Chapter 211
Rachel’s POV
I gazed around the opulent Laina suite my suite now, apparently and felt completely out of place.
The high ceilings, ornate furnishings, and luxurious fabrics were beautiful, certainly, but they felt like they belonged to someone else.
Someone more… royal.
I am just a slave… but now I am a princess.
I never asked for any of this. I only wanted answers about my mother, about who I am. Now I’m suddenly expected to be a queen?
My son slept peacefully in the beautifully crafted cradle that had been brought in for him.
At least he seemed comfortable in these new surroundings.
I moved to the window, gazing out at the sprawling view of the pack.
I only want to give my son a peaceful life.
A soft knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.
“Come in,” I called, turning from the window.
Selena entered, her expression softening when she saw me standing alone by the window.
“How are you settling in?” she asked, approaching with measured steps.
I gestured vaguely around the room. “It’s beautiful,” I said, the words feeling hollow even as I spoke them.
Selena’s perceptive eyes studied my face. “But it doesn’t feel like home.”
I sighed, shoulders slumping slightly. “I’m not sure about any of this, Selena.” I crossed my arms protectively over my chest. “I came here for answers, yes, but I never expected to be thrust into… this kind of life.”
“I know,” Selena replied gently. “But this is your birthright.”
I frowned. “Did anyone ever ask if I wanted it?”
Before Selena could respond, another knock sounded at the door. High Priest Adam Rowen entered, his elegant robes flowing around him.
But my attention immediately fixed on the woman who followed him in.
‘Gina!” I exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace my friend.
Gina looked exhausted, her clothes smudged with dirt and coal dust, evidence of recent battles.
Despite her disheveled appearance, her eyes still held that familiar spark of determination.
‘Oh, Rachel–it’s so good to see you again,” Gina said, returning my embrace tightly. I came as soon as I heard you were here.”
I pulled back, my expression apologetic. “I’m sorry I left-
“It’s all in the past,” Gina interrupted with a dismissive wave. She glanced toward the cradle with curiosity. “I hear you have a baby now?”
I smiled, leading Gina to the cradle where my son slept peacefully. His tiny chest rose and fell with each breath, his face serene.
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Chapter 211
“He’s cute, Gina whispered, peering down at the infant. What have you named him?”
“I haven’t decided yet, I admitted, gently adjusting the blanket around my son
“There are some matters we must discuss, Adam announced, gesturing toward the sifting area of the suite.
I reluctantly moved away from the cradle, joining the others on the plush sofas. Selena poured tea for everyone while Adam arranged his robes carefully
around him.
‘Your people need you, Your Highness, Adam said formally.
I shifted uncomfortably. “Please, just call me Rachel.
Adam nodded once. “Rachel, you are the returned princess. The new Queen of Nexus.”
I’m not the queen you want,” I replied, shaking my head. “I don’t even know what my people need.
“First, we need to rebuild the Eastern Territory,” Selena explained. “Many villages were destroyed in the conflict. We need guidance on how and where to 0 rebuild.”
“Most urgently,” Adam added, “we need more supplies. Food stocks are running low. Medical supplies are limited. Winter is approaching, and many are still without proper shelter.”
The weight of responsibility suddenly felt crushing. These people were looking to me–me!-for leadership and answers I didn’t have.
I–I can’t do this, I blurted out, standing abruptly. “I’ve never led anything in my life. I don’t know how to run a kingdom.”
“Rachel, this is your birthright,” Selena insisted, rising to stand beside me. “Your people have been without their rightful leader for too long.*
“I understand that,” I replied, pacing nervously. “But I don’t know how to govern a nation. Taking on that role would be irresponsible.”
Gina watched me carefully. “Rachel–I know this is a lot… Victoria told me some of what happened-‘
“Then you understand why I can’t do this,” I interrupted. ‘I was never raised to be a leader. I’ve spent my entire life being told what to do, where to to behave. I am just a… slave and I’m just starting to get used to the idea that I can be myself.”
go,
how
“But you don’t have to do this alone, Gina said firmly. “All three of us will be here to help you. However, that’s if, and only if, it’s what you decide you want
to do.”
“No one expects you to know how to do everything by yourself,” Adam added. “You’ll have a council of advisors to assist you.”
I looked back at my sleeping son. He was an Alpha, the heir to this kingdom.
Was I being selfish by refusing?
Would I be denying him his birthright, his chance to choose his own path when he grew up?
Being their queen would at least give him options. When he’s older, he can choose his own path.
‘As a leader, you only need to know that you’re doing your best for the greatest good of your people,” Adam encouraged.
I took a deep breath. “Alright,” I said finally, feeling a strange sense of rightness settle over me. “I’ll try.”
Gina smiled, squeezing my hand. “I knew you could do it. You’re braver than you realize.”
I returned to the sofa, feeling oddly lighter despite the enormous responsibility Fd just accepted. ‘I don’t know what I should do first.”
‘One step at a time,” Selena advised. She turned to Gina and Adam. “What would each of you prioritize as the first action?”
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Chapter 211
For me,
it would be figuring out our next move against the Western Territory, Gina replied without hesitation,
‘On my side, we need to focus on the people. Supplies and rebuilding. Adam Countered.
I thought of Nathan, how he would approach this. He would be decisive, practical. ‘Gina, let’s start with the Western Territory. What do you need to know?
‘General Caspian needs more supplies, but the border villages are shott too, Gina explained. “What do you think?”
I considered carefully. “We can’t let the villagers starve after they’ve finally been freed from threat. We’ll allocate some supplies to the villagers, but in small batches. We’ll help them through the winter, but as the weather warms, they’ll need to become self–sufficient.”
I looked around uncertainly. ‘Is that right?”
“Yes,” Adam confirmed, a smile of approval on her face. “Those are the words of a wise leader. I have no doubt you will make a remarkable queen, Rachel.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
Summary & Review: By Werewolf