Alpha's Virgin Wife

INTRO

She panted heavily as she ran in the dark woods, her legs cutting so many distance in a split second. If it wasn't for the sound of her legs rustling against the leaves and the raucous men chasing after her from behind, she was damn sure her stolid breath would've been overheard.

"Faster!!!"

"We're losing her!!!"

"Lura would have our heads if we let her go!"

The men yelled from behind, and tho she was scared, she made no attempt to look at them.

The little one whined in her arms - the little one which she held to her chest, wrapped in a thick fabric. She must be so scared and tired from all the running already.

"I'm sorry, baby. I'm sorry" the woman whimpered and increased her pace.

How does she lose the men behind her? The forest was extremely dark with just a dim reflection of the moonlight aiding her path.

A light sob racked her throat and suddenly, she felt a sharp pain on her leg which threw her to the floor.

"Argh!!!" She cried out, unimaginable pains coursing through her body.

Her baby got loose from her arms and rolled to the floor, also letting out her own cry.

"No....!" The mother whimpered, holding onto her leg.

She could tell she'd been shot with an arrow - an arrow poisoned with Sitos, one of the witches' greatest poisons. No one can survive it.... No one.

Her baby.... her Baby....

She repudiated the pains and crawled to where her baby was, drawing her close and placing her next to her chest as her back hit the floor. No doubt, the men would definitely be catching up with her now.

"Your fight is over, Ayita" she suddenly heard a voice, that menacing female voice.

She'd known it was her; she'd known the poisoned arrow came from her.

She looked up and could see her standing there in the dark, dressed in her long black dress; so long, it swept the floor.

"Lura, please...." The woman on the floor winced.

"You really think you can run away from your judgement, Ayita? " She snapped in.

"You thought you were smart enough to escape the penalty for your foolishness?"

Sobs racked her throat.

"My child has nothing to do with this.... please, don't hurt her...."

"Your daughter has EVERYTHING to do with this!" A lightening cracked the sky as Lura spoke angrily.

"Your daughter, Ayita, is a curse. She became a curse the very day you mated with one of our enemies and begat her. You broke one of our sacred rules, Ayita, and you and your hybrid daughter has to pay for it!"

"She won't be a problem... I've made sure of that. Please Lura, you have to listen to me....."

"You're a witch, Ayita; one of our best. You shouldn't have fallen for an enemy and worst, have a child for him. You disappointed me".

"No, please..."

"Talking time is over, Ayita!" Her roar caused another crack in the sky.

The men chasing Ayita had already gotten to the spot and all stopped to watch.

"As the Queen of the Oceanic Witches of the West, I hereby sentence you, Ayita and your daughter, to death" she stretched out her hand towards her direction and that was the moment Ayita knew her life would come to an end - if she didn't do a thing.

There was only thing she could do - fighting Lura. But with the poison in her system, using her powers would definitely drain and kill her. But her baby.... she had no choice.

So, just when Lura was about using the wand, Ayita let out a loud scream - one that caused a thunderstorm this time around.

The vibration cracked the sky and quaked the trees around, Lura was taken abacked.

"Ayita!!!!!!" She roared the name in agony and quickly released the powers from her wand, but it was already too late as a howling wind swept her off her feet, took her so far, she cut a tree off it's root before crashing along with it.

The men around were not left out as the wind also howled them away.

No one would survive that; Ayita was certain

And few minutes later, after the scream, the entire place became still and calm. It was so calm; only the perkings of the crickets could be heard, and the sharp cry of the little one.

Ayita could feel the strength departing from her already - every single strength, her hand could barely hold her little one beside her.

"I love you, baby...." She muttered weakly and finally.

She heard someone whispered : "Take the baby. Don't let anyone know she is the next........"

her eyes went close in sleep.

23 YEARS LATER

In a dimmed - light room. Four women could be seen in it; one on the bed, and three surrounding the one on the bed.

"Arghhhh....!!!!!" The one on the bed screamed, her eyes going extremely tight in agony.

