Chapter 3 Challenger

One year later.

As Kieran removed the last bandage on my face, the room seemingly fell silent for a few moments before he cleared his throat and handed me a hand mirror. It has been a year since they decided to help me alter my appearance, and maybe it was due to my ability to heal fast as well, that…

“I looked… beautiful…” I gasped. “It seemed as if I didn’t get disfigured at all!”

The deep gashes over my eyes were almost non-existent, and my hair returned to its complete glory. Uncle Reuben and the elders also helped me finish my remaining studies about the Queen’s duties, and he also gave Kieran the task of preparing me physically for the tests. I don't have a clue how he managed to learn all of those with great skill. But even if I tried to press Uncle Reuben with the details, he kept on evading my questions. Kieran too.

Speaking of the devil, he just laughed and threw me a piece of paper detailing my errands for that day, without even letting me savor the moment of having a new identity. “Apologies, Your Majesty, but before the mirror breaks, you have to finish your tasks for the day. You still have to spar with me later.”

I secretly rolled my eyes and grumbled under my breath as I wore my apron once again, skimming through the list that he gave me. Kieran always had sarcasm in his voice whenever he called me ‘Your Majesty’, and I couldn’t help but feel the rather hostile— or indifferent— treatment of me compared to the other locals. I could feel the annoyance rising in me as I saw the chores he gave me. Sometimes, Kieran White never fails to make me feel as if I were his maid.

“Really, Chief? I have to wash your clothes?” I mumbled before turning and facing him. “Do you even have an idea how muddy your clothes were? Besides, I won’t be able to finish all these in a day—”

“Be present at the training ground by three in the afternoon. Don’t be late, Your Majesty,” he said, before taking off, his huge axe hanging from his shoulder. I cursed him in my mind as I started to gather my things, determined to finish everything before my training started.

My hands were already sore when I started to hang the clothes I had just washed. They were already shaking as I reached the training ground, where Kieran and a few of his men were sparring against each other. When he noticed me, he immediately slammed his opponent to the ground before dismissing the group. When everyone left, he turned to me and handed me protective gear.

“You’re late by a minute. Brace yourself, Hestia. You know the rules.”

I shielded my face with my arms as Kieran started to attack me, without even letting me breathe or check my gear properly. His hits were controlled, but even if he was holding back, I could feel the immense strength in them.

Kieran was strong, as strong as a Vassal to the Queen. Like…

Augustus.

In the blink of an eye, Kieran managed to slam me hard on the dirt floor, my mind going blank as soon as I remembered Augustus, my ex-husband. Groaning, I got up, while he was casually wiping away his sweat.

“Your Majesty, you have to focus on these trainings. I know you’re strong already, but it won’t hurt to get serious. If you don’t take these trainings seriously, then you had better do this revenge plan on your own.”

“Don’t you think it’s unfair? You had me running errands all day. I’m already tired as it is, Chief.”

His eyebrow raised. “And am I not tired, then? I hunted a boar for dinner, and Uncle Reuben had me prepare for tonight. You’re not the only one who’s tired, Your Majesty, so stop whining and focus.”

I managed to counter his attack with the shield he threw at me. I was well-versed with other weapons like guns and rifles, but pure, physical strength against a brute like Kieran White?

I’m better off signing my last will at this point.

“Guard your body properly, Queen,” he coldly said before he lightly hit the side of my neck with his hand. The force made me fall to the ground before he aimed the point of his axe at my neck. “Two wins in a row. If you still plan on going against Hunt and your sister, you'd better be signing your death wish now, Hestia. You won’t last long.”

Thinking quickly on my feet, I managed to sweep him off his stand and had him drop to the ground. Before he could pick up his weapon again, I locked him in his place by heavily pinning my knee against his chest, without any warning. “I didn’t think Uncle Reuben would task someone as airy as you to teach me, Chief.”

He smirked, his red eyes almost glowing under the glistening sun. “Don’t worry, Your Majesty. My lessons are just getting started. You haven’t seen the best of me, trust me.”

His lips twitched as he licked them, his gaze almost piercing right through me. I tried to look away, to no avail. Undeniably, Kieran was a handsome White Wolf. He had a rough demeanor, but it added to the allure that his red eyes held.

“Cat got your tongue, Your Majesty?”

“Shut up!” I said. “I won this time, so you better—”

“Uncle Reuben,” he greeted, before gently getting up and immediately greeting the previous chief. “What brings you here?”

The smile on his lips faded as soon as I got close. It became more… grim. “Today is the start of the Queen’s rituals. You have to act now, Hestia.”

