Chapter 24: Chapter 23~ Personal Advisor ?

Orion’s POV~

I held Renata’s hand as we stepped through the gates..we could hear whispers of ‘the king has returned’ and everyone running around to alert everyone else. The Moon Goddess leaned over to Renata and whispered “They think it’s only been a few months since they lost the former king” and Renata gasped! She scolded “You really dropped the ball on this one, Mother Moon! These poor people! They are in for serious shell shock! For shame!” I watched the Goddess hang her head…and fought the laugh back! My mate chewing the Moon Goddess’s ass for being careless! Good times!

Looking around, I could see mountains rising majestically to the west..the land was vast..the borders denoted by the faintest of shimmers.. I asked “ The lines of shimmering air..those are the borders?” And Selene looked shocked “You can see them? Reni? Can you see them?” At Renata’s nod..the Goddess clapped her hands and says “Those are the wards..to alert you to any intruders, not accessing checkpoints! A safety precaution of sorts. Like your security cameras…I believe!” We laughed.

I turned to Brian..”I believe us to be somewhere in Colorado..maybe southern Wyoming…Those mountains appear to be part of the Rockies..Incredible to think this has always been here! As soon as you have coordinates..alert Matthew. And get our people on the move! We are going to need them!” I stepped to the middle of the town square and allowed Heracles forward.. his voice projected “Attention! All people of HoundsKingdom! There will be a meeting in the courtyard of the palace in one hour. I will explain all that you will need to know, for the time being. In the coming weeks..all your questions will be answered! Thank you!”

We made our way to the palace and the doors stood open…with staff members lined up outside, on either side..a stately gentleman stepped forward and bowed “Your highness, I am Gerard.. Head Butler..in charge of the staff.” I shook his hand while he looked at me..shocked..and I told him “Things will be done differently with this regime. The queen will request an audience with you in a day or two, to explain the changes. Until then, carry on, as usual!” He nodded..and moved to dismiss the staff. This is going to be difficult!

We toured the palace.. looking at relics of a past, we never knew existed. What if Elden had succeeded? What if he had killed Renata? Killed me? All hellhounds would be lost forever! This kingdom…trapped in time, forever! I know a war is coming. And we will be prepared!

I look out over the courtyard, filled with about 300 people. I asked Selene “Is this all that was left after the battle?” She nods sadly..”They were all I could save..and only then, by enchanting the borders. I am grateful to Alice..every day! Without earth’s glamour…these hounds would not have survived!” I nodded and whispered “Thank you, Mother Moon” and I addressed the throng

“My name is Alpha King Orion Demeter! Our Queen…Luna Queen Renata Demeter! While time has stood still here..in our kingdom…The entire world has continued changing and evolving.. in 16 days, on the next full moon, we will hold the official coronation..and reopen and reintroduce our home…to the world! In a few hours..other hounds will be joining us…an estimated 12,000 will arrive! Do not be alarmed! They are hellhounds! We are back! And we will remain! Please be patient with the rest of your pack, as they arrive…they have much to teach you..and you have much to learn! There will be many public announcements in the days to come…for now, know you are safe. You will remain safe. And times are changing for the better!” The crowd went wild.. shouting “Long live Our King and Queen “… and Renata smiled at me.. linking ‘ I’m proud of you! I love you so much!’ And I pulled her into me for a kiss.

Brian speaks up “The council has made their decision..and are requesting our presence!” Selene in turn, remarks..”I will take you to the portal, and then, I must leave you. But I will be watching.. always watching”… and Brian smirks “stalker” while she just giggles.

Entering council chambers caused a weird feeling to wash over me. Oh yeah! These guys are history. There is an intense negative vibe here! Aaron barked “Rise for your king! Have we been so long without a monarch you have all forgotten proper protocol? On your feet!” And they all shot up from their seats while my bride hid her giggle!

