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“So much fun,” Jhan seconded.

~~~

“…And by bearing the mantle of Sovereign and accepting the throne of Cruestace, you do hereby take under your protection and guidance every citizen of Cruestace to be valued and respected. Additionally, every particle of matter that makes this planet, is now yours to reside over, to protect, to hold sacred and preserve for the people of Cruestace. Are you prepared to do so?”

“I am!” Zha Quin Tha Tel Mo’ Kok announced confidently, his voice strong and unwavering as he finalized his vows to his people.

“I bow to you, Sovereign Zha Quin Tha Tel Mo’ Kok. I am humbled to serve you,” Zha Tahl said, bowing before his son, having presented him with his royal cloak and emerald encrusted sword.

Quin inclined his head. He could at will incline his head to show respect for certain of the elders he might deal with in any government, but he’d only ever bowed to his father. That would never happen again. He was now the leader of his people.

Eula, Zha Quin’s mother approached as Zha Tahl stepped aside. She held in her hands a deep emerald green pillow, on which rested the royal necklace bearing the royal seal of Cruestace, created in gold and silver and set with sparkling emeralds. She bowed to her son and held the pillow out to him so he could take the ornate pendant and place it around Vivian’s neck, as he led her in taking her vows.

Quin lifted the heavy pendant and carefully slid it over Vivian’s head. Still holding it just above her shoulders, he spoke. “By accepting this necklace, you accept the responsibility of standing at my side in all things as we guide our people into the future. Their protection and safety are now in our hands. Are you prepared and willing?”

“Yes. I am willing and able to stand at your side in all things representing the welfare of our people.”

“So be it, Sovereigna Vivian.” Quin lay the necklace on her shoulders, and the weight of it caused it to slide forward, riding just in the cleavage of her bosom. Quin bowed to his Ehlealah. Vivian bowed back.

Quin turned back to his mother and gently took the royal cloak off of her shoulders, turned to Vivian and placed it around her shoulders.

He extended his hand to Vivian, who placed her hand in his. He turned to the crowd of people there to witness his ascension to the throne, and to the bank of vidcom filming this historic moment and beaming it out to their people anywhere they might be in the multiverse and raised their joined hands in the air. “We are Sovereign Zha Quin Tha Tel Mo’ Kok and Sovereigna Vivian Tel Mo’ Kok of Cruestace! Long may we reign!”

A deafening chant of ‘Long may you reign!” went up all around them, and even from the vidcom providing live coverage.

All their family and friends who were present were clapping and cheering, shouting their support and bowing to them.

Quin’s gaze fell on his many friends who’d attended, then on his friends still orbiting above them on Command Warship 1 and watching via the vidcom, and to Vivi’s family, Samuel, and Bart who stood with Mirilla’s hand in his as they watched the ceremony. Rokai and Rosalita, stood watching, as did Ba Re’ and Elisha and all cheered for him. Kol and Ada Jane, each with a little boy on their hips cheered as the boys shouted excitedly. And Jhan stood with his new mate beside him, their arms entwined as they both cheered and took the time to bow when they saw him look to them.

He watched as Au'revele who was standing with Zahn, and Li’Orani and Vor, and the rest of Vivian’s guard, all dressed in their new uniforms which bore the Sovereigna’s insignia, stepped forward with Alexandrus in her arms. She held him out for Quin to lift his sword and lightly tap him on each shoulder. “I declare you, Sire Zha Quin Alexandrus Tel Mo’ Kok of Cruestace. Next in line for the throne and Sovereignship.”

Au'revele handed him to Vivian then went back to join Zahn.

Alexandrus was very happy to be given to his mother. He cooed and grinned and drooled all over her pretty new Cruestaci emerald pendant.

Vivian felt a weight at her side and looked down to find Kitty lying on the hem of the overly long royal cloak she’d received from Eula. He lay perfectly still, like a sphinx, staringout at the huge impossible to count crowd before them and she grinned when she noticed the chain she’d carried for so long, wrapped loosely around his neck as a collar.

Quin held her hand in his and looked down at her. “Are you ready, Sovereigna?” he asked.

“I am, Sovereign,” she answered.

Quin let go of her hand, and placed her dagger, the one he’d given her the first time he ever saw her in her hand.

At the same time, they both raised their left arms into the air; Vivian holding her dagger, Quin holding his sword, and by doing so, vowed to all who watched and knew about anything at all, that they’d just sworn loyalty to the warriors and history of Cruestace.

A roar went up that continued for many minutes.

Quin looked down at Vivian standing beside him.

She smiled up at him with tears in her eyes. “I never dreamed the scary, red, horned warlord striding so angrily toward me that day would be everything I ever needed. Yet here we are. You’re my Haven.”

Quin grinned at her. “I knew without a doubt that the tiny, brave, human female who defied me when all I wanted to do was save her, would turn the tables and save me instead. From the moment I first saw you, you have always been my Haven.”

The End — almost. Keep reading for just a little extra.

Va'roush

“I know you’re there. You’re always there,” Mel shouted into the hot August afternoon. She stood on the front porch of her feed store, her hands on her hips and dared the male to have the guts to join her. He’d been watching her for months. He’d been watching for so long that she no longer feared him. In fact, she’d come to take solace in his presence. She wasn’t completely sure, yet she was, that this was the same male she’d shot in the ass when his entire delegation were here trying to locate one of their own that was missing. The reason she wasn’t completely sure, was that he’d never allowed himself to be seen. The reason she was sure it was him, was a feeling down deep in her soul.

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