Her legs were knee bent and wide opened, granting enough access to the mid-wives.

"Harder, Nosheba! I can see the baby's head already!" The chief mid-wife urged and it gave the weak woman some hope as she took her lips into her mouth and pushed hard - harder than she could. She had to bit her inner cheeks.

This was her second time giving birth and she was really hoping it'd be a boy. She had prayed day and night to the moon goddess to make it a boy so she could be the one to give the Alpha an heir!

But, why was it so difficult this time around?

"One more time....!" The mid wife yelled.

And another push - "Arghhhh.........!"

And pup! Came the baby's round head.

A gasp escaped from the other three women as they meticulously pulled out the head until the two tiny legs came pulling out as well. A sharp tiny cry erupted the room immediately.

Unlike every other birth, the mid-wives didn't break out for joy instantly as they had one more thing to confirm.

The chief was the one doing the job and nervously, her eyes went down to the baby's legs - in between. And her heart skipped heavily when she saw the small pelvic.

Fear and disappointment ran through her face.

"Ahiga, what is it?" One of the two asked, her eyes wide with curiosity and anxiety.

Her heart was on her throat as she awaited the answer.

Ahiga - the chief mid-wife stared dreadfully at the baby before looking up at her co worker.

"It's a female" she finally said and instantly transferred the fear and disappointment on her face to them.

"Oh! Blessed Selene!" The second one exclaimed.

The baby was still crying and the chief looked at the mother who had already fallen asleep.

This was really bad; really bad - she thought.

"Kimi, you should go tell the King about it. He's waiting outside and not hearing the Queen scream anymore, but a baby crying, he definitely knows the baby's out". The chief said while placing the crying baby on the floor.

"What?? And why should I be the one to do it, Ahiga? You are our leader. It should be carried out by you" the second mid wife - kimi- retorted immediately.

"But you're always the one who goes out to inform the couples of the sex of their child, Kimi. What are you saying?" Ahiga asked, her worried face belying the strict tone of her voice.

"I do that with normal couples, not.... someone like the King" Kimi replied.

"Come on, Kimi. This isn't the time for this ..."

"Maybe, Louise should do it" she suddenly pointed to the last mid wife beside her.

"She's the youngest amongst us" .

"Whaaat???" Louise shrieked and shook her head adamantly.

"Please, don't even think of doing this to me. My betrothed will be coming to see me, nine days from now. And if everything goes as planned, we'll be getting married after the 5th full moon".

Ahiga sighed and shook her head as her co workers argued about it. She stared at the baby on the floor. Who was going to deliver the news to the King? Definitely, it was a risk; a really big risk.

But she knew it wouldn't take long from now before the King walks in himself to know what was going on. And it was definitely going to be worst if he gets to find out himself".

"It's fine. I'll go" her voice came up and the two ladies looked at her with so much relief.

"Thank you so much, Ahiga. I believe you'll be fine" Kimi said, but Ahiga said nothing as she started towards the door.

*

*

In a long broad corridor, the King could be seen pacing around - tho and fro.

It wasn't the usual hyperventilative 'tho and fro' that other people do;, with King Dakota, it was always different.

Tho, he was anxious and paced tho and fro, he still looked a lot calm like one who was in deep thougts and felt like pacing tho and fro in order to aid his thoughts.

His hands were crossed at his back, his crown on his head and his royal robe sweeping the neat floor as he paced.

Two guards were at the entrance of the corridor and two ahead of him - for his protection. It wasn't like he needed their protection, anyways.

His eyes glanced at the door each time he turned towards that direction. What was taking them so long? He was sure the Queen had stopped screaming and the baby, crying. Why were none of the mid wives out already?

The curse from the moon goddess filled his mind as he hoped this baby could broke the curse.....

He tried excersing a little patience and shortly, he heard the door open.

He turned around snappily to take a look and saw the chief mid wife walking out. He stopped walking but didn't budge forward to meet her, instead he waited for her to meet him.

He could notice the woman was tactically slackening her steps as it was taking her longer time to get to where he was.

