The Alpha and His Two Mates

Ch.3 Elizabeth

Ch.  3 Elizabeth

I felt a little better physically but a little worse emotionally. My nap had been a dream filled restless one and had left me aching for times gone by. And now I was about to meet the queen, the other half of Tristan. I wasn’t sure that I would be able to handle it, but I had to warn them.

“Welcome home Elle.” Thomas said, using one of the many nicknames that he had for me. 

His words pulled me out of my thoughts as I took in the familiar sight in front of me. The castle was enormous and stood proudly. It had been here long before any of us and would likely be here long after. All the Alpha Kings and Queens had taken residence with their court here for centuries. An amazing piece of history laid in front of us as we made our way in.

To me though it was home just as Thomas had said, home. The one place I had known real family and friendship, happiness, and love. Now I was here to deliver unwelcomed news to those I cared for.

We made our way to the front where some staff and pack members were waiting, no doubt at the request of Thomas via their mind link. It was something that has always made me feel left out of the group and slightly jealous of them.

“Welcome your majesty.” The group all bowed as I approached them.

“Thank you” I replied allowing them to rise once more. 

“The queen is in her study and she looks forward to seeing you.” One of the men informed me. I gave a small smile as a reply and followed him. My ladies all followed as well as Thomas. As we made our way in, I couldn’t help but notice that everything was so similar to the last time I had been here. It was all so well kept and grand.

My stomach was in knots as we approached the study. We had only ever come here when we were in trouble as kids and that wasn’t helping with the nerves of having to meet the new queen of the castle. The guards opened the door, and we made our way in. I was stopped dead in my tracks as a pair of arms came around me in and instant.

The sweet smell of the familiar perfume filled the air around me. A huge sigh came out as I let myself fall into the arms holding me. Queen Mary, my mentor, my guide, and my adoptive mother was the one holding me. I was so relieved to see her and hold her it had been so long.

“Elizabeth, sweet girl! I have missed you so much.” She said pulling away from me slightly.

“I’ve miss you too Nina.” I said using an old pet name apparently all formality had gone out the window today, but I didn’t mind it.

“Come sit with me.” She said taking me to the sitting area of the study. “Camilla, please see that Elizabeth’s ladies have accommodations. You must all be very exhausted from your trip.” She said speaking to her assistant, a women that had made our lives hell when we were children, and then speaking to my ladies.

“Thank you, your majesty.” Isabell stated as the three curtsied for her. 

“Everyone else out please.” She told the rest of the guards and staff. Justin was making his way in as the others were leaving and he and Thomas stood near us ready.

“So my dear, it makes me so happy to see you, but I know it must not be a happy visit by the look on your face.” She said once we were alone.

“I am sorry to say that it is not.” I said sadly thinking on the past few months. “As you know we have been struggling with attacks from rogues for years now. The attacks had been growing more and more with each passing year, and my advisors thought it wise that we join houses with an Alpha to help keep our people safe. After much deliberation we agreed that Alpha Michael was a strong match. He was charming and smart, his family came from a minor house, but they had a strong pack and the numbers we needed. Arrangements were made for him to come live with me for the months before the wedding as there were preparations that needed to be made and details to sort through. Little did I know he was planning a coup the entire time.” I explained to them. I could see out of the corner of my eye Thomas and Justin tensed at the last part.

“Oh child that is awful, I am so sorry you went through that. I may be just Queen Mother but know that I mean it when I say you have our full support.” Mary said immediately.

“Thank you, and I am forever grateful to you for that…but there is more.” I told them pushing forward.

 “They are planning to expand and plan to attack you here. They had been holding me to use as they saw fit for their plans for a few weeks, I was hoping to get enough support to be able to overthrow them, when I found out about their plans to attack. 

Once I found out their plans I knew I had to escape. They found out I was trying to escape and tried to kill me that same night but I managed to escape. I couldn’t come straight here as they were tracking us, and they do not know I know of their plan to attack.”

“Let them come we have all that we need to take them down.” Justin said with a low growl.

“Hush now… we need to be smart with this information.” Mary said thoughtfully. “We can not attack without proper cause. Tristan will be back soon; we will inform him then. In the meantime, make sure his men know to be on high alert for any surprise attacks. He is traveling with a large group of his men so he will be fine.” Mary said with determination. “We will get you your kingdom back as well Elizabeth.” A fieriness came over her eyes.

Queen Mary was protective over me not only because of the time she had spent raising me, but she had been my mother’s best friend as well. They had grown up together only partying ways when they had found their mates and even then, they had come together all the time. She took it upon herself to look after her friends only child since my mother’s death.

“We will get the men ready as well.” Thomas stated bowing to us both and leaving the room with Justin in tow.

“Sweet girl when will life become easy for you.” Mary said with a sigh as she ran her fingers through the strands of my hair.

“I’m just glad we were able to make it to you to let you know of what’s to come.” I told her taking in the sight of her fully for the first time. She looked older but her features were still beautiful, her golden hair had hints of silver coming through, but overall, she was just as I remembered her.

“Thank you for risking yourself to come here, Tristan will be happy to see you.” She said taking my hand. My heart clenched at her words.

“I’m not so sure about that.” I told her with a sad smile. My heart ached at the way we had left things.

“It’s been hard on him, your absence, all these years.” She told me giving my hand a small squeeze. “Come now lets get you sorted out in your room. I had the girls make up one of the best rooms.” She said lighting up again. I was curious as to why she hadn’t just sent me to my old room but pushed the thought aside. As we got up to leave the doors to the study flew open allowing a flash of a person came in.

“ELIZABETH!” a shout came as I was half knocked over in a hug.

“Sarah!” I said laughing at the show of affection.

“Oh my GOD! I can’t believe you are back! Oh I have missed you!” She shouted at me kissing my face all over.

“Easy girl, let go.” I teased.

“Oh Sarah let her go.” Her mother chastised softly.

“Fine, but just know that we are spending every moment together from here on out.” She said letting go.

“Why don’t you take her to her room, the one that was prepared.” Mary told her.

“Yes mother.” Sarah said in mock formality. “Come on” she said taking my hand and leading the way.

‘Sorry’ I mouthed back at Mary and she shook her heard smiling.