Title: Winds of Change
Pairing: Jane/ Maura
Rating: M

Summary: Life begins with a bang at King's Manor. Again italics denotes mind speaking in the body of the story.

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read and review. Also a big thanks to those of you who have favorited and followed. It really makes my day to receive feedback from my readers. Now on to the story. Happy Reading!

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CHAPTER 31

It was nice to sleep in the next morning and have breakfast delivered as well. After an enjoyable shower and filling breakfast Jane and Maura shifted and made their way out of their quarters. Staff stopped what they were doing as the couple made their way down the main staircase. By the time the Alpha pair made it to the back lawn almost everyone in the household was gathered to see the black and white wolves of legend run at King's Manor for the first time in thousands of years.

"You think our little purple friends will show back up? They flew away when we reached the outskirts of King's Place." Jane asked as she nudged Maura with her muzzle.

"I hope so. I miss having them around." Maura rubbed against her dark wolf.

Word had spread to the village of their run and the rise above the Manor was full once again. A cheer went up as Jane led Maura out the back gate and across the field.

It felt so good to run free without worry of being caught by humans. They ran and played and even found a private spot to let their wolves enjoy one another. It was near noon when they emerged from the forest and saw Phantom, Amethyst, Zev, and Poni perched on a bush in the middle of the field.

When the wolves reached them the birds bowed before Phantom and Zev let out loud squawks before quieting. They seemed to be waiting for something. The wolves soon found out what when the field began to fill with hundreds if not thousands of purple Royals. All singing their happy songs of greeting for the returned King and Queen.

Those at the Manor and still upon the rise were spellbound as the famed wolves were surrounded by a huge flock of Royal birds. It was so rare to see just one, a being might see one once in a lifetime. Many pulled out COM mirrors to capture the amazing historical sight.

Jane felt a special connection with all the birds as she did the four who had been traveling with her. "My mate and I are honored to have so many loyal friends come out of hiding to show us their support. We look forward to working with you during our long tenure as Alpha's of all Lycan kind."

The birds all bowed as one before disappearing back into the trees. Only Phantom, Amethyst, Zev, and Poni remained behind. The two males perched on the black wolf's back as the females perched on the white as they made their way back to the manor and up to their apartments. The birds flew to perches set-up in one window and to a tray of nuts, seeds, and berries along with a small dish of water.

Jane and Maura shifted back. Jane laughed. "Someone prepared for their arrival. Come babe lets cleanup and go down to the dining hall and see what they have to offer. I bet Jeremy and Emily will have loads of questions about all the Royals that surrounded us."

Maura smiled, the morning had been really great and she was feeling frisky again and began pulling Jane to the shower to cleanup and have a little fun before lunch.

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Actually more than Jeremy and Emily asked about the Royals birds. The running of the black and white wolves and the flock of Royals was the big topic of conversation for many. As lunch was wrapping up Jane reminded the warriors of sparing practice.

After warming up the Laird faced off with Zeon, Marcus, Warren, Masdone, Nina, and Maxine. She fought them with different weapons, but saved hand-to-hand for General Poledio.

The General gave everything he had to the fight and consistently found himself in pain on the ground. He finally lost it shifting into wolfman form, not even attempting to save his clothes.

"Stand down." The King ordered her warriors around her as they prepared to step in at the shift. Jane kept moving forcing the large grey wolfman to circle her as they faced off. "Poledio I will defeat you without shifting. You are allowing your pride to rule you right now. I advise you to stop now before you bring further dishonor on yourself. You are turning a simple sparring match into a challenge and you don't want to do that. You are a good Hecation soldier. Stand down and go back to that. You will lose a true challenge. I am your Alpha in every way. I am your King. This challenge will be to my authority not a tournament challenge. I will be within my rights to kill you if I so choose if you continue." The King didn't want Poledio to take the fight that far.

"I have never been beaten in combat and though you carry the title of King you are still female. I am a better fighter than that jackal you faced in the tournament and you are using no weapon. I tried to be a General in your army, but you refused. That is a slap I cannot endure. I will prove how wrong you were in your decision." The wolfman's growling voice huffed out.

