"Thank you both for being so forgiving. It is such a wonderful trait I love in humans. Us Loux Garoux lacks that ability. For once we are crossed, we seek vengeance and domination." His words sounded ominous. He continued. "Of course, King Alpha Randolf won't be so forgiving with Louve. I will be back in a few hours for Luncheon. I am to keep you both entertained while the Pack games commence. I hope I can fulfill my duty." Whitley informed them. Then he exited out of the room.
Sylvie waited a few seconds before speaking, "That was a quick turnaround. I wonder if he had anything to do with the attack." Sylvie wondered aloud.
Bouvier felt relieved. She had thought Sylvie was buying his weak excuses and apologies.
"I don't think I will tell Randolf. It will only make him worry." She informed Madame Bouvier. "I was surprised he left. I thought he would carry me here." She laughed at the thought and Bouvier joined in. She coughed after. The laughter, burning her throat. She stood up went to her bedside and grabbed a glass of water. She took a big sip.
"I'm sorry. " Sylvie apologized.
Madame Bouvier shook her head while she waved her hand as if to say "Don't worry about it."
"A few more weeks and your voice will be back." Sylvie encouraged her.
Madame Bouvier smiled at the thought and gave Sylvie a thumbs up.
" I have never been to a tearoom. I hope we enjoy it." Sylvie said changing the topic to a much lighter theme.
Madame Bouvier smiled.
As promised, a few hours later, Whitley reappeared and escorted them to the tearoom. Sylvie was not disappointed it was a lovely room bathed in a soft peach wall with floral tablecloths, doilies, and curtains. The mahogany furniture was polished to sparkle. There was a beautiful tea set that sat on the table. Sylvie and Bouvier took their seats. Whitley spoke, "Enjoy your tea, ladies." He slightly bowed and walked out of the room.
Sylvie felt like a princess. Everything was so extravagant and soft. She had never seen a room like this. It was so delicate and fine. She was afraid to pick up the teacup.
She waited. Madame Bouvier was the first to wave a servant over and have them pour her tea. Then she motioned for them to do the same for Sylvie. They complied. Sylvie copied Madame Bouvier and placed the cloth napkin in her lap.
They both gently took the teacups off their saucers and brought them to their lips. She could feel its warmth. She gave it a soft blow and took a sip. It was the most exquisite tea she had ever had. She couldn't recall when she had ever drank tea before coming here.
She hadn't. Her diet had been Creek water or a nice pint of Rum in the winter to stay warm. She took another sip and then gently placed it back on the saucer. She took a deep breath. She felt content. This was a wonderful way to help ease her anxiety about not wanting to be at the Pack games.
She hoped Randolf would be safe. He tried to make it sound very tame, but she knew it could get violent. She had her nurses talking about them. They were royalty, but they were still wolves. Seeing Louve and how she had turned into a golden colored wolf, let her know they were powerful wolves.
She wondered what her husband looked like in his wolf form. Was he a gray wolf or a black wolf? She would have to remember to ask him when she saw him, she told herself. The pack games lasted a week. He would be gone for seven whole days.
Randolf
Randolf arrived at the grounds where the Pack games were to take place. They chose to have it 20 miles away from the manor and deep in the forest. This forest was known for its treacherous rocks and hidden bog. It was also known for its best game hunting. Rabbit and stag abound.
Since the war had run off the majority of human hunters the forests were re-populating at an alarming rate. It was a chilly day and Randolf realized he already missed Sylvie. He wondered if she would be safe alone. Nikan rode alongside him.
"Are you ready to host your first Pack Game, King Alpha?" Nikan asked his lifelong friend.
"I don't think it matters at this point." Randolf quipped as both men's horses trotted them up the hill. Randolf could see that every member of the Loux Garoux was in attendance. The field was littered with tents, wagons, and caravans with the Loux Garoux seal on them.
He had dreamed of this day. It was finally here, and so was he. "Come, Nikan, let us meet our family." He said.
They rode down the large hill together only stopping when they reached the bottom.
A young Loux Garoux recognized Randolf, took out his horn, and blew it, signaling everyone that King Alpha was in their presence. The humming of the chatter ceased, and it became dead quiet. So quiet one could hear the birds chirping overhead. Randolf saw everyone, except for Nikan kneel. He was honored and felt overwhelmed by their fielty.
He had yet to prove himself as their King Alpha, but he would. He would prove it by ending this war once and for all. This would be the first and only Pack Games that happened during a war. He was certain of that fact. He knew he had to say something.
"Welcome, my brothers and sisters. We are all here, despite our current situation. This week, let us rejoice and celebrate in one another's company. We are Loux Garoux. We are more than wolves. We are more the man. Let these games be a reminder of our ancestors and what they honored most, the strength of its pack." He rode his horse up the length of kneeling subjects and then back.
The crowd stopped kneeling, stood up, and began cheering his words. Randolf could feel the positive energy coming from the crowd. Randolf dismounted and made his way through the crowd. He felt hopeful these games would bring him closer to his Pack and make him an even more integral leader. He was surprised at how fast and adept everyone was at setting things up.
The field already looked like a small square. His nose could already smell the dried meats and vegetables. As a child, he had loved coming to the Pack Games. His father had looked so stoic, delivering the opening day speech about family, strength, and nobility. They had cheered his father in the same way they had just done him.
He loved the applause. He was not usually the type who wanted to be in the spotlight. He enjoyed planning and executing more than being seen, but something about these being his tribe members and their sharing not just traditions but blood, moved him. War meant uncertainty. He did not know how they were fairing out there.
The Loux Garoux Ran Like a Monarchy. The King Alpha ruled them all. He had chosen his men and given them titles, then divided them into ranks. From highest to lowest: Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, and Baron. They all fell under one seal but held their crests.
He was familiar with them all but had spent the majority of his adulthood on the battlefield, keeping them safe. In truth, he had joined the fighting after the death of his mother. He had loved her so much. She had been the perfect mother for him. She taught him how to be strong and to persevere even when it felt like he could not.
Shortly after her death, his father was injured. He had thought he hated his father until he saw him lying in the bed with a bandage covering half of his face. He never talked about those things. He had used it as ammunition on the battlefield. It had worked.
He saw three little boys run by him laughing. He was instantly reminded of the fun and friends he made at these...
His father was nowhere in sight, and he wondered if he was going to show up. Randolf found his tent. He tied his horse up in front of it and entered his tent. It was decorated with dark reds and gold.
There was a bed, a chair, and a settee. The tapestries gave it the appearance of being a room. There were also tables. It was a very luxurious-looking tent. He also had servants. He had a bittersweet feeling about Sylvie not being here.
He had to respect her decisions. She was his wife. When she had agreed so wholeheartedly he knew it was more than just wanting to rest. He was worried the incident with Louve may have triggered her to withdraw away from the family she married into. Had Louve ruined their marriage before it fully began? He wondered.