* * ☾ * *

Healer Rhea's POV

The introduction to her staff was almost blinding, but she was thankful for them all being human. The closest female that she would be working with held a bit of training considering their brothers were warriors, but she herself was working primarily in servitude to royalty.

Which most definitely spoke as to why Romulus chose her to join the group.

But after placing her things away, Irene explained that she had simply poured him a bit of wine during his birthday and she had been given the position outright. Irene is the one who designed and catered to the room and replaced the flowers throughout the castle.

As that was not the only memorial in place.

Yet the garden couldn't be seen all that well in her room, and so she decided it was best to just wait for Romulus' and his tour.

Upon the knock at the door, and the fully loaded carts had started to make their way into her room and set the area up for a private dinner, Rhea had turned rather embarrassed as she hadn't used her time all that wisely.

Between discussing things with her males, meeting her new servants, and taking a small nap while Irene placed her things away. There truly was no time to clean up properly. Though she doubted Romulus would mind, given that he would be the one coming from meetings.

With those delivering dinner exiting, a knock followed soon after—Leaving the attempt to fix her hair a complete failure, as she called out for him to enter, given that she didn't want him to linger outside the door and attract more attention to himself than he needed to.

"Ah, you didn't have to wait for me to start eating." Romulus offered, already taking off his outer coat and placing it onto one of her lounge chairs. Oh, he was certainly devious—whether he knew what he was doing or not had caused her to smile.

Somehow, Alpha males always wanted to spread their scent around and claimed the territory. It usually unnerved her when males were trying to do that, or when Osmin tried to take claim to the house.
While it is an instinctual movement, Rhea found herself actually liking the fact that Romulus was doing this.

Even if he didn't know he was letting off the clues himself.

On the flip side to it all, Romulus was pleased that Amory wasn't overly dressed—Hell, he was sure she only washed a bit, given that she didn't smell like flowers or any scented oils.

Granted, the meeting only lasted a few hours, and given that she had so much to do, there wasn't much room for any of it.

"It's rude to start eating when the planned company was coming. Though, I wasn't sure you would make it." She said with a smile, letting her cane rest against the table—Trying not to give it too much attention, but it was pointless, given that Romulus' eyes couldn't seem to move away from it.

"You didn't meet him, but Nelo crafted this for me."

"That isn't one of your males, is it?"

"No. And I wouldn't consider them my males, to begin with. I did what any other person in my position would have done." The King smirked as he poured both himself and her a glass of freshly squeezed juice. Knowing that Amory would favor that more than any sort of alcohol.

"From what I gathered you rushed into a burning camp, one that you created, and untethered them from their chains...I cannot name many who would do that. Human or wolf."

"Ray and Clive told you more than I thought."

"That Dane was on your father's guard? Yes. I know a great deal. But what I am missing is what happened to you, Amory." He offered the glass for her to take, and only followed her motion when she took the cautious sip.

She had been expecting a kick, but instead, he had chosen a fruity beverage. There was a bit of mead on the table, but even he didn't want to risk looking like a fool.

"I don't recall much, given the state I was in...From what others told me, I was in agony for months on end. Truly, I only survived because of the kindness of those loyal to the crown." She turned her eyes down, knowing that if she wanted to unlock that memory, the phantom pains would return in full force.

"With the struggle of the Kingdom and the reform having been as difficult on the humans as it was the wolves—The farm that housed all sorts of refuges was underfunded, constantly. Most of their funds went to my care. I don't think I rose until a year following my supposed death. It was a blur at most. The pain was unbearable at times I could hardly think."

"Amory— Had I known you were alive, I would have—"

"You were a child, Romulus. What could you have done?"

"I did a great deal with my father. He had a limit on life as well, everyone knew it." Perhaps saying everyone excluded Rhea. Though a small smile had found its way into the conversation. "I remember when you took the throne, I was oddly proud."

"Proud? That the young pup you looked after and saved finally claimed the throne?"
"I had little to look forward to, Romulus." He could already make out the dozens of possibilities that Amory had taken to stay alive. Gods, if he had only known she had escaped the flames, then she could have avoided the hardships. "But a King at eighteen? I will say I had you beat."

"You did, my Queen. You certainly did...But you will be surprised by how many of the humans within the Kingdom walls still see you as the rightful heir." Things had grown silent, and so Romulus had taken the first move of making her a plate.