"You have already proven how right my decision was. I give you one last warning stand down or suffer the consequences."

General Poledio decided to attack his King in direct challenge for supremacy. Jane dodged most of his blows as she delivered painful ones to the wolfman. She was careful to avoid his claws. The Laird never shifted as she systematically destroyed the wolfman. Poledio even tried to use a combination of will and strength on her. The Alpha ignored it taking Poledio down another notch. The grey wolfman never gave in until he was beat unconscious.

"Take him to a holding cell. No healers and only water and scraps in a trough. I want him afforded no visitors and no light. I will speak to him in a few days. He also gets no cot, blanket, or clothes, just a bucket in the corner of a dark cell. He needs to know the consequences of his actions. I will not be lenient on disloyalty or dishonorable challenges to my authority." Jane turned to the Captains of the King's and Queen's Warriors. "Captain Warren, Captain Nina take him to the cell now and see my orders carried out."

They stood at attention putting fist to heart. "Yes, Alpha!" Was stated as one before the Captains took Poledio away with the assistance of a few of their men.

Jane turned to those around her. "Let this be a lesson to all of you that I take challenges to my authority seriously and I will not go so easy on the next challenger." Her will came forward with her words and had all around bowing. "Poledio's fate is now in his hands. He will either except me as his Alpha or challenge me to a death match. I hope his time in the cell helps him make the right decision."

"Lt. Masdone, Lt. Maxine you now have the field." The two bowed to her with fists over heart before Jane left the practice grounds. She had just entered her and Maura's quarters when her mate sailed in.

Maura had chosen to not attend the fight and push the General further, but it hadn't helped. "Let's get you out of those clothes and let me look you over." The healer ordered.

Jane did as her mate instructed. "I may have to kill him Maura. Some may think I am weak because I haven't already. He challenged me, not in sparring, but a true Alpha challenge. He challenged my right to be King." She explained all that happened as her mate looked her over.

"I see nothing a quick shift won't take care of. That was impressive by the way. So few real injuries while staying in human form against a powerful wolfman. Now shift." Maura watched as her mate shifted to wolfwoman then wolf, then back to human. Her injuries were nearly completely gone only a few pink healed places remained. "Good. Now wash up and dress while I fix you a snack. Fighting and shifting takes it out of you as does the anger you are experiencing."

Once dressed and seated at the bar Jane devoured the food put before her.

"I know you don't want to, but if Poledio chooses the death challenge my only advice is to make it as quick as possible. This is a part of our world now, however much we dislike it. The scarier and more deadly you prove to be will deter many from challenging you as the jackals did and as Poledio has done. Always remember I am here for you and support you fully. You are my King, my Laird, my Alpha, my mate, my wife, my soulmate, my love, and my best friend. I will always have your back and you will always find a safe haven in me."

Standing Jane pulled her wife tightly to her. "I am so lucky to have you in my life Maur, you are my everything." They stood for a longtime simply holding each other. "You want to join me in the billiards room to blow off a little steam?"

"I'm not really good at pool Jane. You know that."

"Who said anything about you playing? I have a real need to see you writhing naked across a pool table while I pleasure you in numerous ways." The Laird's grin was proof of the many naughty thoughts going on in her head.

After much lovemaking that started in the billiards room and moved to the kitchen when they became hungry, then the shower to clean up their sticky mess, and finally the bed their day ended in their favorite fashion with them wrapped around one another's sated bodies.

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The next two days went by quickly with meetings with Vineloch, Connie, the town Mayor, and other senior members of the household and the town and surrounding area. Jane and Maura were quickly getting up to speed on their new home and surroundings.

After lunch on the second day it was time to have a meeting with Poledio.

Jane visited the dungeons of her estate. They were rooms she had never in her life thought she would have in her home much less visit. Poledio was marched out of the cell area to a room that reminded the Laird of an ancient interrogation chamber.

The man was sat in a sturdy chair attached to the floor. While Jane remained leaning against the heavy door as if she had no cares in the world. "Poledio, do you now accept me as your Alpha?" The statement was made in a calm voice without inflection.

