Chapter 5 My wife

"Have you heard of what has happened to the –"

"The werewolves? I did... Pity." The head witch, Norian, smirked and sipped from his wine. They sat amongst the trees enjoying the breeze. It held a tinge of the smell of smoke but it made the breeze that much sweeter to Norian.

"Did you have anything to do with it?" his mother asked in a stern voice," I wouldn't blame you, they didn't deserve the land but I wouldn't expect you to burn it down."

"I wish it was but I would never destroy the forest for them. Nature does not deserve it." He replied and looked at his mother assuringly, "I had nothing to do with it. But I reckon this is a good time for us to take what we deserve back."

"Are they not trying to revive the forest?" His mother asked with a scoff.

"They are clearing it of its debris so they can replant it. The same thing can be done by us within a night. Only a few workers remain in the forest. The rest of the werewolves are residing in the city. Although I hear they are having a hard time as well. "

"Over take the forest at night. We can reclaim it and wait for them to make their move while we invigorate the forest with our magic. It will defend us." His mother advised and he smiled at this. He knew she would say this. The apple didn't fall far from the tree after all.

The witches were asleep when the fire happened but when they had seen the ruin they wished that they had been awake and seen the downfall of the werewolves.

The witches would get their forest back and things would return to normal. Norian knew that if he were to overtake the forest, the werewolves would be blamed for the fire. But he didn't care. The forest fuelled by their magic would be enough to keep them alive.

All was happy and peaceful in the Witches home however Persus wasn't the same. Fights of werewolves lined the city. Lack of spaces and resources caused fights amongst the people and they were in unrest.

Lucian and Aurora were to visit and the roads were cleared for them to walk through. However, when Aurora saw that the area was in disarray, she decided that her being away from the people was not useful.

"I think I need to talk to them directly... As a wolf." She said solemnly and took off her cloak handing it over to the guard who walked by her. Lucian seemed confused but as he kept watching, she took two steps ahead and her dress ripped into pieces as her body contorted into that of a wolf.

Large and as white as the snow, a wolf emerged from rags that were once her clothes. Lucian's mouth nearly fell open at the sight. She turned to him, her eyes looking at him inquisitively.

"I don't want to ruin my clothes by doing the same," He said and began to walk with her while the guards maintained their distance. However Lucian could not take his eyes off of her, she was the largest werewolf that he had ever seen. She was beautiful, her fur looked like the softest thing that could exist on the planet.

Seeing the princess as a wolf brought a sense of familiarity to the people. The people of Persus and Terra both poured out their complaints.

Aurora listened to each and every one, not even rushing past any story. She wanted to listen to everyone's issues

Lucian did the same, he mostly listened to the people of Persus which impressed them as he was from Terra and they expected him to side with them.

"I know everyone is upset and you have all the reason to be as well." Lucian spoke to the crowd, "Please give us a day. A day to understand what it is that we can do and how to help everyone. Can you please halt all fights for one day?" He asked

Aurora stood by him and until everyone was satisfied they did not leave. This meant that they stayed there till nearly midnight before returning back.

When they returned to the palace however they were not greeted by comfortable beds but by an angry Queen Livea.

"AND JUST WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU ARE GOING?" She bellowed at her daughter who was now in her human form and had changed into a dress that her maid had carried with them.

"We were talking to the people, it was pr-" She began but before she could talk a resounding slap was heard and the girl was thrown to the floor in front of Lucian who's eyes widened.

"I did not ask you to talk." Queen Livea spat out, "You're not meant to talk to those... those low class commoners!" She wailed at her daughter and grabbed a handful of her hair.

Lucian looked around expecting one of the servants to step in or one of the guards to stop her but they looked on as if this was a common occurrence. Before Queen Livea could yank the girl up, Lucian's hand gripped hers.

"I think that's enough." He said in a low tone that was almost threatening. The servants gasped as Queen Livea stared at him as if she would kill him.

"I know that we made a mistake staying out so late but my parents were aware and are fine with me doing so. They are fine with me doing so... However this is my mate and I don't like seeing her in pain. We shall go to bed now... thank you."

"I am her mother." Queen Livea insisted.

"You are...and I am her mate."

With that Lucian lifted Aurora up by her arm and led her into the castle.

They could hear the Queen screaming at her guards as they did so but Lucian did not care. He could not stand to see someone being pushed around much less..... much less his wife.

"Why would you do that?" Aurora asked, tears resting at the edge of her eyes. Lucian ran his hands through his thick black hair and looked at her.

"Are you okay?" He asked. He knew he would receive backlash for this in the morning. But he was prepared for that and what was new anyways...

"She's going to be upset at you, you know that right? Besides, shes right... I shouldn't have gone out. She doesn't like me talking to the people of the city."

"She can't hit you that way and she wasn't right." Lucian mumbled, "Go rest. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Wait.... I don't know why you did this but don't think that I don't hate you okay?" She asked.

Lucian raised a brow, "I ... saved you from your mother and you still hate me?" He asked.

"I-"

"Why do you hate me so much?"He asked, "I get why you wouldn't want a marriage with me...but hatred?"

"You're the reason my best friend died." Aurora whispered but trembled as she looked up at Lucian.

"I'm sorry?" He narrowed his eyes,"What do you mean? I didn't kill anyone."

"Do you know who Anita was?" She asked and Lucian's face fell as soon as he heard the word.

"No... that, that was a misunder-"

" I don't want to hear it. Just go away. I hate you." She turned away from him, wiping away the tear that had escaped her eye and made its way down her cheek.

"Look, when you're in the mood to know the truth, I'm open to tell you what happened." He said and left the room.

"How in the hell did this catch up to me here." He whispered to himself as he stormed down the hallway.

"Young prince." A voice stopped him in his tracks and he knew Queen Livea was standing behind him.

"Yes?" He turned towards her.

Queen Livea smiled and walked towards him, she was now in her night robes and they barely covered any of those things that needed to be covered. Lucian looked away but Queen Livea walked right to him and turned his cheek to her.

"Never come between me and my daughter again... or else. She isn't your wife yet... shes my daughter and I will do to her as I please." She threatened.

Lucian smirked and held her gaze, "Once she is my wife, you will never touch her again... is that understood?"

Queen livea dropped her hand and backed away. Anger was etched on her face an if looks could kill, Lucian would be dead.

Lucian grinned as sweetly as he could, "Have the night you deserve."