Sins Among Royals

The morning came with a hail of light and a chorus of melodies from the treetops surrounding the castle.

Indie rolled over and stretched. She felt her mates embrace tighten around her as he pulled her closer, “five more minutes,” he mumbled lazily. Noah wasn’t ready for this day. He wanted to laze and lounge in his sweat pants. He didn’t want to be formal for a week.

“You have to get up!” Indie demanded as she tried and failed to pry his arms away. “If you squeeze any tighter I’m going to wee the bed,” she giggled as she managed to wiggle free. The instant relief of pressure on her stomach sent her racing for the bathroom.

When she returned Noah was sitting on the edge of the bed with a note in his hands. A cross look on his face did little to make Indie feel at ease.

“What is it?” Indie murmured as she walked quickly towards him. She stepped on her toes,short and quick and before long she turned on her heel and sat next to him. Placing her arm on his shoulder she peered down and read bits of the note.

“It’s Andrew......and Ebony,” Noah responded as he folded the paper closed and handed it to her. “This is the last thing I need on a day like today.” Noah stood and began pacing. His hands rested on his hips, he stared at the colourful rug on the floora, “Andrew has gone off to retrieve your ancestor, it seems that he thinks we may need his help subduing my sister.”

“But what can Nathaniel do that Andrew can’t?” Indie filled the silence quickly as her curious mind got the better of her.

Noah stopped pacing and frowned, he tilted his head slightly and looked at her before shrugging. “Well once upon a time Andrew was the most powerful vampire there ever was, being one of the first he was granted special abilities but the condition was that he was not allowed to make any others. His maker,the first of their kind, grew tired of the power so when Andrew and the others were created he split his powers five ways. Each received a different ability, Andrews was the ability to control other beings with his mind.” Noah took a breath and paused to make sure Indie was following.

“I don’t see where this is going. How does Nathaniel fit into it?” She quizzed him as a sense of confusion descended over her.

“I’m getting there. Just be patient,” Noah urged her gently. “Andrew wanted more power, he wanted to control everyone and everything so he set about tracking down the others and taking their powers. And so he did just that, but, when it came to the last one she proved elusive.”

Noah began pacing again as he recalled the story he was told by his long time friend. “As Andrew accumulated these powers and abilities he became blind with lust so when the last one presented herself to him to try and reason with him he cut her down and assumed her ability. Their creator had been watching Andrew as he was fearful that something might happen. As Andrew destroyed the last one he was cursed by his creator and told that if he made just one other vampire, if he stole just one life then that person would be granted all the power and abilities Andrew stole and he would revert back to the form he was in when changed.”

The frown on Indies face deepened as she thought about what Noah was saying. “So Nathaniel was the only one made by Andrew?” Noah nodded in response to her question, “so Nathaniel inherited all of Andrew’s abilities?” She pressed him again for confirmation.

“Right now if anyone is to stop Ebony from resurrecting anything it is Nathaniel.” Noah smiled then, “that was why Andrew chose to save him. Your great great great grandfather was a fair man with a level head. Andrew could sense that and even though he knew the consequences he decided in that moment that Nathaniel life was worth saving. Even if he was unable to live the life he loved.”

Indie felt saddened for both men. “Is that why Andrew seeks refuge in the dungeons?”

All Noah could do was laugh, “Well that and I do think he likes me just a little bit.”

His words brought a chuckle from Indies lips,“I think it’s more than just a little. I think he imagines himself in my position,” Indie joked as Noah shook his head and laughed.

“I suppose we should get ready and head downstairs. No doubt Naira and Willow are directing staff on what to do already.” They all knew each other well enough for him to know that they would have arrived early, they would have barely slept and they would very likely be running around like chickens with their heads chopped off.

The pair dressed quickly and plainly before descending the large staircase that lead to the grand entrance. Like he had predicted, the castle was abuzz with activity. More flowers were being delivered along with trays and trays of food, staff scurried about the castle cleaning and readying rooms for important guests. The mating wing had to be refreshed and organised. Bars needed stocking, glasses needed polishing and finer details needed to be sorted out.

“Master Noah,” called the surprisingly chirpy voice of Sebastian, the pair turned and spied him standing with Barnard.

