Page 110 of Family: Posy 4

The next people I knew. Alpha Ranger Hemming of Tall Pines, the king's little brother, and his luna and mate, Junia, the queen's cousin and best friend. I gave them a little wave when they glanced over our way. Ranger smiled and Junia giggled and waved back.

"I hope we get to see them a bit at the reception," I told Cole. "The queen, too. I know she's the star of the show today, but I've missed her."

I'd already had the chance to visit a bit with Beatrix, Zayne and Zayden, who sat at the end of our pew, Zayne next to Wyatt and Beatrix squished between her handsome mates. I could see them at home any day, though. The queen and I texted and called each other a lot, but it wasn't the same as seeing each other in person.

"I know, and we will." Then he surprised me by adding, "The king and queen have invited us for tea tomorrow afternoon."

"Just us?" I smiled brightly with excitement. I could only imagine how much fun that would be! Still, it would be nerve-racking if I had to remember to stick out my pinkie and avoid spilling tea on my dress if a lot of other people were there.

"Just us. They're sending off all the foreign dignitaries in the morning, having brunch with their families before noon, then meeting us for tea around two. After that, they're leaving on a mini vacation."

"Oh!" I clapped my hands quietly. "Are they coming withus?"

"No, honey," he chuckled. "I don't know where they're going. You can ask them tomorrow, but the king may be keeping it a secret."

"Just like you are from me, you big meanies." I pooched out my bottom lip in a pout and blinked up at him.

He swiftly turned his head.

"Don't look. Don't look. Don't look," he muttered under his breath, making me giggle inside. Clearing his throat, he nodded toward the rest of the folks leaving the king's first row. "Those are his uncles and cousins. Not one woman in the Hemming family survived the sickness."

"Oh, that's so sad!"

"It didn't spare anyone, honey, royal family or not."

I nodded and opened my mouth to reply, but the dark-suited usher now stood next to me, since I was seated on the end of the pew, and smiled down at me.

"Luna, if you would, please?" He held out one white-gloved hand.

"Am I supposed to take your hand?" I asked as I leaned away from him into Cole.

"If you wish, luna. Do you need assistance to stand?"

"Um."

"No, she doesn't. Thank you," Cole said for me, then basically lifted me to my feet and guided me into the aisle.

I stumbled a tiny bit when I saw the sea of faces staring back at me, and Cole grabbed my elbow with worry flashing in his eyes. It had been much easier to walk to the front row an hour ago when no one else had been seated yet.

You are the luna of Five Fangs,I told myself sternly. You will put your shoulders back and hold your head high and not shame your mates.

Listening to myself, I linked my arm in Cole's elbow, tilted up my chin, and walked that long, long aisle with steady, measured steps. My poor mate had to pause every few steps to not get ahead of me, and I imagined Ash was bouncing on his toes with impatience behind us, but I wasnotgoing to stumble again.

Finally, I made it past the last row and let out a sigh of relief to see the open foyer.

"Now straight ahead to the receiving line." Ash leaned down to whisper from behind me. "Aren't you glad you didn't have to shake this many hands at your luna ceremony?"

"Yes," I nodded gratefully. "I need to thank Mom and Mama again for that."

He chuckled and dropped a kiss on the side of neck, making my heart flutter, before stepping back so I could carry on.

"Posy!" Queen Lilah squealed as we reached the royal couple. "I'm so glad to see you! You look radiant in that color, and those pink pearls make your skin glow."

"Thank you, your majesty." My words were muffled as she hugged me tight against her, and I giggled. "I missed you, too. And if anyone looks glowing and radiant, it's you. And what an amazing gown!"

"It is, isn't it?" She released me from her arms and looked down at her gorgeous blue gown. "I told the tailors it had to be lightweight and comfortable, and it is! I could wear it all day. I shouldn't have bothered with a reception dress when this one would have been just fine to dance in. This crown, though. Ugh!"

She frowned as she put her hands up as if she were going to take it off.

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