Werewolf Bride

The Queen

After a sleepless night I rise from bed long before Carlos showed any signs of waking from his slumber.

While I feel terrible for sneaking away like this, I can't imagine there being any other way.

I have to do this on my own. Without Carlos, without the King, without Genevieve.

After dressing modestly I tie back my long brown hair in a bun and throw a light blue scarf over my head. I didn't want to assume everyone in the village would recognize me...but the last thing I want is a run in with my beloved stepmother and stepsisters who apparently were never banished from the Kingdom. I can't risk being recognized.

I sneak down the hallway and down the long staircase to the ballroom below. A few guards stood at the front entrance so I make a beeline for the back entrance. I would rather the Prince not know of my whereabouts if possible and the guards spotting me doesn't exactly increase that as a possibility.

Unfortunately, to my dismay, I'm met with someone else the moment I fly out the back and into the garden.

"Where's the fire, girl?" A sharp, high pitched voice shrills.

I hated to be irritated by the voice, especially once I figured out that it could only be the Queen, the mother in law that I have still not properly been introduced to.

I freeze in my tracks, sweat beading down my forehead in a panic. I know that she's the Queen, but in reality, she's nothing more than a spy for the Beast...this is even more dire than having a run in with the guards.

"My apologies, your majesty. I was just on my way for a morning stroll. I do awfully look forward to enjoying it by myself before the village wakes up." I look towards the ground dismissively as I speak.

"Excellent. Why don't you allow me to join you?" The Queen instantly answers, to which I blush ruby red.

Oh Lord, how will I get possibly get anything done in this place without the Beast watching my every move...no doubt watching for any possible weakness that will make it easier to pin me beneath his thumb. It's starting to become quite obvious the sudden absence of my father is serving a more important purpose than what I initially thought. It is no longer a threat, it's a simple way of singling me out, making me defenceless with no one to turn to except my mind controlled newfound family.

"Of course, your majesty." I curtly nod and walk forward through the garden at an appropriate pace.

"And I suppose you were looking forward to an enjoyable run around as your wolf?" The Queen assumes.

I guess that would be what she would assume...but the last thing on my mind is enjoying my newfound shifting ability.

I just want to search for my father, on my own, unobserved.

I nod shyly. "Yes, your majesty."

"Caroline, please." She corrects sternly before strolling towards the back forest behind the castle. "So you must be Charlotte, mustn't you?" She says, finally acknowledging my place here.

"Yes...Caroline."

"Good." She looks me up and down, briefly pausing in her walk. "You're very...modest. Pleasant looking girl." She says after another painful pause.

I bite my lip. I could feel sass rising up in me, but I know better than to give in to my compulsions right now.

"Thank you, Caroline."

"And my son, you have married him?" She spouts without hesitation.

I blush, utterly embarrassed and divert my gaze quickly to the ground. "How did you know?"

"I have a certain ability to sense things sometimes. You, young lady, have grown up overnight compared to when I first saw you at that ball, hiding away in the corners, admiring our tapestry rather than taking to the dance floor. Such a thing happens when a woman marries around here." The Queen says proudly.

I furrow my brows but remain polite despite knowing the Beast must have informed her of our tying of the knot. Her simply sensing it is ridiculous...

"My son is lucky to have you." She says randomly as we finally enter the bush. She glances at me silently, looking me over carefully. "I sense many admirable things about you..."

Her words were leaving me baffled, but also a tad flattered.

And she also stared at me as if she knew something I didn't...and that terrifies me. Is she leading me somewhere? I never wanted to go to the bush in the first place until she suggested it.

Without further word, the Queen leaves me behind to shift in peace. I wait anxiously, part of me considering making a run for it.

Though, when the beautiful white wolf appears from the bush, ushering me eagerly to follow her, I couldn't help but be encouraged to join her.

Following after her shyly, I hide behind a tree and shimmy out of my dress before shifting. I nudge my dress into a safe place and trot after her, making sure to appear enthusiastic.

The white wolf bolts, darting down a worn path, yipping and yapping. It was clear she had used this path many times, possibly even created it herself after years of running here.

My heart warmed. Even if she is controlled by the Beast and nothing but a pawn in his game...she is still living her life to fullest. At least he allows that.

Or, perhaps, I am wrong about her. After all, I can't exactly trust the word of the King. I can't trust the word of anyone except my own...when I'm certain I remember correctly and have no gaps in my memory. 

I suppose I could go for a little run.

Just a small one. Bond with the Queen, chat with her as a daughter in law...

And find out what she knows.