The Faye Queen

*Sequel of The Werewolf King*

Read The Werewolf King first for better understanding of this book.

"It wasn't your motive to hurt me?" She rasped, her voice low but rough, like it hurt her to speak. And then she went silent to gather her strength, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she breathed hard. "It wasn't your motive to hurt me?" She repeated, her voice loud and hard. "Don't lie to me! That's exactly what you wanted!" She screamed, her eyes wild. "You want to hurt me. You always hurt me. Always."

My body vibrated with anger. She thought that! And why wouldn't she? It's true. I hurt her. That's all I do. That's what I'm good at.

That's what she expects of me. So that's what she is going to get.

"You must be a sick masochist then. Since you always come back begging for more." I pushed myself off the wall and walked out.

Adrik is still alive and eating at Nikolai's conscience. Will Nikolai be able to kill him or will he lose? Ava's wolf is getting weaker. What does that imply? Will Avalyn and Nikolai still be as strong as ever or will their will to do the right thing and thirst to get revenge get in the way? Will a third or fourth person get added to the mix? Is their love strong enough to withstand anything thrown their way? Nikolai said in the beginning that he wasn't sure if Avalyn was his mate, is she really? What does it mean that Nikolai needs to grow into himself? Are they meant to be together? Will they get a happy ending? Read The Faye Queen to find out.

The sequel is full of action, drama, revelations, betrayal, heartbreak and of course, romance. It's going to be a rollercoaster. Consider yourself warned.

Book Two of The Royals series.

Avalyn

The whole week flew by in a blur. Nik and Vladimir were busy discussing the upcoming meeting of all the kingdoms.

Nat and I took it upon ourselves to help Sofiya feel at home.

The first day, we only managed to show the west wing. It included one main living room, two smaller living rooms, a sitting room, a library, an indoor swimming pool, an indoor-outdoor gym, dining room, kitchen, a theatre, a gaming room, an armoury, a wine cellar, a few studies and numerous bedrooms, of course. There was a staff quarters as well but we left it out of the tour.

Sofiya was tired after that so we continued the tour of the rest of palace on the next day and of the pack on the day after that.

Sofiya was still off, as Nikolai put it.

"I'm a bit tired, I'll go take a nap." Sofiya stood up and left to go to her bedroom.

"What's up with her?" Nat frowned.

Today was our last day here and then we were leaving for Bellehaven Isle.

The main pool of the palace was the best pool ever and since Sofiya loved swimming, we decided to come here.

"I don't know." I sighed and then sat on a built in stool. "She has been this way ever since we went to Mozog three months ago."

"Is she mad at you for some reason?" Nat asked and took a seat beside me, flailing her legs to swish the water around.

"I don't think so. I haven't done anything to make her upset." At least I don't think I have.

"You should talk to her." Nat told me.

"We haven't been alone since she got here. I'll talk to her as soon as I get the chance." I promised.

"Good." She nodded and then pushed me in the water.

I sputtered as I came to the top, only to hear her laughing at me. I pulled her leg, making her fall in the pool too and then I continued to laugh at her.

We heard the doors opened and we turned to look at the wolf who came in. He bowed before looking at me. "The Alpha has asked for your presence in his office."

"Thank you, Karl." I smiled and he blushed before bowing and then left hurriedly.

Nat snickered. "Literally everyone in the palace has a crush on you."

"What?"

"The fact that you care enough to remember everyone's names and are so kind and caring towards everyone makes them like you instantly. Plus you give out this energy that makes people gravitate towards you. That makes people like you more." She grinned. "It's cute."

"Really?" I vaguely remember Dimitri had told me something along the lines of the pack members wanting me to to like them. But I didn't know that they gravitated towards me.

"It's more cute because you are absolutely clueless about your charms, Avalyn." She rose out of the water and I followed.

"It won't be very cute when Nik knows that so many people have a crush on me." Poor souls.

"Oh yes. He's going to be growling and exerting dominion on everyone who even looks at you." Her eyes grew mischievous.

"Don't you dare!" I pointed a finger at her. I just know she will subtly tell him just to pull his leg.

But then it will get in his head and he will probably order everyone to not look at me or something absurd like that.

She started laughing and then we both went to the changing rooms and changed out of our swimsuits after a quick shower.

We parted ways after that and I went to Nik's office.

"Took you long enough." Nik commented when I entered.

"I was swimming." I smiled and pecked his lips.

"Fine." He said and I moved to stand behind him and gave him a shoulder massage to lighten his stress while he worked on his laptop.

"You called for me?" I said after a while.

"Just a second." He finished typing something and then shut his laptop before he pulled me on his lap.

"We will be leaving for Bellehaven Isle tomorrow morning, we will reach by late afternoon and then have the rest of the day to rest. The VARS starts at midnight. It is a two part meeting and will be there for two consecutive nights. The first night will be discussions about the happenings in Kingdom. The second night will be the discussions about the businesses among the kingdoms." Nik explained and I nodded along.

That shouldn't be too complicated.

"Sometimes it also extend to three nights if the time isn't enough."

"Why do you look so worried?" His face was impassive but I saw the worry he was trying to conceal in his eyes.

"Bellehaven is a beautiful island. I have a little... tiff with the High Council. But it's nothing we need to worry about, this meeting is going to be professional and the...tiff is personal. What I'm really worried about is that the rulers of the Kingdoms are not... kind." His told on my waist tightened. "You may see things you don't like. Scratch that, you will see don't like."

"Things like?"

"Violation of slaves. I'm talking about abuse, torture, debasement, molestation...things that don't happen in Soare-Luna." His steelish grey eyes were fixated on mine, keenly observing me.

"Can't we do anything about it?" I asked softly, playing with the buttons on his shirt.

"Bellehaven Isle is neutral ground for all supernaturals. No fights on the island-it's one of the few rules no one breaks. Not unless someone want to declare war. Those kingdoms are rigid in their own ways and take offence at the slightest hint of threats. Vladimir and Sofiya have recently regained peace in Mozog and not without difficulty. With a baby on the way, we do not want to create problems for them and create an atmosphere of war." He stilled my fretting hands by holding them.

"But that does not mean we tolerate disrespect of any kind. We won't be the first one to issue the threat of war but that does not mean I will step back if someone oversteps." His eyes held a dark promise. A promise of bloodshed. "I don't mind killing a couple dozen of vampires with a wrong sense of superiority complex."

"I don't want a fight." I told him. I really, really don't. Especially when we've just gotten over with one.

No one truly wins a war, both the sides loose, just one more than the other.

"Neither do I." Nik nodded. "Which is why I wanted you to warn you about this so you aren't shocked when you see something and get angry. And under no circumstances will you use your powers," he ordered firmly. "At least not unless you need to defend yourself, which will be highly unlikely because people tend to refrain from attacking the Queen."

"Thank you." I told him. "I'll take care."

"I need your promise Avalyn."

