Lyric
I am so nervous! It’s been a long morning, and for a while there, I didn’t think I’d have a dress for my coronation. Marco still hadn’t turned up, and I was having a panic attack.
Moira called the man. But apparently, he was having problems finishing my outfit and wouldn’t make it on time. I knew it was too good to be true! I almost had a breakdown, even with everyone telling me we’d sort it out. Sort it out?
There I was in my bathrobe, makeup done, hair down and curled slightly at the ends and no dress!
How could that be sorted?!
I felt lost for a few moments. I didn’t know what to do or where to turn. I had to have a ceremonial dress, and nothing else would do. Then Lucy walked in, full of smiles and a dress bag in her hand.
“My darling, don’t be upset. Grandma has just the thing.”
Lucy opened the dress bag to reveal the most stunning druid-style dress I had ever seen. Silk bust and flowing bodice, with lace under bust and split long sleeves, all white and gorgeous. I was so shocked at its beauty that I couldn’t close my mouth! I got to my feet and reached out to touch the dress. It felt so soft between my fingers, and I couldn’t help biting my lip while giggling.
“Lucy,”
“This was my coronation dress. I had hoped Moira would wear it for her ceremony, but her mother had something more traditional to their Scottish roots in mind.” Lucy cupped my cheek and smiled kindly. “I have waited for this day for many years. “Regardless of your Wolf and Fairy heritage, you are perfect for my grandson. I may not be your grandmother by blood, and regardless of still looking like I’m in my twenties,” I laughed as she playfully rolled her eyes. “I love you, your sister, and even your aunt as though you were my granddaughters. So, as your grandmother, it would be my honor if you’d wear my ceremonial dress.”
I couldn’t help myself; I threw myself into her arms. She had no idea how much I needed to hear that. This woman loved my sister, aunt, and me so effortlessly, and we loved her just as much.
“Oh, Sweetheart.” She kissed my head.
“Thank you so much. This means everything to me, Grandma.”
“You’re welcome. Now, let’s get you dressed. It’s almost time!”
Now, I’m standing alone, taking deep breaths before making my way to Thane. I feel sick! Thousands of people are out there, and they’ll all be looking at me.
Oh, Goddess! I can’t go out there!
“You look as though you’re about to run. You wouldn’t be planning to run out of my brother on one of the biggest days of your lives, would you?”
I look at the man in front of me and scowl. “Of course not, Tristan. I’m freaking out! I don’t know if I can go out there by myself.”
My young brother-in-law, looking handsome in his cream three-piece suit, smiles. “That’s why I’m here, Gorgeous. Starr and I wondered if you’d like me to walk you down the aisle?” “Really?” Tristan nods with a smile. “Oh, my Goddess, thank you!”
I’d hug him for his kindness, but I can’t bring myself to do so. Though I take his hand and squeeze, my way of showing affection.
“Shall we?” He offers his arm, and I slip mine into the crook of his elbow with a giggle.
I take a breath, trying to settle the butterflies in my stomach.
‘That’s not butterflies, Lyric; that’s our pup.’
I smile while unconsciously laying my hand on my stomach. I have a slight bump already, but I’m not worried about anyone noticing. The tiny amount of magic I’m using will prevent people from seeing and scenting my pregnancy.
I know it was risky to use my Fairy magic, but I didn’t have a choice. I can’t risk Astro knowing about the baby because he’d do something to cause me to lose my child. I’d rather die than let that happen.
I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my pregnancy hidden until I no longer can. Thane and I hadn’t planned on having children until Astro was no longer an issue. But we were reckless, so it was bound to happen.
I spoke to Emori about Astro and my magic without letting on about the baby. Emori said that now that the connection between herself and Astro was broken, it would weaken him for a while, as it did with Mom and Emily. Each death left him unable to do much for almost two months each time. We have around that long to prepare but never become complacent because doing that would be stupid. We should never underestimate Astro’s will to succeed.
When I asked about using my Fairy magic to conceal a person, Emori said using a small amount wouldn’t draw Astro’s attention. Concealing one person would be okay. However, I wouldn’t be able to hide myself from him mores the pity. I went overboard, blocking the baby from Thane, and thankfully, he forgave me.
“You’re not gonna throw up, are you?”
“No,” I chuckle. “I’m fine. Let’s go. Thane is waiting.”
Walking down the flowery makeshift aisle, I keep my eyes on Thane, waiting for me on stage. I can’t help smiling. I’ve never seen Thane look so handsome, almost angelic. His crisp white suit and matching dress shoes, slick-backed hair, the intricate crown on his head, and that bright smile – my perfect mate. I swallow back my emotions when I see a tear fall from his eyes.
Mom used to say you’ll know your man loves you when you walk towards him on your special day, and he sheds a tear. He will because he won’t be able to believe his eyes. To him, you are the most beautiful creature he has ever seen, and he will feel like the luckiest man in the world.
I know I’m the luckiest woman. Everything I ever wanted in a mate is standing right in front of me. Thane Knight, Lycan King.
‘And you are about to become his Queen, officially!’
