Chapter 19

(Back in the Wolf Kings Castle)

The Wolf King decided to host the Naming Ceremony inside the walls of his castle immediately. He felt that it was too important to hold off any longer especially with the Tiger Queen advancing on their Kingdom. The Wolf King had cleared out his dining hall and put in tables everywhere. He had the food being prepared as well. Some of the best cooks in the kingdom were invited to come and work in his kitchen. Plenty of esteemed families were showing up to attend the ceremony and offer food, gold and blessings to the cubs and when guests from other Kingdoms came he gave them accommodating rooms within the castle and invited them to the dining hall as well. Princess Artemis on the other hand became overwhelmed by all of the attention her and her cubs were getting so suddenly. She was used to being secluded and kept away by Grandma Shuu but now she had to sit back and let these people come take a look at her and her cubs. At least they were genuine and generous towards her and her family. While Artemis and the other adults were getting washed up and changed into furs sent by The King himself the nannies were washing the cubs up.

Little Wen had to help the nannies get the cubs under control. They were all confused yet excited and could not sit still long enough for the nannies to get them fed and bathed. Eventually Little Wen herself couldn't even get the cubs to calm down. She ended up going to Jenny and Artemis shamefully asking for help. Artemis and Jenny both went to the nursery to see what was going on. The cubs had really started to make a lot of noise and ruckus and even they could hear it. Artemis was the first to respond to seeing the mess of food and water everywhere. She gasped and shrieked, grabbing her hair. All of the cubs stopped what they were doing and turned to face Artemis. The nannies, who were actually men, ran into the corner cowering with the female cub who seemed to be the only behaved cub. "You four need to stop this! Look at this mess!" Artemis yelled frustrated. Danny, Bowen, Kasper and Apollo all showed up to see why Artemis was so angry. They saw the mess as well and shook their heads at the cubs. "You rascals. You are going to drive your Mom and Aunt mad. Sit down and get cleaned up!" Apollo said to the cubs. The King also came to see what was going on. Everyone bowed and greeted the King as he walked into the nursery and looked around. "Don't tell me you four Apes can't handle a bunch of toddlers?" The King asked amused. "Well they're not bad, they were just upset because they wanted to wear fur too like the little Princess!" One of the Ape Beastmen said to the King.

Artemis took another look at the men again and then another look around the nursery. "Still. They can't be allowed to throw a full episode like this." Danny said. "I'm warning you! I will never let you outside again!" Artemis threatened. Danny and Bowen and Apollo cleaned up the cubs' mess quietly as the small crowd started to disperse. It was Kasper who broke the silence by snickering. He stood up tall and smiled down at the seven cubs who were watching him. "My Prince's. You can't get all worked up over a female's clothing." Kasper said to them. "Put all of that energy into cultivation so that you can finally shapeshift into little men and wear a man's skirt!" Kasper added tugging on his fur skirt. Artemis and Jenny burst out laughing and then left the nursery with the Little Princess followed by Little Wen. "What a busy day ladies" Artemis said as she let out a tired sigh. "It's not over yet Princess!" Jenny beamed excitedly. Did you see the way those Ape Beastmen were staring at us?" Little Wen asked. Artemis nodded her head. "They were reading us. Studying us like books. Learning. I could sense it the whole time I stood there." Artemis said. "They were kind of hot. Do you think they're going to be at the mating ceremony?" Little Wen asked out loud. Artemis and Jenny both stopped walking and looked at Little Wen with shocked expressions. "Someone is in heat!" Artemis said in a low voice. "I really didn't mean to say that. I was only thinking about it a little!" Little Wen said defensively. "That's how I know you're in heat sweetheart. Hurry and go to your room. Kasper will be along shortly" Artemis said smiling. "But the Naming Ceremony!" Little Wen objected. "To your room! You don't want Kasper looking for you anywhere else once your heat Hazes him for the first time." Artemis warned. Little Wen decided not to be nervous and avoid her mate. This is the moment they both have been waiting for. If they can mate they could probably get pregnant this time. Little Wen bowed to Artemis and then trotted off towards her room Artemis watched her go with a proud look on her face.