"How was it, Ahiga?" He asked gruffly.

"What is the sèx of the baby?"

He went straight to the point.

The average woman took a really deep breath before proceeding.

"M...M...My King" she helplessly stuttered, her head bowed.

"Gr.... Greetings, My King".

"Tell me what my ears longs for, Ahiga". His voice was rasped, she swallowed hard.

No need beating round the bush; he was still going to find out - Ahiga thought.

"My.... My King", she continued, looking so sweaty already.

"It's a....it's a beautiful girl".

And that was it.

The anxiety on the Alpha King's face melted down instantly as his brows furrowed in surprise? And dismay.

Immediately, the words of the Seer came flashing into his head, few weeks ago when he'd visited him.

*Your second wife, Queen Nosheba, carries a she-wolf*.

He'd been so angry and doubted him before leaving, but he was right...! He was right.

Ahiga was still shaken in front of her with her head bowed. He wasn't saying anything and it was tearing her apart. Should she just turn around and walk away?

Suddenly, she felt a firm grip on her neck, one that lifted her feet off the floor and made them dangled in the air.

It was the King...!

Her eyes dilated in fear and shock as he choked her, holding her neck mercilessly tight.

His eyes were flaming; glinting with so much anger.

And in that icy voice, he said:

"This should be the last time you ever bring bad news to me, Ahiga"

And with that, he threw her roughly on the floor and marched away.

He didn't want to see the newly born child; not even a sight.

*

*

King Dakota was known as the superior Alpha King of the seven mountains and six covens. The mountains was a basement for seven different packs while the covens belonged to the Vampire. Each pack had it's Alpha, and each coven had it's VampLord, but King Dakota was the ruler of them all. The superior Leader of every Alpha and Vamp Lord.

So many years ago, the werewolves - also known as the mountains lions - Vampires and Witches were not in good terms. They were always having a fight and had so many restrictions.

The war lasted for a very long time until the wolves and vampires decided it was high time they put a stop to it. They decided to form a treaty so they can be over one governance. But there couldn't be more than one leader, thus, they decided to have a fight between a representative from each group with the winner becoming the overall leader. And while these preparations were going on, the witches vowed not to be a part of it.

A representative from the Wolves and one from the vamps stepped out for a fight and eventually, the Wolves won. So, the winner from there wolf became the superior Leader. That was King Dakota's grandfather.

The wolves and vampires formed new rules and constitutions for themselves, they did it collectively.

They all wanted peace and equality and since then till date, there had been no more fights between the wolves and vampires. But since the witches had refused taking part in the treaty, they were forever banished from ever stepping foot in their lands, and the witches took an oath never to have anything to do with the mountain Lions or blood suckers.

And so it has been for a very long time.

The superior leadership has long stayed with the Wolves, from Dakota's great grandfather, to his grandfather, to his own father, and then to him - himself - King Dakota.

But in all history, he appeared to be more different, powerful and brutal than his fathers.

Everyone feared him - the way he fought against the rogues and other enemies. He was too brutal and powerful and earned so much fear and respect from all.

But the Almighty King Dakota had only one problem. Well, maybe he had other problems, but this was the most critical.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get a male child, an heir to take over him when he was done. And without an heir, his throne was bound to be unstable. It was a bigger problem to him as he felt cursed. Yes, he was cursed - by the moon goddess.

He's been married to three women already, and from all three women he'd gotten 4 children - all females.

He knew he was cursed, but the question was *why?*

He arrived at his chambers not long after and settled in, sitting on the bed with his head in his palms. Why was his case different - he thought regrettably. Why?

It didn't take long, his gamma walked in.

"I do not want to be disturbed, Pishan" King Dakota said with his head still in his palms.

He didn't need to take a look before knowing who it was. He was used to the scent of the top people in his mountain.

The gamma - Pishan - stopped by the door - his eyes staring at the heavily-built man in front of him. Blessed with the body of a true ruler,the King had some kind of dauntlessness around him - one that made him feared by all. He was the only one who knew the King so well and could correctly guess what was wrong with him at the moment.

