Sins Among Royals

The afternoon sun sank over the distant horizon. Almost disappearing between two distant mountains. It’s beautiful golden light spreading far as it disappeared beneath the horizon.

It took Indie a long time to want to turn and head back inside, and she found herself pleasantly surprised that Noah had stayed by her side for so long. Only disappearing once his nephews went hunting for him.

Indie didn’t mind the silence; she relished it in fact. It let her observe many things; it let her look and take notice of birds flying and swooping through trees, it let her observe the changing color in the sky and let her bask in the glory of nature.

The sky turned purple as the stars began showing against its darkening hues. Indie sighed content. The beauty of where she was made being away from her family a little more bearable.

“Indie?” Called a voice from the doorway behind her as she turned and saw Ebony standing there awkwardly. “Do you mind if I join you?”

A small smile spread across Indies face as she nodded her head gently. It would be rude of her to deny Ebony on her own property. Turning her attention back to the scenery before her Indie soon felt a gentle weight on her shoulders and as she turned slightly, she noted a thick woolen blanket adorning her shoulders.

“I want to apologize for earlier.” Her voice was clear and crisp just like the evening sky as she took the spot next to Indie. “You must understand that the family you are now a part of are very traditional and have a certain expectation of its members both new and old.”

A strange feeling came over Indie as she sat listening to Ebony. “Are you going to tell me I need to be someone else to fit in?” She found it difficult to comprehend that being in a royal family meant adhering to certain standards but in her stubbornness, she saw it as an attack on her which knocked her self-confidence.

“On the contrary.” Smiled Ebony again. “You can always be yourself, but there are ways of being a better version of yourself.” The true meaning of her words were lost on Indie as she immediately shut down. She found everything restrictive. “I see my words are making you anxious, and I feel they are angering you, but I feel you misunderstand what I am trying to say,” said Ebony before Indie could even think of anything to say.

“Why do I have to change? Why can’t your family accept me as I am?” Queried Indie carefully.

“They will come to accept you. Everyone will and I am certain they will love you for who you truly are.......” Ebony’s voice wavered a little, “but there may come a time when Noah is challenged and you as Alpha Queen need to be prepared to fight.” A very cheeky smile settled at the corner of Ebony’s lips at that. “It has come to my attention however that you are not short of fight, but you should learn to use your arrogance and stubbornness as a weapon and not just a shield.”

Something dawned on Indie then. It wasn’t anger or contempt or even annoyance. It was as though Ebony had opened a door and shown Indie another view of the world she was about to enter, “does that mean I’ll come across people I need to outwit and put into their place?” She questioned carefully. Though she didn’t want to conform to what everyone expected of her, she knew she could always surprise them with being who she was. Just better. More educated and calculated with her words and actions.

“When you reach the pack territory there is no saying what or who you might encounter, but you can be sure that all manner of people will attempt to befriend you,” she sighed softly as her brow knitted in annoyance and anxiety. “You must choose your friends wisely. There are those that will genuinely wish to befriend you, those that will use you to get to Noah and those that will do whatever it takes to get to where they want.”

Indie couldn’t help but be concerned. She’d already had enough of Madeline to last a lifetime. She couldn’t imagine dealing with multiple personalities similar to that for the rest of her life. “How do I tell who is who?” She questioned as she felt panic threaten to fill her entire being. She really didn’t want to deal with clones of Madeline.

Feeling something poke above her left breast she turned and saw Ebony smile, “trust yourself. Trust your instincts.” She replied as Indie looked into her eyes and saw all the wisdom of a thousand ages hidden beneath the surface.

“I’m scared,” Indie admitted before she knew what she was saying. She had never really thought about it, but without her mother, for guidance, she had to rely on her own instincts for the first time in her life. “I don’t know what to expect. I won’t know anyone, and I’m scared of letting Noah down.” Indie was reluctant in acknowledging her mate bond with Noah too much because she thought so little of herself. All her life she thought she’d end up with some country bumpkin and end up owning a farm with a hundred dogs and a duck. She hated that the universe had other plans for her.

Much to Indies surprise, she heard a soft giggle from Ebony. When she turned towards her again, she noted her eyes and full blown smile. She couldn’t help but stare. “You worry too much Indie.” She stood from her spot and offered a hand for Indie to take as security guards appeared all over the property. “My brother will grow to love you and believe it or not you can never disappoint your mate no matter how hard you try.” The sentiment in her words made Indie want to question what she had done to try and disappoint her husband. “Let us retreat to the warmth of the library. I believe Noah and my husband Raif are there having a glass of whiskey.”

It all sounded rather sophisticated to Indie. She was used to her parents home that had a family room a kitchen with attached dining room as well as four bedrooms and two bathrooms all spread over two levels. There was barely any space for anyone to have privacy let alone a library. Not even the Alpha of her pack had a house nearly as big.

Ebony placed her hand on the small of Indies back and guided her through the vast expanses of the home. Before long they arrived at an intricately carved wooden door. Ebony knocked four times before a voice responded, ”password?” It questioned as Ebony giggled.

“Intrabit in draconem,” she replied with a sing-song voice before Noah pulled the door open and smiled a goofy smile.

Ushering the two women through the door, he closed it gently behind Indie and stepped behind her gently. Noah brushed her shoulder gently as he went and when Indies eyes met his she couldn’t help but blush. He was very intense.

“Ladies,” Raif bowed rather obnoxiously and over the top, “to what do we owe the pleasure?” As Raif stood, he stumbled a little but smiled nevertheless.

“Oh dear,” laughed Ebony as she covered her face with her hand and shook her head. “It seems I must take my husband to bed. Noah look at the state he is in!” Though Ebony growled him, it seemed she was more than a little amused by it all. “Come my love. I don’t want to have to carry you to bed.” Casting one last glance towards Indie the room quietened as Raif and Ebony retired for the night.

For a moment Indie stood staring awkwardly at Noah who seemed to be looking at her expectantly.

“I think I should go to bed,” she muttered as she saw him suddenly in a different light.

Noah stood quickly from his seat and walked to her quickly, “let me show you to your room.” He smiled rather enthusiastically as he held his arm out for Indie to take.

A little less reluctant than when they arrived Indie looped her arm through his and gave it a gentle squeeze. She rested her hand on his arm and smiled. It was nice.

Before long they climbed at short set of stairs that lead to a small landing and another short set of stairs. The grandeur of it rather intimidated Indie but she couldn’t let fear and intimidation rule her.

Stopping at an ornately carved door Noah smiled and opened it, “I will be next door,” he stepped back and pointed a short distance down the hallway, “should you need anything during the night.”

Indie turned to the bedroom before Noah grabbed her hand effectively stopping her in tracks. Turning to look at him Indie gave a curious stare, “Is something the matter?” She questioned curiously.

Noah seemed nervous and jumpy as she looked at him waiting, “I.......I just want you to know.......” He began as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. Indie waited for him to continue but in the blink of an eye Noah released her hand and retreated back down the hallway leaving a very confused Indie in his wake.

What was he about to say and what scared him off? The question circled through Indies head as she stepped into the bedroom, closed the door and climbed into bed.