Broken Queen

9. Strategies.

While the other females from the Dumas Moon Pack had gone shopping for the mating ball, Bernice was in a restaurant on the other side of the market.

“It's a huge risk calling for a meeting in broad daylight. Aunt Benny certainly does not believe in me,” Carl's voice was somewhat dissatisfied. Sure, the private room was a safe place to talk but now that he was about to be announced as a Royal Gamma, all eyes were on him. Even his Father, Alpha Noah, was suspicious of their secret encounters.

“I wouldn’t have sent you to Alpha Noah's pack as his son, Carl, if I didn’t believe in you.” Bernice slowly placed the tea cup on the table with a smile. “You did an excellent job playing the part of his son over the last thirteen years," she complimented.

Thirteen years ago, the powerful Alpha Noah's son had vanished without a trace. Some said he perished when they couldn't find him, while others claimed he was abducted, but Alpha Noah never received a ransom demand. Bernice, who was acquainted with Alpha Noah and his mate, used the circumstances to her own benefit. She was well aware of Alpha Noah's secrets and the phony persona he projected of a noble Alpha in the Dyson Kingdom. He was sickeningly obsessed with young females. In the past, he had used and discarded an untold number of them. Bernice discovered a slave girl who had been hiding with her seven-year-old son in a small village, terrified that Alpha Noah would appear and steal Carl back.

Carl was the illegitimate son of Alpha Noah. Bernice’s wolves cleverly murdered Carl's Mother. She then adopted the child but not before starving him for two days in the woods so that he would never forget her generosity towards him. She trained him for a year to be Alpha Noah's son, implanting all of the information that she possessed on Alpha Noah and his pack. A year later, she acquired Alpha Noah's favor by pretending as though she had located his son for the sake of their friendship. The Alpha couple was blinded by their happiness. Carl was a fantastic actor. He wept in the Luna's arms putting on such a fantastic display that she couldn't have known that he wasn't her son. Bernice had chosen Carl because he resembled Alpha Noah, and with the use of a little magic the Alpha and Luna felt a bond with Carl. Alpha Noah intended to repay Bernice by strengthening the relationship between their packs. However, Bernice was in financial trouble, so she began borrowing large amounts of money from Alpha Noah. That had been her true goal in taking such a major risk by sending Carl to them. Alpha Noah continued lending her money, but when the time came to repay it, she had no money to do so. She had already decided not to repay the money the day she had sent Carl to Alpha Noah.

"I'm simply scared you'll forget that your Aunt is the one who helped you get to this position," she remarked but it was a warning for the man sitting across from her that he shouldn’t even consider betraying her.

“Aunt Benny, you shouldn’t doubt me. I’ll never forget the generosity that you showed me when I was an orphan. During the mating ball tomorrow, I shall be announced as Alpha Prince Grant's Gamma. Alpha Noah will be kissing my boots as soon as I become a Royal Gamma. Soon he'll hand the Alpha position over to me then it won’t be long until I forgive all of the debt that you owe him,” Carl outlined his scheme, which Bernice was well aware of. “Of course, you’ll receive as much money as you like in the future with no expectation of repayment," he added with a malicious smile.

Carl studied Bernice while sipping his tea. She finally appeared able to breathe. Carl wondered whether anyone knew this woman better than he did. His Aunt was a cunning greedy shrew. She was solely interested in money. She had used him to obtain loans from Alpha Noah. Carl had never had any objections to this. He had no desire for Alpha Noah's wealth because his only goal has always been to become Grant's Gamma so that he could relieve himself of Bernice's generosity. He despised being under her thumb. She never failed to remind him of her compassion or the luxurious life he had because of her. She had shined up something that was little more than dirt then placed it in Alpha Noah's pack playing it off as his son. Becoming a Royal Gamma would change the course of his life since he would have gained it in his own right. In the near future, he would be able to bury her beneath his own heel with the money and power he obtained.

Bernice's heart felt lighter after his commitment. He would never betray her since they shared secrets that would lead to their deaths if revealed to the public, still she needed to show him who had the upper hand.