"Forgive me for interrupting, My King, but I only wish to confirm the order for tomorrow. Should the lockdown still be effective?" he said and King Dakota released his head from his palm to look at him.

"The order still stands" he growled.

"I wouldn't want anyone being around when it happens. So, anyone who breaks the rule by stepping out tomorrow, will be killed".

"Be fast with it, Shilah! You're so slow" Ina rasped from the table where she sat.

"She walks like a snail...."

The 23 years old Shilah said nothing as she climbed down the creaky stairs to the archaic dinning where the rest of her family sat comfortably, some already eating. Dressed in drabs of grey, she almost felt like an outsider to the family as her sisters were looking much better than she was.

Round white eyes with grey balls were her unique features which complimented her round shaped face and longer hair. Despite how tired and weary she looked, anyone could see the underlying beauty in it all. .

"I hope you added enough sauce to it?" The other asked, but the naive Shilah said nothing, still.

Her eyes were lowered to the floor as she walked towards the dining which was surrounded by 6 people - her father, mother, three step sisters and just one step brother.

"Sorry I took long. Had to heat it up" Shilah said as she finally stood in front of the dining and Ina - who'd requested for the sauce - snatched it roughly from her.

"You should be sorry" Ina cut her eyes heaven ward and started eating, a bristle of her hair flopping over her left eye.

There were about seven seats in all round the table, just 6 were occupied, but Shilah knew the 7th seat wasn't for her.

"I think that is all. You can leave". Her step mother suddenly said, signalling Shilah to leave. And with humility, she bowed and started walking away.

"Why doesn't she just join us? At least, for today?" Vanessa - her second sister - asked and Shilah stopped walking, waiting to hear a response.

Eating with them... that would have been nice.

"What is wrong with you, Vanessa? Why would she eat with us? This is a table meant for Mountain Lions - not an empty lady, posing as one" Ina snapped in, her words tearing Shilah's heart apart.

"Ina....!"

"What?" She scoffed. "I didn't tell a lie, did I? It's the popular bitter truth. Shilah's the only WOLF who hasn't shifted. She's the only WOLF who doesn't have a single ability. She's just dumb - like a mere human. If it isn't for the fact that father claims she's the daughter of his first wife, I'd have sworn she's not from this family - not from the lineage of the wolves!"

"That's enough, Ina". Their father chipped in and turned to Shilah who was now looking pale.

"You should leave".

And with a tight gulp, she turned around and resumed walking away.

Vanessa's mood had gone ruined as she lowered her head to the floor. She couldn't understand why her family's been treating Shilah that way ever since her mother died. She didn't deserve such hatred from them; she should be treated as a member of the family.

Shilah's heart was so heavy; her eyes glistened with tears she wasn't ready to let out. She had to walk carefully for fear of tripping. It wasn't the first time she was getting bullied by her family, it wasn't the first time she was getting insulted, but each time, they hurt differently.

"What's wrong with you, Pia? You've be been looking uneasy" she heard her step mother say from behind.

She didn't bother turning to look at them as she could still hear them clearly.

"I.... I think I'll be fine. I just feel a little sick". Pia answered dazily.

That was the youngest daughter of the house.

The staircase was a little far from where she was, but she didn't bother hearing any of their conversations until she'd finally gotten to the staircase and took it fraily.

She headed for the kitchen first, took her meal and proceeded to her snug, lonely room.

It wasn't like the usual kind of room where you'd see a cool bed, a closet, some arranged chairs and a bed. Hell no. The only good thing Shilah had in her room was her bed.

Her appetite had completely gone cold. So, she dropped the wooden plate of meal on the table and went to the bed to sit.

One good thing she loved about her bed, it was so close to the window and gave her the privilege to enjoy some cool air from it.

She stared out the window for sometime, wishing her worries could just blow along with the wind, but sadly they couldn't.

Alas, she only had one friend - just one person she could talk to.

