The Found One

Chapter 41

"I don't know which was worse: losing Rebecca, or losing Willow in the end, despite everything." The Queen said, her eyes far away as her hand rubbed over her rounded stomach.

5 Years earlier: Rebecca POV

It was still so surreal, even months later stepping outside and not being met by the dense thick forests of her pack lands but the barren and harsh tundra of the North, she didn't know if she'd ever get truly used to it. She had never before travelled from her homelands and the daylong drive to Silverblood Territory had been a nauseating mix of thrill and terror, she had nearly burst into tears at the sight of the Royals waiting for her as they pulled up to the house. So elegant and sure of themselves, standing so confidently, unwavering beacons of power and strength. She had felt like a mouse, an imposter and fraud as she had stepped from the car. Her heart hammering against her ribs, hands shaking as she slid into a low bow. She knew they could scent the fear on her, she held her breath, head bent as she had waited for them to finally realize who she was – what she was – and send her back. The whole trip she had played the words classmates, pack mates, even her family had repeated to her over and over in her head. Her fear and embarrassment mounting with each mile they travelled, with each minute that brought her closer to the mate that could not possibly be hers. It's just a mistake. They'll realize and I can go home. Here away from the Pack they'll see how much I don't fit.

Her face was blank as she tried to ready herself for the rejection, for the explanation they would offer to placate the wounds and pain, the excuses they would make to ease their own guilt at getting out of what was obviously a giant blunder, holding her breath not able to meet their eyes she waited. But then the Prince's grinning face was coming towards her, his eyes shining with nothing but happiness and relief. And then the Queen was ushering her up the stairs and into the house, her eyes welcoming and warm, no hint of the disgust and disappointment she had faced the last long months. Even the King, imposing and intimidating had greeted her in a warm and unflinching embrace, his eyes kind and filled with understanding as he let her scramble back to his son's side. If anything, it had put her more on edge, she barely slept or ate the first week she was there. Her mind and wolf on constant edge, waiting for the blow she knew had to be coming. But it never did, and week after week nothing changed, she was never spoken, looked at, or treated with anything but warmth and acceptance.

Years of rigorous training had prepared her for the physicality of Royal life, watching her mate train, running with him and his court it was so similar to the drills that had dominated her childhood, it didn't take the adjustment the emotional shift took. Suddenly here, she was someone. A person distinct and seperate from her parents and even her sister. No longer merely the potential nameless warrior, the unseen face in the crowd. Here, she was offered opportunities, choices - time. In the first few days it had been overwhelming, nearly incapacitating.

Sliding a glance to the Queen who stood a few feet away, gratitude swelled once more as she recalled how the Queen had sensed her growing despair and anxiety, stepping in and offering the boundaries and guidance she so desperately needed to explore and embrace the freedoms she was finally being afforded.

"They shouldn't be long now." The Queen said comfortingly, her own happiness and joy evident in her voice as she scanned the horizon eagerly.

The Prince and King had left two days before, running the borders of their land with guards and warriors, part of their never-ending drills and training. She smiled at the thought of telling The Prince how she had cooked their dinner, with the help of the cooks of course. But still, it was the first time she had helped to prepare something, to create and make, instead of destroy. She had been bouncing like a puppy all day.