Chapter 8

The Royal Summon 2

“Serena,” he called out softly. “You look… well.”

“Spare me that, please.”

“I humbly came to request formally for your return,” he continued, and I could sense gentleness in his voice after many years. “I am very much aware that what I did to you cannot be undone. But my coming here won't be in vain because Ravenfall is on the brink. The council seriously demands Luna. And my people...our people, the people you left behind need peace.”

“Did you just say our people?” I raised an eyebrow, totally in shock. “You mean the same hostile people who continuously mocked my empty womb? Who derived so much watching me being dragged to the dungeons?”

“They regret everything now.”

“No,” I snapped in fury. “You only regret it. Because after everything you did, your new heir ended up dying. Because your mistress fled, leaving you to mourn alone. And because without the woman you once climbed, tortured and humiliated, the crown will crumble."

“Serena...”

“No!” I barked like an angry bird, cutting him off. “Don’t you dare Serena me like you didn’t destroy me in the most cruel way.”

The council by now had started murmuring among themselves. They seem to be taken aback by my sudden outburst. The queen they know isn't violent, but calm and understanding. There has never been any situation to bring out this side of me.

“Please,” Ronan said, almost on his knees pleading. “Come back to me, to us. Help me save Ravenfall.”

Before I could respond to his meaningless pleas, Kale’s voice rang out. He obviously has been trying everything possible to hold himself from throwing punches at his face.

“You know that she belongs to no one again but herself.”

Ronan’s eyes narrowed in shock. He never anticipated such a remark from anyone.“And yet, with all your claims, she lies in your bed now as your queen, doesn’t she?”

There was a big silence, very sharp and tense. 

My heart thundered, losing count of its normal beat. I had to hold myself, to remain strong and not do anything that would arouse instant war.

“I didn't leave my duties to come here and discuss beds,” I said coldly. “I’m only here to formally ask the council; what exactly do you stand to achieve by putting me back in chains?”

“We are only doing it in hope to avoid war,” Elder Halvor said. “If you have been attentive enough, you would have heard the unrest spreading through the South. Rogue packs aren't playing, they are mobilizing. Your union with Ronan, if granted on our terms, could calm the storm.”

“And if I say no to such a union?”

“Then Ravenfall falls hopelessly,” Ronan answered bitterly.

“And maybe, it should, and that's how it should be.” I whispered.

Another silence covered the whole room, now thicker than the first.

I turned to face Kale. His silver eyes are just plain, and unreadable.

But then, Elder Marna who has been quiet since the meeting, suddenly leaned forward, brows pinched. “There’s probably more to all of these… isn’t there, Ronan?”

He stiffened, unable to answer as the question came unexpectedly. He was used to monopoly, doing everything he desired, the way he wanted them without anyone questioning him. He had the final say while ruling Ravenfall, but not anymore without an heir, or a Luna beside him. 

Elder Marna turned to my direction. “Are you also aware, Queen Serena, that your bloodline which was forgotten has surprisingly become a point of interest in recent days?”

My pulse accelerated on hearing that. “What?”

Elder Halvor nodded in support. “There are serious whispers in the dark that your lineage which is thought to have been extinct to be more than Delta born. That your mother wasn't ordinary, but one of the last Moon Borne.”

Kale stepped forward, totally speechless. “Where exactly did you get such information from?”

Elder Marna just smiled faintly, like someone confident of their information source. “We have our sources, the one not everyone gains access to. And you, Queen Serena, as we speak now, might be the key to something far larger than Ravenfall as a whole.”

I stared unbelievably at her. My voice disappointed me as it caught in my throat.

Ronan’s eyes were darting to and fro now in panic.

“What… what do you mean by all you just said?” I asked, barely above a whisper.

Before she could give me the answers and clarification I so much craved for...

The doors' chambers suddenly flung open. 

Everyone around turned to the direction of the commotion. We didn't know what to expect, but we were all patient.

A messenger raced in with great force, and at that point he was breathless. “Urgent report!”

“What is it again this time?” Elder Bram barked authoritatively.

The messenger bowed, his breathing still not unsteady. “As we speak now, the Ravenfall borders have been breached. A masked force, which is twenty, or maybe more than that. They all headed straight for the royal vault, but ensured to leave a message behind."

He shoved his hand inside his cloak, and pulled out a blood stained scroll and read aloud to the hearing of everyone present. And it read:

"Know it this day that the blood of the Queen belongs to us. Do not dare challenge or protect what you cannot control."

I couldn't stand again, as I felt my stomach twist.

Kale growled in frustration beside me. Even the elders with their own expressions.

But what caught my attention was actually Ronan’s pale face. It terrified me the most that I had no explanation for what I felt.

Because, from his look, that didn't come to him as a surprise.

Not even a little shock to make some people believe in him..

“What exactly have you done this time, Ronan?” I whispered, and I couldn't recognize my voice as it trembled.

And for the actual

firsts

time in over two years… he didn't know the right answer to back up his many atrocities