She turned away from the window to the bed, taking up the doll lying await.

Yeah, that was the only friend she had - a doll; a toy.

She smiled as she stroke it's yellow scanty hair. It's fake eyes were staring at her. Well, maybe not at her, but she wanted to believe it was staring at her.

"They wouldn't let me eat with them at the dining today - as usual" she continued.

"Vanessa had tried convincing them....but they wouldn't listen."

She paused and exhaled deeply.

"Why am I so unfortunate?" She asked, her voice cracking a little.

"I wish.... I wish someone could explain it to me; explain why I'm the only one without my wolf abilities - why I'm a wolf, yet don't feel like one. Am I cursed or something?"

She paused and sniffed.

"I wish mother was alive; maybe I wouldn't have to go through these....".

The door suddenly went open with Ina barging in.

Shilah was taken abacked. Why the sudden entrance? Was she done eating already?

Ina had a scrawl on her face as she glared at Shilah who was still holding the doll in her hand.

"Is there a... problem?" Shilah decided to ask.

"Even if there were a problem, you can never be my problem" Ina scoffed.

"Anyway, just came over to tell you to get ready because you'll be accompanying me to the market to get some food stuff since the Alpha King has declared a *No Movement Day* tomorrow. Don't keep me waiting".

And with that, she turned around and left.

The Alpha King - Shilah thought while staring down at her doll.

The All Superior Alpha - the one every breathing soul around the mountain fears.

She wondered what was going on the following day and why the Alpha was declaring a "No - Movement Day* A day everyone would stay in doors without stepping out completely.

*********************

IN THE PALACE ✍️

Queen Chaska moved restlessly in the room, her long mantua sweeping the floor as she walked with her both hands at akimbo.

"Come on, come on" she mumbled impatiently to herself.

What was taking her so long?

He hard shoes were making a clip-clopping sound as they met roughly with the floor and if it wasn't for the noisy sound of the guards training outside, she was pretty sure her deep pants would've been heard already.

She was so nervous; couldn't have rest.

Nosheba. Has she given birth already? What was the sèx of the child? Could it be a female? Or a male like she had bragged about?

She fisted her hands together, recalling how she'd rubbed it in her face that she was definitely going to give birth to the King's heir this time around.

Chaska was the first Queen and senior wife, while Nosheba, the second and her greatest rival.

She, Chaska, had been unable to give the King a male child, hence he had to marry two more wives. And when Queen Nosheba had gotten pregnant, she wouldn't let the entire palace have peace.

She kept bragging with the fact that she was going to give birth to a male child - especially to Queen Chaska. She kept bragging and enlisting all the things that would happen when she finally becomes the mother of the King's heir, and Queen Chaska - being the kind of prideful person she was - couldn't help but feel scared and threatened.

She was the senior wife and wasn't ready to trade her position or respect for anyone or anything. She wanted to be the mother of the King's heir, wanted to be the only one to bear that position, so when it's time for the King to finally pick his Luna, she would have more grounds and points.

Her heart raced faster as she recalled Nosheba's words to her:

*You better start getting ready, Queen Chaska, to welcome my son in a few days from now. Don't worry, when he's finally out and the King makes me his favorite, I'll make sure you still get to see the King once in every 4 moon*

A scornful laugh had come with the words.

"No!" Chaska gritted.

Never was she going to let anyone ridicule her. Never.

She was the one closest to the King and was ready to do anything to make sure it stayed that way.

She continued pacing about and suddenly, her personal maid ran in. Hah...! She let out a light gasp.

"My Queen" the maid bowed in front of her, her palms clasped together.

Chaska's curiousity couldn't help but swell up.

"What's happening, Gina?" She asked with eyes wide open.

"My Queen, Queen Nosheba has put to bed" she answered with her head still bowed and that was when Chaska felt her heart stop beating.

She suddenly became scared asking the next question.

"Talk to me, Gina. You know what I want" she said.

The maid hesitated a little before looking up at her and answering with a smile:

"It's a female".