"I promise." Anything to stop a war.

~~~

Next day

Bellehaven Isle.

We had flown to the beautiful island of Bellehaven, which was a little off the eastern coast of the main Supernatural Island. As the name suggested, it was the epitome of beauty and heaven on earth. I hadn't seen a lot, just from the window of the horse carriage that had come to pick us up from the airport.

The place looked like the only season they had was spring. It was green all over with the most beautiful scenery with wild horses, deers, rabbits here and there. The only sound I could hear was of our carriage, chirping of multiple birds and of the nature. I had a hitch that no modernisation had taken place here. The only humans on this island were slaves. And I think they liked it that way. They wanted to keep their old ways intact. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing. The best thing about it was that the land was pure and beautiful.

From what I had heard, Bellehaven had two palaces. One was for the High Council where visitors were strictly prohibited. And the other one was specifically for meetings and visitors. The explanation Nik gave me that 'the old bats consider themselves too superior to fight and they are paranoid that everyone is always out for their blood. That's why the three old warts don't gather in the same place outside of their private palace. They don't want all three of them dead together, in case of attack.'

He clearly wasn't their fan, for some reason. He had once mentioned that they didn't stop Adrik or help Montana, which is why he didn't like them. But I believed that they had their reasons. And the overall work they were doing was good, their cause was good, so I didn't mind them.

The enormous palace was made out of purple bricks-tones with red roof tiles with yellow windows and arches. It was beautiful. The tallest column had a huge golden bell hung inside it. The pathway was also made out of yellow bricks, place in a circular pattern with an open green expanse on either sides of it. There were multiple bird fountains and benches for people to sit on.

Slaves walked around leisurely with baskets on their hips, collecting apples from the trees and cherries from the bushes. All of them had a thin collar made out of twisted vines around their necks, claiming them as a property of the high-council. They didn't look troubled or tortured in any way, in fact, they looked like they were in heaven. It made me realise that the people of Bellehaven must be good people.

Our carriage came to a stop at the entrance of the palace. Nik helped me get off and extended his arm. I took it and we walked down the deep purple carpet and into the high arched entranceway.

On either sides of is were glass walls and encased in them were men and women like mannequins. What shocked me was that all of them were making out, giving each other pleasure of some kind or having sex. They seemed aware of our presence but they simply didn't care. None of them met out eyes, they were too engrossed in their acts.

"King Nikolai, Queen Avalyn," a old man who clearly held a lot of authority greeted us with a smile on his face. He had a white beard that reached his knees, kind blue eyes and a welcoming smile. He was also wearing a red cloak with deep purple designs on it. It was look. "Prince Vladimir, Princess Sofiya, Prince Dimitri," he smiled at the couple who were following us and now stood by our sides. "It's an honour for us to have you come and bless our home with your presence."

I had asked Nik why the rest of our family hadn't come and he said that even though Soare-Luna was for both werewolves and vampires, according to the High Council, we were a pack. So they would be attending WARS-Werewolf Annual Royal Summit instead. The only reason Dimitri was here was because he was Sofiya's brother and Nikolai's beta.

A smile slid across my lips, "the honour is ours..." A blush coated my cheeks, I didn't know who he was.

"Forgive me for not introducing myself, Queen Avalyn. I am Elder Orlando," he said, not offended in the least. "I am the Head of the Vampire High Council."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Elder Orlando." I smiled. "Bellehaven Isle is beautiful."

"You floor me, Queen Avalyn," he gave me another smile and then his eyes slid to Nikolai before quickly shifting back to me, "forgive me for cutting our chat short but I need to greet all the incoming guests. Slave Oliver will lead you to your apartment quarters." He motioned towards the slave towards his right. The slave bowed.

"Thank you," I nodded and then Oliver silently led us past multiple hallways before he stood in front of a set of double doors that were guarded by two warriors.

"This is your apartment quarters, your Highnesses." Oliver bowed. "The meeting starts at twelve am. I shall come back to show you to the Council Room." And with another bow, he left.

Nikolai let out a breath and then the guards opened the doors for us.

The space was very similar to the apartment quarters back in Mozog. It must be a vampire thing-the similarity in their housing structures.

Apparently the Lords and Ladies of Mozog had arrived before us because I caught Rhazien, Jessica and Ezra engaged in a conversation with two other men. All of them stood up when we entered and then bowed.

"Rise." Nik uttered his words since we landed on Bellehaven. What was up with him? I'll talk to him later.

They stood straight again and smiled.

"These are the new Lords that I have appointed," Vladimir walked further in and motioned towards the man with the mahogany skin tone, "this is Jester, Lord of Treasure," he said and Lord Jester tipped his head with a smile. I smiled back, "and this is Marc," he motioned towards the man who was packed with muscles and looked like he was void of emotions altogether, "Lord of Arms of Mozog." They were the ones who replaced Leikos and Darius.

"It's a pleasure to meet to, King Nikolai, Queen Avalyn." Both of them said.

"Likewise." Nik and I said with a smile.

The men and Ezra left to do some final preparations for the meeting so Jessica, Sofiya, Tessa and I grouped together for a good old spa day, sweets and gossip.

Avalyn

"Wait! Mistress!" Tessa stopped me.

I turned around and looked at her in question. That's when I saw that she was dressed up too-or maybe dressed down.

She was wearing a see through, barely there red lace bra and matching panties. She was wearing sky high heels I couldn't even imagine standing in.

