Chapter 18 Going into town
In the morning I took a shower and prepared to go into the town and meet some of the pack members.
Aylin had left early again, traveling to the Bloodmoon pack to have a talk with Alpha Marcus about the man who poisoned his mother.
Though Kaelen was known to Asa, not everyone knew of him.
It was causing issues as Aylin was being investigated for the possible murder of Kaelen.
Aylin told me not to worry as he has documented proof of the poisoning and he was just going to tie up some loose ends.
I was apprehensive about him going but I am not ready to have a relationship with Marcus or Marcella.
“Have fun in town today,” Aylin said as he kissed my forehead and walked out the door.
The carriage wheels crunched against the cobblestones as I finally made my way to the center of town.
The town square was already alive with a vibrant energy, it began to be packed shoulder-to-shoulder with citizens who had seen the carriage traveling through town.
Many of our people had waited season after season for the return of the Princess.
Today, however, I have decided to announce that I am their Queen.
As I stepped out of the carriage, an immediate, breathless hush fell over the crowd, followed by a wave of reverent whispers.
"People of the Pleiades Pack," I began, my voice ringing clear and steady across the plaza.
"Today, a new chapter begins for us all. As your Luna, my primary duty is to serve you. A kingdom cannot thrive if its people whisper their burdens in the dark."
My gaze sweeping across the hopeful faces of the town.
"I do not wish to rule from afar, nor do I want you to suffer in silence," she continued, her tone softening with genuine warmth.
"Therefore, I ask you now, come forward. Bring me your needs, your hardships, and your desires. Whether your fields are barren, your families are hungry, or your borders feel unsafe, step into the light and speak. My ears are open, and together, we will rebuild our home."
I pull a chair and note pad out of the carriage and sit amongst my people.
“Please don’t be scared, no harm will come to you if you come forward.”
Father Thomas stepped forward first, his eyes shining with uncharacteristic emotion.
"We have prayed for this day, Luna Celest," he said, his voice trembling slightly.
"The crops have been thin. We desperately need a renewed blessing on our soil."
I write down his request. “I will see what I can do Father, as you all know I am just learning how you use my power, but I will do everything I can to help.”
A young blacksmith named Jaren spoke up next from the crowd, his posture proud but respectful.
"We want open trade routes with the eastern valleys again. We want prosperity, not just survival."
He paused, looking at me with open admiration.
"But more than anything, we are simply ecstatic to finally have our Luna. Your light is what this pack has truly been missing."
“Why have the trade routes with the eastern valley ended?” I ask Jaren. He looks around as if nervous. “Please Jaren, I can not help if I do not know what is going on.”
He sighs, “The path to the eastern valley has not been able to be traveled because ten years ago the Earth Serpent built its nest there. No one has been able to pass which is part of the reason our crops are failing. We bought fertilizer, and seeds from shops in the valley.
We also were able to trade many goods.”
“Ten years? I don’t know how to handle the Earth Serpent but I will bring this up to Aylin and we can figure out a way to reopen the trade routes. Is there anything else?”
The crowd erupted into murmurs of fierce agreement, nods of joy passing from neighbor to neighbor.
The relief in the air was tangible, they finally felt safe talking with me.
The final member stepped forward, a slender woman clutching a toolbox.
She bowed to me and then began to speak, “Luna, my name is Emerelda. Since your arrival and the attack from the Bloodmoon pack we have had a large number of people wanting to move into our town. I am one of four carpenters who live here. We want to increase our numbers but I am in need of help.
Is there anything you can do to help?”
“More homes are needed, yes? This is something I know we can fix. I would like to know if the people moving here would like separate homes or a living complex. The Alpha and I have already been discussing the need for possible homes so I am sure we can get this taken care of. Now,
is there anyone else? If you would feel more comfortable writing your requests please make your way to the Hutchens Burge Inn. I am going to place a suggestion box at the door, please feel free to use it.”
The pack began to talk amongst themselves. I looked at the hopeful faces of my people, feeling the deep, ancient bond of the pack settle firmly into my chest as each member officially accepts me as their Luna. I raised my hand, and the square silenced instantly.
"Your needs are heard, and your desires will not be ignored," I announced, my voice carrying a newfound, undeniable authority that echoed off the stone walls.
"But as we step into this new dawn together, I must give you my full vow. I stand before you not just as your spiritual guide, but as your sovereign. As of this moment, I officially announce that I am not just your Luna but the prophesied Queen."
For a second, the town held its breath. Then, a roar of cheers split the air, cementing my reign as the square erupted into laughter and chatter. Now the real work begins, I thought to myself, as I climbed back into the carriage and back to the Inn.