Instantly, it felt more like some sea water had been poured on Chaska. For the first few seconds, she was stiff and didn't even blink an eye.

"What... did you just say?" She asked, this time around, picking her words.

"You heard me right, My Queen. She gave birth to a female"' the maid answered again and that was the moment Chaska's worried look got melted into smiles.

"Oh...." She scoffed and looked the opposite direction, her small pretty lips stretching in a smile.

Her breath rose and fell heavily as she released the breath she'd been holding for a long time.

So... it's a girl after all?

She turned back to face the maid.

"Are you....sure about this?"

"Definitely, My Queen. I heard it directly from the guard. He actually said, the King had almost strangulated the mid wife who brought the news to him, to death. He called the child bad news" she answered and Chaska's eyes went wide with amusement.

"Woah...." She chuckled and blinked rapidly.

She shrugged her shoulders and suddenly bursted into an hysterical laughter. It sounded so loud and echoed with disdain.

"Badnews?" She repeated, laughing some more.

"Now, that's news and should be so pathetic. Oh..! Poor Nosheba, I wonder how she must be feeling now; having her child being called Badnews by her father for the first time. Must be so heart wrenching" she paused and laughed again.

"I actually feel bad for her; after all the confidence. How does she walk around after this?

"Hmm. So, after all, we're still the same" she sauntered to the window.

"Tell you what, I think I should get her some fruits so she can eat and be refreshed by the time she wakes up" her laughters had deduced to broad smiles.

"Go and get a carriage ready, Gina. I need to leave for the market".

The maid was confused.

"My... My Queen, why don't I just go get the fruits for you? You don't have to..."

"Oh, Gina. Don't worry" Chaska cut in with a smile.

"I'm in such a good mood today and wish to do it myself. So, hurry up" .

And the maid bowed and left.

*******************

Shilah stood outside with the empty basket as she awaited Ina to come out of the house so they could leave for the married together.

She's been waiting for there so long and was already getting tired. Well, that's the way it's always been - she gets to wait for them, but never dares to keep them waiting.

She was already used to it anyways.

She continued waiting, the tiny insects perking at her legs. The sun was already setting in a few hours time,, it'd be nightfall. Why was Ina taking so much time?

She continued waiting, holding the basket to the side of her waist and finally, she saw Ina walking out of the two - storey house.

She was putting on a dazzling gown and had about three expensive bangles on her wrist. Why was she looking so good - Shilah thought.

"And what're you staring at?" Ina suddenly snapped as she got closer to Shilah who lowered her gaze to the floor immediately.

Ina rolled her eyes and continued walking away, while Shilah followed behind with the basket in her arms.

*

Shilah has always thought herself unlucky due to the pathetic story she had.

She was the only child of her mother, just before she died - 7 years ago. And since then, life had been really unfair to Shilah. Even when her mother was alive, life was still unfair but it totally became worst when her mother died.

Her step family had been so cruel to her, including her father and she wondered why. Was it because she was powerless? But it wasn't her fault, right? She didn't chose to be the only powerless wolf in the entire Wind Walker pack. She didn't chose it. So, why does she have to be treated with so much disdain?

Sometimes, she wondered how her life would turn out. When would she ever get to live a better life? Perhaps, if only she could turn and posses her wolf powers, it'd be different. So, maybe she'll just need to keep praying to the Spirits.

*

*

The walk to the market was quite long from the house and the population was so alarming. Obviously, it was due to the fact there'd be no buying and selling the following day.

Shilah wondered how it would look like - the entire mountain being quiet and empty with every single person being indoors. But why would the Alpha give such orders in the first place? What was going to take place the following day that would warrant everyone staying indoors?

"Will you walk faster?" Ina turned snappily to look at her and Shilah tried to hasten her footsteps. Can she ever get to please this sister of hers? She wondered.

She followed Ina like a puppet to the various places in the market where she picked the things she wanted. While she picked and paid for them, Shilah took the responsibility of carrying them in the basket.