Her hair was braided stylishly and two loose tendrils framed the side of her face. And for a change, she had applied makeup too. And again, what shocked me was that she was wearing gold ornaments but they looked more like chains. A thin gold chain went around her neck, one went around the small of her waist and both of them were connected by another chain that passed from between her breasts. She had chains around her wrists and ankles too.

"What is this?" I asked her.

"Today is your first ever Royal Summit, Mistress. All the Kings and Queens will be attending and with them will be their slaves. I have learned that having a perfect slave with you is very helpful and is a status symbol for the elites. With your permission, I would like to come with you. I promise I will be a perfect slave and make you proud." She replied with a hopeful look in her eyes and a anticipatory smile.

"You don't need to do this, you are more than just a status symbol, Tess." I shook my head. I know how much she doesn't like people ogling her. And though the clothes she had worn were more than what a normal slave would wear, it was still far too less than her usual clothing which was a normal top and shorts except when it got cold.

Nikolai wrapped his arm around my waist and pressed my back against his chest. He kissed the shell of my ear. "She's going to be fine. Let her do this for you."

"You knew about this?" I asked him.

"Yes." He replied. "Open that box." And then motioned towards the jewellery box that laid on the bedside table.

I picked it up and opened it. Inside, rested a thin collar entirely made out of diamonds and the middle, a blood red ruby stones encrusted in the shape of the crown which were bordered with gold. A delicate but strong gold chain leash was attached to it too. It was beautiful.

I picked the collar up with gentle hands and placed the box aside. "You had this made for her?" I was utterly shocked.

"She's served you fairly well."

"Thank you." I smiled with gratitude before I looked at Tessa. Her eyes were lowered. "Look at this, Tess!"

Tessa looked up at my words and her eyes widened when she looked at the collar in my hand. "Is this for me?" She whispered in awe.

"Yes." I grinned at the shocked girl. "Nik had it made for you. And now you won't have to worry about anyone else touching you too."

Tessa bowed down deeply in Nik's direction. "Thank you, King Nikolai."

"You're welcome." He nodded and she rose.

"Take your hair aside." I ordered gently and she collected her hair to the side and quickly turned around.

I put the collar around her neck and used the key to lock it from behind her neck.

I also noticed that the panty she had worn was actually a thong. I felt a little bad but then I let it go.

I handed the key back to her. She looked confused as to why I did that.

"I don't expect you to wear it all day. It's your collar, your life, your choice." I caressed her cheek.

She leaned in my touch. "Thank you Mistress."

"You're very welcome." I smiled.

She bowed and then kneeled down next to me.

"You don't need to crawl, you can walk." I told Tess.

"No." Nikolai shook his head. "A slave crawls next to her Mistress, Ava. Especially in formal settings."

"But we can made our own rules now, Nik." I told him. We were the King and Queen, we could surely do that.

"We are already pushing it by taking only one slave. Please, just trust me, okay?" He pecked my lips.

"Okay." I kissed him back. If this would have been earlier, I would have argued with him about it. But now, I knew that he knew something I didn't and he was worried about me. I remember what he said back in his office but it can't be too bad, can it?

"Have I told you that you look beautiful?" Nikolai whispered against my temple.

"You can say it again." I smiled. He had been a little distracted ever since we arrived but I jotted it down to nerves. It was our first official outing as the rulers of Soare-Luna after all.

"You look beautiful, Moya Lyubov. You are the most beautiful woman in the entire universe." His voice was soft and full of love when he said that.

"Thank you." I pecked his lips. I had worn a deep red strapless satin dress that flared from my waist. The upper bodice had intricate gold designs in it. I had specifically told the designer to make it like that of the designs on the walls that was made out of my and Nik's blood. My hair were curled but I had kept my long locks open.

Nik liked them open better.

My makeup was done by Tessa who had obviously done it to perfection with a bold red lip. I had worn my Queen's mantel, the belt at my waist held the scabbard and my red ring matched my outfit. I had ditched the sceptre but Nik had taken his.

And of course, my crown.

And then I whispered against his lips, "you look handsome, Mi Alma."

He did.

He had worn a full sleeved black tunic with red and gold embroidery that matched mine along with black pants. He looked every inch of the King he is with the crown that sat on top of his head, the robe, the sword at his hip, the ring that matched mine in his finger and the sceptre.

"Thank you." He kissed my cheek. "I see you've been working on your Spanish?"

I nodded, "Papa is teaching me during our daily runs through the trails. He says that we shouldn't forget our roots. And it means 'My Soul'." I smiled but scrunched my nose.

"He's absolutely right. What is it?"

"Doesn't sound quite right. I think I should keep looking." I explained.

"You can call me whatever you want." He tucked my lock behind my ear with a smile.

"I love 'Moya Lyubov'. Nothing can top that." I pouted.

"How about 'Mi Amor'?" He suggested and my eyes lit up. It meant 'My Love', which was the same as 'Moya Lyubov'.

"It's perfect!" I grinned, nodding happily.

"Let's go then." He extended his arm and I took it. I tugged Tessa's leash and she got on her fours and then we all walked out in to living room where we had decided to meet.

Everyone was already here, except Vladimir and Sofiya, and each one of them had a slave too. It made me uncomfortable but I didn't say anything.

I wished our family was here too but they weren't related to Mozog so they couldn't come to VARS. Only Dimitri came because he was Sofiya's brother. Our Kingdom included vampires too but Nik had said that according to the High Council, we were a werewolf pack. So would be attending WARS instead, which stood for Werewolf Annual Royal Summit. He said that this would be the first year we would be invited because we were now a 'true pack' and not just an 'unofficial rogue pack'.

"I'm ready!" Sofiya came in the living room along with Vladimir.

We smiled at her. "You look amazing." Her bump was enhanced since her pale pink dress which was form fitting. She had the healthy pregnancy glow and it suited her well.

