Chapter 92
Chapter 92
Elena’s POV
My brows furrowed as I tried to read what was on Queen’s Liz mind.
Staring intensively at me, she continued with a firmer voice, “-your future.”
Looking innocently at her, I asked in a small voice, “I don’t think I’m following you, Queen Liz.”
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Sighing, she pulled me closer to her which made me lean forward on the table, mimicking her posture.
“You’ve given so much to the kingdom, but you shouldn’t have to carry the burden alone… Which is why…” she took a pause which for some unknown reason made my heart beat faster in anxiousness.
But as she continued her words, the reason behind my fast–beating heart only intensified.
“I would like to arrange a marriage for you…‘
Hearing her next words made my heart sink slightly, but I kept my expression composed as I replied, “Queen Líz, I appreciate your concern, but I’m not interested in marrying right now.”
My words were firm but respectful as I told her the same decision I uttered when Deacon asked me about it.
Queen Liz tilted her head as she stared at me, reading my eyes. After a while, she replied in a gentle yet firm tone, “I understand, but you’ve been through so much. War has taken your father, your brother…and your… pack. You’ve lost a lot more than one can ever imagine…”
Hearing her words reminded me of all the pain and tragedy had to face. But all those only fueled me to face the battlefield with a stronger heart rather than hiding behind marriage.
I felt her hand squeezing mine harder as sadness and worry laced in her voice. “I don’t want to see it take you as well. Your mother felt the same, didn’t she? She only wanted you safe.”
Queen Liz’s reasoning made my mind drift back to all the memories I had with my mother. Before I lost my father and brothers on the battlefield and before our pack were massacred, my mother was someone who advocated for a woman’s independence and dignity.
I could still remember how she would often hold me close to her arms as a child while we watched my father and brothers train in our backyard.
I could remember my excitement as I begged them to teach me as well. While other members were surprised by the uncommon desire of a she–wolf to train with swords and deadly weapons, my mother proudly handed me a training sword.
Crouching down in front of me, I vividly remembered her words, “Elena, a woman must strive for dignity and not spend her entire life serving men like a beast of burden, A woman is just as capable as men and should have her own thoughts and live her life brilliantly.”
With those words, she pushed me towards my father and brothers as I first joined them in training which they happily welcomed me into.
If it weren’t for all the tragic events we had, fear wouldn’t have grown in her heart which was the reason why she urged me to stay away from the battlefield and lead a quieter life.
The smile on my lips turned bitter. Taking a deep breath after a moment of silence, I looked up at Queen Liz and replied honestly, “My mother did want me safe…”
Taking a pause, I sighed and let out a thoughtful smile as I continued and rejected her offer gently, “But she also
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Chapter 92
believed that a woman should live her life with purpose and dignity. Marriage… is not something I can consider lightly, Queen Liz.”
Queen Liz sighed but a mixture of understanding and concern crossed her face as she gently tapped my hand with her other hand before letting go.
After taking another sip of her coffee, she looked blankly in the air for a while as if reminicing something from the past before smiling.
Nodding her head, she admiringly replied, “Your mother had always been a wise woman, and I see so much of her in you.”
“Thank you, Queen Liz,” I replied gratefully.
“But Elena…” she concernly continued, “Life is unpredictable. A strong partner standing by your side who will shoulder some of the burdens you carry may be better.”
I smiled gratefully as I knew where she was coming from. As my mother’s friend, she was only concerned for me like a mother but I remained firm with my decision.
Gently shaking my head, I respectfully replied, “I’ve already followed my mother’s wishes once, Queen Liz and got married but it didn’t end well as most members of the kingdom already know.”
Sighing with bitterness and a hint of relief after what I’ve been through with that marriage, I continued, “After that… I’m not ready to gamble my life on another marriage again, Queen Liz. But I’m very thankful for your thoughtfulness.”
She stared at me for a little while as if reading through my eyes before nodding in resignation. Leaning back on her chair in defeat, she sighed and lightly closed the topic, Very well. We’ll discuss this later when you feel ready For now, rest. You’ve more than earned it.”
We chitchatted for a few more minutes before I left her chamber with a heavy heart.
Standing outside and looking up to the sky, I couldn’t help but wonder if my mother would approve of the life I chose to lead the second time around…
Right now, I’m walking the thin line between the independence I sought and the high expectations that the kingdom had bestowed upon me as a female warrior.
“Mom… I’m not certain if you’d be glad of what I chose. But if not, I hope one day you’ll understand me.”
Because for now… I’d rather be a warrior than someone’s wife.
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Chapter 93
Chapter 93