“Yes Sebastian, you two seem rather delightful today,” it wasn’t always the case with the pair of butlers. Neither were happy if the other was happy.

“You must look over the new staff coming into the castle for this evening,” one of the men muttered.

“And brief the security team,” clapped the other.

“And you must make a final check of the golden gifts to be presented to our first Alpha Females.” Noah was dizzy with the thought of all there was left to do.

Turning to Indie quickly Noah shrugged, “I guess I’ll see you later,” he shrugged before heading off.

Milling about in the foyer for a moment Indie headed off to find Naira and Willow and walked towards the area they had set up the previous night.

“Indie you’re late!” A shrill voice called to her loudly.

After recovering from the fright Indie turned and smiled at an angry looking Darla who was red in the cheeks with rage, “I’m not late!” Indie joked. “At least I showed up,” she offered quickly. “I was thinking about hiding for the next few days,” she shrugged lazily.

“Indie!” Darla scolded her quickly, “you are going to be Queen! You don’t understand what that means! Your Alpha’s and pack members look to you for guidance, for advice, for everything and you can’t walk around in ripped jeans and tent like t-shirts! You aren’t taking this seriously and people are going to look at you and think it’s a joke.” The tone of her voice was serious and Indie didn’t like it.

“Don’t yell at me!” she responded quickly. “I’ve been made to be here when I never wanted to be in the first place!” Indie yelled back at Darla. “Where I come from the crown and the Royal family are a joke! You can’t expect me to just change and be something I’m not! I was never born to be a leader let alone a queen! I don’t know what I’m doing and everyone expects me to just know what to do!” Part of her hesitation to change had to do with her lack of confidence. There were so many ‘what if’ questions circulating in her head. She had barely been given any time to adjust to the idea of being a queen and now everyone seemed to have an expectation that she would just do everything and know how to do it right. Indie was terrified that she would fail but no one was instructing her, they were all telling her and expecting her to understand what they were saying. “You don’t get to speak to me like that Darla! I didn’t grow up in a privileged world with money to burn and servants to wait on me!”

Indie again scolded her, not only for her choice of words but for her tone of voice too.

“Perhaps I can assist you with what you need to know for this evening,” a deep voice called from behind Indie as she turned on the ball of her heel and came face to face with Victor who looked more than a little amused.

“Oh Victor....I’m sorry I didn’t mean to call you a joke,” Indie back tracked quickly as she feebly tried to hide her embarrassment.

“Why apologise for the truth?” Victor smiled. “Darla,” he diverted his attention to the feisty little pocket rocket that was Darla. “Indie is correct in what she is saying. You can’t speak to her in that manner and expect her to know what she is to do.” Victor smiled warmly. He understood Indies frustrations even though he had never experienced it himself. “You must guide her and teach her. Don’t just assume.”

Darla’s shoulders slumped as her frown deepened. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled. “I just don’t have patience for to teach her anything.” Crossing her arms Darla huffed. She was still annoyed at Indies lack of knowledge.

“And that is why you aren’t ready for your own pack Darla, no patience to teach means no growth, no learning and ultimate failure.” Victor had seen many Alpha’s like Darla try and fail to keep control of a pack. They often didn’t know what they were doing wrong and never held themselves accountable.

“I’m sorry,” Darla blurted out quickly as the seriousness of her face turned sad. “I just want everything to be perfect for Willow and Naira. I didn’t mean to lose my cool Indie.” She thought on it for a moment longer. “The girls are having their hair and makeup done in the informal dining room. Please join us when you’re ready.”

“She will be there Darla. Do not worry,” Victor assured her gently as the ever angry Darla stalked off without another word.

Indie returned her attention back to Victor who seemed to just smile knowingly. “Follow me,” he said without hesitation as he turned and walked off in a direction Indie knew well.

She watched as Victor stopped in front of the painting she had come to know well. He turned towards her and beckoned her to join him.

“You are a born leader Indie. You may not think you are but Nathaniel Jones is a great man and despite his current state he is still a selfless leader and his blood runs through your veins.” Victor recalled the few times he’d met with the man and even though Nathaniel was one of the most powerful beings in existence he seemed to take it all in his stride. “This obstacle you have in front of you needs to disappear. The self doubt you have for yourself needs be demolished. I’m sure your parents would share the same sentiment. Have confidence in yourself.”

