There was a time I thought, my mission was to become Queen. Fight to survive as a pawn, and if I did, my next work was my subjects. With Caspian by my side, as we combat it all.

But it seemed fate had other plans. I mean, here am I, trying to settle and create a home in the castle.

Yet...up till now...it becomes so difficult.

Every step becomes impossible, each second...each minute.

"Tell us, Jaskier. Tell us how the people of Demon Scavengers' ordered your father, to kill one of the twins, on the day of the prophecy." Ada let out, with her head held up high, with an essence of power.

"Of how I was pitied in the woods, thus, he hid me instead of ripping my heart out." she added.

"Lady Ada, I'm afraid this is not the right time for her to know the tru- "

"I assure you it is." she breathed out, tucking a strand of her dark hair, behind her ears. "Cause at this point, our dear Ava might be blinded by her love with the beast. She's being consumed by it, while we watch."

At Ada's words, my heart raced impatiently. My eyes were still glued to the chest, each instant, making sure it never left my sight.

How exactly did Jaskier, come back all by himself?

Didn't he leave with Caspian to get Master Zu?

I swallowed, with a protective hand around my belly.

Little pup... hang in there.

Mummy's going to keep you safe. From this chaotic world, I promise.

"Milady," Jaskier stepped towards me, with a slight bow. A sinisterly and off-vibe presence, around him. "If you remember correctly, I made you know we were linked by destiny. And no matter how much you try, we'll always come across each other." he added.

I nodded at his words. "Yes, you did, Jaskier." With a trust-worthy expression, I answered. "What about it? Why would did you tell me that back then?"

The King's personal guard, slowly got up from his feet. He became silent for a moment. His eyes, looked like they were lost. Lost, yet, searching. In a pool of doubts. I couldn't help but notice.

"Is he being controlled?" My wolf asked. "Perhaps from an unknown entity from this cunning Lady Ada?"

No, I don't think so.

I narrowed my eyes at Jaskier, when Ada stood up, taking a slight stroll freely, around the office chambers. Her white fabric sweeping the floor gloriously at each delicate step. However, her own eyes which were similar to mine, wore a sharp look. Ada's eyes didn't bat or show indications that she was telling lie.

"Destiny," she suddenly intervened, like she was already prepared for his silence.

"Is inevitable. It could be kicked, buried, but it always has a way of crawling back to its roots."

"Haven't you ever asked yourself why I've always been a shadow in the castle? An unseen eye that sees everything?" Jaskier suddenly uttered, picking up his words, strangely. "Trusted servant of the King, a vicious beast and a damage to humanity- "

"He's not a beast." I cut him off, saying in defense to divert their attention. I had to figure out a way of leaving here, with the chest. They weren't sincere...

"A beast kills without reasons, but he doesn't. Caspian's someone with a heart. Accord him with that respect." I seethed, feigning to be entirely pissed.

"Ava, that's not the point—"

"I won't have anyone disrespect him!" I yelled instantly, at Ada with my toe nails and fingers extending paws and claws.

There was a thin line between, ripping everything in front of me and keeping my cool. I knew I needed to solve this with my brains...

"Okay, fine...King Caspian. Damnation, you're not enlightened. Behavior almost like a toddler and it's really bad for this Kingdom."

"I'd be careful with my words, Ada."

My eyes to turn into a pool of red. That crimson color that made it evident that my wolf was angry and pissed to the core. This way, they're too busy trying to calm and convince me...while I figure out a plan to leave this place.

"Ava!!"

Someone barged through the door, exclaiming. At his scent, I felt my wolf whimper. She sniffled the air, inhaling the fresh scent that lurked around.

He was back already. Question was, did he come back with them or I should be running?

"We meet again, King Caspian." Ada mischievously stated, with a grin on her features. For a moment, I could swear I felt a twinge of jealousy overshadow me.

The thought that she was his potential Queen in the past, irked me...

"C-caspian?" I let out, in an unsure tone.

