Elijah's face lit up with a warm smile as he gazed at the white-haired lady beside him. Her face was blurry, but her soft voice filled his heart with comfort. Together, they sat in the forest's depths, surrounded by ancient trees and the gentle rustling of leaves. Snow, his majestic white stallion, stood faithfully nearby, tied to a sturdy oak tree.
As Elijah entwined their hands, a sense of safety and completeness washed over him. He kissed the back of her hand, his lips brushing against her skin, and smiled up at her. The only sound was the distant chirping of birds and the soft breeze.
The lady's white hair glowed with an ethereal light, shining like the moon and radiating a gentle warmth. Elijah's heart swelled with love.
The Lady's voice whispered, "I love you, Elijah. I always will."
Elijah's response was cut short as he woke up, his body drenched in sweat, his heart racing. What a dream!
The next day, at the council, Axel brought up the childbirth issue, his expression serious. "We must retrieve the Alpha's child."
The council deliberated, weighing options. Lila spoke up, her voice measured, "This child is newborn. Let's allow the infant to come of age first."
Zara surprised everyone by agreeing, her tone softer than usual, "I concur. Let's wait a year after weaning."
The council nodded, intrigued by the unexpected alliance between Lila and Zara, secret enemies since day one.
ONE YEAR LATER...
Aria, now Queen of the Netherlands, stood proudly in her palace, built at Willowdale's heart. Her coronation marked a new era for the Netherlands, their first monarch. The nation flourished under her leadership, transforming from a remote land to a thriving independent nation.
As Aria prepared for tomorrow's historic alliance with the human king, excitement filled the air. This privilege would solidify Netherlands' position among the nations.
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At Netherlands' seaport, the council eagerly awaited King Eric Valtor IV of Galvia's historic arrival. The monarch's ship docked, and the council escorted him to the palace.
Queen Aria, resplendent on her throne, extended a gracious handshake. "Welcome, King Eric. It's an honor."
Introduction formalities completed, the procession moved to the grand dining hall, laden with exquisite cuisine and refreshments.
Prince Liam, curiosity sparkling, addressed Queen Aria, "Your Majesty, may I confirm a source's information?"
Aria nodded, "Please proceed."
Liam asked, "Your marital status, Queen Aria? Rumors mention children, but..."
The room fell silent, tension palpable.
Aria smiled, unfazed. "My children, twin toddlers, are my world. That confirms my marital status – a devoted mother, no husband."
King Eric intervened, "Enough, Liam. We celebrate unity, not pry into personal matters."
The king's gentle rebuke eased tensions, and the feast resumed.
As the feast continued, Queen Aria skillfully steered conversations toward trade agreements and mutual defense pacts. King Eric and Prince Liam engaged enthusiastically, impressed by her diplomatic finesse.
Meanwhile, council members exchanged subtle glances, concerned about Prince Liam's probing questions. They knew Queen Aria's past was shrouded in mystery.
As night fell, the gala concluded with a spectacular fireworks display over Willowdale's harbor. Netherlands' we're known for their magic so they displayed all kinds of magic. It fascinated the King and his entourage.
King Eric rose, his voice filled with warmth.
"Queen Aria, our alliance marks a new era. Together, we'll forge prosperity and peace."
Queen Aria smiled, her eyes shining. "Indeed, King Eric. Netherlands and Galvia, united for a brighter future."
As guests departed, Prince Liam lingered, his gaze fixed on Queen Aria. He seen to have great likeness to the queen. He is a young man with striking features and he's keen to learning about the queen.
"Your Majesty," he whispered, "I apologize if my questions offended. My curiosity stems from admiration."
Queen Aria's expression softened. "No offense taken, Prince Liam. Your interest honors me."
With a gracious smile, she vanished into the palace, leaving Prince Liam pondering the enigmatic queen.
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Two days passed, with King Eric and Prince Liam immersed in diplomatic discussions. Queen Aria's wit and intelligence captivated them, forging strong bonds. They were to stay for four days.
However, Prince Liam's fascination with Queen Aria's past grew. He discreetly queried council members, seeking hints about her mysterious children's father.
One evening, while strolling Willowdale's gardens, Prince Liam encountered Lady-in-Waiting, Sophia.
"Sophia, may I ask you something?" Prince Liam requested, his voice low.
Sophia's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Of course, Prince Liam."
"The Royal children's father.. what happened to him?"
Sophia's expression turned guarded. "I'm sworn to secrecy, Prince Liam. Let's just say Queen Aria's heart belongs to her children."
Prince Liam nodded, intrigued. "I see. Thank you, Sophia."
As Sophia departed, Prince Liam pondered the cryptic response.
Meanwhile, Queen Aria, watching from a palace window, sensed Prince Liam's determination. She knew her secrets were vulnerable.