It wasn't easy shopping with Ina as she was always very picky and wanted the best. They went round and round the big busy market until something Shilah wouldn't dream of, unfortunately happened.

She had been walking with Ina in front when a moving carriage suddenly splashed mud water on Ina.

Ina stopped walking immediately as she gasped and stared down at her dress in shock.

"What?"

Shilah was also shocked. Oh, no. Her dazzling dress. Who could this be?

She looked up at the carriage and noticed it'd stopped moving and before she could comprehend what was going on, Ina marched towards it.

"Hey..!" Ina growled as she got closer to it, attacking the rider on the horse.

She didn't even mind the fact it was looking like a royal carriage.

"Are you blind??? You spilled mud water on me!!" She yelled at the top of her voice, drawing attention to herself. And just then, the curtain slid open with a young lady stepping out of it.

.... it was the Queen...!

Queen Chaska!

Queen Chaska stepped out of the carriage, her shoulders high as she looked around.

Her maid rushed out from the other side immediately and ran to her side.

Ina was a bit surprised. So....it was the Queen? Shilah was watching from afar, not wanting to go close in anyway.

Chaska's pretty eyes dimmed when she saw the lady in front of her.

"So... you're the one ranting at my carriage?" She asked, giving a head to toe glance at Ina.

Her eloquence was charming, but Ina wasn't there for admiration. Instead, she was embittered to hear her saying such words to her.

"Your Carriage, spilled water on me" she stated angrily. And instantly, Chaska slapped her hard across the cheek.

"Hah!" Shilah gasped from where she stood.

Oh, no....

Ina was stunned to the teeth as her hand went over her cheek immediately.

What??? The Queen slapped her??? She laid her hand on her???

"And you must be stupid to stand in front of me and lay such complaint" Chaska said, the scene was already glueing a lot of attention from the people around.

"What's so special about your dress, anyways? I'm pretty sure my horse is even more expensive than it".

She paused and took a step closer to Ina.

"You filthy commoner. You should be lucky I'm in such a happy mood today. Else, I'd have made sure I go back to the palace with your head in my bag".

And with that, she turned around and walked away, going to get what she wanted with her maid following up behind her.

Ina was in deep shook, her hand still over her cheek. The Queen slapped her? She.... she slapped her?

The market women around were mumbling and jittering. And for a moment, Shilah thought of going closer to comfort her, but not wanting a transfer of aggression, she remained where she was.

Ina was boiling with anger, her furs coming out from her skin already.

No; she couldn't shift. Not now. Attacking the Queen would definitely warrant the death penalty.

She turned around briskly and started walking away, while Shilah quietly followed with the heavy basket.

*

"Mother!!!!" Ina yelled as soon as she stepped into the house.

If only she possessed the powers of a witch, she was pretty sure she'd have brought the walls crumbling with her angry roar.

"Mother!!! Father!!!" She cried out again and this time around, her mother came running down the old staircase.

"Ina??? What's the problem??"

"Everything's the problem, mother!! EVERYTHING!!"

Her mother rushed down and could notice the stain on her dress, and the rage on her daughter's face... she'd never seen such before.

Shilah came in immediately, holding the basket.

"Ina, what happened?" Her mother asked.

Her deep growl had attracted her siblings downstairs. She had no idea her father was not at home.

"Take a look at me, Mother! Just take a look!" Ina roared and tried calming down to explain.

"While at the market, the Queen's carriage spilled mud water on me. And when I went to complain, she SLAPPED ME!"

Everyone gasped in shock.

"The Queen slapped you?!" Her younger sister - Vanessa -asked.

"Which of the Queens?" It was her mother.

"Queen Chaska!" Ina gritted the name with so much venom in her voice.

"My goodness! That's the senior Queen!" vanessa gasped.

"But Why would she slap you simply because you went to complain? That isn't right..!"

"Oh....! If it wasn't for the fact that she's a Queen and had guards around, I'd have damned the consequences and skin her alive!! But, I swear mother; I swear on the protectors of the seven mountains, I MUST HAVE my revenge!! It's a promise!!"