"Do not let these scumbags get to you, mate. Whatever they're about to tell you is a fully blown lie." he stated, walking towards me.

"Why hide her fate from her? It's her destiny. She's to fulfil it, with me by her side."

Jaskier stated, stepping towards me.

"My mate won't die for a Kingdom!! Never!" Caspian spat angrily, pounding his footsteps towards me in a protective stance.

My eyes froze at his words, while my hands shook terribly knotting around my belly. With the entire room silent, I shuddered in a bit of scare.

So, this was my fate. To expire.

As I wield these thoughts, Lady Ada stepped forward, in her ever-so-noble stance.

"This is your fate, Ava. You're from the roots of the original Scavenger, Simon Goodchild, our good-for-nothing father." Ada spat out.

"I couldn't care less about him. Please do not mention his name!" I exclaimed angrily.

"I hated him too. Tried to run away from it, just like you. But it always came back to me, our fate, Ava. Jaskier is one of them and so am I. We're born to hunt down entities that devour men."

Her eyes locked with mine, as she said those words slowly.

"And the beast is one of them!" Jaskier yelled immediately, drawing his sword.

"I wouldn't do that, if I were you, Jaskier." Caspian snarled, stepping right in front of me to protect me. I swallowed nervously, peeking from his body which was in front of me.

"I'm not who you thought I was, my King. I'm a hunter, a Scavenger, whose mission is to kill beasts like you." Jaskier snarled, approaching Caspian.

"Enough!" I yelled immediately, shutting my eyes close.

"This is a Kingdom of wolves, you two. A Kingdom of other entities, including the creatures blessed by the Moon Goddess. Would you go against her?"

I sighed. "I'm a wolf too--"

"Yes, you are but, it was given to you as a gift." Ada replied. "She wanted to make you stronger to fight the battles you face, Ava. She wanted to put an end to this chaotic race. And now, you're not accepting your fate to fight them with us, she might as well make you suffer."

"Be warned."

Next thing I knew Ada flew through the window, breaking through the glass. Jaskier followed her immediately.

Caspian growled, trying to chase them.

"Caspian no!"

I yelled instantly. "I have to protect you from them, mate! I have to protect my Kingdom!"

His beast yelled, growling in a doubled voice.

"You would. Yes, you would. But, do not go, please. It might be a trap." I sadly let out, taking his chin in mine.

The last thing I would want, is to see him dead.

"Ava..."

"Please." I urged immediately, kissing him on his cheeks, and holding onto his hands.

"Fine."

"But my guards go after them." he sighed out.

....

While we were at his chambers, silence overrode the moment. Couldn't deny it was more like I shock, one didn't expect. A puzzling tremor, that made one feel like everything was a lie from the start.

It made me think of what to believe it exactly?

I mean, even the Moon Goddess was betraying us already...

"Did you find him?"

I asked, Caspian.

"Who?"

"Elder Zu." I stated. My hands spread apart on the bed while I looked at the ceiling.

"Yes. But he didn't want to be seen." he replied, kicking off his shoes.

"Hm, why?"

"He believed he was a failure. The survived guards said they watched him fight Lydia to sunrise. He was skillful, better than her...but she-"

"Cheated," I completed from him, knowing Lydia.

"Yeah, with magic." he added. His silver-grey eyes locked with mine.

"His ego has been definitely bruised." I spelled out, in deep thought. "Letting her slip away powerlessly, would break any warlord."

As a former Knight, I could understand why he won't show his face or return to the castle.

"Sorry I was late, mate." Caspian suddenly said, sweetly kissing my forehead. I sighed at his words, feeling so relaxed and calm.

There were certain things I wished remain certain ways. This... was one of them.

"At least you're safe." I kissed him back on his lips, saying.

...

Let me know your thoughts on this chapter. If you read to the end already on the other apps, follow my IG @ra_high_eels for updates on the sequel(Breeding for the King)❤️❤️❤️