Another very wolf action is to feed their female.

"You don't have to..." She began, but a growl from his inner beast silenced her instantly. So it was apparent that his wolf may know what they were up to.

"I want to," He claimed, all while clearing his throat. Trying to cover up the loss of control. "We are courting, aren't we?"

"Oh? We are? Is this our opening debut to our courtship?" It was playful, sure, but all the more refreshing in Romulus' eyes considering even Amory caught just how devious this plan is.

"Indeed it is, Amory—Though I wish we could do this publicly."

"I don't. We can get to know each other at our own pace. Though I am curious about the female who nearly snapped my neck." She had to give him credit for keeping himself contained, even if he breathed heavily for a few passing moments before returning to fill her plate high.

"She wouldn't have laid a finger on you, 'mory. Not while I am here."

"And when you aren't? It isn't realistic to think you will be by my side for all ends of the day. You said her father has a high rank in the courts? I'm not a fool to think that doesn't mean he has power. Otherwise, why would she be in line for being Queen?"

"Mariah isn't. I'd rather drink silver than even think about that possibility. And my beast full heartily agrees." Rhea felt comfortable enough to roll her eyes, all while accepting her plate from his hands.

Though didn't start eating until he had taken the first bite. Something he had undoubtedly caught as well.

"You don't have to wait for me to eat, Amory."

"Alphas eat first, I know that much. Besides, your beast doesn't understand the need for courting." That was also a truth that he hadn't considered, it would have been a method of waiting to become his equal.

There was little between them and the possibility of mating. Which she was still unnerved about, given that she truly never dared to ask personal questions such as that.

She could relay dozens of facts about hybrid pups, but the conception of one dawned on her curiosity.

Romulus was a fine-looking male. She always knew he would grow up to break a few dozen she-wolves' hearts. But why would he be so short-sided to remain with her?

"Could I ask for a truth, Romulus?" He had been in mid-bite, and so he placed down his fork and wiped his mouth with the spare napkin. "Course. This becomes a table of truths when we're in private here."

"Is that why you gave me such grand rooms?"

"Persay. The old printings of the castle have intricate tunnels to and from. My room has a hidden passage to yours." Rhea gawked as her cheeks had grown impossibly red with embarrassment. "And what purpose would that serve, my King?"

"I promised to keep the nightmares away. Now I can fulfill said promise without compromising your image."

"My image," She laughed. "My image is a feeble human with the favor of the King. We'll need to dismiss the idea that I have your ear."

"You have my ear?" He smirked, and she huffed impatiently at his teasing. Of course, he would find now the time to be so playful and loose. But given the day he had compared to hers, she supposed she could help him.

"Not in public, we're civil and I'll make some pointless arguments during the court meetings. I think it would do better to gather some support from the ones we want details from." Romulus pondered her proposal, leaving the room silent beside their silver clashing with the plate.

But truthfully, it would be best to play this role further.

"And our courting? You'll have to inform me of the standards of human courting."

"We will have to modify a bit considering it is usually public domain. But I believe we have a lot to learn about one another. We haven't seen one another in nearly thirteen years."

"And you look as breathtaking as ever." It left her speechless as she turned down and found interest at the bottom of her glass before she built the courage to speak once more. "I suppose flirting is a part of it."

"Is it?... Tell me, have I fit your image as Alpha King?"

"If you're asking if I think you're handsome, you're sorely mistaken, male. Appearance is a plus. I adore the academics behind a male, their loyalty, and their bravery. That, you're remarkable in." It was feeding his ego for certain, but that hadn't given fault to the loss of his grin.

"But you hadn't the will to seek me out."

"We're on opposite ends of the spectrum, Rom. If I approached the castle, coming to your throne as I am, what would you do?" It had silenced him, but at that point, Rhea truly did not have an appetite any longer.
So when she had pushed away her plate away, his fist had curled in damnation. "I did not mean for the conversation to turn sour." He whispered, not wanting to keep going on this train of thought.

"It was bound to become sour at some point...But perhaps it will prep you for the truth I wanted."

"Yes, yes. I apologize for getting so off-course."

"What is it you wanted to know?" Romulus was hopeful now that he redirected their conversation back to Amory's original question, but the pointed look was not at all what he had prepared for.