"Aria, we must address Prince Liam's inquiries," Zephyrine cautioned, entering the queen's chambers.
Queen Aria's gaze hardened. "I'll handle this, Zephyrine. My past will remain hidden."
But Prince Liam's resolve strengthened, fueled by curiosity and admiration.
In the shadows, a figure watched, silently manipulating events...
Malakai's eyes burned with determination as he schemed his next invasion. Convincing Alpha Ironfist to target Netherlands proved challenging, a departure from his effortless manipulation of Elijah.
"Ironfist, Netherlands is ripe for conquest," Malakai urged, his voice laced with persuasion. "Queen Aria's rule is fragile. One decisive strike, and their kingdom falls."
Alpha Ironfist hesitated, his brow furrowed in concern. "I'm not convinced, Malakai. We're talking about witches and wizards here, and I sense danger lurking."
Malakai's expression darkened. "I know everything to know about Netherlands, the news about the stones of Netherlands will make you king of the world. Gather your troops to Netherlands, I will help you like I had helped Elijah. You, Ironfist, will claim Netherlands' riches."
Ironfist's fear lingered, unlike Elijah's unwavering confidence. "What if we fail? What if the humans and Netherlands unite against us? The news of their alliance has spread like wildfire. I don't want my pack going extinct"
Malakai's patience wore thin. "Failure isn't an option. You'll conquer, or face my wrath."
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At the Blackwood Pack, the council discussed the Alpha's child again. The infant is a toddler now, and the Alpha is without heir as his mate, Princess Ophelia, has not conceived till now.
Axel: "With their new alliance and powers, Netherlands will be difficult to invade and claim a child."
Lila: "I think the Alpha should pay an honest visit demanding his child."
The Alpha speaks for the first time. "I don't know this witch, and I still don't remember mating with her. Something is amiss here."
The council finally agreed on getting the child by all means. Axel and some secret soldiers will go into Netherlands as traders and get the Alpha's child.
The Alpha will only believe he has a child only after he sees this child himself. Axel and Lila will take that risk for their Alpha.
A moon later.
Under the veil of dusk, Axel, Lila, and their secret troops merged with Galvia's merchant caravan, blending seamlessly into the bustling streets of Netherlands. Disguised as ordinary traders, they wore worn leather aprons and carried weathered satchels, their faces shaded by wide-brimmed hats.
As they entered Willowdale, the scent of freshly baked bread and roasting meats wafted through the air, masking the group's tense determination. They navigated narrow alleys, avoiding suspicion, their footsteps lost amidst the evening crowd.
Axel, a master of deception, led the group with calculated precision. Lila, adept in stealth, scanned their surroundings, ever vigilant. Their troops followed, trained to mimic the merchants' careless stride.
Upon reaching the palace's outer walls, Axel signaled halt. Under the cover of darkness, they slipped into the shadows, exploiting the guards' brief lapse in attention.
With silent efficiency, the group scaled the walls, using hidden handholds and footholds. Lila expertly bypassed the palace's magical wards, her fingers dancing across the intricate mechanisms.
Once inside, they navigated labyrinthine corridors, avoiding detection. Servants and guards hurried past, oblivious to the covert team's presence.
Axel's gaze swept the palace, locking onto the royal nursery. His heart quickened as he spotted the toddlers.
Lila whispered, "Which one?" They didn't know the children were twins.
Axel's eyes narrowed. "The boy... His resemblance to the Alpha is uncanny."
Lila nodded. "We'll extract him quietly."
They swiftly wrapped Hector in a cloak, leaving Hecuba sleeping.
Queen Aria, oblivious to the theft, checked on her children. Her smile faltered upon finding only Hecuba.
"Hecuba, where's your brother?" she asked, alarm rising.
Hecuba's innocent gaze only heightened the queen's unease.
Meanwhile, Axel's team fled Netherlands, Hector secure in their grasp.
The Alpha, awaiting their return, sensed his fate unfolding...
Queen Aria summoned her guards, frantic. "Find Hector! Search every corner of Netherlands!" She cried.
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Lila and Axel, meanwhile, presented Hector to the Alpha.
"Behold, your son," Axel announced, unwrapping the toddler.
The Alpha's eyes widened, stunned by Hector's resemblance. "This... this is my child?"
Hector's curious gaze locked onto the Alpha, an unspoken bond forming.
Lila smiled. "His name is Hector"
The Alpha's expression softened, his heart awakening to fatherhood.
As news of Hector's abduction spread, King Eric and Prince Liam rallied to support Queen Aria. Galvia's army mobilized, ready to reclaim the stolen prince.
Malakai, observing from shadows, sensed his chance to exploit the chaos...