Beauty in the beast world-Chapter 342: Red thread

Mona walked inside the boisterous Lion tribe with her parents and important Witch masters from the Silver wolf tribe. Sheru had been busy with other matters which made him skip today’s occasion.

"The weather seems pleasant today," She heard her mother say, making her look up at the bright and clear sky. The weather indeed seemed pleasant, not too hot nor too cold. It was a breezy afternoon with the soft scent of wildflowers all around. The chirping of small birds and critters created an ambiance suitable for the crowning ceremony. As for her own ceremony back at the Tiger tribe, the weather didn’t seem very agreeable that day. It had been a snowy cold season with strong winds that could almost cut the skin. Alas, that was one of the most precious days to her. Standing by her beloved mate’s side made the day even more memorable.

Mona was sure that this was also the case with Lyra. This was the first crowning ceremony her sister in-law ever had, even after being the Queen of other tribes. It must be new and unforgettable for her to experience something like this.

"Mona!" Her thoughts came to a halt when she heard a familiar voice calling her. Lyra had a huge smile on her face and she walked towards Mona. Her ceremonial dress moved with the wind and so did her free golden hair. Mona thought Lyra looked beautiful. Her beauty seemed to only amplify with a small but regal crown resting atop her head.

"I’m glad you came" Lyra was very happy to see her sister in law. She had been stressed with having to mingle with unfamiliar faces that had come to the ceremony. Most of them were here due to an obligation and as well as to ’Be on the good side of the strongest tribe in the city’ by Noah’s words. They were amicable and full of smiles but Lyra felt like something was missing. On this day, she wanted to be with people who genuinely cared for Noah and her. Mona and the entirety of the Silver Wolf tribe were exactly that. They were not here out of obligation but out of Love and care.

"Mother, Father," after greeting Mona, she turned to the Lucas’ parents and gave them a brief greeting. The wolf Queen touched Lyra’s face affectionately, "You look beautiful, dear"

Lyra smiled in return and ushered them inside. She seated them in their designated places and called the servants to arrange for appetizers. Then she was about to return to her duties until Mona stopped her.

"Lyra?"

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" Lyra nodded until Mona added, "In private" the former wondered what made Mona look so serious while she asked that.

The two walked behind the plaza, away from the onlookers’ eyes, until Mona halted her steps, seemingly finding the appropriate place in her mind. Then she turned towards Lyra with a grim look on her face. Now that she saw closely, Mona’s eyes looked red with traces of tiredness around them.

"What’s wrong, Mona?" Lyra asked feeling worried, "Is everything alright?"

"I’m alright," Mona answered slowly, but Lyra frowned. ’You really don’t look alright’ was what she thought and wanted to say but held back. She didn’t want to sound rude. If Mona was saying something, then the least she could do was acknowledge it instead of probing her further.

"Okay," Lyra nodded, "I’ll get you something to drink...no, how about you take rest in the guest palace? The feast will not start until everyone arrives, it will take a long time, so...." She went on, suggesting, hoping to at least help Mona without doing anything rude.

Mona smiled understanding that Lyra was concerned. She held the latter’s hand, stopping her rambling before saying, "I’m fine, Lyra. Really." Then she took out a red thread from her animal skin pouch and started to tie it around Lyra’s wrist.

Before Lyra could ask, Mona started to explain, "This is the talisman that was granted to me by a wandering saint back in the Tiger tribe. He said that it will protect and safeguard the wearer from adversaries that might come for them"

Lyra’s eyes gradually shifted to the thread. It was a simple thread woven together in a pattern that resembled fish tail and crimson in color. She didn’t know why Mona was suddenly tying this on her wrist. A protection talisman? Protection from what?

"Are you sure about giving this to me, it seems precious....."

"I want you to have it," Mona said stopping her from speaking further, "You are with child, a girl one at that. Giving birth is like a rebirth for us females. We die and then are born anew. So it is wise to take any protection that is given" this was the only excuse she could come up with instead of saying the truth. How could Mona say the real truth when she herself didn’t know it properly? The vision she had in the Moon temple was vague and confusing. However, it was clear in showing that Lyra would soon fall into danger. And it was not some simple hurdle but a danger that would threaten her and her unborn child’s life.

Instead of saying unclear things and making Lyra and her brother panic, she thought it was better to lie. A lie that didn’t harm anyone seemed appropriate for the current situation.

"Thank you so much, Mona," Lyra said, feeling overwhelmed. She felt lucky to have so many people who loved and cared for her. Her gaze moved to her wrist as she whispered, "I’ll make sure to cherish this"

"You wearing it is enough" Mona vaguely replied before they both returned to the crowd. After chatting for a few minutes with the Wolf Queen, Lyra excused herself and went to the palace kitchen. The space was huge and intricate with large stone, clay pots. The height of the fire to start cooking almost came to her waist.

"Your majesty," Everyone in the kitchen bowed to her, showing their respect. Lyra acknowledged them and turned to the witch master, wanting an explanation for her summons.

The witch master, as always, was supportive and informed her, "Your majesty must choose the meat to cook the first dish. This is served to the Sun god"

Lyra nodded absorbing the new information, "Must I also cook it myself?"

The witch master was honest, "It is preferred yes, but not compulsory. Your majesty can do as you see fit"

"I’ll cook" Lyra quickly decided. It was not like she had to make the entire feast. A little amount to use in a ritual was manageable. Although she was not that talented when it came to matters in the kitchen, she knew enough by seeing her mates cook.