Chapter 272: Chapter 272 Tending the Pack
Phoebe’s POV
With Perry’s blessing, I found it much simpler to navigate the pack and manage everything that needed attention.
I began by relocating all the women who had been living outside the main pack house back to the omega quarters.
Since there were so many of them, along with their children, I decided to expand into the north wing of the house to accommodate everyone properly.
"Is this acceptable, my queen?" Wade questioned when I’d given orders for all the women to return to the omega quarters. "Does the king approve of this?" The young warrior’s expression showed clear concern.
Samuel stepped in before I could respond. "You think there’d be an issue with this? You never catch on, do you?"
Wade pressed his lips together and followed Samuel to assist the other women in moving to the omega quarters, abandoning their makeshift huts.
Watching the two of them bicker brought a smile to my face. I cared for both of them, though I wished Justin could be here too—he always managed to keep Samuel grounded and served as an excellent guide for Wade.
I shook off those thoughts. I’d lose myself completely if I kept dwelling on what-ifs.
Right now, every available warrior was helping with the relocation while the women packed their belongings, eager to move into proper shelter that wouldn’t flood during storms or become unbearably hot in the afternoon sun.
They kept stealing glances at me but seemed too intimidated to come closer, unable to process that their queen actually cared about their welfare. After enduring so much hardship, accepting such kindness felt impossible for them.
Jude approached me hesitantly, stammering her gratitude for saving her daughter’s life.
"She’s doing well now." Jude’s face glowed as she shared the update.
"That’s wonderful news. Could I see her?" I’d planned to visit Jude later, but since she was here now, I decided to go immediately.
"Of course, my queen." Jude eagerly led me to show Harlow’s progress in their hut.
Their dwelling sat deep in the forest, so the warriors hadn’t reached them yet.
"Hello, Harlow," I called to the little girl, who watched me with shy curiosity. She was awake and alert—an encouraging sign. "How are you feeling?"
Harlow glanced at her mother, seeking guidance on how to respond. Jude gave her an encouraging nod.
"I’m okay..." she whispered, unable to meet my eyes because she could feel the authority radiating from me.
"Wonderful. May I check your feet, sweetheart?" I stroked her hair gently as Harlow looked at me with interest, then pulled her legs from beneath the blanket.
I examined her feet carefully. The color had returned, though a few small marks remained, but I felt confident this little one would recover completely.
"You’ll be perfectly fine in a few days." I touched her cheek softly.
My words made her eyes sparkle with excitement. "Really? Can I play outside again? Can I go out?"
"Absolutely, but you’ll need your mother’s permission first," I replied with a laugh, watching as Harlow immediately began pleading with her mother for outdoor play privileges.
"Only if you take your medicine properly and finish all your meals," Jude said firmly, though her eyes overflowed with love for her daughter.
It was remarkable how deeply Jude loved her daughter, despite the circumstances of her conception. The child remained innocent in all of this.
Yet watching Harlow and Jude interact created an ache in my chest—a gaping emptiness that would never be filled.
I needed to leave before I couldn’t handle watching this tender scene any longer.
"Come to the kitchen this afternoon, and I’ll show you how to prepare Harlow’s medicine." I smiled at Jude, who thanked me repeatedly.
"Tell the queen thank you, quickly." Jude prompted her daughter.
"Thank you, my queen." Harlow beamed radiantly. "You’re so beautiful!"
I laughed at the sweet compliment. "You’re quite the charmer." I leaned down to kiss her forehead. "And you’re absolutely beautiful and adorable yourself."
——
Perry’s POV
"We’re prepared to depart tomorrow," Timothy reported to me. "Our people have secured the palace and mapped every secret passage inside." He passed the map to me. "Who are you considering for royal beta?"
I accepted the map from my gamma and scanned it quickly.
"Haven’t decided yet." I had several candidates in mind but remained undecided about who deserved such a significant appointment. The position carried enormous responsibility.
"Hmm..." Timothy stroked his chin thoughtfully. "What about asking Alpha Wallace to take the role? I believe he’s capable enough."
I looked at Timothy sharply. "You only think he’s suitable because you know you can push him around."
"Hey, I’m not that manipulative." Timothy scowled at the accusation. "How can you say that? He’s an alpha—how could I possibly intimidate him?"
I remained silent because regardless of Timothy’s protests, the truth was obvious. Timothy wanted Wallace as beta because he knew he could control the alpha. After all, Wallace was young and inexperienced, with much still to learn.
"I realize this isn’t my place to ask," Timothy said, his tone growing serious. "What are your plans regarding your heir?"