The Naming ceremony had finally begun. Everyone was gathered into the huge hall with the Wolf King sitting on his throne. "Hello everyone. Thank you for coming out to celebrate with me. Despite the darkness making its way over our skies once again I felt it was just the right time to shed some light." The King said. "I have thought a lot about what I'm going to say next. I wanted to make sure I truly considered my late mate, my late daughter and now my granddaughter and my great granddaughter as well as my Grandson and Great Grandsons. First I want to introduce you to the Queen of the White Wolf Kingdom. My Granddaughter. Queen Artemis." The Wolf King Announced. Everyone responded with gasps, even Artemis did but then they cheered and clapped so loudly. "My King?" Artemis asked, confused. "I see great things coming from the Wolf Kingdom. That could even include creating new allies and gaining new territory." The King said to Artemis. "The Queen of the White Wolf Kingdom with her Mate the White Wolf King, Daniel as well as her King Consort, the White Eagle Bowen." The King said to everyone. "The Princess has done such wonderful things to earn such titles and recognition. She was born a White Wolf for starter's. The long lost tribe of White Furred Wolves are said to have been legendary, strong and powerful. They upheld righteousness and they protected the weak. I see all of that in my granddaughter and I think she makes a great powerful Queen!" The King said to everyone.

The King's announcement was interrupted by groans and crying cubs. The King looked over and everyone sitting at his table doubled over in their seats shaking and glowing. The cubs were rolling around howling. "Xhi'er?" The King asked worriedly. "They are gaining more stripes my King!" Yozar said, slowly walking towards the King's table. "What?" The King asked confusedly, "Your words hold weight. They all have advanced in their power and they are changing to represent their Queen." Yozar said. Yozar dropped his bag and his walking stick and kneeled in front of the Wolf King. "My King. I have returned. My mission is complete!" Yozar said exasperated. "My friend, you have done well." The King said, offering Yozar his hand. Finally the Groans and cries of the cubs stopped. Artemis was the same except she had a tattoo on her wrist. It was literally the shape of a stripe. Kasper, Apollo, Danny, and Bowen were all on their second or third stripes now and Jenny and Little Wen were sporting their first stripes too. Not only did they all get their stripes the cubs got them as well. Everyone had white hair now including Bowen but not Artemis and the cubs. Everyone in the crowd were shocked and amazed and whispered to each other about how powerful the Princess must be. "Look everyone. Queen Artemis and her White Wolf Kingdom!" The King said, showing them off.

Dozens of young adult male and female Wolves stood up and started jumping and waving their hands. "I pledge myself to the White Wolf Kingdom. I wish to serve the Queen!" They all yelled. "Very well, very well! Go home. Discuss this with your families. Then come back tonight to enter into the Mating Ceremony as citizens of the White Wolf Kingdom. You will have found mates and established a foundation to build a household on." Yozar said to any Wolf Beastman ready to pledge themselves to The White Wolf Queen. They all were so excited even Artemis could feel it. "Don't worry Xhi'er you will do great as a Queen, just follow your instincts!" The King turned and told her. "You honor me greatly, My King." Artemis said, bowing her head. The King smiled wide and then turned back to the crowd. "Now it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you more members of the White Wolf Kingdom. The Queen's children and her brother's children as well!" The King gestured to the end of the table where the Ape Beastmen were sitting with all of the cubs. "Queen Artemis has five cubs. Christopher the First Prince. Knox the Second Prince. Walker the Third Prince. Brayden the Fourth Prince and Winter the First Princess!". The crowd clapped and cheered for the cubs and the Wolf King stood there smiling proudly. "Prince Apollo and His Princess mate have three cubs. Their First Prince Ben. Their second Prince Atticus and their Third Prince Joshua." The King said, finally introducing all of the cubs. "What a great Royal Family!" Some people exclaimed.