“She’s not ready, Uncle,” Kieran protested. “She—”

“What do I have to do, Uncle Reuben?” I asked, before removing my gear and slamming it against Kieran’s broad chest.

He smiled at us before showing me a key to a car. When we got there, all of our things were already inside, along with a beautiful emerald dress and a white tuxedo for Kieran. My dress was paired with a white mask adorned with glittering jewels, while Kieran had the green one. I could hear that hot-tempered guy cussing under his breath as Uncle Reuben explained the plan. It wasn’t risky yet, but…

“Take a bath and wear these clothes. The location of the gathering is in Hunt Manor. When the High Priest asks if there’s still anyone who wants to challenge the future Queen, then that’ll be your cue. Wear the masks I gave you and do not remove them until you’ve left the Manor. There’s a home prepared for both of you to stay and Lind will drive you there,” he explained, before introducing Lind, a timid and lanky man about Kieran’s height. If I remember correctly, his tongue was cut before being thrown out of the Capital.

I wasted no time, while Kieran was still arguing with Uncle Reuben. After cleaning myself, I wore the emerald gown Uncle prepared. It hugged my body nicely, and the slit went all the way up to the side of my hip. Kieran still looked pissed and protective, so when I finished, he marched into the bath and cranked the hot water, and let it drip for a long time until I went outside and decided to wait for him in the car. However, I noticed the millisecond of staring from him before he vanished into the shower.

I didn’t know how long I was waiting for him, but all that I could remember was that he glistened under the moonlight when he stepped out of the house. Kieran had his white hair styled, and the white tuxedo complemented his features even more. He irritably glanced at me before opening the door and grabbing his mask.

“Look, Hestia. You'd better follow me later. No funny business. I mean it,” he grumbled as he tied the mask onto his face. “Remember what we agreed upon when I first took you in.”

I didn’t argue because my wolf could feel the rising agitation and anger in his. From what I’ve gathered, Augustus did something to him that became the reason why he became a Rogue. Aside from that, he was secretive about his own personal life.

The drive was almost an hour, and I kept fidgeting in worry that I wouldn’t make it in time. However, Lind was calm and a swift driver, and we managed to arrive just as the ceremony was about to start. He stayed in the car while Kieran and I stepped out to mingle with the partygoers.

It was… lavish. I could hear more cursing from Kieran as he escorted me into the hall, the two menacing Black Wolves standing guard, trying to recognize our scent. They let us pass. I let out a deep breath. But when I entered the brightly lit hall, I could feel my throat being choked by an unfamiliar unease as I saw the elites of the Lycan society, mingling and dancing at the expense of the Omegas and Whites who served them.

“Are you alright, Your Majesty?” I heard Kieran’s surprisingly gentle voice by my ear as we walked towards the side of the hall, away from the people. “Your hands are cold.”

“Just nervous.”

“Don’t be. I’ll be here. I know you think of me as a pain in the ass, but I’m not going to abandon you.”

His words were surprisingly… sweet. I couldn’t help but feel less agitated over Kieran’s words as the ceremony started. The High Priest, Castiel, a childhood friend of mine, walked into the hall, followed by Medea and Augustus, who wore silver matching ensembles, from masks up to their clothes.

My grip on Kieran’s arm tightened as I watched him being affectionate to my sister. Just a year ago, I was in her place. Now, it seemed as if he had completely forgotten me.

How cruel.

“My brothers and sisters by the moon, today we witness the beginning of the trials the new Queen must face to sit on her throne. This year-long ritual must be held with utmost honesty from the future Queen and her Vassal. Other claims to the throne of the Queen after this will be considered an act of treason, so express your thoughts now or hold your peace.”

I intently watched Medea’s face as a smile spread across her lips, savoring her triumph. I chuckled softly, knowing it would be her last.

Because I’ll make sure to give her back the hell that she caused me, tenfold.

“Well then—”

“Hestia, now’s your cue,” Kieran softly whispered to my ear as he gently pushed me forward, making a soft clacking of the point of my heels on the marble floor, breaking the silence in the room. This made everyone turn their attention to me, even Castiel. I smiled as I removed my mask, letting it hit the floor as Kieran stood behind me, watching in the shadows.

I almost lost my composure as I watched Medea’s face turn bright red in anger as the crowd gave way for me. I walked towards where the three of them were, still with a smile on my face.

“I, Hestia Locke, challenge you, Medea Cassandra Locke, in pursuit of my claim to the throne. Let Mother kn

ow that my words are true, and my heart is free of worries. Let the victor be crowned Queen.”