#9 The Lonely Rogue

Junie

I walked across the room and stood in front of the fire, rubbing my hands together in front of the warm flames.

“It’s so cold here. It’s summer at home.” I said casually.

“Yes, the realm is always cold and it’s nearly always raining or snowing, I’m afraid.” She confessed, moving to stand beside me.

“I didn’t know that.” I looked at Queen Lydia sideways to see that she was giving me that puzzled expression again.

“I apologize for being blunt, Junie, but Caspian says that you never knew your mother.” She said and I blinked in surprise, not expecting her to talk about my mother.

“No, I didn’t. She left when I was a few days old, at least, that’s what my father says.” I replied.

“If I may, what was her name?” She asked.

“Shelby Cooper. I don’t know what her maiden name was.” I said. She nodded with a thoughtful expression.

“You look so much like a childhood friend of mine, it’s uncanny. I thought maybe there was some sort of familiar relation.” She said,

“Oh, I’m sorry, I don’t know anything about my extended family or my mother.”

“No, I’m sorry. It’s quite heartbreaking not to know where one came from, I didn’t mean to bring up any sour memories.” Queen Lydia’s eyes were sad.

“You get used to it.” I shrugged, surprising Queen Lydia, I think, with my nonchalant attitude.

“Anyway,” Queen Lydia smiled again, shaking off the tension, “The closet has been fully stocked, hopefully, to your liking.” She said and I felt my eyes widen.

“Really?”

“I don’t mean to embarrass my son, but he’s been preparing for your arrival for some time now. He had Ally and some of the ladies maids stock it for you. He’s already chosen your staff, in fact.” Queen Lydia beamed proudly.

“My staff?” I gulped.

“Of course. You have two ladies maids, a housekeeper, a team of stylists and shoppers, and a personal assistant.” She replied casually, walking towards the closet. Meanwhile, my mouth was hanging open in true unladylike fashion.

“Why on earth do I need all of that?” I nearly shouted. Queen Lydia started laughing,

“The ladies maids are to help you with your daily needs. They will help prepare you for the day, pick out outfits appropriate for the day’s events, ensure that your food is prepared to your liking and delivered when necessary, and do any personal shopping or errands you require,”

“I can do all of that myself.” I interrupted, but she went on as if I hadn’t spoken,

“Your housekeeper will clean your room daily. Your stylist team is only for formal events. They’ll prepare you for those events and bring in the best tailors to have appropriate dresses made. Finally, your assistant handles everything else. She’ll organize your schedule and calendar, help with your routine, and the like. Caspian picked someone who was well versed in our history and etiquette so she could act as a sort of tutor for you as well.” Queen Lydia explained.

My head was spinning, I suddenly felt woozy and had to sit down on the edge of the bed. Queen Lydia didn’t seem to notice as she opened the closet and switched on the light. I leaned forward on the bed and caught a glimpse of the huge dressing room. Three out of the four walls were covered in closet organizers which were fully stocked with clothes, shoes, delicates, and accessories. A large mirror stood in the corner with an ottoman covered in velvet blue fabric sitting in the center.

I stood up and walked into the closet in a daze, looking around with wide eyes and a gaping mouth. Queen Lydia opened up a cabinet in the center of the back wall. A glamorous light flickered on as she opened the doors, revealing a set of shimmering, elegant, and expensive looking jewels. I swear, angels started singing when she opened it.

“These are the Queen Luna’s jewels. I took the liberty of having them placed here for you. These were handed down to my mother, Queen Austyn-Rose, when she first took over the kingdom. They belonged to the original royals. They are to be worn to any official events only. Once you are crowned the Queen, you’ll also wear the tiara to those events.” She explained, looking over the sparkling box in awe.

It was a heavy looking diamond necklace with a teardrop shaped ruby dangling delicately from the end, a diamond and ruby encrusted bracelet, and a pair of dangling ruby earrings set in a perimeter of diamonds. The tiera was a small and delicate silver circle covered in diamonds with rubies at the peak of each rise and dip. It was outlandishly beautiful, far too beautiful for me to ever even think about wearing.

