The Queen Within

Chapter 5

Alandra

After I had gotten rid of the problem that was Elder Smith, for the time being, the rest of the party went without a hitch. There were still countless Alphas declaring their loyalty and even some Lunas who wanted to throw me a baby shower. I was flattered but completely taken aback by it since I didn't know them that well. Luckily, my mother-in-law swooped in and informed them that she will be planning the baby shower and that they will be receiving invitations in a week's time.

They all agreed reluctantly but cheered right up when they all started discussing gifts. I took that as my cue to hightail it out of that conversation. I tried searching for Jonathan to find solace in him, my anxiety running high and my social meter running low, I really needed my dose of him. When I saw him surrounded by other Alphas, getting congratulated and looking like he was having fun, I couldn't bring myself to interrupt that.

I may be on the fence about a number of things, but Jonathan is sure about all of this. This party is as much his as it is mine. So instead, I wandered around aimlessly until a familiar voice caught my attention.

"A baby!! I am hurt you didn't call us right away! I thought we were your friends, your highness!"

I turned and smiled warmly at James, Lucas, and Penelope. James came up to me and swallowed me into his embrace. It was nice seeing a friendly face in this crowd. When he let me go, Lucas and Penelope gave me a joint hug and they both smiled at me wildly when they let go.

"A future Adair! We must pull out all the stops for the shower!" James went on a rant about everything he wanted to do. It all sounded extravagant and it was clear that money was not an object. I have got to reel this in.

"That's very sweet of you, but my mother-in-law is actually going to plan the shower."

"Oh? Well, let me go find her! As part of the council, it's my duty to help plan!"

As James sauntered off to go find my mother-in-law I realized how much my plan to reel it in backfired. When he finds her there will not be any stopping them. This shower was going to be over the top. I didn't understand why it had to be planned from now. From what I have seen on tv, baby showers aren't supposed to happen till like a month or two before the baby is born. So was it really necessary to plan it now?

"Once he has his mind set on something, there's no stopping him." Lucas said as he stroked Penelope's hair. Sadly this was true. I haven't known James as long as Lucas has, but I already knew this of him.

"I will just have to prepare for the worst huh?"

Penelope giggled at that. We chatted for some time and Lucas brought to my attention the rogue issue Elder Smith was talking about.

"It has become a bit of an issue. We have some paperwork on it that we can send to you, but are you sure this is something you should focus on now? Pregnancy can be difficult at the best of times."

"It's something I have to do. These are my people now. If something is happening to them, I have to do something about it."

There was no way I could sit idly by anymore. That would only prove what Elder Smith said was true, and it was far from it. Lucas nodded and agreed to have the paperwork sent out to me so I could overlook them. I thanked him and after a few more moments of talking, I bid them both farewell and went about roaming around. I could spot James and my mother-in-law engrossed in a conversation in the corner and by the looks of it, the price tag of the baby shower was going up.

I'll have to make a mental reminder to try to talk the extravagance down a notch. It may be a useless attempt but I have to try.

When I saw someone staring out the window, I didn’t notice my feet running to them. The small frame. The tiny silver braids. The child-like resemblance. It was her.

“Beldora!” I slammed right into her, embracing her tightly. I had missed my friend so much.

“Alandra!” She screamed/giggled as we held each other. Beldora smelled like the sun.

"I haven't seen you in ages! I didn't know you would be here today." I finally let her go from my vice grip, giving her room to breathe. When I let go, Beldora reached out and kept one of my hands in hers.

"How could I miss an important announcement from my friend? James and Lucas informed me of the gathering so I tagged along. I have to say, I'm glad I did."

We walked to the nearest table hand in hand and sat beside each other. Beldora was wearing a pink blouse with white trousers and white flats. She looked like a tiny businesswoman. I smiled at her and she gave me a small smile in return. Something seemed to be bothering her with the way the smile didn't reach her eyes like it normally would.

"Before I forget, congratulations on the pregnancy... You must be very happy." Her words sounded sincere, but her face looked pained.

"Thank you... I'm still getting used to the idea... Is something wrong Beldora?"

She tried to shake her head but tears that looked like little crystals started to well up in her eyes. She took a shaky breath and looked down at our hands, still entwined.

"You are my friend and I am happy for you. Beyond happy, ecstatic even... It's just... babies make me sad." Her voice faltered and my heart broke. I have never seen her like this.

"Please talk to me. What's wrong? Why do they make you sad?"