"Thank you." She smiled and looped her hand through Vladimir and towed him out of the apartment quarter.

Nik extended his arm towards me and I took it.

I saw Vladimir stop Sofiya at the door and made way for us to go first.

Oliver was helping us to get to the Council room and Tessa was doing a good job of keeping up with us but I made sure our pace was a little slower. The rest followed after us.

'Ready?' Nik asked me.

'Yes.' I replied. I had drilled it in my head to ignore everything other than the discussion and keep my emotions in check.

'Good girl.' He replied. I gave him a smile.

When we reached the Council Room, the guards opened the door for us and we entered. The council room was a circular room and the thrones were placed in such a way that every single person could see everyone else. Elder Orlando sat on the highest level which was across the room and right in front of the doors. A level lower than that was for the Royals and floor level was for the Lords and Ladies. A deep purple mat ran straight down from the door to Elder Orlando's throne and another mat ran in a circle around the room, along thrones.

Just like the entrance, the council room also had a glass wall in front of the normal stone wall, in between which slaves covered entirely with purple body glitter were engaged in sex. Some in pairs of two, some were having threesomes and foursomes. I bit my lip. What was it with supernaturals and PDA?

We were the second group of Royals here. We passed multiple Lords and Ladies and walked towards the front. Our Kingdom's Lord and Ladies settled in that section as well. A little further down the aisle, Vladimir and Sofiya took their thrones too. Nik and I continued walking ahead. According to what Nik said, the seating arrangements were according to the hierarchy. Oliver gestured us to our conjoined throne.

"Elder Orlando," Nik said formally before Nik we sat side by side. I tugged Tessa's leash and she kneeled beside my throne, half facing me. Her head was straight but her eyes were lowered. Her knees were spread apart and her hands were on her thighs. Perfect slave position.

On the throne in besides us, sat a couple. The lady had mahogany coloured skin tone. Her ears, neck, wrists, waist and legs had jewellery all over them- all of them delicate and more beautiful than anything I had ever seen. Her vivid green eyes popped out and they were focused on us. The man who sat beside her had a skin colour darker than her's, his long dreads were half tied at the back of his head and he too had green eyes. The couple were a sight to behold.

'That's King Ciro and Queen Rhapsody of Kingdom Krajini.' Nik mind linked me. 'The Kingdom with affinity with Earth.'

They nodded at us in sync. A sign that they have been together for a long, long time. "King Nikolai, Queen Avalyn. Pleasure to meet you."

"Pleasure to meet you too, King Ciro and Queen Rhapsody." Nik said and I smiled at them warmly. They seemed really nice and I liked them. Queen Rhapsody's eyes softened at me a bit and she inclined her head at me.

"King Josias of Kingdom Voda incoming." The guard at the door announced before the doors opened.

'Kingdom with affinity with Water.' Nik told me.

Nat had once told Sof and I that a Lord from Voda kingdom had cursed her because he didn't do anything for her down there. It surely won't be the King or else we would have known but I'm curious to know who it will be.

Inside came... Papa?

What?

Why does he look exactly like Papa? A deep pit started forming in my belly.

Nik stiffened.

He walked down the aisle and sat on the throne in front of King Ciro and Queen Rhapsody's. It was made for a single person, which meant he didn't have a mate.

"Elder Orlando," he inclined his head before taking his seat. His head snapped to us. "Avalyn," King Josias said, his voice cold and his ocean blue eyes held a glint of recognition in them. He wasn't Papa. I know that.

He is Papa's twin.

Papa has a twin?

Why didn't I know this before?

He looked like he hated me. But why?

I have so many questions.

"Queen Zakyra of Kingdom Poziarne incoming."

"It's the kingdom with affinity with fire.' Nik informed me.

The doors opened I bit my tongue at what I saw.

Eight slaves walked in, carrying a palanquin made out of gold over their shoulders. Four were on each side as they carried the palanquin to the middle of the aisle. The palanquin It's was so large that it should have been a carriage instead. Plus it was made out of gold so it must be heavy, way too heavy for humans to carry, especially with a person inside.

Another slave appeared from the back and went down on his hands and knees besides the palanquin. The door of the palanquin opened and Queen Zakyra stepped on the slave like he was a step, wearing pointy heels, and then stepped on the floor.

She had thick red hair and had only worn a red lacy bra that hid nothing and a translucent skirt with a veil over half of her lower face- much like what belly dancers wear. She gracefully strode ahead, "Elder Orlando," inclined her head and sat on the throne next to King Josias' throne.

Her yellow eyes that were thickly lined with kol snapped towards Nik and a sultry smile formed on her lips. "King Nikolai," and then her eyes flickered to me with disinterest, "Queen Avalyn", and then slid back to Nik, "a pleasure." She purred.

I stiffened.

It was hate at first sight.

"King Xillian of Kingdom Ovzdusia incoming."

'The Kingdoms with affinity with air.' Nik said, his voice dripping with disdain. I wasn't sure why.

The doors opened and King Xillian stepped in. Unlike every man in the room, King Xillian was shirtless and only wore black leather pants and had adorned the normal kingly accessories like the mantel, the belt with the sword and the sceptre. The entirety of his thick arms were covered with black tattoos. But what bothered me was that the air in the room shifted. It became... darker.

I immediately understood that King Xillian was a man everyone feared and was not to be taken lightly. He leisurely walked over to the front. "Elder Orlando." With a nod, he took his seat on the throne next to Queen Zakyra's.

He took in a deep breath, as if he was breathing in all the scents and then his...silver, almost translucent eyes snapped to me and he smiled a deadly smile. "Pleasure." His eyes raked over me and darkened.

I felt Nik's boiling anger but he masked it very skilfully.

Elder Orlando stood up and looked at all the people gathered. "I, Elder Orlando, the Vampire Head of the Supernatural High Council declare The Vampire Annual Royal Summit inaugurated," his gravelly but strong voice echoed in the council room.