“That's fantastic, but you still need to take my Casimir's aspirations seriously," she reminded him. Casimir was Bernice's son. He was two years older than Violet and had been pursuing his crazy ambition of becoming the Third Prince Farrell's Beta. Farrell was renowned as a carefree Prince who wielded a great deal of authority, yet he refused to have a Beta and Gamma under him. Casimir had been following Farrell around for years, while the other Princes had chosen their second and third in command. Bernice's son was on Farrell's good side, yet expressing a wish to become his Beta would come across as arrogant. Carl, as a Royal Gamma, might play a significant part in assisting Casimir achieve his dream.

"Casimir is already the Third Prince’s good graces. He is handling the Prince's dirty messes and is an expert in imperial politics amongst the Princes vying for the throne. Aunt Benny, your son was born to be Third Prince Farrell's Beta. I doubt he needs me to assist him, but I'll certainly look after Casimir," Carl guaranteed. Bernice smiled proudly.

“Then I conclude that our discussion has been fruitful. We understand the pros and cons of our actions. Your status as Royal Gamma is crucial to our relationship, Carl," Bernice remarked.

“Agreed. All we have to do now is wait for the Crown Prince's birthday celebration tomorrow then the mating ball," Carl raised his tea cup. “Please don't forget to bring Regina with you,” he added. Bernice's piercing eyes detected Carl's longing for Regina. After his last interaction with Regina, the long buried feelings blossomed in his heart. That ugly Princess held Carl's heart in her hands, it was something that Bernice intended to use in the future.

“Sure,” Bernice raised her cup as they finished their tea. She smiled contentedly. The day that she had saved Carl from starvation and made him Alpha Noah's son, she had resolved to use this young man to fulfill her aspirations. Was there anything better than holding Grant's Royal Gamma in the palm of her hand? Casimir would become Farrell's Beta, and Violet would marry Farrell. Bernice would be able to gain more wealth from Alpha Noah's pack instead of just escaping her debt. Carl was a never-ending source of money and delight!

***

In the late evening the packhouse was filled with the delicious sugary smell of sweets. "Get this done quickly!" April ordered the Omega, who was forced to work in her place. Despite being turned into a low ranking Omega, she had the tendency of ordering around the pack's other female Omegas behind her mistress' back. She'd crossed her arms over her chest as she leaned against the kitchen cabinet until her nose detected Jake's scent near the kitchen. It took her a split second to shove the Omega out the backdoor before she began cooking with a fatigued look.

"What a delicious smell!" Jake exclaimed with joy. April's lips were set in a proud grin. Jake was a foodie, and she was the best cook in Dumas Moon Pack."What are you cooking, April?" He entered the kitchen, and April turned to answer him with a sweaty brow and exhausted countenance.

"Sweets," her smile vanished as soon as she noticed Olivia standing next to Jake. Her face darkened. She had no idea that they had been together this whole time. Here she was working like a donkey, preparing sweets all day in Alvara, Bernice, and Regina's kitchen, and these two had been spending time together!

"Wow, let me taste one," he tried to pick up a sweet.

"No, you can't eat them, Jake," she pushed his hand away.

"Why?"

"These sweets were made to be taken as a gift to the Crown Prince's birthday party. Have you forgotten that I make them every year?" She raised her brow, pointing out one of things about her that had captured his heart. Jake nodded, but April quickly put her arm around his waist, noticing Olivia's uneasiness at their close proximity. "But you can eat me later tonight," giving him a bold hint. Jake scowled down at April when he remembered Olivia's presence in the kitchen. Olivia decided to walk away, reluctant to witness their show of affection any longer.

"Olivia, where have you been all day? You even missed lunch," April's eyes were worried, but Olivia had noticed that April's sincerity towards her was usually fake.

"I was busy with some tasks that the Princess assigned me," she replied casually.

"With Jake?" April questioned even though it was obvious.

"Yes, he followed me to the woods as it is dangerous."

"But isn't following you around all day, your husband's job?" April raised her brows while holding tight to Jake's arm. "Where is that slave? I mean your husband. I haven’t seen him since the exchange day.” She was perplexed. Jake's expression changed when the word husband was mentioned. He was annoyed that the topic had shifted to Olivia's spouse.