I don’t take my eyes off Thane, even though I know everyone is looking at me.
‘They’re in awe of how beautiful you look in this dress!
‘Too many people, Aspen.’
‘Just stay calm.
Tristan leads me up the steps to the stage altar. He places my hand in Thane’s and then bows slightly.
“Tristan?” He looks at me with a devastating smile, and I see just how handsome he is. “Thank you.”
Tristan smiles, tips his head, then leaves to take his seat next to Starr. I look at Thane, smiling at me, and I can’t help but smile in return.
‘You look stunning. You’ve taken my breath away, baby!’ Thane tells me through the mind link.
‘You don’t look too bad yourself, handsome.’
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” Ronan’s voice rings out through the surround sound speakers positioned around the grounds. Thane told me it would help the thousands in attendance to hear what’s going on. There are also jumbotrons for those who can’t see the coronation up close. “Royalty from across the globe, honored guests, family, and pack members of Lykos. We are gathered here today to welcome an extraordinary young lady.
“As you all know, my son, your King, recently found his mate. A young lady who will today become your Queen. Lyric Knight!”
My heart pounds as thousands of people cheer. I close my eyes for a second and absorb this feeling. I’m a little overwhelmed, but I’m happy. The people of Lykos have accepted me, and though some might not agree, I am their Queen. “Lyric,” I look at Ronan. “Please repeat after me,”
So I do.
“I, Lyric Knight, accept the position of Queen of Lykos, ruler of Lycans and Werewolves worldwide. I promise to be fair and just, to put my people first, and to be a mother figure to all. I swear to stand beside my mate in all things until the Goddess takes us.” Thane smiles widely. ‘Well done, baby.
I blush at my mate’s praise. Not that I needed it, but it’s nice nonetheless.
“If you would both give me your right hands.”
I swallow hard and hold out my hand to Ronan. Even though it stung, I don’t gasp when he pricks my finger with a platinum dagger. That dagger looks thousands of years old!
Ronan holds my hand over a platinum bowl that matches the dagger, squeezing my finger and allowing four drops of blood to hit the liquid inside. He releases me, and my finger heals instantly. He repeats the process with Thane, then sits the bowl on a tall podium. “Lyric, if you could turn to face your subjects.”
Oh, Goddess, please don’t let me throw up!
I do as Ronan asks, and everyone is staring at me!
“As former Queen of Lykos, it is now my duty and great honor to pass the crown to Lyric.”
Moira stands beside me, holding a crown that matches Thane’s crown but is more feminine and not as large in her hands. I swallow the lump in my throat when she places it on my head, and the crowd cheers again.
Thane takes my hand, also facing the crowd. Moira then hands Thane a golden goblet, which he drinks from. As he removes the goblet from his mouth, Jagger flashes in his eyes.
Moira takes the goblet and hands it to me. She tips her head as if to say, ‘Drink’ I drink, feeling the tang of blood on my tongue, mine and Thane’s blood combined. Moria takes the goblet the moment I swallow, and Aspen pushes forth.
I pray Ronan doesn’t ask me to shift. Everyone knows I’m a wolf, not a Lycan, and they seem to accept us. They don’t know about the Fairy side of me yet, and I’d like to keep it that way. However, these people cannot know Aspen is the white wolf, not yet.
“Jagger and Aspen, join hands.” Jagger takes Aspen’s hand without looking away from the people before us. “Your souls are entwined, and you are the backbone of our King and Queen. Your people will look to you in times of peril. Do you both swear to protect our people forsaking all others?”
‘We do.’ They answer in unison before stepping back and handing control over to us.
“Now, by the power vested in me by the Moon Goddess Selene, and our Mighty Fenrir, I pronounce you, Lyric Knight, Queen of Lycans and Werewolves!”
The mind link opens up as howls rent the air. Thousands and thousands of voices fill my head, welcoming me, overwhelming me, and causing pain in my head all at once.
I gasp, my heart pounding, and I’m starting to sweat. Thane takes my face in his hands, and the voices stop.
“Are you okay?”
I nod. “It hurt a little, all those voices at once.”
“It will get easier, baby. You will learn to block them out and when to let them in.” I nod and accept his soft kiss.
Thane leads me back to the castle, into the throne room where the party is set up, and people follow us.
Two medieval platinum thrones sit on the stage at the back of the room. The intricate Lycan designs are something else. The padding of blue and gray, the Knight colors, are stunning. Thane helps me to the throne on the right; only then does he take his seat. I look around the vast room filled with family, Royals from around the world, and different species here to celebrate this day with us. Outside, the lower-ranking subjects will be partying the night away, watching the goings on in this room on the jumbotrons. Everything has changed today. I am no longer just plain old Lyric Ryker. I am Lyric Knight, Queen of Lykos!
‘You were never plain old Lyric Ryker. You’ve always been a Queen to me.
I chuckle at my wolf. ‘That was so cheesy, Aspen. But thank you, I love you.’
‘I love you too. Enjoy this night, Lyric. The war is almost upon us. It cannot be avoided. But I will be with you till the end, my friend.’
‘To the end.’