"If—If you meet your fated mate, what will happen to me?" His hard gaze had turned incredibly soft. "I doubt that will happen, Amory."

"But it is still a possibility." She retorted.

"One that should have happened a while ago. I don't want you worrying about it."

"How can I? My father has always said I love too hard. Say you do find them further down the line, what is in store for me?"

"I would have to make a choice on whether to reject them or not. But fated mates are rare. Please, do not worry over this." If he hadn't been worried about her emotions, he would have caught her mention of love.

Had she already sprouted a bit of love for him?

"These are topics for much farther in the courtship. We are still somewhat strangers, so my word does not count as much. But there haven't been many females who caught my attention." She could taste his truth in the air and nodded in agreement to hearing such a claim.
But it still made her anxious for an unknown reason.

As if thinking about him with another female was damning to her sanity and soul.

"What can I expect tomorrow?"

"An outrage, for you are the first female on my council." Rhea gawked and stood up from her seat in complete and utter disbelief. Though she did grip the ends of the table to stable herself. "What?!"

"There are very few women in politics."

"Yes, because usually, high-ranked women are under the demands of their families. You wouldn't catch a married noblewoman with a job!" So perhaps Romulus was still confused about the operations of a human female. And the way he had reacted, he hadn't known that at all. But Rhea had finally returned to her seat.

"Perhaps these meetings will be necessary, regardless if we speak about furthering our courtship."

"It's better than announcing our wedding in the morning, wouldn't it? The courts could call you unfit to rule. That's the last thing we need, as far as the damned councilmen know—They are moving without being watched."

"Humans partake in a celebration following their wedding, yes? I would say that is a perfect celebration of our victory." Good goddess, this male needed to learn more about humans, that's for sure!

But it did cause her to feel the warmth return in the pit of body, and he found some sort of appeal.

"Romulus, do you know what a honeymoon entails?" She asked, and Romulus easily shook his head. "It's a retreat for the newly wedded couple to enjoy time by themselves, isn't it?"

"You're correct, but the couples I have met, especially the inter-species couples find that the honeymoon is the time to connect...With each other."

"I don't understand."

"Sex, Romulus. A honeymoon is filled with sex." She couldn't handle keeping eye contact, but there was no going around it. Not when the damned bastard was being difficult.

"Ah. A fantastic idea. Perhaps humans aren't so ill to the concept." It was rather foolish to come forward with this much brash, but he needed a bit of toning. "Concept? Which concept are you referring to?"

"The endearing side of a relationship. A reminder just how much a male could love a woman."

"And a woman cannot love a man in the same manner?" He was trying to keep his breathing in order, but it was getting difficult—utterly difficult.

"Amory, have mercy on me."

"I will, for now...I think it would be best that you call for an early night if you're joining me for nightmare duty. But if you are caught up, I'll understand." She claimed, patting her napkin to her lips. "This was all so wonderful. However, I do not think it's best to eat so much rich food. Otherwise, my stomach will overturn."

"Tomorrow, I want you to go to the Healers."

"Ah, you cannot tell a Healer to seek medical help."

"I can and I will. As I am King." It earned him a squinted gaze as she shook her head.
"No." She offered, rising to her feet once more, but this time with her cane, and walked towards the couch.

"I had Irene wash this so I can return it...Thank you for letting me borrow it." She offered the bundle and he took it. Even if he wanted to leave it in her company, there would be plenty of times when he could leave his scent.

And his beast nearly begged for an early night for that very reason.

"Never thank me for that, Amory. It was an absolute pleasure...I won't be joining you until later." She nodded, but leaned forward and offered a small kiss to his cheek. It had been the first offered bit of affection on her end, and of course, he had melted into his boots.

"It might not feel like it once was between us, but I can see us growing to love each other." Romulus' attention had shifted between her gaze and lips, and he had chosen the former. Having dropped his cloak to the floor and encased her cheeks in his grasp as he leaned forward to kiss her.

Properly this time.

______

Date: 6/22/23

Time: 4:09

Words: 2849

Author's Note:

I think Romulus is going to be a little too excited over their Honeymoon, perhaps it's what sparked their kiss in the first place!
There won't be an update on Saturday as I'll be at my local Ren Faire for the majority of the day, so we'll hope for Sunday!