"I can't, you are weak. Me still being alive proves your weakness. A real Alpha would have fought me to the death and killing me now as I am chained and weak from hunger will only prove your weakness. You were lucky the other day. I was tired from my previous sparring. I bet you won't even do the deed at all now, just leave me in prison for years in an attempt to get me to reform my ways. That is weak human thinking. Thinking that will get any Lycan who follows you killed." The man shouted.

"Get him a healer, food, a bath, and a cot." She ordered Warren before addressing the prisoner. "It wasn't me showing a need to reform you, but the need to allow a good soldier to calm down and think clearly about his actions. You acted rashly and let your pride get in the way on the practice field. Now you have had time to think, your challenge is clear. Please report any last wishes you would like to be carried out after your death to CPT's Warren and Nina. They will write it down in a will for you. Your uniform minus weapons will be brought to you in two days. If you would like to speak with a religious figure that to can be arranged. We will meet in challenge in two days from this very moment. Please take this time to put your affairs in order. I promise I will make your death quick." With that the King left the room.

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News of the challenge spread like wildfire and because of the amount of individuals who began gathering around the estate in the hopes of seeing something it was decided that the fight would be moved to the tournament field outside of King's Place. Jane was fine with that she was in no hurry to bring death into the Manor.

At two in the afternoon on the day of the fight Jane and Poledio approached the magical challenge circle. The Mayor of King's Place announced the death challenge to all watching. The fight was also being broadcast over the mirror network of Hecation.

The King watched impassively as her opponent removed his uniform folding it neatly before stepping into the circle. Jane wore a black leather vest and pants with sturdy black leather boots. Her Band of Royalty shown on her arm.

Maura stood beside her in a sleeveless dress her Royal band shining as well. Purple Royals were perched all over the arena. "You gave him a chance Jane. End this as quickly as you can. Remember I am here for you as are many others." The Queen was referring to their warriors all decked out in new Royal uniforms showing they were either with the King's warriors or the Queen's. The King's warriors wore black and silver, the Queen's emerald green and silver.

Jeremy and Emily each had on Page tunics representing Jane and Maura. Most of the household of King's Manor were in formation behind the warriors in their finest livery proving their loyalty to the Royal house.

Poledio had been boo'ed as he stepped into the circle and shifted into a large grey wolfman.

Jane squeezed her wife's hand giving her a quick kiss. "I'll be right back." She sent before entering the circle. It sealed upon her entry and would stay sealed until one of the occupants died.

Poledio howled loud before rushing Jane. The King stood calmly not moving, though she was braced for impact if need be. When the wolfman was close enough Laird Raven moved with lightning speed hitting the charging warrior open palmed hard right over his heart. The force of the blow and his charge caused the wolfman to fly backwards and since he died on impact with the King's hit from an exploded heart his body sailed through the now fallen magical barrier to land a good ten feet outside the challenge circle.

Jane had already recovered from the punch and left the circle joining her wife when those around her finally realized what had happened. Shouts of "King Raven", "King Raven" began all around the arena as healers and the Mayor confirmed the death of Poledio even though it was obvious the now naked man was dead, his body had begun to shift back as soon as his heart burst.

Jane accepted her sword and dagger from her Page Jeremy. He seemed very proud to be her Page and not afraid of her in the least. That helped Jane immeasurably and even though she hated to celebrate a man's death she raised her arm high in the air acknowledging the crowd and her victory.

The whole thing had become an impromptu festival and Jane and Maura gave their people leave for the rest of the day and night to enjoy it. Jane and Maura stayed no longer than they had to, to be polite and acknowledge the King's supporters.

By the time they began to head home a few of the staff and warriors were ready as well. Jane was eager to see the day end and enjoy the nice meal that awaited them in their apartments, share a long hot soak in the tub with her wife before they sat together on the couch to see what all Hecation mirrorvision was like.

As darkness fully fell outside the window Jane had a beer in hand and Maura her glass of wine as they snuggled together on the couch in comfy pj's. It was a nice ending to a crappy day.