Abraham asks “Allow me to read the press release? I will amend it as I see fit and pass it back” and they handed him two sheets of printed paper. Quentin spoke “Orion..” and Aaron barked again “You address him as ‘Your Majesty…Your Highness…or Sire’ Using his given name without permission is tantamount to treason!” I link him 🐺 Is it me..or has Achilles fallen directly into his role as Royal Beta?’ 🐺 He’s making me crazy! Side-eyeing everyone as a potential threat! Refusing to tolerate anything he perceives as disrespect! Instructing ME on my duties! The mutt is telling Me how to do my job!’ And I couldn’t stop my laugh.

Abraham passes the pages back to Quentin.. he said “I have only made a few changes..and that only to pertinent information. The king was not ‘found’ he was born…he was not ‘chosen’ he was anointed… he not only was anointed…his royal appointment was dictated by the fates! The press release will be delivered at precisely 8 pm tonight! This gives us time to get back to the kingdom and prepare for the furor which will occur. Afterwards… the king and queen will meet with you. All of you”

I looked at each man… and I ask “You have all agreed my claim to the throne is authentic and valid?” And every man nodded.. I replied “Excellent! We take our leave” and spun on my heels..leading my mate and our group to our vehicles…hauling ass out of there for the three hour drive to the kingdom.

I spoke “Brian…have electricity be the first priority for our people..tell the men to get that up and running first..have as many people working to get running water.. Abraham..I want to perform the ascension ceremony for the three of you, as soon as we get back to the palace. You will all feel a shift in your power so I want you prepared! Aaron…get on the phone with Matthew..have him ask Tim to order electronics..television..computers.. everything we need to set up a security network. Let him know we need it today! I am sure Kenneth or Charles have kept Matthew apprised of the day’s events thus far.”

Renata sighed “This is happening so much faster than we anticipated. It’s good…in as much as, it will throw Elden’s plans for a loop. But it also gives him more time to plan and plot. And without the book anymore..he will be relying on memory..and that makes for a dangerous enemy!”

I nod, agreeing with her..as I pull her closely, I mention “We need to eat! My Queen and pup need chocolate!” And she laughs and claps her hands “Chocolate! The sustenance of the Gods!” “Yeah…I’m not too sure about that” I laugh! We ended up at a fast food drive thru for some quick burgers and a chocolate milkshake. Within minutes of finishing, Renata was in my lap…napping!

Abraham asks “What are your plans for the council?” And I sneered “They are done! I want to establish a team of 15 advisors.. I will offer Charles the position of lead advisor. He will always be the tiebreaker in any even vote. I am wondering, Abraham, if you will accept the position of personal advisor…my ear to the people…only you will have access to me 24/7 in all matters political. Your background in law will go a great distance in getting our kingdom where we need to be. Every department head answers to you and you bring it to me. With the exception of my dad and brothers..the only people I truly trust are in this truck! I know it’s an important decision…so take your time my brother!”

Abraham sat several moments..mulling over what I had laid out in front of him! It is a lot of responsibility..but I know he is capable! He cleared his throat and says “I will accept! There are several particulars I would ask we hammer out, before I am sworn in..as..what would my title be?” I reply “Personal Advisor to the King?” We laughed and he said “Well…that’s hefty!” And we laughed again!

Arriving at the gates of the kingdom..we are stopped immediately by a sentry “State your business “ he ordered and Aaron cracked up! He says “I like it!!” And we laughed again! I put my window down and said “Let us pass” and the sentries parted to the sides of our vehicles. The looks of shock and amazement on the faces of the residents was funny! This is going to be interesting! We exit the car and Aaron stops. His eyes change to his wolf and we all watch him scent the air.. he whispers “Mate” and takes off…

Renata giggles…she smiles “Interesting indeed! I have my Beta female! Oooohhh! I am so excited!” And Brian says “It doesn’t take much, Reni!” And we laugh. He’s right…she gets excited over the smallest things! I love it! It makes the world brand new, when we see it through her eyes! I look at everyone and tell them let’s get started