The Lycan's Queen : A tale of fate

"Where is she? Where is mother?" Princess Lyric's sweet voice echoed through the grand hall, her tone high-pitched and filled with excitement as the royal children made their return home.

"You know she isn't our real mother, right?" Princess Evelyn murmured, her voice low as she walked beside her younger sister, a bemused expression on her face.

Lyric, ever the bubbly spirit, waved her hand flamboyantly in the air. "It's all for the act, dear sister," she replied, her tone dripping with the enthusiasm only she could muster. "And you seem to forget that she is THE Queen of Lunareth, the daughter of the goddess of the moon. How can I not flaunt over her? I can't wait to meet her. Give?" Lyric called out to their ever-dutiful servant.

"At your service, Princess Lyric," Given replied drom the side , his tone a touch more irritated than he intended, though he managed to hide most of it.

"When can we meet the Queen?" Lyric continued eagerly. "Oh wait ! What is her favorite color? I must have a dress made of it! I want to impress her. No, I need to impress her. Tell me now, Give. Tell me everything about her!"

Before Given could respond to the barrage of questions, a familiar figure approached from the distance. The King, followed by his trusted companions, was making his way toward them. The atmosphere shifted instantly, and everyone present dropped into a bow.

"Father!" Lyric's excited voice rang out as she rushed toward the King. But as she did, Prince Cedric awoke, his small eyes fluttering open. "Papa," he called out, his voice still soft with the remnants of sleep.

Given released the young prince, allowing him to shuffle toward his father. Theron's eyes softened immediately, his face lighting up with warmth as he opened his arms to welcome Cedric. "Cedric," the King greeted him, his voice full of affection.

Before the father and son could share a moment, Lyric's voice cut through the air again. "Father!" she almost screeched, a sudden high-pitched sound that made Evelyn wince and instinctively cover her ear. The loudness, though not entirely shrill, was enough to get under her skin, reminding her of their grandmother's dramatic tendencies.

Theron, noticing Evelyn's discomfort, only smiled indulgently as he turned his attention to his daughter, her enthusiasm never failing to amuse him.

Given, standing on the side, watched the royal family with a mix of emotions. He wasn't entirely sure what to call them yet—whether he should truly refer to them as his royal family. But as he observed their dynamics, he knew one thing for certain—it didn't really matter and he didn't care anymore .

"Given," the King's voice snapped him back to attention, his gaze sharp and commanding.

"Attend to my mother, she seeks your service," Theron ordered.

"Yes, your majesty," Given responded without hesitation, bowing his head.

"And after that, you come and inform me all about the journey," the King added, his eyes never leaving Given's face as he spoke with deliberate coolness.

At this, Lyric piped up again. "Why can't I tell you all about it? I was there, and I'll make it much more enjoyable than Given will. His reports are always so boring," she pouted, her lips quivering in that way she knew always got her father's attention.

Theron chuckled softly, his lips curving into a warm, affectionate smile. "You'll tell me all that Given leaves out then, Lyric," he said, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth with his daughter.

With that, the royal family continued their walk, with Lyric skipping ahead, already full of energy again. Given, as always, trailed behind, his steps quiet and composed. He was used to the dynamic, used to their banter, though a small part of him couldn't help but wonder about the future that lay ahead for them all—especially now that they were back at the castle, with new secrets and new challenges to face.

As they walked on, the castle loomed ahead, its stone walls standing tall and unwavering, just like the royal family that resided within. But even here, in the shadows of this grand kingdom, the winds of change were beginning to stir.