LOGINAstra's POVI didn't sleep in today like I did yesterday, there was much work to do and none of it would get solved if I kept trying to get some beauty sleep. I was no silly female human, my responsibilities were too heavy for that.So I was already seated at my office while the sun was still struggling to fully show it self. I had to make up for the less work done yesterday too.I flipped through the second file, my lip twitching as I read the clauses. Sometimes, I wasn't sure I understood how this small packs think.You clearly knew you were small, small in number, resources and every damn thing and yet you are gullible enough to let a bigger pack unto your territory and now when they want a bigger pie you send a petition to the council.I pinched my brows, For what exactly?To save your sorry ass? To deliver you from the man eaters?It was pathetic and cases like this were not few. I'd almost resorted to leaving it for the council to deal but with the crisis the capital and even mo
Astra's POVWho was this Helena and what role is she playing? That thought immediately pooped into my mind. But I couldn't find out who Helena was myself and so I decided to keep listening, first."She's the only one I allow to make the coffee that I bring to you. Others are for learning purposes.""You are sure she's the only one and she's the one who made today's coffee?"She nodded rapidly at first, then hesitantly. "Is-- is there a problem, my queen. Was it not to your taste?"I propped back into my chair, "It was or maybe I think it was, I didn't get to drink it.""Umm..." She bowed, "I am so sorry, your grace, I shouldn't have let them brew your coffee. This one was brewed personally by me, I guarantee you." She kept her head bowed."Mary," I called, she hummed in response, her shoulders tensed, "Look at me." She lifted her head."I didn't drink it because... it was poisoned."Her eyes widened and I was almost scared it would fall off from their socket then she suddenly plopped
Astra's POVMary was the older kitchen staff, the middle-aged woman who served me coffee every morning. There was nothing so special about her except that she was my favorite kitchen staff and the only person allowed to serve me coffee.She knew just my taste. My black coffee with no milk and minimal sugar. She gets it each time and I just knew I wanted her to take care of my coffee ever since and she's served me diligently.Never had a reason to question her except now...I knew I had to. I needed to know who was so audacious and to also ask her to be even more careful. I had a task for her and I simply hoped she was smart enough to do it without giving anything away."What if we use Mary, my kitchen maid, to get as much information as we can?""Mm. Run me through your idea.""So if I was observant enough, Mary didn't even know that anything had happened with the coffee. She simply served me as usual and left the room." I inhaled, taking my fingers in the table, "So either she left t
Astra's POVIf I wanted answers right now, none of it would come without alerting whoever was behind it and right now the last thing I wanted was to chase shadows blindly. My calendar was already too full.The audacity to get it in and to me was actually very admirable. Tsk.It would be a disgrace to say that a cup of poisoned coffee killed me. Whoever orchestrated this was a little dumb?But I would be dumber if I don't find them and so help me moon Goddess when I do. They had disrupted my morning and I would disrupt their life.With the last bit of preparation done and a once over glance at my room, I moved to the door with a practiced calm and headed to my private office.I needed to clear my head first. There will be time to investigate the coffee.For now, I had unfinished business and I was sure Jerome would be waiting. It was past our usual meeting time already.*****The corridors leading to my office were quiet yet active. Guards stood straight with rimrod backs. If I was in
Astra's POVHarsh sun streaks woke me up with a jolt.I stirred beneath my silk sheets, my brows furrowed as the unfamiliar warmth touched my skin. For a second, I remained on the bed, my brows furrowing in confusion, my mind had not yet caught up with my body.And then it did. My eyes fluttered open with the realization.Sun? That was my first thought.I couldn't remember the last time I woke up when the sun was up. I'd never slept in, in weeks if not months and so I woke up surprised and caught off guard.For as long as I could remember, my body had trained itself to rise before the light even kissed the horizons, before the sun even peaked. Yet here I was, basking in the Sun's kiss, wrapped in sheets that still held me.And strangely, I didn’t feel alarmed.Instead, I felt... rested.Not groggy, Not disoriented. Just peaceful, deeply so. For a moment I allowed myself to savor it. I yawned a little, while still laying in bed savoring the moment after I had gotten over my shock. I st
Astra's POVMaybe Jerome was right, I needed to sleep.With that thought, I stood from the chair and headed to my chamber. I left the office without another word. My guards didn’t speak either as I walked past them. They must have seen it in my face– that I wasn’t to be disturbed tonight.I stepped into my chambers and let the heavy door close behind me with a soft click.The room was dimly lit, warm, and familiar. For the first time in days, I allowed myself to exhale.My mind was still too loud and all my body wanted was rest. My body ached from tension, sleepless nights, and constant alertness.I walked over to the vanity, I sat for a second and looked at myself in the mirror.Tired eyes stared back at me, lips pressed tight. Hollow eyes. A tension in my shoulders I hadn’t noticed until now. The flickering light nearby cast shadows on my cheekbones. I looked like a woman carrying too much. And in truth, I was.My cheekbones sagged, my gaze held my own, unwavering.I didn’t speak to