The naming ceremony went on for a little while longer until people started to excuse themselves and leave to go get ready for the Mating Ceremony. Overall the Naming Ceremony was a success. People really showed a lot of support and love for Queen Artemis and her family. Now they had to strengthen their army and get ready to Defend the Two Wolf Kingdoms from the Tiger Queen. The hall was now empty except for the King and Queen Artemis and her family. Bowen kneeled in front of Queen Artemis. "My Queen." Bowen said to her, making her stomach flutter. "Yes my love?" Artemis answered. "I am going to go help the Ape's get the cubs settled down. You and King Daniel should get ready for the Mating Ceremony." Bowen said to her. "We should what?" Artemis asked, confused. "Get dressed up…?" Bowen asked her. "Why should I be going to the Mating Ceremony?" Artemis demanded. "My Queen, you were comfortable as a Princess with only two mates to protect you. Now that you're a Queen with Royal cubs you should consider bringing in another formidable King Consort to hell keep you all safe." Yozar interrupted, saving Bowen. "The Witch Doctor is right, one or two more won't hurt" King Maximus said "But Papa!" Artemis complained. "No but's. Even your mates know that this is true" King Maximus said. "Papa is right, my Queen. I am going to attend with Jenny later on as well and we will find a second mate for her tonight" Apollo told Queen Artemis. Jenny didn't say anything but she gave Queen Artemis a look of sympathy. "I will be there as well to make sure you find the right mates!" Kasper offered. "As your uncle I will always help make sure things are straight so don't worry." Kasper told his niece and nephew. "Even if you don't find a mate tonight you can still have fun. There will be wine and pipe smoking and entertainment!" Yozar interjected.

With everyone speaking up Queen Artemis was heavily outnumbered. She couldn't escape this ordeal. Danny could see the defeat in her hesitation and silence so he saved her from more lectures by standing up and offering her his hand. "Let's go, my Queen!" Danny said to her. Queen Artemis quickly stood and let Danny pull her out of the hall while everyone else bowed saying goodbye. Danny got her away from the hall and then he began to speak. "I know how you feel about being pressured and I don't want that but your Papa and your brother and uncle were right. The Tiger Queen is on her way with her army and a Snake King and his army. You becoming the White Wolf Queen was a great thing but makes the target on your back bigger. I want you safe at all costs, my Queen." Danny said to her. "My King. Aren't you ever selfish? Wouldn't you rather have me and the cubs to yourself?" Artemis asked Danny. "Yes and no. I can't fully control that though. Times like these calls for unselfishness and responsibility," Danny said to her. They had made it to the door of their chamber's and were holding each other's hands. "Lets go get you bathed and changed" Danny said to her. As soon as they were in the room they were greeted by a handful of men and women holding basins, rags and clothing. "We have come to help you" an Ape Beastman said, stepping forward. "Who's idea was this?" Artemis asked, sounding very intimidating. "The King picked us to serve the King and Queen," another Ape Beastman said, stepping forward. "You were taking care of the children?" Artemis asked, recognizing these Ape Beastmen. "We were told to care for them as well, my Queen."

Reluctantly Artemis let the Beastmen and Beastwomen wash up her and Danny and get them dressed. Danny only wore a white fur around his waist. His long curly white hair was tied and slicked back into a ponytail. Artemis was dressed in the shortest and tightest fur dress ever. Her long white locs were braided back out of her face and down her back. Artemis was a true beauty. As everyone got her dressed they couldn't keep their eyes off of her and smiled and gawked at her. Artemis was annoyed with it but could only wait for them to get done. "You are the most beautiful female I have ever laid eyes on, my Queen!" Bowen said, walking into the room. Bowen himself had washed up and changed into a white fur with his new white hair braided all the way back. "Am I?" Artemis asked him "Yes!" Danny interjected. "Both of you look stunning tonight as well." Artemis commented. "I'm glad you like it!" Bowen said smiling. "All of our cubs are sleeping in their beds. Your grandfather rotated the nannies and now had Wolf Beastmen looking after them." Bowen informed Artemis. "Grandfather definitely found time to make sure I could go to this Mating Ceremony." Artemis sighed feeling defeated.