C4 Queen Chaska

Queen Chaska moved restlessly in the room, her long mantua sweeping the floor as she walked with her both palms at akimbo.

"Come on, come on" she mumbled impatiently to herself.

What was taking her so long?

He hard shoes were making a clip-clopping sound as they met roughly with the floor and if it wasn't for the noisy sound of the guards training outside, she was pretty sure her deep pants would've been heard already.

She was so nervous; couldn't have rest.

Nosheba. Has she given birth already? What was the sèx of the child? Could it be a female? Or a male like she'd bragged about?

She fisted her hands together, recalling how she'd rubbed it in her face that she was definitely going to give birth to the King's heir this time around.

Chaska was the first Queen and senior wife, while Nosheba, the second and her greatest rival.

She, Chaska, had been unable to give the King a male child, hence he had to marry two more wives. And when Queen Nosheba had gotten pregnant, she wouldn't let the entire palace have peace.

She kept bragging with the fact that she was going to give birth to a male child - especially to Queen Chaska. She kept bragging and enlisting all the things that would happen when she finally becomes the mother of the King's heir, and Queen Chaska - being the kind of prideful person she was - couldn't help but feel scared and threatened.

She was the senior wife and wasn't ready to trade her position or respect for anyone or anything. She wanted to be the mother of the King's heir, wanted to be the only one to bear that position, so when it's time for the King to finally pick his Luna, she would have more grounds and points.

Her heart raced faster as she recalled Nosheba's words to her:

"You better start getting ready, Queen Chaska, to welcome my son in a few days from now. Don't worry, when he's finally out and the King makes me his favorite, I'll make sure you still get to see the King once in every 4 moon"

A scornful laugh had come with the words.

"No!" Chaska gritted.

Never was she going to let anyone ridicule her. Never.

She was the one closest to the King and was ready to do anything to make sure it stayed that way.

She continued pacing about and suddenly, her personal maid ran in. Hah...! She let out a light gasp.

"My Queen" the maid bowed in front of her, her palms clasped together.

Chaska's curiousity couldn't help but swell up.

"What's happening, Gina?" She asked with eyes wide open.

"My Queen, Queen Nosheba has put to bed" she answered with her head still bowed and that was when Chaska felt her heart stop beating.

She suddenly became scared asking the next question.

"Talk to me, Gina. You know what I want" she said.

The maid hesitated a little before looking up at her and answering with a smile:

"It's a female".

Instantly, it felt more like some sea water had been poured on Chaska. For the first few seconds, she was stiff and didn't even blink an eye.

"What... did you just say?" She asked, this time around, picking her words.

"You heard me right, My Queen. She gave birth to a female"' the maid answered again and that was the moment Chaska's worried look got melted into smiles.

"Oh...." She scoffed and looked the opposite direction, her small pretty lips stretching in a smile.

Her breath rose and fell heavily as she released the breath she'd been holding for a long time.

So... it's a girl after all?

She turned back to face the maid.

"Are you....sure about this?"

"Definitely, My Queen. I heard it directly from the guard. He actually said, the King had almost strangulated the mid wife who brought the news to him, to death. He called the child badnews" she answered and Chaska's eyes went wide with amusement.

"Woah...." She chuckled and blinked rapidly.

She shrugged her shoulders and suddenly bursted into an hysterical laughter. It sounded so loud and echoed with disdain.

"Badnews?" She repeated, laughing some more.

"Now, that's news and should be so pathetic. Oh..! Poor Nosheba, I wonder how she must be feeling now; having her child being called Badnews by her father for the first time. Must be so heart wrenching" she paused and laughed again.

"I actually feel bad for her; after all the confidence. How does she walk around after this?

"Hmm. So, after all, we're still the same" she sauntered to the window.

"Tell you what, I think I should get her some fruits so she can eat and be refreshed by the time she wakes up" her laughters had deduced to broad smiles.

"Go and get a carriage ready, Gina. I need to leave for the market".

The maid was confused.

"My... My Queen, why don't I just go get the fruits for you? You don't have to..."

"Oh, Gina. Don't worry" Chaska cut in with a smile.

"I'm in such a good mood today and wish to do it myself. So, hurry up" .

And the maid bowed and left.

*******************

Shilah stood outside with the empty basket as she awaited Ina to come out of the house so they could leave for the married together.

She's been waiting for there so long and was already getting tired. Well, that's the way it's always been - she gets to wait for them, but never dares to keep them waiting.

She was already used to it anyways.

She continued waiting, the tiny insects perking at her legs. The sun was already setting in a few hours time,, it'd be nightfall. Why was Ina taking so much time?

She continued waiting, holding the basket to the side of her waist and finally, she saw Ina walking out of the two - storey house.

She was putting on a dazzling gown and had about three expensive bangles on her wrist. Why was she looking so good - Shilah thought.

"And what're you staring at?" Ina suddenly snapped as she got closer to Shilah who lowered her gaze to the floor immediately.

Ina rolled her eyes and continued walking away, while Shilah followed behind with the basket in her arms.

*

Shilah has always thought herself unlucky due to the pathetic story she had.

She was the only child of her mother, just before she died - 7 years ago. And since then, life had been really unfair to Shilah. Even when her mother was alive, life was still unfair but it totally became worst when her mother died.

Her step family had been so cruel to her, including her father and she wondered why. Was it because she was powerless? But it wasn't her fault, right? She didn't chose to be the only powerless wolf in the entire Wind Walker pack. She didn't chose it. So, why does she have to be treated with so much disdain?

Sometimes, she wondered how her life would turn out. When would she ever get to live a better life? Perhaps, if only she could turn and posses her wolf powers, it'd be different. So, maybe she'll just need to keep praying to Selene.

*

*

The walk to the market was quite long from the house and the population was so alarming. Obviously, it was due to the fact there'd be no buying and selling the following day.

Shilah wondered how it would look like - the entire mountain being quiet and empty with every single person being indoors. But why would the Alpha give such orders in the first place? What was going to take place the following day that would warrant everyone staying indoors?

"Will you walk faster?" Ina turned snappily to look at her and Shilah tried to hasten her footsteps. Can she ever get to please this sister of hers? She wondered.

She followed Ina like a puppet to the various places in the market where she picked the things she wanted. While she picked and paid for them, Shilah took the responsibility of carrying them in the basket.

It wasn't easy shopping with Ina as she was always very picky and wanted the best. They went round and round the big busy market until something Shilah wouldn't dream of, unfortunately happened.

She had been walking with Ina in front when a moving carriage suddenly splashed mud water on Ina.

Ina stopped walking immediately as she gasped and stared down at her dress in shock.

"What?"

Shilah was also shocked. Oh, no. Her dazzling dress. Who could this be?

She looked up at the carriage and noticed it'd stopped moving and before she could comprehend what was going on, Ina marched towards it.

"Hey..!" Ina growled as she got closer to it, attacking the rider on the horse.

She didn't even mind the fact it was looking like a royal carriage.

"Are you blind??? You spilled mud water on me!!" She yelled at the top of her voice, drawing attention to herself. And just then, the curtain slid open with a young lady stepping out of it.

Hold on.... it was the Queen...!

Queen Chaska!