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The next week instructors began to show up at the estate and both women's nightly lessons in the realm of the Gods continued.

Many of the professors who showed up were what one would call a psychic speaker. They actually had the ability to make a brain absorb knowledge even on the subjects that one hated. That really came in handy for Jane with etiquette lessons and other courtly lessons. Some lessons the couple had together and some separate. It was a balancing act between their lessons and the duties of their positions. Jane was also preparing for the King's Tournament that would be held in two month's time. It was a full week long warrior event and festival that would showcase many more skills than single unhorsed combat. Jane was training against multiple opponents and also picked a squad of five to command in leadership competitions. She was also becoming skilled as a mounted warrior. She had come home very much bruised her first day of jousting practice, but between shifting and her lovely Maura's healing touch she was ready the next afternoon to get battered again.

Maura was loving her lessons and learning new things, but like Jane the etiquette and court lessons were her least favorite. However, she did love the dance lessons she and Jane took together. Each of them knew a few dances, but were becoming very skilled at them all. It was quite the early morning workout.

A month after the instructors showed up Jane felt the shift within herself. Fenrir warned her it was approaching. If she was feeling it so was Maura. Jane used her COM mirror giving orders for their quarters to be fully stocked and that the second and third levels of the Royal wing would be off limits for the following week to 10 days. Usually, Heat cycles lasted 3-5 days, however since Maura and Jane's cycle only happened once a year instead of 2-3 times a year theirs would be longer. There were stories passed down from the times of the first Lord Raven and Lady Snow of the intensity of their Heat cycles.

That morning Jane had worn the harness in relaxed only mode. She wanted to surprise Maura with it. They had both felt the heat coming like a gathering storm. The couple spent the morning giving last minute orders to their heads of staff and Captains.

There was a standing order not to disturb the Royal couple unless it was a dire emergency. Shortly after noon Jane felt the rush begin. It was like nothing she had ever felt before. Her body felt over heated everywhere and her clothes felt heavy and uncomfortable on her skin. Jane ran into the throne room closing the door behind her. The second and third floor of the Royal wing had been evacuated and magical barriers put up that would allow no one to enter them except Laird Raven and Lady Snow. Once the door closed Jane began hastily stripping her clothes working hard not to simply rip them off.

"Maura! Where are you? I need you!" Jane's hand was busy activating her harness and she quickly became fully erect and felt the node grow as it entered her.

"I am here Jane!" Maura cried as she ran from her private office into the throne room. The Queen was already gloriously naked.

The two women clashed together their mouths devouring, their hands roaming, and grasping. Laird Raven growled as she picked her Lady up firmly gripping her lush backside and bringing her down fully on her ladykock as the smaller woman wrapped her legs tightly around the warrior pulling her deep. Jane stood legs braced apart for balance using her superior strength to raise and lower her wife fast and hard on her length. Maura was doing all she could to help, equally desperate in her need. Their first two orgasms came in quick succession where they stood before Jane moved over to the thrones and sat down in hers.

Maura immediately shifted her legs into position and began riding her King with all she had. They came twice more and their bodies were still on fire. Their need for one another nowhere near sated. Jane stood lifted Maura from her placing the smaller woman on her knees on the Queen's throne. "Hold on to the back." The Alpha ordered as she entered her woman from behind. The mating was incredible and they came several more times before their minds were clear enough to try and make it up to their apartment where food and soft surfaces were available.

The following ten days had been intense. They had fucked, they had made love, and they had indulged in fantasies. The couple was glad their Heat cycle only came once a year or they just might kill each other.

They had taken turns wearing the harness though Maura enjoyed being on the receiving end more than Jane. Neither woman was an anal virgin any longer. They had given that to one another during a few of their lovemaking sessions. During a few of their kinky bouts both had experimented with slipping their whole hand into each other. Jane had even collared Maura once and they had an intense D/s fantasy scene. They spent lots of time without toys or harness, bringing each other great pleasure with mouth, tongue, teeth, fingers, hands, their bodies writhing together as they locked repeatedly as one.