Avalyn

I sat quietly in my seat as the discussions began.

I did not hear a single word.

All I could hear were quivering breaths of the slaves. And the smell of their fear was the only thing I could smell.

All the slaves present in the room were naked but wore expensive jewellery as shackles.

I saw a female giving a Lord a blowjob in the middle of the meeting. Her face was red and she was crying without making a single sound. She was clearly having trouble breathing.

The Lady next to him was having her slave lick her high heeled boots clean. He was was doing it eagerly. But it was so wrong. Was he doing it because of fear of punishment or did he actually want to do it? All I could think was how wrong it was.

I heard Tessa's heart go erratic and I saw her look up, somewhere near the end of the room. I followed her gaze and saw a man stroking himself as he looked at stared at her. He licked his lips hungrily, his fangs showing. Tessa let out a shuddering breath.

I'm not going to have her look at this bullshit. I placed my hand on top of her head and her eyes automatically lowered but her fear grew.

I tugged her leash and she looked up at me in question. There were tears in her eyes. I patted my thigh silently, motioning her to rest her head on me but her eyes furrowed, not knowing what I meant.

I've never given her such commands, I've never had to train her. Now I wish I had.

I wasn't going to just pull her leash to yank her closer, it would hurt her. I extended my hand and hooked a finger her collar and gently pulled her closer to me, enough for her entire body to touch my right leg. I released her collar and then placed my hand on her cheek. I guided her to rest her head on my thigh so that she was facing me and me only.

Now she would only be able to see me.

A soft sigh left her lips and her arm coiled around my leg after she mouthed a 'thank you'. I gave her a soft smile and kept caressing the side of her face, hoping to give her a slice of peace in this hell. Her eyes closed and her heartbeat went back to normal.

I tried to focus back to the meeting but I couldn't hear a word.

My eyes fell on Queen Zakyra. She had a slave crouched beneath her throne and she used him a footrest. The way he was so still, I knew he had been doing this for a very long time. But since I was so focused on him, I could hear the slight change in his breathing patterns that he tried very hard to control and how he would shift his knee very so little. It had to hurt.

She had another young girl kneeling besides her throne and she used her head as a hand rest and her fingers would caress her hair, almost unknowingly. The girl, unlike the boy looked new and was clearly terrified- her heart rate was a dead giveaway.

My gaze fell on a Lady seated further down the room. She too used a slave like her personal footrest. She had another well built slave standing besides her and she was stroking him, her long nailed fingers lightly teasing him. He was already wearing a cock ring and his shaft had turned almost blue. He was standing besides her and his hands were placed at his sides, tightened into fists. He was clearly trying very hard to control himself.

She must have been doing this to him since the meeting started.

My eyes flickered to the clock. Almost two hours had passed. Fuck.

I felt Nik's wolf trying to calm me. It wasn't working very well.

All I could focus was on the poor slave on the stool. I couldn't even imagine what punishment he will receive if he looses control.

I could hear his shuddering breaths and wildly beating heart. Sweat was beading down his forehead.

My heart felt for him. I need to help him.

My eyes flickered to Nik. He looked focused on something King Josias was saying. I need to listen to them too.

"....we took care or the attacks... Verdura Pack...Alpha Alphonso....fucking asshole....won't bother us again...." I barely caught the words.

I could feel the blood rushing through my veins, ready to unleash the power I yielded.

"Thank you, King Josias." Elder Orlando concluded. "Let's take a break for an hour and then we can finish with Kingdom Krajini and then Kingdom Ovzdusia." He rose. Which meant our turn was done. I completely missed it.

I patted Tessa's cheek and she quickly shuffled away a little before I shot up from my seat.

I need to get out of here before I kill these people.

"Go back to our living quarters with Dimitri, I will be there in some." Nikolai didn't need to tell me twice.

I tugged Tessa's leash before I stalked out of the Council room. Dimitri walked on my other side and both our slaves easily kept up with our stride.

Once we were out of the Council Room, I released Tessa's leash. My hands shook.

"Mistress?" She sounded confused and hurt.

"Stand up," I snapped and she scrambled to her feet, looking at me with wide eyes. "Walk," I strode to our living quarters.

"Avalyn," Dimitri called, I turned to glare at him. Why did he want to stay here? Why was he making me wait here a second longer?

He was holding Tessa's leash along with his slave's too. It pissed me off further. His eyes flickered to a woman passing by us. She was looking at us in curiosity and then at Tessa with dark, lustful eyes.

Dimitri gave me a smile which was extremely fake, "thank goddess I caught your slave from running away, Queen Avalyn. You must punish her."

A hiss left my mouth. "Why would I p-," he interrupted me by slapping her ass hard. A shocked gasp left my mouth and Tessa whimpered but remained silent, tears growing in her eyes.

How fucking dare he?

"Good job," the woman nodded and twisted her lips. "These humans should be disciplined. How dare she run away from the Queen?"

"She's new and is being a brat because she hasn't been broken in yet." Dimitri lied through his teeth with a believable malicious grin, "I guess we will be having fun after the meeting ends."

The woman raked her eyes over Tessa in hunger, "I believe I can brake bratty slaves fairly quickly. We still gave two days here...," she swiped a tear off Tessa's cheek with a finger and her tongue darted out to lick it clean, "I would be happy to help." Her eyes flickered red when she looked at Tessa again.

Tessa looked terrified but stayed rooted to her spot, like she was scared that one move will be the end of her.

"I'm not sure if a fair Lady such as yourself will be able to stomach what I'm about to do to her." Dimitri flirted with the Lady.