Beldora took a deep breath and looked up at me. "Fae rarely have babies. We live so long that there really isn't a need. Even... Even me with my age, I have never been blessed by Mother to carry a child."

What? I wasn't entirely sure how old the Fae get, or of Beldora's real age, but babies are natural right? Do the Fae really have such a hard time having children? The pain of yearning that she must be going through... At this moment, I felt so bad for my friend that I felt bad for even being pregnant. It was causing her pain. I didn't know what to say or what to do. You could see it in her face how much she wanted it.

Beldora looked at me and gave me a faint smile, "It's why you hear stories of Fae stealing babies. We just want a family. Though I suppose it doesn't give us the best reputation." She said and chuckled. It was just like her to try to make a joke out of this. I wasn’t sure how to help my friend, but there was one thing I was certain of, I wanted her to be in my baby’s life. Ever since I have met Beldora, she has been kind, and open, and unlike some of the council members, I can relate to her since she herself is royalty.

She has always given me great advice and encouraged me when it came to Queen duties. She has been a better friend to me than my last best friend ever was. Well, to be fair, anyone would be a better friend than Victoria was.

“Beldora… I can’t give you a child, but I can make sure you are a part of my kid's life. Will you… Be my baby’s godmother?”

A twinkle appeared in Beldora’s eyes along with those crystal-like tears. “I would be honored to be your baby’s fairy godmother”

We both laughed at the term and I could see the happiness bubbling in my friend's face. We sat for a while and chatted about her home and the celebrations she has planned. Apparently, the Fae have numerous celebrations and festivals throughout the year. The only problem was that Beldora had been getting reports of rogues crossing into her territory. She said that it was odd because usually they tend to stay away, and they never did anything once on her lands. They just crossed into her lands then they would leave after a while.

I tried to wrap my brain around what she was telling me. This wasn’t the first person today to tell me there is a serious rogue problem. I know that Jonathan had been asked to supply some of our warriors to help other packs because of it, but I didn’t know it was to this extent. I may not know much about this world, but I do know that the rogues wouldn’t go near the Fae. Something about the way the Fae smell.

I needed to get my hands on these reports Jonathan has been receiving. I know Lucas said he would send me the reports the council has been getting, but I need the full picture. Maybe we are missing something. Rogues have always been a problem but not to this extent.

“My bladder is calling, I better go answer it.” I said as I got up plastering on a smile. Beldora giggled and nodded. I weaved my way through the crowd trying to be sure I wasn’t spotted by Jonathan or my in-laws. If they saw me, they would want to know what was wrong and I can’t be sure, but I think they have been keeping how serious the issue is from me.

I felt like a spy undercover as I made my way to the double doors. People were going in and out so I just had to wait for someone to go out. A few minutes passed and a small crowd was going out of the room and I snuck into it trying to blend in. Or so I thought I did. The moment I entered their little group, everyone started to bow and tried to have small talk. I tried to be polite and told them I was just going to the bathroom, but then a few of the other ladies offered to go with me.

“My love? Is everything ok?” Busted. I turned to see Jonathan with Charlie and Denise. There was no way I was going to be able to sneak off to those reports now. I needed to think of an excuse.

“I uh… Was just going to the bathroom.”

“Oh… But there are bathrooms in here. Why are you leaving the party?” Darn this man and his clever thinking. Well, I wasn’t doing a good job at being an undercover spy anyways. I looked over to Denise, hoping she would get the gist. A sly smile crossed her lips.

“Alandra is Queen. She shouldn’t share a bathroom with everyone. Why don’t I escort her to the one in your room and I’ll bring her back. She will be safe with me.” She said with a beaming smile. She was good. Jonathan looked like he was pondering about it for a moment until some of the other Alphas called out to him. He pursed his lips but nodded.

”Ok Danny. Just keep an eye on her. I don’t want anyone to try to take advantage of the situation. We don’t know if there are others who felt the same as Elder Smith.”

“Will do!” Denise said as she looped her arm in mine. “Come on Alandra, wouldn’t want your bladder to burst.” She said as we turned around and left the boys. “You so owe me.” She whispered as we got away. I did owe her. Thank goodness for her sneakiness. I would’ve been caught and there was no way I could lie any better than I already did.

Thanks to her, I can now get some of the answers I’m looking for. I felt bad for sneaking off during a party thrown for me, but this was way more important. I know that Jonathan is just looking out for me so I don’t stress out, but I’m Queen. I have to know. I’ll make it up to him later.

For now though, I’m getting my answers.