The one thing that rode along with their incredible need for each another was also their love, passion, and trust in one another. They were never heedless in their sexual frenzy. Their partner's pleasure and welfare was always uppermost in their minds.

The barrier spell broke as soon as the Heat cycle ended. Jane barely had the energy to carry her wife from the shower to their bed. Maura passed out as they were toweling off.

Jane carried her to their bed climbing in beside her and curling protectively around her mate to keep her warm. She had no idea where the covers were. She was surprised there were still pillows on the bed.

Jane heard knocking at their apartment door and barely managed a slurred "Come in" as she felt Cookie, Nina, and Connie's minds on the other side of the door. She was sound asleep seconds later.

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Connie, Cookie, Vineloch, Warren, and Nina all felt it when the barrier dropped indicating the end of the Royal couples Heat cycle or phase. They knew because they were the five heads of the Royal household staff. Warren and Nina led the warriors, Vineloch was head steward, Connie head housekeeper, and Cookie head of the Royal couples personal staff.

It was decided the three women would enter the second and third floor of the Royal wing. They were sure Jane and Maura wouldn't want to be seen by the men, now that they knew Vineloch was a male and even though Warren was gay. Once it was ascertained the second floor was clear of Royal personages a carefully selected clean-up crew was allowed in to put the floor back to rights.

Cookie knocked loudly on the door of the King and Queen's personal quarters, even with their supersensitive hearing they barely heard the mumbled "Come in." from their King.

Opening the door the women stood in the doorway staring. It was quite obvious an energetic good time was had everywhere in the apartment they saw. They carefully entered looking in every room, but the master suite. They were saving it for last. No room had gone untouched. Easing the master bedroom door open they saw the Royal couple cuddled naked together in the middle of the large bed, Jane wrapped protectively around Maura.

Cookie moved into the room picking up the comforter tossing it over them. "They must have been showering or just finished when the lethargy caught them." Cookie tutted. "They don't need to be sleeping with wet hair like that."

Connie agreed and disappeared into the bathroom coming back with two towels. "I've spelled them for a short bit, they will suck up all the water from their lovely hair." The two older women with Nina's help managed to dry the sleeping women's hair.

"They really need to be sleeping on clean linens as well. We will clean up their quarters and take care of that last. Let's think on it while we clean." Connie said as they left the bedroom closing the door behind them.

"We will need help with all this." Nina was looking around. Things were in major disarray, but nothing appeared broken.

"I will call Millie and Maddie in to help. They can be trusted not to speak of what we see here. Rumors are normal, but no actual details should escape anyone we allow in." Cookie added.

"Warren, Max, Evie, Ashley, Tony, and Alexi can help and also keep quiet." Nina added.

"Vineloch and a few of our senior staff will also hold their tongues." Connie offered. "But I think Cookie, myself, Millie, and Maddie should take the master suite. I am the head housekeeper and Cookie and her daughters are the couple's personal female servants. I think that is appropriate and all we need to clean up is the master suite and bath. Though we may have to have help later with the bedding."

The women called in their helpers. Evie whistled. "This is even worse than their initial mating phase. I helped clean-up after that one too." She laughed. "They are really hot for one another."

The talking was kept low as the place was put back together and the kitchen restocked. The master suite and bath were also put to rights, only the bed remained.

"What if we wrapped them each in a sheet and lifted them out of the bed quickly changed the bottom sheet and pillows and put them back in the bed. We could add the other bedding over them once their settled." Maddie offered.

"We could try it. Maxine is big enough she could lift Jane and Nina or Ashley can help her while Evie and Alexi can easily take care of lifting Maura." Connie tapped her chin in thought.

That decided on they called the other women inside and explained their plan. However, they reached a snag when they tried to separate Maura from a sleeping Jane. A dangerous growl emanated from the kingly woman as her hold tightened and a wave of Alpha power pushed them all off the bed to the floor.

Evie began laughing as did the others as Warren and Vineloch ran into the room. "The King protects her mate even while dead to the world asleep." She stood. "We are going to have to lift them together or let them sleep as is."

