Phoebe’s POV
With Perry’s blessing, I found it much simpler to navigate the pack and manage everything that needed attention.
I began by relocating all the won who had been living outside the main pack house back to the oga quarters.
Since there were so many of them, along with their children, I decided to expand into the north wing of the house to accommodate everyone properly.
"Is this acceptable, my queen?" Wade questioned when I’d given orders for all the won to return to the oga quarters. "Does the king approve of this?" The young warrior’s expression showed clear concern.
Samuel stepped in before I could respond. "You think there’d be an issue with this? You never catch on, do you?"
Wade pressed his lips together and followed Samuel to assist the other won in moving to the oga quarters, abandoning their makeshift huts.
Watching the two of them bicker brought a smile to my face. I cared for both of them, though I wished Justin could be here too—he always managed to keep Samuel grounded and served as an excellent guide for Wade.
I shook off those thoughts. I’d lose myself completely if I kept dwelling on what-ifs.
Right now, every available warrior was helping with the relocation while the won packed their belongings, eager to move into proper shelter that wouldn’t flood during storms or beco unbearably hot in the afternoon sun.
They kept stealing glances at but seed too intimidated to co closer, unable to process that their queen actually cared about their welfare. After enduring so much hardship, accepting such kindness felt impossible for them.
Jude approached hesitantly, stamring her gratitude for saving her daughter’s life.
"She’s doing well now." Jude’s face glowed as she shared the update.
"That’s wonderful news. Could I see her?" I’d planned to visit Jude later, but since she was here now, I decided to go imdiately.
"Of course, my queen." Jude eagerly led to show Harlow’s progress in their hut.
Their dwelling sat deep in the forest, so the warriors hadn’t reached them yet.
"Hello, Harlow," I called to the little girl, who watched with shy curiosity. She was awake and alert—an encouraging sign. "How are you feeling?"
Harlow glanced at her mother, seeking guidance on how to respond. Jude gave her an encouraging nod.
"I’m okay..." she whispered, unable to et my eyes because she could feel the authority radiating from .
"Wonderful. May I check your feet, sweetheart?" I stroked her hair gently as Harlow looked at with interest, then pulled her legs from beneath the blanket.
I examined her feet carefully. The color had returned, though a few small marks remained, but I felt confident this little one would recover completely.
"You’ll be perfectly fine in a few days." I touched her cheek softly.
My words made her eyes sparkle with excitent. "Really? Can I play outside again? Can I go out?"
"Absolutely, but you’ll need your mother’s permission first," I replied with a laugh, watching as Harlow imdiately began pleading with her mother for outdoor play privileges.
"Only if you take your dicine properly and finish all your als," Jude said firmly, though her eyes overflowed with love for her daughter.
It was remarkable how deeply Jude loved her daughter, despite the circumstances of her conception. The child remained innocent in all of this.
Yet watching Harlow and Jude interact created an ache in my chest—a gaping emptiness that would never be filled.
I needed to leave before I couldn’t handle watching this tender scene any longer.
"Co to the kitchen this afternoon, and I’ll show you how to prepare Harlow’s dicine." I smiled at Jude, who thanked repeatedly.
"Tell the queen thank you, quickly." Jude prompted her daughter.
"Thank you, my queen." Harlow bead radiantly. "You’re so beautiful!"
I laughed at the sweet complint. "You’re quite the charr." I leaned down to kiss her forehead. "And you’re absolutely beautiful and adorable yourself."
——
Perry’s POV
"We’re prepared to depart tomorrow," Timothy reported to . "Our people have secured the palace and mapped every secret passage inside." He passed the map to . "Who are you considering for royal beta?"
I accepted the map from my gamma and scanned it quickly.
"Haven’t decided yet." I had several candidates in mind but remained undecided about who deserved such a significant appointnt. The position carried enormous responsibility.
"Hmm..." Timothy stroked his chin thoughtfully. "What about asking Alpha Wallace to take the role? I believe he’s capable enough."
I looked at Timothy sharply. "You only think he’s suitable because you know you can push him around."
"Hey, I’m not that manipulative." Timothy scowled at the accusation. "How can you say that? He’s an alpha—how could I possibly intimidate him?"
I remained silent because regardless of Timothy’s protests, the truth was obvious. Timothy wanted Wallace as beta because he knew he could control the alpha. After all, Wallace was young and inexperienced, with much still to learn.
"I realize this isn’t my place to ask," Timothy said, his tone growing serious. "What are your plans regarding your heir?"
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