“Awh, I can see that I have overwhelmed you.” Queen Lydia said at my speechlessness, shutting the jewelry display and gently nudging me out of the closet.

“It’s just….Caspian and I haven’t really talked about any of this.” I said in a low voice.

“I see. I didn’t mean to push all this on you.” Queen Lydia sighed, “I grew up with this responsibility, you see, and I forget that others were not raised in the same light.” I laughed bitterly at her response,

“I was raised in the exact opposite light, in fact.”

“Yes, well, this can all be tabled for another time.” She said, her smile wavering slightly.

“I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready.” I admitted. Queen Lydia wrapped her arm around my shoulders,

“Now, I know that’s not true. You were born to be the Luna Queen.” She said and I shook my head,

“But I wasn’t. Sabrina was. I was just plan B.” I answered plainly.

Queen Lydia’s eyes faltered and her smile began to fade.

“I’m not one who questions the actions of the Moon Goddess, not after all she’s done for my family. You know, she came to my mother and spoke to her personally when she was just about your age?” Queen Lydia said.

“I guess I never thought much about her, being packless and all.” I said.

“I understand. Not only is the royal business new to you, but so is the entire concept of being in a pack.” Queen Lydia sounded as if she was thinking out loud. I nodded in response, saying nothing.

“Well, you have plenty of time to adjust. Caspian has the realm well in hand. Where he needs someone is in his personal life and, of that, I’m sure you can excel.” Queen Lydia tried to assure me.

“I haven’t been doing such a good job with that, either.” I grumbled, blushing deeply.

“Nonsense. My son hasn’t been this happy and light since….well since before Sabrina.” Queen Lydia said, squeezing my shoulders, “I’ve also heard how your wolf doesn’t feel dominated by his.”

“I’m not so sure if that helps or hurts, honestly.” I chuckled humorlessly.

“Oh, it is definitely a good thing. Caspian needed a swift kick in the ass.” Queen Lydia’s harsh language shocked me into a wide eyed expression and she giggled at it, “A Queen is not always so proper.”

“It gets me in trouble with him a lot.” I admitted.

“I’m sure it does,” She sighed and a serious expression took over her face, “I loved Sabrina like a daughter as I already love you as my own, but Sabrina was very submissive. She grew up here and was well prepared to live a proper life. She was a quiet, poliet, good little girl. Perhaps it’s what Caspian needed at the beginning of his reign, someone who supported him without question and never disagreed. But, it wouldn’t have done him good in the long run. My son is too hard headed to be agreed with all of the time. He needs to be challenged and not many are brave enough to do it.”

Queen Lydia’s honesty surprised me, but her words did not. It wasn’t the first time I’ve heard this about Sabrina. I could tell how loved she was, but I also knew she was a much different woman that I am.

“I don’t want to compete or compare myself to Sabrina.” I said in a warning tone.

“Of course not. As you said, Caspian is a different person now than he was with Sabrina.” She smiled, “Would you like to meet your staff? They’re around here somewhere.” She said, changing the subject.

“Isn’t it late?” I honestly didn’t know what time it was here. Queen Lydia chuckled,

“It’s just after dinner time. Everyone is finishing up their work for today and I’m sure they will be thrilled to finally meet you. If you’re up to it, of course?” Queen Lydia said.

“Sure, why not?” I sighed in contempt.

“Why don’t you change into something more comfortable and I’ll meet you at the elevator.” She said, leaving the room before I could argue.

I looked down at myself. I was still wearing the pantsuit that Caspian had bought for me and I was wondering why I needed to change. Not to mention, I wasn’t sure what more comfortable meant to a Queen, because I’m sure it wasn’t the sweatpants and sweatshirt that I was envisioning.

I walked into the closet with a loud groan, thinking that maybe I really did need a staff to survive all of this.