As I told you yesterday, I scheduled this meeting early in the morning because I need to explain what's going on." I took a deep breath and looked at the other contenders. They all seemed anxious, except for Sable, who was practically lounging on the coffee table, offering herself to him.

"That was not the first time we had this kind of attack, nor will it be the last. We have many rebels in this area, especially after the former beta escaped."

My heart froze, and I started trembling involuntarily.

"That was a distraction to free him. As my focus was on your safety, I ended up losing a dangerous prisoner." I swallowed hard, feeling a tear rolling down my face.

Eldric noticed and looked at me seriously, waiting for any reaction from me as to why those words affected me so much.

"I've decided it's time for me to make some choices and expedite the decision-making process for my future queen and Luna." My jaw dropped at his comment.

Being the Luna of an Alpha was the most important position a woman could have. I wanted that, but not for the title; I wanted it to be able to help the people who were suffering from the rebellions even more.

I heard the other girls cheering at the table, and I understood that they all wanted that title, each for her own reasons.

"The names I call, please come here." My heart raced. "Raven and Sable, please." The two floated to the king's side, and my world crumbled at that moment. "All the girls not chosen by me will have suitors worthy of them, who must be approved by me before the bonding. Only selected wolves will be able to marry them." Tears kept streaming down my face, and a sob was stuck in my throat.

"So, Raven and Sable," I looked at them, so happy, "I'm sorry to inform you that you are not the chosen ones." I covered my mouth to hold back laughter at that moment. "I thought a lot about its last night, and you are the contenders with whom I have the least affinity."

"But..." Sable tried to speak, but Eldric's cutting gaze made her stop. Maybe she wasn't telling the truth.

With the king's announcement, the air in the room became tense. Raven and Sable, who seemed so confident seconds ago, were now shocked and disappointed. Their pale faces contrasted with the triumphant expressions they showed when they thought they would be chosen.

Meanwhile, my heart was racing, and I could hardly believe what I was hearing. A wave of relief and excitement washed over me, knowing that I was still in the competition. However, I tried to maintain composure, knowing that the final decision was yet to come.

Eldric continued, ignoring the silent protests of the two defeated contenders. "Rachel, Freya, Ember, you are the finalists." He looked at each of us seriously. "Tomorrow, after breakfast, we will conduct some tests to determine which of you is most suitable to take the throne."

My hands trembled in my lap as I looked at the other girls. Each had a determined look in their eyes, and I knew that all of us were willing to fight for this unique opportunity.

As Eldric continued to explain the details of the selection process, my emotions swirled. I was grateful to have come this far in the competition, but I also felt the pressure and uncertainty of what would come next.

"Any of you would make an excellent queen and Luna," the king said sincerely. "Be aware that, by accepting this responsibility, you will be taking on an important role in our kingdom. The chosen ones will be expected to lead with wisdom, justice, and commitment."

I nodded solemnly, absorbing every word he said. I knew this was a unique opportunity, and the decision I would make in the next few days would change the course of my life forever.

Eldric looked at me intensely. "Rachel, could you stay for a moment after the meeting?"

I nodded again and continued to listen to his words. When the meeting ended, the other contenders left the room, leaving me alone with the king.

"Rachel," he began, approaching me, "I know that what I said today might have been overwhelming for you."

Again, I nodded, keeping my feelings guarded. "I understand the gravity of the decision, Your Majesty, and I am prepared to face the tests."

He watched me for a moment before speaking again. "I wanted to know if you're okay after last night's attack."

I felt the care in his words and the concern in his gaze. "I'm fine, Your Majesty. It was scary, but I'm grateful that you acted swiftly to protect us."

Eldric nodded, appreciating my response. "I'm relieved to know that you're okay. I'm sorry for causing so much tension, but believe me, everything I do is to protect our kingdom."

"I understand, Your Majesty, and I respect your decisions. I know you make the best choices for the good of all."

He smiled faintly. "You are an exceptional woman, Rachel. And regardless of the test results, know that I am drawn to you."

My cheeks blushed at his candid confession. "Your Majesty, I..." I was about to respond when a knock on the door interrupted the moment.

Connor entered, bringing an air of urgency. "Forgive me for the interruption, Your Majesty, but a messenger has arrived with urgent news. They are requesting your immediate presence in the throne room."

Eldric sighed, releasing me from his touch. "Excuse me, Rachel. Some matters need to be dealt with urgently." He then left the room, accompanied by Connor.

I stood there, trying to catch my breath after the unexpected encounter. My heart was racing, and the king's words echoed in my mind. I knew that the next few hours would be crucial for the fate of all of us, the contenders.

Feeling both anxious and hopeful at the same time, I left the meeting room and prepared myself for the challenges that lay ahead. I knew that regardless of the outcome, I would give my best to show Eldric how much I valued this opportunity and how willing I was to fight for him and for the good of the kingdom.