Page 185 of The Kingdom of Eternal Ice
“Thank you. You saved my life.”
I have no chance to answer because the door flies open and Royan’s father bursts into the room. He
resembles his son so much. He was distraught to find Royan in the state he was in. When he sees Royan now, he bursts into tears.
“Dad,” Royan mutters. “I saw mom. She looks good. Wants us to watch out for each other.”
I’m not sure if he is aware of the gravity of his words. He probably doesn’t realize it means he almost passed over, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is that he is back with us now.
fifty-eight
The Coronation
*ENDELLION*
Packs from all over the lands are attending the ceremony. There is a representative of every pack – either their Alpha and Luna, or Beta couple. In the crowd I spot a lot of familiar faces, and I notice how Alana is catching up with an Alpha and Luna. They are chosen mates, and are from the pack Alana investigated. My father obviously gave them his blessing. It’s good to see that they are doing well now.
Favian, the dragon king, wasn’t able to make it due to the state of his kingdom, but he made sure to send Elio with his bodyguard. Contessa Noemi and some other shifters are here, too.
I’m dressed in a particularly crafted and tailored suit in black, which Flinn commented looks slick on me, and a dark blue cape, symbolizing the ice wolf prince. Aza’s dress is in the same color, but made of velvet with rich embroidery. The cape she is wearing is dark-red with embroidery that symbolizes her heritage. She is the Desert Princess, after all.
The whole royal pack has banded together for the festivities to take place. It’s going to be all outdoors. Only the ceremony itself will be held in the throne room, in front of specifically invited guests. I grab Azadeh’s hand, squeezing it slightly.
I can’t believe this is happening.I link her.It all happened so fast I didn’t have time to process it.
You were born to rule,she says.Even within your siblings, you symbolize balance. You are strong, but don’t go into action headfirst. You think things through and see the bigger picture. You will be a fantastic alpha, and king.
And you will be a fantastic luna and queen,I say.You are already a legend here.
So are you,she laughs.
The voices in the throne room become silent, a signal for the ritual to start. My father talks to the crowd first, summarizing the happenings of the last months, but also talking about his own reign. My mother does the same, emphasizing the honor of being the queen of these lands.
There is a long speech about how they welcome change, and how they know we will lead the lands to a bright future with our gifts, our foresight and our allies.
I’m too nervous, though, to really listen, until General Shayan and Beta Quinn approach us, leading us towards my parents. In my mind, Caspian is on alert, majestic, and proud; for being crowned and receiving the rank he has always wanted.
Azadeh and I get down on our knees while my father puts the crown on my head, and my mother does the same with Aza. There is a bowl with a silver knife prepared. As soon as we get up, my father has me stretch out my hand and slices my palm.
“As the new Alpha King of this Kingdom, do you swear to protect your people and have their best interest in mind?”
“I swear.”
“Do you promise to reign this kingdom with fairness, by abiding by our laws?”
“I promise.”
“Will you grant protection to those who can’t protect themselves?”
“Yes, I will.”
“Do you swear to stand against evil and defend the Kingdom of Eternal Ice, until you take your last breath? To protect these lands and the people no matter its cost? To not act on your own selfish reasons and instead put your people before yourself?”
“I swear to honor all our laws and stand by this oath.”
My father cuts his own palm, pressing our hands against each other, before he takes his ring off his finger and hands it to me. It’s the heirloom of the kingdom, blessed by the goddess, and symbolizes my promise to these lands and its people. I feel how his power floods through me, granting me the power of a reigning Alpha, and furthermore, the strength of the Alpha King.
I’m so proud of you.Dad links me.
