I think I might have surprised her, not that it would have been all that hard, I was very surprising in so many ways and yet I simply let her facial features settle into a look she found wholly suitable before fixating my gaze more fully open her. She remained standing as my own form reclined into a more relaxed position. Everything about me had become more relaxed of late and by of late I mean within the last few hours. Ambrosia had disappeared, though I was still choosing to believe this was simply part of her brilliant plan- until I heard otherwise I was unwilling to think to poorly of someone whom had been raised by Azrael and Andromdea and Heyel. If she truly had, knowingly, accepted such a deal with no intention of double crossing then that was a different matter entirely. For now though I was merely content to see actual life return to the pack Covet had killed with his presence. Had he truly expected anyone to stay? For a while I believed he hadn’t, for a while I believed he had fully anticipated Diveen’s desertion and yet his desperation had become only more evident in his attempts to pretend he didn’t care that none had come to support him. None. Perhaps there is something to be said for a wolf with enough spine to proclaim himself king of, well, a few puppies like myself, some rocks, a nice stick and the occasional burro that wandered by and yet really- had his momentary position in Diveen taught him nothing? Some are simply not made to be Alpha’s they are not made to lead and a wolf without support is a poor King indeed. Perhaps he thought himself some sort of political genius in his attack on Spirane. I am less then two years old and already I have seen the utter folly in that. Why only further unite Spirane and Diveen? Why give them a common enemy as Purge had once been? He was very slow to learn, this fellow, then again his mental capacity is highly questionable. I mean really, I’d once seen him enter his den without brushing the dirt from himself. That- I am sure, says insanity.

She introduced herself with suitable flare, my lips quirking upward once more even despite the momentary look of surprise that lingered on my features. Daughter of Isola and Kane? The first daughter? Hmm, I had heard her name before and yet that was all. She really was quite the impressive specimen, a little on the hefty side for a girl but that seems to be the trend from anything baring Kane and Devil’s blood. The Angel mark upon her chest however, was rather the striking thing. I liked that, I liked her- looks and vocal skills are truly a hard thing to come by these days and to learn she is a warrior is only more fitting.

“Solara. You would be Solaris’ litter sister then?”

It didn’t take a genius to come to that conclusion now did it? My enquiry remained polite all the same though as I continued to sit easily before her, frowning only slightly as she asked as to where the family was returning from and why. Hmm, she had been gone a long time. I allowed a momentary simper to dance upon my young features before I straightened my gangly frame a little, assuring I had her attention once more as I spoke.

“Ah, well, that is quite the story in itself dear Cousin, I will make it brief though. A truly heinous crime occurred in Diveen oh, a month ago, maybe, not very long. A strange wolf came to the borders of Diveen and I don’t mean strange and mysterious I just mean a bit of a burro really. He was found skulking around our borders by none other then your Brother Achilles and Cousin Guardian and he was asked what he wanted.”

I paused for dramatic effect, waiting for the inevitable moment in which Solara would actually ask for the story to continue so that she might hear of this terrible crime, one eye lifting as a grin worked it’s way back across my features at her surely blank expression.

“Didn’t you notice it Cousin? The great and heinous crime that was committed in that story? No? We didn’t either, but evidently asking a wolf named Covet if he needs assistance is a crime worthy of a tantrum, a crime so large we must all take note of it.”

I chuckled then, the sound hissing between my teeth because in truth it was hilarious, just a little bit. I mean really I told a good story and a true one at that.

“Covet felt so very slighted by being asked what he wanted that day on the borders of Diveen that he sought fit to challenge your father Kane because Achilles was a poor child. I know, why not just challenge Achilles? I have since come to the conclusion that Covet is not sound of mind and I hold further proof of this. Your Father did not win the challenge, though the battle was so closely fought the victory was debatable at best- though Covet is far younger then your Father, he and Isola on the brink of their retirement. Covet took possession of Diveen and the lands were abandoned, few, if any, came to his call as King. It was by far the shortest and most unspectacular reign in history to date. Longer only then that of Ambrosia’s, yes, your Cousin, whom Covet gave the pack too upon the condition she would bare the children of his brother. Yes, I know, it is by far the stupidest story in the history of stories but that is the truth of it. Covet however, failed to understand the laws of Angels that most of us know. Only an Angel King or Queen can name an heir or only an Angel whom has proven themselves in single combat may take the throne. Thus his plan to choose Diveen’s leader and the leader of our family failed, as he failed and Achilles returned to the throne about, oh, ten minutes ago. Ambrosia has disappeared, taking Covet’s pride with her after ruling for, oh I don’t know, about a week and Achilles has taken his place as is dictated in our rules. That’s what you missed Cousin.”

It may well be the longest story I have ever told. I never was all that brief really and yet I think I made for a good story, my form turning to nod to Achilles at his arrival, content to pretend I knew no more of him then any other, allowing my cousins a moment to great each other, assured Achilles had heard the end of my tale at least and was made aware that she had been filled in on the events of what had occurred.

“Covet to my knowledge is determined to have revenge for….what no one is actually sure. He should declare revenge on his own stupidity and save us the effort. His political genius leading him to attack Spirane. Yes, Spirane- because Spirane is a friend to our family and sheltered Achilles and Guardian and this is also another crime of the century.”

It was difficult to keep a straight face, my own lips tugging upward in amusement again as I paused now to allow Achilles and Solara to speak, should they so choose to do, the violet of my gaze flicking from one to the other now- my part surely said. I was curious truly, as to Achilles next move, as to how he would run this pack and yet my thoughts are more inclined to my own next move. I do have rather the plan in the works. It simply takes time and I am fortunate to have an abundance of that.



h y r u l e
The Once and Future King
The Heir of Heyel