Chapter 176: Queen Ariana’s Step Forward
"No," Raven immediately declined, as he did not want that at all.
Pandora stared at him, surprised. She had not expected him to say it that way. She did not mind going to the war herself, but the firmness in his voice caught her off guard.
Raven’s face immediately turned more serious as he spoke.
"We both know it is not safe, and I would blame myself. I would hate myself if anything bad ever happened to you, so please, I beg you, stay." His tone softened as he pleaded.
Pandora did not expect the apology; it caught her off guard. She finally nodded, a smile resting on her lips. The sincerity in his tone—the way he had pleaded...made her heart race, and she finally agreed.
Raven pulled her close as she lay down. Pandora lay beside him as well, and they hugged, cuddling. She looked up at him.
"And you too, come back, because if anything happens to you, I would blame myself as well for not coming with you," she said firmly.
Raven almost chuckled to himself. This woman of his was really stubborn, and he loved it. Her saying this gave him even more strength. If the queen decided to go, then fine—as long as things worked out well, he did not mind. In fact, he was ready.
Or maybe it was because he wanted to come back and see Pandora. A soft smile rested on his lips as he kissed her head, and they both closed their eyes to sleep.
☆☆☆☆
The sun had not set yet; the outside was still slightly dark. Ariana stood while Leah did the straps of her gown. Her gown was not heavy—just a simple, light brown piece. Her hair was packed into a tight bun, her face calm and collected. She was not wearing makeup. Ariana rarely did; she was not really into it, and even when she did wear it, it was very light, and that was all.
Her eyes flickered to her baby. She trusted Leah to take good care of her. Leah smiled softly, understanding exactly how Ariana was feeling. As a mother, she knew—the queen was taking a risk, but there was no changing her mind. Yesterday, she had tried her very best.
"Luna Ariana, are you sure you don’t want breakfast? Even something small—please, eat," Leah begged. It seemed Ariana was not planning to eat anything yet, as she had told her not to prepare anything for her, and that breakfast should only be made when Lady Stephanie and the Queen Mother woke up.
She had mixed feelings, yet her eyes were determined. She was the only solution. Once the vampire had her, everything would be fine—that was what they wanted.
She knew it. From what she had heard about how obsessed the vampire king was with his wife, she was certain he was not planning to back away. They were two immortals fighting; this had been going on for almost a year, and there was no sign of stopping. She could not wait any longer—she needed to fight as well.
If she could save the kingdom, then that was what she would do. She was just a little worried about Zavren. She did not even know how to face him after months of silence. She pressed her lips together, trying to maintain a calm expression.
"Luna Ariana, do you still want to think about it?" Leah asked worriedly, noticing the deep, constant breaths the queen took.
Ariana smiled at her words and shook her head.
"Thank you, Lady Leah, but no. I need to do this. Don’t forget to tell little Vreni every day that I love her so, so much," Ariana said. She wanted to cry, but she held it back.
She needed to stay strong, both as a mother and as a queen. If things worked out—which she was determined they would—she would come back with her husband, King Zavren, and they would be a complete family.
"I am done," Ariana nodded. She was wearing low, strong boots, not too high, but sturdy.
She moved as Leah opened the door with a bow. Ariana nodded, her eyes landing on her sleeping baby once more. She mouthed, I love you.
With that, she walked through the hallway and down the stairs. She needed to see them—the Seer and Raven were already there. Raven had woken up extremely early to meet the Seer and deliver the queen’s words so they could head out together.
Ariana finally reached the living room. The Seer and Raven stood there, the air serious. As soon as Ariana came into view, they bowed and greeted her.
"Your Grace," Ariana curtsied gently. She could see the concerned look on the Seer’s face. Just as she had expected, the lady also wanted to advise her—or perhaps convince her not to go.
"Luna Ariana, please. I am aware you are worried about the war, but you being there is a huge risk—not to the werewolves, but to the vampires. If you were to die in the process, more war would erupt between the two kings. The reason for the fight is Senerp..which is you. That is why we need you to please rethink this, my queen. Please," the Seer pleaded.
In fact when they were coming, Raven had told her about the queen words, the Seer had tried to see anything about the future, but her vision was blocked—meaning this was not in her control. Perhaps the Moon Goddess was taking control now.
Ariana smiled softly. She knew they were trying to help her, but this was what she wanted. The determination she felt deep down made it seem as if nothing could ever frighten her again.
There was silence as they waited. Raven waited patiently, believing the queen might change her mind. To his surprise, she spoke.
"I understand you want the best for me, but I have made up my mind," she said with a soft smile.
The Seer bowed. This was all she could do. She knew the queen had decided, and now she had to obey.
"Very well, my queen. As you wish. The carriage is outside, with fruits, supplies, and water. We can leave now," the Seer said. Raven remained silent. This meant he would have to protect the queen at all costs, which he would. He did not know how His Majesty would take this news, but that was not his concern—he had to obey her. She was now in command.
Ariana smiled with a graceful nod as they walked to the carriage. The Seer would follow, using her magical powers to protect the queen. That was what should be done.
Outside, it was already dark—midnight late. If the horses went fast, they would reach their destination by evening...or perhaps by tomorrow morning.
They entered the carriage. The Seer sat to one side, Ariana on the other, while Raven began to drive. The Seer’s eyes lingered on Ariana. She could not help but admire this woman. The courage she had was inspiring, so much so that it impressed the Seer deeply. Thoughts like these had never crossed her mind before.
The soft clopping of the horses and the moving carriage filled the air soothingly. Knowing she would be leaving, Ariana had handed her duties to Stephanie, who would take her place for the meantime. With the Queen Mother’s knowledge and guidance, everything would go smoothly.
"Luna Ariana, are you willing to lend your blood to the Vampire King’s wife to save her?" the Seer asked.
Ariana, whose eyes had been staring out the window, finally turned.
"I am willing to do that. I have no problem with it," she said casually.
The Seer nodded before adding, "Your blood is powerful as well. Are you aware that this means she would be twice as strong and harsh because of the Senerp?"
Ariana went silent. She had no idea the Senerp was so powerful. Was that why Fredrick had chosen to marry her despite having a lover? she wondered.
The carriage finally stopped in front of the castle gates. As the gates opened and the carriage moved out, Ariana felt the unease she had been feeling earlier ease slightly.
She wondered what would happen if she saw Zavren. She hoped he wouldn’t get distracted and that he would remain focused. She did not want to be the cause of more destruction—she wanted to save, not worsen things.
There was silence in the carriage until Ariana decided to ask.
"Are you also aware of the Fourth War vision?" she asked softly, staring at the Seer, who seemed momentarily shocked before returning her expression to normal. She knew she had not told anyone.
"Yes, Queen Ariana," the Seer spoke respectfully.
"You are aware that one of the kings is bound to die?" Ariana asked. The Seer nodded, and she continued,
"The prophecy states that either one of the kings dies, or one becomes mad."
Ariana’s eyes widened; she had not expected that. It seemed the Queen Mother had truly left many things unsaid, as the Seer continued.
"This means the bond of mates would not remain—their memories wiped, and internal torturing madness would follow."