And with that, Ina ran away, taking the stairs.

Suspenseful silence circulated round the room for a few seconds.

"Shouldn't be a surprise" Evo suddenly said.

That was the only son of the house.

"I heard Queen Chaska is pretty evil and short tempered".

"And what're you looking at?" His mother suddenly snapped, referring to Shilah who had been standing and watching the whole time.

Quietly, she lowered her gaze and left.

**************

In a big room, capacious and well decorated. Two women and some maids could be seen, standing around and looking sober.

Queen Nosheba could be seen, sitting on the bed with swollen eyes. While the two women stood beside her, trying to convince her to carry her child.

"Please, My Queen"' the one with the child pleaded.

"I understand how you're feeling, but this is still your flesh and blood. She needs your motherly touch and needs you to feed her. Please...."

"I hate repeating myself, Ahiga" The Queen stated hoarsely.

Her voice was so rough and pain-filled.

"Take that curse away from me. I don't want a female child, I want a MALE!!!"

She picked up one of the plates of candies beside her and threw it to the floor, crashing it to pieces.

That was the fifth plate she was breaking.

Ahiga. That was the mid wife. For over an hour, she's been pleading with the Queen to get hold of her child, but she wouldn't listen and had been acting like an insane woman ever since she got to know she gave birth to a female.

"But where do you want her to be? Don't you care at all?" Ahiga asked worriedly and Nosheba glared at her.

"I DO NOT CARE, Ahiga. You can take her to my mother, so she can join her sister over there. I don't want to have either of my female daughters around me!" She barked.

"Okay; fine. Fine. You can send her to your mother when she's of age. But for now, she's nothing but an infant and needs to be nurtured. Please, My Queen, I'm pleading on her behalf. Please... don't forget you carried her in your womb for nine months. And don't forget you're also a female. Please...."

Just then, another presence was sensed as the door was opened with Queen Chaska walking in.

With the space in the room, the door was quite far from the bed and it gave Chaska some time to stare properly at Nosheba's pathetic face. Her maid was following up behind her.

Nosheba glared at her as she walked in, her chest rising and falling heavily.

"Greetings, My Queen" the women and maids around bowed as soon as Chaska got to the bed.

"Oh! Greetings, you all" Chaska smiled and returned her gaze to Nosheba, then, tried putting on a doleful look.

"Hello, Queen Nosheba...."

"What do you want?" Nosheba snapped in immediately, her hands fisting and it was taking Chaska a lot to cloak her smiles.

"Keep calm, dearest. I'm not here for trouble. Actually..." She paused and turned to her maid, signalling her to proceed with the basket of fruits.

"I came over to give these to you".

The maid bowed as she placed the small basket of fruits on the bed beside Nosheba.

"When I heard you'd put to bed, I decided to rush to the market myself to get you some fruits so you can eat and be refreshed...."

Before Chaska could finish up her words, Nosheba grabbed some of the fruits in the basket and threw it at her direction.

"Get out of my room, you demon!!" She cursed angrily.

"I don't want even a pin from you and don't want your cursed presence around me. So, get out...!!"

Chaska finally let out the smile she'd been hiding. It felt so good seeing her that way.

"Calm down, Nosheba, will you? Why being so bittered?" She asked calmly.

"Did I do something wrong by going to get you some fruits? Or...am I the reason you gave birth to a female child who was called Badnews by her father?"

Nosheba's eyes glinted.

"No.......!!!!!!!!!" She roared and threw the entire basket of fruits on the floor.

"I hate you, Chaska! I HATE YOU!!!! Guards!! Get out of my room!"

Chaska laughed menacingly and scornfully; her laugh echoed with so much ridicule, it tore Nosheba apart.

The mid wives in the room thought of asking the Queen to leave since she was troubling the wounded mother, but they all didn't want to get on Chaska's bad side because they knew she could be really deadly.

"Enjoy your sorrow, Nosheba" Chaska said and finally left.