And she let out a fake ass laugh and placed her hands with freakishly long nails on his chest and trailed them down to his crotch suggestively, "oh, you underestimate me, Prince Dimitri. I believe that we could punish this slave as foreplay and then we can have our own fun," and then she circled Tessa's breasts with the tips of her nails, "and maybe she can join in the fun later too."

Anger surged through me like wild fire.

Dimitri wants to fuck this vile nymphomaniac? Fine. I'm not going to tolerate anyone disrespecting Tessa like this!

But before I could open my mouth, Dimitri opened his trap.

"Look at her all scared now," Dimitri laughed and grabbed Tessa by her waist and pulled her against himself, "but unfortunately for me, she belongs to Queen Avalyn," he motioned towards my pissed off form and then his smile brightened. "She's extremely pissed at her slave, as you can see. I don't believe we will get the opportunity to touch her slave as of now."

Is he really dumb enough to believe that I'm pissed at Tessa instead of him?

I let out a growl of warning, stalked to him, wanting to take Tessa away from these two people. I can't fathom that Dimitri would be like this!

I couldn't stop staring at him. This is not Dimitri. What is wrong with him?

"I believe it's time to go, Lady Pesre. It was a pleasure meeting you," Dimitri inclined his head towards her, tossed Tessa over his shoulder and then walked towards me before I could make it to him.

'We need to leave, Avalyn. Let's go to our quarters and I promise I'll explain everything.' He mind linked me.

I pressed my lips together and then whirled around and strode there.

Dimitri entered just behind me and shut the doors after us. He placed Tessa on the floor and her trembling legs gave out, after which she fell down to her knees.

She scrambled close to me, clutching my legs as her body vibrated with controllable sobs. "I'm s-so sorry, Mistress."

"There is nothing you need to apologise for." I placed my hand on her head, assuring her that she was safe and nothing would happen to her.

"Explain yourself, Dimitri," I demanded quietly. "I'm fucking pissed. You better have a good explanation or else we are going to have a problem."

He sighed and rubbed his hand over his face, much like Nik did when he was tired and frustrated. "A slave not kneeling next to her Mistress in bad. Her standing away from her with a loose leash is even worse, Avalyn. It looks like she ran away, and runaway slaves are brutally punished or killed."

"But she didn't! I left her leash! Voluntarily!"

"That's even worse. You releasing her leash in public as good as saying that she isn't your slave anymore and she is fair game to anyone else," he explained and my jaw dropped. "Why did you release it anyways?"

"I was pissed! She shouldn't have to kneel, or crawl or wear a leash like a dog." A scowl formed on my face as I pulled Tessa to her feet and immediately unhooked her leash.

"Did you see how those people were treating those slaves? It makes my skin crawl! It makes me want to kill every single person who so much so even looks at them the wrong way." I hissed. "I know all of you believe it's your 'culture and tradition' to have slaves but I'm not going to follow it anymore. I am done. I don't care, Tessa is not coming out anymore. And I fucking dare you, Dimitri, you are not laying another hand on her to make yourself look 'cool' or 'get a piece of ass'," I said, menacingly, "you won't like what I would do."

"I was just trying to protec-" he shut up at my glare and lowered his head, "I'm sorry."

"What happened?" Nikolai asked. I didn't even realise he had arrived.

"Ask your brother." I snapped.

Dimitri recounted the events to Nikolai who kept nodding and then looked at me, "he was right. One little slap is nothing, anyone else would have punished her on the spot and let others participate just for the heck of it."

My jaw dropped. Was this really the norm? Is this how everyone truly behaved?

I am disappointed.

"I did it to stop you from saying something that would have gotten Tessa in trouble. She was clearly interested in her," Dimitri justified in a gentle voice. "That was the only motive behind my words and actions."

I understood his reasoning, I got what he was saying. This was more like the real Dimitri I knew. But I was just so angry!

"But-but you said-"

"We are the people in powerful positions, Moya Lyubov," Nik's words were soft as he circled his arms around me, "our actions speak for the Kingdom. And they can affect Vladimir and Sofiya. These people see kindness as weakness. Especially towards humans. And once you show a single weakness, just see just how ruthlessly people will drill it to bring you down."

I knew this.

A pack is only as strong as their weakest link. That was why Nik had every single people in our Kingdom train hard. Even our omegas were as strong as a healthy wolf in another pack. Dimitri and Andrei were as strong as normal Alphas. And Nikolai was stronger than any vampire or wolf I had ever seen.

And yet, all these men trained every single day. That's why other packs were scared of Soare-Luna, that's why they thought not twice but multiple times before crossing us. And if word got out that we care about our slaves that much, about weak, defenceless humans that much, we would be an easy target.

I melted against his embrace and then fought against the tears that threatened to rise up my eyes. "I hate it, Mi Amor," I whispered. "I wish it wasn't like this."

His hold on me tightened. "One day, it won't be. We will work hard for it. Just have patience, my Love." The way he said that... it seemed like he had a plan. And it scared me.

I got out of his embrace and hugged Dimitri, "I'm sorry. And thank you for what you did."

"It's fine, Avalyn." He hugged me back. "And just for the record. I didn't want a 'piece of her ass' as you put it," my cheeks flamed up at my crass words, "I have better standards than that." He smirked.

"Point noted." I giggled.

Nikolai

We went back to the Council Room after that.

Everyone were back to their places when we entered so we simply walked down the aisle and took our thrones.

"Kingdom Prajini, you may begin," Elder Orlando said.

King Ciro got up from his throne. "Prajini is a peaceful Kingdom, we do not partake in attacking other Kingdoms," he shot a glare towards King Xillian.

"The internal peace of my Kingdom in incomparable. Six months ago, we set up numerous Redressal Courts throughout the kingdom that maintain peace throughout the kingdom. Through the Redressal Court, the justice is quick, just like it should be. Grievances are settled in under forty eight hours of the complaint registered. Punishments are issued according to the law. If in case anyone is not satisfied, they may forward the complaint to my court and I review the decision of the Redressal Court and make changes if necessary."