"Warren, Max, Alexi, Evie, Ashley, and Nina are our strongest with the longest reach. You six lift them together and with the clean sheet over them while we quickly change the bedding. It really needs it." Cookie instructed.

The task was done with lots of giggles and chuckles, but thankfully no one dropped the couple.

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Jane and Maura slept for 48 hours straight waking with sore bodies, hungry stomachs, and bladders ready to burst. Jane waved Maura to the master bath as she headed to the guest bath down the hall.

Maura met her in the kitchen wearing a robe tossing Jane hers before they worked together raiding the cabinets and icebox. While they ate the dark haired woman turned on the COM mirror to check the day and time. Their heat phase had lasted a full 10 days and they had been asleep for another two.

She pulled her wife onto her lap. "I hope I was never too rough with you Maur." Jane nuzzled her loves soft neck as she rubbed her hands up and down her back.

"Not even a moment Jane. You were magnificent and I look forward to repeating the things we did only when we are not in heat and not all at once." Maura kissed her warrior with all the love she felt inside.

"Mmm, it was all pretty amazing and I agree with you totally on doing all of it again. You bent over naked on your throne was really hot." Jane kissed Maura again giving as good as she got. "Let's shift and run before we have to jump back into lessons, training, and Royal duties."

After one more quick peck the smaller woman bounded to her feet. "Sounds like an excellent idea."

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Everyone noticed as the black and white wolves gracefully moved through the Manor and out a rear door for a run.

Life returned to its normal hectic routine the next three weeks with the added expectations and preparations for the King's Tournament. The vendors, spectators, and participants began showing up nearly three weeks before The King's Tournament of Hecation was to start in the hopes of getting the best places to set-up shop or camp. Halfway through the second week before the tournament began the usual vendor, spectator, and warrior fields were full and more fields were having to be rented from area land owners. It seemed that the King's Tournament in King's Place with the famed King Raven actually participating was a huge draw.

The Mayor had informed Laird Raven that King's Place was making profits hand over fist even with the additional field rents. Jane was glad the area was prospering from the event, but as the list of participants increased she began to really wish she was ranked much higher in the standings. Her win in every category in her first tournament put her about halfway up the list of competitors in those events, but on the ones she had never participated in before in competition she was at the very bottom and would have to work her way up as she had done before.

Plenty of healers were present so Maura wouldn't have to pitch in except on dire cases. Then the Angel of Mercy would be called to see if she could help heal the patient. The last two weeks before the tournament all of Jane's focus was on training for the tournament challenges. Her Royal lessons had been temporarily halted until afterwards. Even her nightly lessons were in preparation for the event.

"I have full confidence in you young one. I believe you can win the whole tournament as you did the last. You are a much greater warrior now and you have more confidence in yourself. You have trained hard and met every challenge. Believe in yourself and fight with your head, heart, and iron will and you will do magnificently." Lord Fenrir counselled her the night before the opening ceremonies.

"I will do my best to prove to all Hecation that you and the rest of the Heavenly realm were not mistaken in blessing me as the Alpha of all Alphas." Jane stood straight. She had fully accepted her position and was determined to be the best Alpha, Laird, and King she could be. Just as she was determined to be the best wife and mate to Maura that she could.

"I know you will." He kissed her on the forehead as did Lady Vivienne.

"You will do well, young one." The Goddess stated before also kissing Maura on the forehead. "Take good care of your warrior, she has a hard week ahead."

"I will, my Lady." Maura promised. She too had fully accepted her role as Jane's Queen and all that it entailed and would fulfill her duties as Queen to the best of her abilities. As Jane's wife and mate the strong warrior would always be a top priority for her.

"You both are doing all of us up here in the Ethereal Realms proud. Now go rest, you have a big day ahead when you wake." Lord Fenrir waved them off as the world around them floated away and their consciousness's rejoined their sleeping forms.

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Well I thought here would be a good place for a chapter break. I hope you enjoyed this update. Until Next Time… Holly