Sins Among Royals

While Indie and Poppy went about their mission to improve the living standards of guards and fellow pack members alike, Noah was busy helping his father.

Grace was to receive a quiet send off after the Alpha ceremony had taken place. There was no use rushing her funeral when the castle would play host to many Alpha’s and family in less than two days.

Noah had to quickly catch himself up on what his mother had planned. While he normally liked to be involved in planning large events he had taken a step. Finding his mate had to come first but now that he had found her and things were settling nicely it was time he caught up.

Sitting in his office overlooking the gardens near the rear of the castle he smiled when he saw Indie and Poppy speeding around in one of the buggies, a slight frown marked his brows however when he saw the girls pull up near the back entrance. They pulled bags and suitcases off of the buggy and giggled as they did so, what were they up to? Glancing back up towards the back of the property it seemed extremely quiet.

Nothing seemed amiss.

“Master Noah?” A voice called as he turned from the window and back to the woman he had been speaking to. “You need to make a decision on flowers and gifts you want to give the ladies at the ceremony, you also need to pick cake and the food for the buffet,” the woman held a clipboard in front of her. Many pages sat on top of it as she held them up and flicked through them one by one.

It was midday and all Noah wanted was a nice, cold beer. He also wanted to enjoy that beer on a golden sand beach with the ocean lapping at his feet but he didn’t have time to dream of what he didn’t and couldn’t have. There was work to be done. Lots of work it seemed.

“So what has mother settled on then?” It seemed like she was leaving much of it to chance.

The woman who wore thick framed glasses and a high ponytail leaned slightly with one hand on her hip as she thought back to what Grace had done. “Well,” she started innocently, “she chose the stock for the bar, the theme and the band that will play after the ceremony is complete. She also chose the layout for the ceremony and the ceremonial capes for the women,” the more she spoke the more Noah’s head spun. He didn’t like the sound of any of it.

“We don’t have long left to decide. Go with white flowers, any flowers, they can be weeds for all I care,” he settled quickly. “Commemorative rings for to be presented at the ceremony, enough food for a thousand people. I don’t care what it is just make sure there is a lot of meat. There will be a lot of hungry wolves present at this thing.” After a short while he dismissed the woman with his vague instructions. He was still new to the intricate details of planning and wondered quickly if Indie would ever be interested in taking up the role.

He knew she was keen to work, she had mentioned it several times in fact but he had failed to ask what it was she wanted to do. She was much different to other females he met and he had never met any that wanted to earn their living like she did.

Staring down at the paperwork before him he shook his head before pushing it away. Leo soon entered the room looking rather pleased with himself. “What’s got you in a bright mood then?” Noah couldn’t help but ask. Though his mother had just been brutally murdered Noah didn’t despise anyone else for the happiness they felt. He didn’t have the heart or the energy to waste on envying anyone.

“Two more days!” Leo exclaimed rather excitedly. “Just two more wretched days with my overly emotional mate then hopefully,” he grinned as he crossed his fingers, “hopefully she will go back to normal.” Though she didn’t seem to emotionally stable to begin with Leo didn’t like the Poppy he currently had but then he couldn’t have the good without the bad.

“Well aren’t you a lucky duck,” Noah replied rather spitefully. The tone of voice he had was not one Leo particularly liked but he knew he shouldn’t have expected much else given what had happened.

“I’m sorry Noah i didn’t meant to rub it in.” Leo backtracked quickly as a frown settled across his face. He hated seeing Noah in such a mood but there was nothing to be done about it. Leo knew he was under great stress.

“Tell me Leo,” Noah stood from his seat and walked around to the front of his desk. Leaning against the dark wood he soon slid himself backwards and pulled his legs up. “What do you suppose Indie and Poppy are up to?” He questioned curiously as his brow furrowed. Besides everything else Indie was turning his world inside out.

“What do you mean?” Leo responded as clueless as Noah.

“Never mind, not important.” Casting his gaze sideways and back down at the diary that sat on his desk like a heavy brick he momentarily thought about picking it up and flipping through the pages.

The large, old style phone with the turn dial keypad that sat on his desk began ringing loudly. Glancing at it Noah picked it up and pressed it quickly to his ear, “Yep?” He questioned the caller. He knew it’d be someone he trusted for only those he deemed trustworthy knew the various numbers and lines in the castle.

Slamming the phone down after a quick conversation Noah took the diary in hand and let s tiny grin settle across his face, “let’s go. That was the hospital.” Rogan had awoken from his slumber and had been requesting Noah’s presence.

“Finally!” Leo exclaimed as he followed behind his friend and leader.