This is actually not a bad idea at all. This way the pressure on the Royal Court is lessened and people won't have to wait weeks to seek justice.

"What if one of the judges is handing out unjust punishments?" Elder Orlando asked.

"I check into the matter if I observe that a lot of people are forwarding their case to the Royal Court after it has been through a particular Redressal Court. I change the judge if necessary."

"You can set up a committee at the palace that reviews the sentences doled out by the judges at all times. They can notify you immediately if a wrong judgement is passed." I suggested. That way, no one will have to suffer. Not everyone forwards their case to the Royal Court.

"Thank you, King Nikolai. I shall take the suggestion into consideration." He nodded.

I nod back.

"The external peace of my Kingdom, however, is another matter. King Xillian has been sending people to attack and loot my country." He shot King Xillian a look.

"King Xillian?" Elder Orlando prompted him for an explanation.

"King Ciro owes me three million dollars. He had taken a loan from me and is unable to repay it. I had set up a funding in my Kingdom for everyone who to wished to give Prajini a loan and earn a profit out of it after a year's time. One year was finished three months ago and he has yet to pay me and my people back. The Kingdoms is restless and angry. The attacks are solely made by personal individuals and not by my country." A smirk formed on Xillian's face.

I knew he was lying but there was no calling out his bluff. There is no way for us to prove otherwise.

Vladimir had told me about King Xillian's debt trap policy. He gives out large amounts of loans to those in need but gives them a ridiculously short amount of time to repay the large sum. This makes the receiver of the loan indebted to him. And then he asks for the atrocious ways of repayment.

"I have told you that I need an extension of time." King Ciro thundered. "And you should learn how to control your people. You might just ask for a war you can't win."

It was no secret that the Prajini army was one of the best armies out there.

"Is that a threat?" King Xillian's eyes darkened.

"Depends on if you can control your people or not." King Ciro hissed.

"You are in no position to make demands." King Xillian shot out of his seat.

"Everyone will remain seated." Elder Orlando commanded. "The first person to attack someone else is directly issuing a threat of war to all the Kings present here and the great Enforcer Army. I'm sure you don't want to fight a war against six armies, King Xillian."

He hissed in anger.

Yes. Fucking asshole. Sit your ass down.

"Take your seat, King Xillian." Elder Orlnado ordered. I smirked as he sat his ass back on the throne.

"We will discuss business tomorrow night." He hissed at King Ciro.

"Bring me a slave." He snarled. "No. Bring me two."

A low growl escaped my throat.

King Xillian was infamous for this.

I couldn't stop him because it wouldn't be my slaves he would use. He brings an entire entourage of them from his own kingdom.

Two slaves walked in, holding a chest. Which probably held all the equipments. And then behind them, two terrified young females entered.

I felt a burning in my chest and then realised it was Ava.

I saw Vladimir take Sofiya out of the room. She could be excused because she wasn't the Queen and was pregnant.

Ava will have to stay put for this. It isn't break time so her excusing herself will be considered an insult.

'Don't cry.' I told Ava. It was an order mixed with a plea.

It will be considered a weakness. She will be a target of attack if people think that she is weak.

Xillian grabbed a female by her hair and threw her on the floor. Then he opened the chest and took out a whip.

I felt Ava tremble with anger.

'You will stay still, Avalyn.' I said through the mind- link. 'No emotions and no magic at all. And absolutely no healing the girl.'

And then he began whipping the girl. Her cries and screams were loud in the room. Blood sprayed on Xillian's body and more blood started pooling on the floor as the more whips licked her body and life started draining out of her.

'Ava, please.' I pleaded. 'I need you to maintain your composure.' Her heartbeat and breath was accelerating with an alarming speed.

'I c-can't.' A whimper escaped her.

A gut-wrecking scream escaped the female when he lashed her particularly harshly. Her sobs and screams increased and the smell of blood was pungent in the air.

And then her screams ceased.

She was dead.

Thank goddess.

Xillian dropped his pants and grabbed the other female and shoved his dick inside her and then began fucking her.

Elder Orlando watched on as Xillian did what he did, without flinching. It wasn't a news for me. I know from personal experience that these old shits were sadistic assholes.

I heard a loud moan and saw Queen Zakyra holding a slave's face to her pussy, forcing her to lick her out. She was actually turned on by this act.

And her eyes turned to me invitingly.

I almost gagged.

A sharp stabbing anger shot through my chest which was Ava's jealousy. I guess she saw that too.

I would rather look at Xillian than Zakyra.

And that's what I did. I watched Xillian defile the young female as she cried, sobbed and screamed.

'Just a little bit, Ava.' I tried to soothe her but her link was shut and her eyes were angry. But her anger was bled through even though she had closed off our connection.

After he was done, he threw her away before he pulled his pants up.

"There is peace in my Kingdom, internally and externally. Nothing has changed since last year." He smirked. "Thank you for watching my show." And with that, he shot a last glare to King Ciro before he walked out.

Elder Orlando stood up. "Thank you all for attending today's meeting. We have a little amusement show organised at eight pm tomorrow, right before the second night of the summit. I will see you all then. Have a good day." And then he left.

With that, Ava shot out of her seat and we both walked out of the council room.

I know she is absolutely furious. I was too. Because I knew that was wrong. And I couldn't do anything about it. And because Ava had to tolerate this nonsense.

We were silently making our way back to our living quarters when Rhazien called me. "Nikolai."

I turned around. "What?"

"Javier is here. The Council Room. Now." He told me, his eyes anxious.

Gritting my teeth, I nodded. "Go with her." I motioned to Ava who hadn't stopped along with me.