"I don't know. Maybe he is around the pack handling some chore" Olivia answered, noticing Jake's stern features for a second.

"Why don't you know your husband's whereabouts?" She inquired. Jake cast a displeased glance at April, but she refused to drop the subject. "Aren’t you concerned that he’ll cheat on you while he’s out of your sight? I mean, I know he's a slave but he can still cheat on you. As a friend, I’m concerned for you," April commented. Jake's tolerance had been tested when she used the words slave and husband. Olivia spoke out just as he was going to lash at April with a warning.

"If Princess Regina has selected him as my spouse, I know that I’ve found my true love. April, trust is a sacred thread in any relationship. Even if he isn’t in front of my eyes, I trust him," Olivia acknowledged with a small smile that irritated April. "However, the way you speak implies that you are insecure in your relationship. April," Olivia commented.

"No, I’m not!" April’s voice rose slightly. It was difficult for her to keep her innocent expression while snapping at the other woman in front of Jake, who strangely, did not interrupt Olivia when she commented on their relationship.

"Trust me, I’m just worried about you as a friend," Olivia added, looking at April then Jake before she left the kitchen.

"Jake, she…" April pretended innocence, but Jake drew his arm away from her hold.

"You started it, April. I wonder whether you trust me or not," he snapped before storming out of the kitchen. April clenched her teeth and shattered a glass to vent her rage. She could see Jake moving further from her grasp thanks to Olivia. How had this happened? Was Princess Regina advising her maid? But how could that dumb Princess finally realize her deceit after 18 years?

Surprisingly, she hadn't seen Regina since she got home from her shopping trip. What had she been up to in the packhouse? April had been demoted from her post as personal maid, so she had no excuse to go to her chamber and spy on her. The maid was in a difficult position since she had nothing to report to those nasty bitches who had ordered her to appear in their room shortly.

April reached for another glass to destroy when she noticed the tall dark shadow of a person lurking in the yard.

"Who is that?" She raced over to the window, suspicious, but it had vanished beneath Regina's chamber window. What was it?

Later that night April felt like her head would soon fall off after bowing for half an hour. Luna Alvara and Laila's eyes were red and their powerful auras had tortured April's wolf into submission.

"I’m really sorry, Luna," April apologized again. "According to Laila’s orders, I’d been following Princess Regina at the market, but it was overcrowded and she vanished with Olivia. I swear I looked everywhere for her, but she had already returned to the packhouse by the time I found her," April explained.

"Are you sure you weren’t busy trying to seduce some wealthy master in the market?" Laila sneered with a deadly glare. "It appears that losing your hair has made you brazen and disobedient. A servant who doesn't know their place should be put to the end. I doubt Regina is being kind to you, which is why you've decided to betray me!"

"No…no. I’ve always been loyal to my Luna and Laila. I wouldn't dare betray my mistresses!" April cried in terror. She'd seen a lot of corpses that had been pulled out of the pack well, it was those that Laila no longer found a need for.

"April, your irresponsibility is difficult to overlook. If you fail at your task you’ll be removed, and I’m losing faith in you," Alvara frightened her further.

"Please trust me, Luna," April lifted her head in panic. "I know I failed to spy on Princess Regina today but I won’t repeat that mistake again. I’ll do anything to prove my loyalty to you," April begged. Laila and Alvara exchanged satisfied evil grins.

"Anything?" Alvara raised her brow at the weeping Omega.

"Yes, if you told me to poison the Princess then I would gladly do it!" April showed her sincerity by revealing her hatred towards Regina.

"Poisoning a Princess who is in my care and Jermaine's granddaughter would bring my family nothing but trouble. Is that what you had in mind?" Alvara's eyes were colder than the ice when she glared at April. The Luna had several chances over the years to poison or murder Regina to get her out of Laila's way but her unusual or unexplained death would make it clear who was responsible. The entire Dumas Moon Pack could be wiped out in the aftermath. Alvara despised admitting that Regina's unwelcome presence wielded so much influence.

"I…I wouldn’t dare. I was just…" April didn't say anything because she was terrified. She tried to win the Luna over, but she’d only irritated her further.

