Chapter 9
Nine
Hilda
Two weeks have passed since my wolves shattered the mirror, and I’m still getting used to the changes.
Not just in me…though those are significant. I’m softer, quicker to smile, slower to anger. The constant loneliness that used to eat at me is gone, replaced by three golden bonds that hum constantly in my chest.
But the castle has changed too.
My wolves have claimed it as thoroughly as they claimed me.
Baylin prowls the halls in wolf form half the time, terrifying guards and delighting in it.
Arkan has taken over organizing all safety matters, reorganizing everything to his exacting standards.
And Callum… Callum guards me. He just follows me everywhere, like he can’t stand to be more than a few feet away from his omega.
The court has adjusted. Mostly they’ve learned that their queen is different now, and that’s not a bad thing.
I’m in the throne room reviewing trade agreements when the commotion starts.
“Your Majesty!” A guard bursts in, looking a bit too excited. “There’s a prince at the gates, requesting an audience.”
All three of my wolves tense instantly.
Callum, who’s been lounging in a chair next to the throne, sits up.
“He’s from the neighboring kingdom,” the guard says. “He says he wishes to speak with our queen about… about Lady Snow White.”
Ah, the prince Snow mentioned.
“Let him in,” I tell him with a warm smile.
“Hilda…” Baylin starts, moving closer.
“It’s fine.” I stand, smoothing my dress. “This was expected.”
“We don’t know him,” Arkan growls. “What if he’s a threat?”
“We all know you’ll stay close and protect me if needed.” I touch his face gently. “But you’ll also let me handle this. I’m still a queen. I still have duties.”
“Fine,” Callum grumbles. “But we’re staying.”
I smile again, heart filled with love. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
The prince is announced moments later. He’s young…maybe in his early twenties. Handsome in a clean-cut, princely way. Nothing like my rough, scarred wolves. He’s wearing formal attire, clearly trying to make a good impression.
He stops when he sees me, and his eyes widen slightly.
I know what he’s seeing. The Queen, yes, but not the cold, terrifying Evil Queen he’s probably heard about. I’m wearing a simple gown…beautiful but not ostentatious. My hair is down. And I’m surrounded by three massive alphas who are very clearly mine.
The bite marks on my skin are visible. I’m not hiding them.
“Your Majesty,” he says, bowing. “Thank you for agreeing to see me.”
“Prince…” I pause, realizing I don’t know his name.
“Caspian, Your Majesty. Prince Caspian of Calva.”
“Prince Caspian.” I settle back onto my throne. Callum moves to stand next to it, one hand on the armrest. Protective. “I understand you’ve been courting my stepdaughter.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” He’s nervous, shifting his weight. “I’ve come to formally request your permission to ask for her hand in marriage.”
Next to me, Callum relaxes. Not a threat then. Just a lovesick prince.
“You wish to marry Snow White,” I smile.
“I do, Your Majesty.” His voice is earnest. “I know what you must think…that I’m just another prince looking for a political alliance. But I care for her. Truly. She’s kind and good and…”
I study him. He seems genuine. And Snow had spoken well of him.
“You have my blessing,” I reply simply.
He blinks. “I… what?”
“You have my blessing. And my genuine hopes for both your happiness.” I lean forward. “Snow White is a great girl. She deserves someone who will treat her well, protect her, and cherish her. If you can do that, then you have my full support.”
Prince Caspian looks stunned. “I… thank you, Your Majesty. I didn’t expect… that is, I heard that you and Lady Snow White were…”
“At odds?” I supply, grinning. “That’s in the past.”
His eyes flick to my wolves, then back to me. “I can see that, Your Majesty.”
From behind me, Baylin makes a low sound…not quite a growl, but close.
“These are my mates,” I introduce. “Callum, Arkan, and Baylin.”
Prince Caspian manages a smile, bowing slightly. “Lady Snow White mentioned you had found your pack. She seems genuinely happy for you. She said you seem happy.” He hesitates. “If I may be honest, Your Majesty, the stories we heard about the Evil Queen… they don’t match the woman I see before me.”
“The Evil Queen is dead,” I answer quietly. “I’m just Hilda now. A queen, yes, but also an omega with her pack. And I want Snow White to have the happiness I’ve found.”
Prince Caspian bows again. “Then I will do everything in my power to give her that happiness, Your Majesty.”
“See that you do,” Callum rumbles, his first words since the prince entered. His voice carries clear threat. “Because if you hurt her, you’ll answer to us.”
“We protect ours,” Arkan adds.
Prince Caspian swallows hard. “Understood.”
I wave a hand. “You may go, Prince Caspian. Give Snow White my blessing and my love.”
He bows once more and retreats, clearly relieved to escape.