"Loyalty and devotion lead to bravery. Bravery leads to the spirit of self-sacrifice. The spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in the power of love."
- Morihei Ueshiba

Draven's P.O.V.

The heat of the beginning of summer was a welcome change. It was the one time of year when I could feel the sun's leftovers warm my skin while on duty. However, the manor felt listless even with the metamorphosis of a new season coming to greet us. It was quiet.

The entire family could feel Madelyn's absence. I don't think she realized it, but she brought radiant sunshine to everyone she met within the halls. Plus, a lot still haven't recovered from losing two patriarchal members quickly. Not to mention the death of so many of our guards.

People have started to speculate that there were traitors among us. It wasn't hard to piece together that Harley and Annie had disappeared immediately after the battle. I was worried for Madelyn's safety in the new territory of our oldest enemy. I was told they had accepted her, but did they really? Who's to say that the two traitors wouldn't find their way back to her and betray her again?

I struggled with my thoughts, going back and forth on my perturbation. I knew there were plenty of guards where Madelyn was currently staying. I knew that our spies, who were no longer spies, decided to keep their lives within the territory. She was most likely safe.

Yet, I couldn't relax. Marie's face kept popping up in my dreams, scolding me for not keeping her daughter under my watch. That was how I found myself outside the Queen's office, poised to knock but unsure if I should. The final haunting of the woman I had loved over a decade ago, echoing in my mind, prompted me to move forward with my plans.

I let my knuckles rap against the wood.

"Enter." An authoritative feminine voice called from behind the closed door.

"Good evening, Queen Helen." I greeted as I entered and went to the desk without taking a seat.

"Welcome, Draven. Do you have any news to report?" Her eyes focused on the work before her, shuffling papers and filing others in a folder beside her.

"No, ma'am. There's no information on Harley's or Annie's possible whereabouts. Everything else has been rather quiet as well." I rattled off, growing nervous about what I had come to ask. I stalled further. "There's some concern about the closure of the Project Academy, and the council wants to get in touch with you."

Helen rolled her eyes at the mention of the Supernatural Council. From what I understood, they were giving her a rough time. They've been demanding that she set a plan in motion to rebuild, but she's been trying to formulate a solution where none of the academies were necessary.

She stopped fumbling with paperwork and curled her hands under her chin. I felt instantly exposed by how her golden irises looked at me, and my unease grew stronger.

"Draven, I have an offer for you. We need a new Commander, and I would like to appoint you." Queen Helen said, staring me down with an intense gaze.

"Honestly, ma'am, I came here to ask for a favor, and taking that position would negate my request." I wanted to stand my ground and not be troubled by her assessing eyes, but I still had to look away. Helen held too much knowledge and power in her demeanor.

"Ask." She replied bluntly, disappointment already covering her facial features.

"I was hoping you would grant me permission to join Madelyn at Cathcart Manor so we can keep her safe and have someone we trust monitor things." My words were not as steady as I wished, but Helen's face softened at the mention of Marie's daughter.

The Queen pondered, evaluating the idea of having me as a personal guard for a woman she had grown to adore just as much as she did Marie and the loss of another senior member of her force. I took the time to note that she looked more like the impressive Queen I had followed most of my life. The shadows of grief were still etched deeply in the pits of her pupils, but she was returning to her regal etiquette. I was incredibly proud to have served her for as long as I have.

"This is a difficult position you've placed me in." She finally concluded, drawing her hands back to the smooth exterior of the desk. Helen gave a thrum of her fingers against the surface. "Madelyn is very special. Not only to myself as a family member, but I also feel that she will be important to our entire realm. Theodora spoke to me about it before she left."

"The Pixie?" I questioned, eyebrow-raising in confusion. How would she know?

"Yes. She has an affinity for destinies and futures." Helen pulled a thick document from a top drawer. The scent of old parchment tickled my nose. "I believe you may be right. It could be in our best interest to keep a close eye from home on not only Madelyn's new leadership but also her mental wellbeing."

"You're granting my request?" I was baffled. I did not have a great chance of her agreeing.

"I am. You'll be transferred to the Cathcart guard as soon as I sign this. I can not guarantee you'll receive the same rank, but I will request that you be assigned to Madelyn's personal protectors." The Queen tapped the cardstock she pulled from the desk and smiled.

Her pen swept along the bottom, and she signed her name in elegant cursive with all the titles she held. The moment she lifted her connection with the paper, a feeling of uncertainty overcame me. I never thought I would leave the Rothchilds' home, and I was amazed at how affected I was by two not-quite humans, driving me to change my entire routine.

Helen handed me the letter but didn't let go immediately as I reached for it. In a stern, powerful voice, she ordered, "Keep her safe, Draven."

That was all I wanted. She released her hold after I nodded.

"Thank you, my Queen." With a bow of my head and the utmost respect, I declared, "I show Madelyn as much loyalty as I have for you." 

With this chapter, I hereby proclaim this book finished!

Book #2 [Defect of Royalty] will be released on June 25th!

If you enjoy this story, I would appreciate your continued support by following my TikTok (my journey in self-publishing and marketing this story). You can find me at tiktok.com/@chellelynnwriting

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