"You’ll be given an opportunity to prove your sincerity and loyalty tomorrow at the mating ball, April," Laila smiled at the trembling figure of the Omega on the floor. "This will be your last chance."

"Thank you so much for your kindness," hope rose in the Omega's heart. "I’ll try not to disappoint you," April promised, lowering her head in submission. Finally, she had an opportunity to demonstrate her loyalty, in this game of survival she refused to accept failure even if it meant sacrificing something in return. She was quickly dismissed as the Mother and daughter ate their meal.

"Mother, is April suitable for the task? Can we trust her?"

"April despises Regina more than anyone else since she lost her precious hair. I raised that greedy Omega with the knowledge that she has desires and goals for which she would go to any lengths to obtain. She would even leap into a pit of vipers to display her devotion to us," Alvara explained as Laila gave a slight nod. "Are you doubting your Mother's decision, Laila?" Luna questioned when she did not receive the expected response from her daughter.

"I never doubted you Mother but Regina's attitude and actions recently confuse me. She has been acting differently and even her attitude makes me feel like a s**t. She doesn't follow me around like she used to. You wouldn't believe it but I feel like her aura has become stronger and my wolf is extremely uncomfortable around her."

"Haha…" Alvara's laugh interrupted her daughter. "That b***h is just trying to act like a noble lady so that she can get some attention at the mating ball from the Princes. An ugly monster who hides behind a veil will always be a timid slut.”

"It’s like that?" Laila asked curiously.

"Yes, she’ll lose her s**t as soon as you steal the spotlight at the mating ball with your beauty, Laila," Alvara proudly grinned at her daughter. Laila flushed at the thought of stealing Grant's heart during the ball. She had devised tactics to entrap him.

"True, we blocked all the paths for Regina to stand against me at the ball. I wonder what kind of cheap slutty gown she bought for tomorrow with the pennies we provided her. I’m sure a beggar will look better than her," Laila giggled.

"Now you understand," Alvara smirked. "I haven’t squandered all that money on your gown, jewelry, and cosmetics for the sake of amusement. People will begin to question the fact that you have not found a soulmate after you reach the age of twenty. This ball is your last chance to offer Grant your virginity and persuade him to marry you, Laila," Alvara explained seriously.

"I promise not to disappoint you Mother," Laila had a confident smile.

"My daughter is the only one destined to become the Luna Queen!"

***

"Regina, these are the flowers that you asked for," Olivia placed a bouquet of different flowers in front of her mistress who was in her Mother Luna Aziza's room.

"What about the toolbox? Did you buy it?" Regina asked.

"Yes, but all the money that Luna Alvara gave to you for the gown was spent on the flowers and this toolbox. You have no gown or makeup to wear for tomorrow's ball. What are you going to do now, Regina? I swear I won’t be able to sleep tonight thinking about it," Olivia clenched her teeth in concern. Luna Alvara had purposefully given Regina so little money that she couldn't buy anything, so the Omega was perplexed when her mistress requested her to buy flowers and a toolbox.

"That's fine, we aren’t going to be sleeping tonight, Olivia," Regina replied, picking the flowers up from the table.

"What do you mean, Regina? Shouldn’t you be worried about your gown? Aren’t you going to attend the Crown Prince’s birthday party and the mating ball?" Olivia hated her prediction that seemed to be true, without a gown and makeup it wasn’t possible.

"I’ll be attending the party," Regina replied with a smile. "But for that I need your help."

"Just tell me what I need to do!" Olivia answered enthusiastically. Regina chuckled then noticed a large figure entering the room through the window.

"Oh my Goddess!" Olivia clasped her chest in terror when she saw the unknown man. She decided to grab something to hit him but the Princess remained calm.

"Rex," Regina said, putting the flowers back on the table.

"Rex?!" Olivia gasped, looking at the man. It was dark, she could not see him properly but he looked human now. When he came into focus she saw that his hair was trimmed, revealing his face. Rex was similarly perplexed as to how Regina recognized him.

"Princess," he bowed his head. "Like you ordered I went to Alpha Noah’s pack. Carl has captured the most notorious and wanted rogue. He’s going to present him at tomorrow's event to prove his achievements to the Dyson Kingdom," he informed. Regina had assigned him his first task on the day of the exchange, which he fulfilled without being caught. He demonstrated his worth to the Princess, but he was perplexed as to how she could have predicted that the soon-to-be Royal Gamma had captured a rogue when she had not left the packhouse.

The smile that lingered on Regina's lips was cold and deadly like she had planned to suck out the soul of her enemy.

"You may leave," Regina dismissed him. Olivia peeked out of the window when Rex jumped out in the next second vanishing from sight.

"How did you know about the rogue, Regina?" Olivia asked out of confusion and curiosity. Recently the Princess had become mysterious and hard to predict.

"If I’m not familiar with the pawns then who will be?" She replied, picking up a rose with a smile. Carl and Bernice had been working together in this life too. Olivia was confused more and more so she decided not to ask but then today's incident came to mind.

"I searched for you throughout the entire market, Regina. But I couldn’t find you then when you returned you had no veil covering your face," Olivia pointed out.

Regina's smile slowly faded away when she remembered the mysterious green eyed man who had appeared in front of her and snatched her veil. Her thumb gently roamed over the soft petal of the rose while recalling his burning passionate gaze that had set her body a flame. She could not help but touch her own lips when his smile lingered in her mind. Who was that man?

"What exactly happened, Regina?" Olivia asked.

"I just lost my way back to the packhouse," she replied, blowing the petals out of the window.

***

The weather was chilly at night, the floor was cold. The Dragon Prince lay on the rooftop of Cecil's shop, gazing up into the vast dark sky. While his thoughts were focused on the moment their eyes met, his hand was enveloped in the veil that the woman had left with him. His dragon had immediately recognized her as his mate, but she had left him. Why? Why would she run away from him? He felt such a strong connection with her that her beautiful face, soft red lips, and surprised eyes had caused him a restless night and a painful hard on.

A dragon's mate would recognise him when they turned 15 ,it did not matter if she was a werewolf or dragon. The laws that governed werewolves that said they would find their mate when they turned 18 were different if she was his mate. She was surely over 17 or 18 so why hadn’t she recognised him? Was she shy?

"f**k!" Aiden put his arms over his head. He had never encountered a woman who turned and ran from him. Worst of all, the woman who had dared to do it was his soulmate. He couldn't keep himself together and refrain from sniffing her veil.

"Aiden," Garner walked out onto the rooftop but did not get a reaction out of Aiden.

"Our people searched for Beta Princess Regina everywhere in the market but they couldn’t find her. Later one of our informants reported that she had returned to her pack," he continued. "The woman at Cecil's shop vanished into the crowd as well. There were far too many noble ladies from rich families wearing veils concealing their identities. It's said to be common fashion in the Dyson Kingdom. Young females sneak away from the pack to play," he explained.

Aiden arched his brows in bemusement. His mate was dressed casually, yet her flawless complexion and attractiveness belonged to a wealthy family. She was like a small bunny that vanished into one of its holes and he hadn't been able to pursue her down because of the crowd. She might have escaped from her pack to play at the market. But his thoughts were torn between Beta Princess Regina, the lady at the tattoo shop, and his mate. His mate had the same sexy black eyes as the woman in the bathroom who had been seen by his shadow dragon.

"What does Princess Regina look like?" Aiden inquired.

"I heard numerous rumors about her and a scandal at the Royal Palace. But I heard she is ugly and has a big scar on her right cheek. She hides her face with a veil and is timid," Aiden furrowed his brow. None of his explanations matched the fearless mate who stared him right in the eyes.

"What are your orders, Aiden? You said you would return to the Dragon Empire tonight but we haven’t found the Keeper yet," Garner said then stood next to his friend with a wicked smile. "But I did learn that Princess Regina will be attending the mating ball tomorrow," Aiden tightened his fist where the veil was tied. There was no way he would leave the Dyson Kingdom knowing his mate was there somewhere. If he could not find her then he would go crazy. But first he needed to handle Beta Princess Regina.