Chapter 58: A Princess’s First Test
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
“That’s why I said it’s just a feeling,” Dorothy muttered, her tone uncertain. “It might not even mean anything. In fact, it’s probably ridiculous.”
Despite her hesitation, her words lingered in my mind. The Southern Duke was a war hero, celebrated for his bravery and even credited with slaying a legendary wizard. How could his daughter, Carolyn, be connected to something as sinister as witchcraft? The very idea seemed preposterous, yet I couldn’t shake the weight of Dorothy’s intuition.
Dorothy wasn’t the type to voice concerns lightly, and I trusted her instincts implicitly. If she sensed something unusual, there was likely some truth to it. Carolyn’s behavior needed closer scrutiny. I resolved to discuss this matter with my parents to ensure nothing sinister could unfold unchecked.
The next day, the royal tailor visited to help us design costumes for the Moonlight Festival. It was a tradition we all looked forward to, but the task proved more exhausting than expected. Mara, brimming with excitement, chose to embody a musician, while Avril settled on the powerful image of a Valkyrie. Dorothy, unsure of what to pick, opted for the “girl in the shadow“-a mysterious figure said to represent the Moon Goddess’s daughter, born of at union with a mortal witch.
We spent hours buried in fabric and lace, choosing designs that matched our chosen themes. By the end of it, even Avril, with all her energy, declared, “I’ve never imagined that picking clothes could be this exhausting!”
That evening, I suggested the girls visit the palace’s hot springs to relax. While Kara escorted them, I seized the opportunity to confide in my parents about Carolyn’s odd behavior.
“There’s something strange about Carolyn,” I began cautiously, my tone serious. “At the academy, she claimed to have a fiancé to justify taking a role in the drama, even though everyone knows she doesn’t have one. She comes across as gentle, but her actions seem calculated, even manipulative. It feels like she’s capable of stirring conflict without batting an
eye,”
My parents listened intently, their expressions thoughtful.
“And Dorothy,” I continued, “sensed magic fluctuations around her. Dorothy is a witch herself, so I trust her insight. If she felt something unusual, it can’t be a coincidence.”
Both my parents were aware of Dorothy’s true identity, and the mention of her observation
e Southern Duke’s only deepened their concern. Carolyn wasn’t just anyone–she was daughter and the heir to his pack. If something was truly amiss, it had the potential to spark serious consequences.
hapter 50–A Prends First THAT
“What do you suggest we do?” my father asked, his voice steady but probing.
The question caught me off guard. I had expected them to take charge of the situation, not seek my opinion. For a moment, I hesitated. Was truly qualified to suggest a course of action?
Sensing my uncertainty, my father leaned forward and said, “Don’t be afraid to speak your mind, Thelma. These are the kinds of decisions you’ll face in the future. As Queen, you will bear the responsibility of making choices for the good of the pack.”
My mother gave me an encouraging nod, her gentle expression urging me to trust my
instincts.
Gathering my thoughts, I began to outline my plan.
“First, we need to keep this matter confidential for now. If we act rashly or let the information spread, it could cause unnecessary harm to Carolyn, especially if this turns out to be a misunderstanding.”
My parents nodded, urging me to continue.
“Second, we must inform the Southern Duke. Carolyn is his daughter, and he has a right to know if she’s in danger. With his cooperation, we’ll have the resources and support to investigate further. No parent would want their child to be in harm’s way.”
“Go on,” my father prompted.
“Third,” I said, pausing to organize my thoughts, “we need to look into Carolyn’s schedule and social connections. If she’s been targeted by a witch, there may be clues in her recent activities. It’s possible she’s under magical influence, or worse, that she’s been replaced entirely.”
The words felt heavy as they left my mouth, but I pressed on.
“And fourth…” I hesitated, unsure whether I should voice my darker thoughts. Was it too cruel to suggest such a possibility?
My father noticed my hesitation. “Don’t hold back, Thelma. Speak freely,
Swallowing my doubts, I continued, “If we confirm that Carolyn has been compromised, we need to act decisively. If she’s under mind control, we should work to free her and identify the culprit responsible. But if she’s been replaced by a witch, it’s likely part of a larger scheme. In that case, we must find and capture the impostor or eliminate her if necessary.
When I finished, I glanced nervously at my father, dreading his reaction. Had I crossed a line? Was it wrong to suggest such drastic measures?
To my surprise, my father smiled, his expression one of pride rather than disapproval.
“Thelma, my daughter, you’ve impressed me,” he said.
I blinked, unsure if I’d heard him correctly.
“I didn’t expect you to approach this matter with such thoughtfulness and clarity,” he continued. “In fact, your reasoning is so sound that it reassures me the pack will be in capable hands when it’s your time to lead.”
“Wait,” I stammered, confused. “You’re not upset? I thought you’d be disappointed in me for suggesting such extreme actions.”
My father shook his head. “You’ve demonstrated exactly what’s required of a ruler–a willingness to make difficult decisions for the greater good. That’s not something to be ashamed of.”
My mother placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “You need to have more confidence in yourself, Thelma. You’ve shown great insight, and your instincts are sharper than you give yourself credit for.”
“But,” I murmured, “suggesting we ‘get rid of someone from the pack felt wrong. It made me feel… heartless.”
My father leaned forward, his tone firm yet kind. “Thelma, ruling isn’t about being heartless it’s about balance. Compassion is crucial, but so is strength. A ruler must sometimes make painful choices to protect their people. What you said wasn’t heartless; it was pragmatic.” His words settled over me, their weight both sobering and reassuring. I wasn’t heartless–I was learning what it meant to bear responsibility.
That night, as I reflected on our conversation, I realized how much I still had to learn. Leadership wasn’t just about making the right decisions; it was about having the courage to make them at all. This was my first test, and while the path ahead remained uncertain, I was determined to face it head–on.
