Chapter 7: Alpha Charles
Chapter 7
"Jealousy, they say, is a green-eyed monster. It gnaws at the heart, sowing seeds of discord and discontent." This old adage held true for Ruth and Stella.
Their hearts, once filled with pride and vanity, were now consumed by jealousy. They watched as Alpha Charles and Queen Maya revealed in their shared warmth, their bodies entwined in a comforting embrace. The sight was a bitter pill to swallow, a stark reminder of what they had lost. But they would not go quietly into the night. No, they would fight, claw their way back into favor, or die trying.
Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, a different drama was unfolding. Queen Charlotte, the fourth Luna, had been found unconscious, her body limp and lifeless. The news had sent shockwaves through the palace, drawing Queen Elizabeth and Queen Amelia to her side.
Queen Amelia, ever the caring soul, rushed to Queen Charlotte's side, her arms wrapping around the frail figure in a protective embrace. But Queen Elizabeth stood apart, her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and disapproval.
"Look what you did to yourself," she chided, her voice echoing in the silent room. "How could you get so drunk like that? It's dumb of you, stupid girl."
Her words, though harsh, were not without merit. Queen Charlotte had always been known for her reckless behavior, her penchant for indulgence often landing her in trouble. But this... this was a new low, even for her.
*****
In the palace of power and intrigue, Lucas found himself nursing a wound, both physical and emotional. His arm bore the mark of a slight injury, a memento from the festival night. But it was his heart that bore the deeper wound. He had been smitten by a stranger, a man whose attention had stirred something within him. But alas, the man was not what he seemed.
Lucas was standing in the palace hall, seeing the man coming his foot tapping nervously on the floor, his eyes darting towards the man. He had hoped, prayed even, that the man would take another path, spare him the torment of unrequited feelings. But the man kept coming closer, his presence like a moth to a flame.
In a moment of desperation, Lucas turned, ready to yell, to tell the man to stop. But as he turned, his voice caught in his throat. The man was not alone. He was walking with another, a lady as pretty as the morning sun. The realization hit Lucas like a ton of bricks. The man had switched direction a long time ago, his attention now focused on the lady.
The pain was too much to bear. Lucas swallowed hard, his throat dry. He had been a fool, a puppet dancing to the tunes of his own imagination. The man was not interested in him. He was just another face in the crowd, another pawn in the game of power.
The pain that Lucas bore was not just physical, but a torment of the heart. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions, thoughts racing like wild horses. He felt a sadness so profound, it threatened to consume him. He yearned to express his feelings, to let out the storm that was brewing within him. But he couldn't. He feared the judgment, the ridicule, the sideways glances.
While lost in his thoughts, a familiar shadow caught his eye. It was Queen Maya, holding onto Alpha Charles, helping him walk. The sight of them, their silhouettes bathed in the soft glow of the palace lights, tugged at his heartstrings. Without a second thought, he ran towards them, his own pain momentarily forgotten.
As he neared, the sight that met his eyes was heart-wrenching. Alpha Charles was limping, his strong frame leaning heavily on the petite Queen Maya. It was a sight that would have brought tears to the eyes of any onlooker. The mighty Alpha, brought to his knees, not by an enemy, but by his own body.
Lucas could only watch, his heart aching for the man he had come to admire. He wanted to reach out, to offer his support, but he held back. He was just a bystander, a silent spectator to the unfolding drama. And as he stood there, watching the two figures slowly disappear down the corridor, he couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. For even in their moment of weakness, Alpha Charles and Queen Maya had each other. And he... he was alone.
As Queen Maya and Alpha Charles slowly disappeared down the corridor, Lucas stood frozen, his body rigid like a statue. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice Queen Maya signaling to him. She was gesturing, her eyes questioning, asking why he didn't help Alpha Charles. But Lucas was oblivious, his gaze fixed on the retreating figures of the Alpha and the Queen.
Queen Maya's eyes held a hint of disappointment as she looked at Lucas. She had expected him to step forward, to offer his support to Alpha Charles. But he had just stood there, watching them, his expression unreadable.
The realization hit Lucas like a punch to the gut. He had let his personal feelings get in the way of his duty. He had failed to offer his support when it was needed the most. The guilt weighed heavy on his heart, a painful reminder of his failure.
But it was too late now. The moment had passed. Alpha Charles and Queen Maya were gone, their figures swallowed by the shadows of the corridor. All that was left was the echo of their footsteps and the bitter taste of regret.
Lucas was left alone in the grand hall, his heart heavy with guilt and unspoken words. He had missed his chance to help, to show his loyalty to his Alpha. And for what? Because of a foolish crush, a one-sided affection that had blinded him to his duties.
Alone with his thoughts, his guilt, and his unrequited love. It was a harsh reality, a bitter pill to swallow. But it was a reality he had to face.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone