The Beta’s Regret

Queen Eden.

The name sounded like two simple words but carried a weight that seemed almost too heavy for me to bear.

I watched the crowd, the hope on their faces, the expectation. I was suddenly placed on a pedestal, like a golden image that the people marveled at.

I never felt anything like this before.

I felt a strong urge to cower, to slowly take a step back until I was far away from here, but I couldn't bring myself to move. Something or someone held me down. I could feel the soothing presence of the moon goddess... And I knew right then that I was born to do this, to lead.

My parents, Beauty and Adonis, stood by my side, their support like a solid pillar.

I felt vulnerable, being here among these people and receiving a reverence that was more than I had expected.

These people believed in me, not because of my heritage, they believed in my strengths despite my flaws, and now that my mate is gone, I would be the one to lead them.

And then, there was our baby too.

My eyes stung as I thought about the things I would have to do without Eros by my side. This might be a great challenge, but I would not back down. Not now.

I felt a strange sensation hit me in my chest; my mind was suddenly filled with thoughts of Eros, and I quietly craved him, his touch, the feel of him against me, his warmth, and, most of all, his love.

Even though everyone tells me he is gone, a part of me still refuses to believe it...

"Eden!" I heard Beauty say softly.

I turned to her, and she slowly nodded to the audience. "You should say something," she said.

I looked back at the crowd of people who patiently waited for the words I was going to speak.

I closed my eyes, a part of me willing all the strength I could gather, then I lifted my chin, and even though I felt a deep ache for my mate, I refused to let them see my loss. I needed to be strong, not just for myself, but for the people that have solely decided to put their trust in me.

opened my eyes and boldly met the stares of as many people as I could; then I placed a

are one people," I started. "United by love, trust, and loyalty. Some of us have lost our families." My voice broke. "Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers... mates

the people to soak in the

people shed tears that they

once held dear to our heart. Our souls have been torn from the

hear Tiana whine in my head. She mourned the loss

my father's arms once again, but

scratch if we have to, and rebuild together. We will reclaim what we once lost and rebuild

The people replied in a loud chant, followed

hopeful with my words, the fear in the air was heavy, and I knew that it would take much more

see Beauty and Adonis giving

are not alone in

way. We are with you, my queen." He said the

did

I wasn't alone.

here, I still had people who loved me and

me, I had something else that I hadn't

once more and held my hand up.

a meeting at midnight to discuss the

that, I stepped back, and the crowd murmured

****

night,

and my father, and the 20 representatives, stood before me in my tent, their faces

absent. She was taking care of my child and

needed to know everything I could so I

me about the battle? How bad did we

stepped out. Like my father, he had a scar that