The two chatted casually on their way to the main entrance before Noah heard his name being called in a panicked tone.

“Master Noah might I have a word?!” Sebastian asked but Noah knew it to be more of a demand. Irritation began radiating through him as the elderly butler approached.

“Go ahead Sebastian,” Noah acknowledged the old man quickly and no sooner had his words fallen silent in the doorway did Sebastian dive right in with what was obviously grievances.

“Your mate has invited that poor excuse for a werewolf into the castle! She’s showing her around trying to find a room for her to lodge in!” Sebastian was outraged. The more he spoke the redder he became in the face.

“Poor excuse?” Noah repeated as the old butler nodded his head quickly. “You mean Poppy.” Sebastian nodded his head. The many bags in the buggy now made sense as Noah’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Leo, you two are staying in the castle aren’t you?”

“Um...” Leo began as he glance at Sebastian who glared at him, almost warning him not to say anything.

“Tell me the truth Leo. I sense you’re about to lie,” Noah knew Leo well and he seemed a little nervous.

“Well no,” Leo responded her he dropped his gaze to the floor to avoid Sebastian’s scathing looks. “Your mother ordered me out before we left on our trip to find Indie. Said I wasn’t pure of blood so couldn’t reside in the castle. We’ve been living out in the old guard houses.”

In an instant anger filled the space around them as his words sunk in and Noah realised what was going on, “is that true Sebastian? The old accommodation I personally asked you to have torn down while I was away is still standing?!” Noah couldn’t believe it.

He watched the old man fidget with his fingers as he cast a nervous gaze everywhere but would not look Noah in the eye. He began sweating as the boys watched small beads soon turn into heavy drops. “I am the keeper of this castle! It is I who gets to say who stays within its walls!” He protested difiantly.

Noah scoffed before breaking out into laughter, “you have one more chance to prove yourself my servant. If not then i know a hungry vampire who would gladly drain you of your blood.” Noah had had enough playing games with the old man. He should have known better.

Sebastian scoffed, “vampires don’t like werewolves,” he responded stubbornly.

The words again drew a laugh from Noah’s lips. “That may be true Sebastian but you forget one thing,” Noah winked and stepped closer to the old man.

“And what is it that I’ve forgotten Master?” He sneered down at Noah.

“You aren’t a werewolf Sebastian. You’re a fairy and your kind are a favourite for vampires.” Noah smiled as he saw the colour drain from Sebastian’s face, it was like he had forgotten what he was. He had been in service at Blackwood for so long he was losing his mind. “Have those buildings torn down Sebastian. I will not ask again.”

And with that Noah and Leo headed off towards the hospital bantering and arguing about why Leo never sought council with Noah about their living conditions.

The duo arrived and hurried inside. They were greeted by a doctor who had been waiting patiently. While many hospital workers were human most of the nurses and doctors were not. Blackwood was a place where pack healers and doctors learned and fine tuned their skill. It was a place of peace and calm and offered many a chance to prove themselves.

“Master Noah. A pleasure to see you again. Our patient is awake and asking to speak with you,” they hurried to the room where Noah was greeted by a tired man who seemed almost a shadow of his former self.

The trio entered the room before the doctor excused himself. Noah walked to Rogans bedside and knelt quickly on the floor, “I ask your forgiveness Rogan. I was not aware that you were alive. If I’d have known I would have punished my sister long ago.” Many emotions fought within Noah as he hung his head in shame. He had let the man down. They all had.

Rogan smiled gently, “you were to know Noah. Your sister deceived everyone it seems.” Rogan had always been a kind, gentle man and was deemed by many to be weak because of it. Noah remembered growing up with him, he had always been like the older brother he had always wanted.

“How are you doing?” Noah asked as he sprang to his feet and looked down at the man who had various tubes carrying liquids into his body.

The man laughed, “I’ve been better. But at least I’m alive.” He smiled gently again.

“What is it that you wanted to see me about?” Noah turned serious. As happy as he was to see the man he had many questions for him.

Rogan sighed and leaned back against the mountain of pillows behind him. “Though I was her prisoner your sister slipped me a lot of secrets. Unfortunately that bond was still there and she seemed to seek comfort in it,” he frowned quickly. “I can tell you what she has planned and why she’s doing it all but I want you to promise me one thing.” Rogan looked up as his gaze met with Noah’s.

“Name it and it’s yours.” Noah responded hastily.

“When I am well enough and your sister has been caught, move me to the other side of the country and let me live my days out in peace. Your family is too crazy for my liking.” A cheeky grin settled on his lips as Noah and Leo started laughing.

“I will grant that.” He responded with a nod as he threw the diary down on to the bed. “Tell me everything you know.”