yay another chapter!
Oliza was beaming with happiness when the news of her pregnancy had been revealed to everyone in Wyvern's Court. No one could have been happier than Oliza herself. A child would not only mean that she would soon become queen, it would also mean she had ensured a pathway towards full peace. She knew that not everyone would be happy at the thought of a child from her, especially the falcons who could still not manage to fathom the idea of a mongrel taking the throne.
The feast had gone fairly well though she missed Sive, Salem, and even Nicias. He would return soon from his frequent visits to shm'Ahnmik though this one in particular had felt as if it was taking forever. Aside from their absence, there was one person she was glad did not attend. Hai's strange demeanor had always disconcerted Oliza and she did not feel like being under her penetrating gaze. Hai kept mostly to herself and would rarely interact with anyone at the court except Nicias. There would be a few exceptions but they were not pleasant memories. Once he came back, it would be most likely that she would feel more at ease in Wyvern's Court.
Oliza greeted a few of the merchants and vendors on the street as she walked arm in arm with Avaram. They had been walking that way for what had seemed to be hours though neither of them said much. His company was enough to bring her comfort. She had been lucky to have found him as her mate for it had made everything else easier. Before he came into her life, the question of which kind of shifter would be her king was nearly intolerable and looming. She had admirers from both sides but her choice would have incited a civil war among Wyvern's Court. She was a wyvern as well as Avaram and now so would their child. All that was left to do was to smooth the relations between both sides of Wyvern's Court which was still plagued with prejudice.
"Milady" Oliza and Avaram turned their attention to Namidia who stood before them. "Auria has come from the Lupine Lands. You presence is requested."
Oliza tensed at the name of Auria. She knew that whatever news she carried would bring no happiness to her. "Have you informed Ulrik?"
"Yes, he is on his way as well." Oliza and Avaram made their way to the main room while Namidia accompanied them.
By the time they got there, Auria stood with Ulrik facing her as she held his face in her hands. She was smiling and looking at him intently as she examined his face yet her expression held something that indicated she felt more than friendship towards him. Oliza swallowed hard before she could speak lest anything in her tone reveal what she was truly feeling inside.
"Auria, what brings you here to Wyvern's Court?"
Auria turned her attention to the pair and before she said anything else, she congratulated Oliza in her pregnancy. This did not surprise Oliza. After all, everyone at the court had been talking about it.
Auria continued. "May the moon bless your child madam. Yet I came here to speak of matters in our pack. Duty has bid me to call on Ulrik to return as you might have already guessed. You have been kind to all of us by keeping him under your protection and care and I cannot thank you enough for what you have done." With that, Auria bowed her head gracefully and presented a precious moonstone necklace that she had once worn around her neck as a present to Oliza. "Moonstones are treasured in our pack and they serve for protection of the spirit."
Oliza took the gift and held it in her hand as she looked at its beauty. She smiled and looked back in appreciation. "You are welcome to return when you wish and make Wyvern's Court your second home."
Auria nodded in response. "If you may, I need to speak to Ulrik now."
Oliza looked at Ulrik and then at Avaram before they made their way out. Auria looked on at both of them and then turned her attention to Ulrik. His gaze was still fixed on where Oliza had once been standing and then he resumed to speaking with Auria.
"Everything is ready as promised. It is up to you to decide what you want. The Ordeal is tomorrow night and I want to know if you are ready. Ierek will not be hard to defeat if you are in a fit condition and there are males from the other packs joining in as well. I have faith in you." Auria looked at him with a penetrating gaze and her eyes revealed all the hope she had gathered during the years of his absence. He could not let her down.
Ulrik let out an exasperated sigh and thought for a moment on his father. He owed it to him to avenge his death and he owed it to himself to take what was rightfully his. Ever since he was a child, he could easily defeat those in a fight but he was not so sure anymore. During his stay at Wyvern's Court, he had watched the future guards train and had seen the dancer's dance. Dancing and fighting were both skills that were very alike though they served for different purposes. He had learned much and now his knowledge was to be put to the test. He would miss Oliza but just she had remained with her duty he had to do so himself.