Indie grinned as she felt a strange bubbling sensation well up inside her. A confidence she hadn’t felt in some time. She needed the kind of confidence she had when she was around Madeline. She needed that tenacity and attitude and she needed to apply it to the rest of her life. Indie had it inside her but she didn’t know how to let it out.

“Can I ask you something Victor?” Indie questioned him quickly. He nodded in response but said nothing. “When I first arrived. Was your reaction genuine?” Thinking back to her arrival she recalled how cruel and rude both he and Grace were and she didn’t like the sudden change in attitude.

To her surprise he scoffed then chuckled, “fortunately it was not genuine.” He stepped away from the painting and turned towards Indie with a frown. “Before she died Grace was ill. Doctors didn’t know what it was but it affected her mind. If I contradicted her in any way I would never hear the end of it. As the bond between you and Noah grows you will understand the sacrifices you have to make in order to keep the other happy.”

“I’ve already made enough sacrifices,” Indie growled softly, “I don’t need to make more.” she hadn’t thought about or taken into consideration the changes Noah had made, she had barely taken into consideration the things he had done to make her happy. It was a steep learning curve for both of them but Noah had completely changed to keep her happy but he was more than happy to do so. It seemed Indie however had a chip on her shoulder. “I have one more question for you,” she asked him quickly before she was distracted again. The thought had been burning a hole in her brain and she was desperate for answers. “There is a human woman in Stoneden. She was the mate of a-” Indie found herself interrupted by Victor who picked up the train of thought.

“You are speaking of Saul the human?” He asked quickly as he glanced up and met her intense gaze. “You want to know why I had him killed for revealing our world to a human when you and your family have been harbouring your secret for years?”

Indie was astonished, “how do you know that? Did Noah tell you?!” she demanded quickly as she felt anger boiling in her. How could Noah betray her like that?

“Actual no, he doesn’t know that I am aware of the situation.” Victor responded. “Nathaniel told me of what you did, but because the bond between you and Poppy was so strong from the beginning I needn’t worry.”

The more he spoke the more questions Indie had. How did Nathaniel know?

“The problem was not that Saul knew of us,” Victor continued slowly, “it was that her mate was not who he said he was. He weaved a tale of lies to your pack, to her.”

“What do you mean?” Indie questioned him in the short silence.

“He was a murderer Indie. He wanted power, he wanted land and he wanted a life he didn’t deserve.” Victor paced back and forth before her, a stern look on his face. “All life is sacred and if you take a life you must pay that ask with your own. The man murdered more than a dozen humans and werewolves, he did this in his search for power and control. Saul was his next victim but he delayed her imminent death because of their bond. Spreading the lie we did saved her from more embarrassment and possible retaliation from the loved ones of those killed.”

It dawned on Indie that everything she knew about the Royal family was wrong. It seemed they covered their lies with more lies just to keep people safe.

“She deserves to know the truth.” Indie responded quickly, “keeping it from her isn’t fair on her. She still mourns his loss and likely hates you all for it.”

“So you will tell her one day,” Victor smiled slightly, “But right now I need to teach you as much as I can, I need to instruct on what to do and how to carry yourself. You may be new to this world of ours but you will play an integral role in all bonding ceremonies to come.”

Through the morning Victor taught and showed her what needed to be done. He walked her through the entire ceremony and stopped now and then to quiz her on certain things. As the afternoon hit and Noah found them outside near the small stage he couldn’t help but grin.

“Indie you aren’t ready yet?” He chuckled as she turned to him and smiled.

“Were almost done, I’m just learning how to be a good binder.” She laughed. Much of her thought that she would hate learning about the ceremony but she was surprised at Victor’s knowledge and guidance, his patience and skill and as Naira and Willow emerged out onto the decorated patio they took it as her cue to begin readying herself.

She climbed down from the stage, kissed Noah quickly and ran off towards the girls who waited rather impatiently for her.

“There is no better match you could have made son,” Victor smiled down at Noah with pride in his heart. “She will make a fine queen.”