The Kings Mate
Chapter 18:

This was it.

I was getting married today. I was getting married to the person I loved most in the world and I couldn’t live without. I’d heard off cold feet but I hadn’t really understood what it had meant but what I did know was that I felt like I was going to throw up.

Ryder had been weird all week since we had gotten back to Caldera. He still hadn’t told me about what happened during the ball but it was affecting him a lot. Whenever he was around which wasn’t as often as usual, he was quiet and he would just stay by my side with his hand on my waist or wrapped around mine.

It was only yesterday at lunch when he had spoken without being spoken to. He had gotten up from the table and pulled my chair out so he could crouch down in-between my legs he smiled softly as he lifted his hands to run them over my cheeks, I couldn’t help the smooth smile that pulls on my lips. He’d told me that he loved me and that he was sorry for how he’d been acting but he couldn’t wait to see me walking down the aisle and that he could finally call me his wife. I hadn’t seen him since.

I also hadn’t seen any of my guards since then either but Reynolds had woken me up this morning. I’d had different and more guards posted outside my door and it wasn’t long after that I had returned to the suite after lunch that the doors had been opened to the girls with their arms full with snack foods.

It turns out that all my guards had disappeared off to the bachelor party that they were throwing for Ryder. Ellie seemed to have sensed that it had made me nervous and she put her hands on my shoulders and told me not to worry about it, which was true I should have been worried about the bridesmaids.

They had rearranged the lounge so it had seemed more like a large bed with an array of cushions and it’s where we stayed until midnight half watching the movies that were on and half was talking about our mates. When the sex life topic came up I felt as embarrassed as what the guard posted on the inside of the door was, we both wanted to be someone else in that moment.

I hadn’t slept properly that night after they had all left and it wasn’t because of the lack of warmth that was missing along with Ryder’s presence. When I had gotten to the bedroom I chuckled at the white shirt and the grey hoodie that had been laid out on the perfectly made bed. My feet had carried my across the room and I instantly had the warm clothes that he had slept in the night before in my arms and his scent was invading my senses.

I didn’t know why I was so nervous that I spent the night tossing and turning. It was all adding up to be so much and today a lot of that weight was going to be lifted from my shoulders, I should have slept peacefully but I hadn’t. Exhaustion had ended up taking me at one point and it wasn’t until half an hour ago at eleven thirty that Reynolds had gently woken me up.

Currently Reynolds was sat in the chair across the suite with his feet up on the coffee table as I paced at the end of the bed. Ellie was supposed to show up at twelve to help me get ready but she was still yet to show up.

The ceremony was at two thirty and would go for an hour then we would have an half an hour break so Ellie could redo my hair and makeup and change my dress for the coronation. The coronation was going to be quick and go for half an hour then I had to change back into my dress for the reception at five.

“Relax,” Reynolds says looking over at me.

When I hear his voice I stop and fall down on the end of the bed. I was still in my pyjamas and my hair was messily all over the place as I waited to be made up for the day. Reynolds smiles across the room at me and bounces his legs on the coffee table before he gets up and comes over to sit on the bed next to me.

“You love him right.” He says looking over at me with a soft smile.

Reynolds had always been the one I was closest to out of my guards which is why I guess why Ryder had sent him to be with me this morning instead of getting ready with the rest of the groomsmen. His question wasn’t something I had expected and I also hadn’t expected him to take my hand as I tried to force the answer out of my mouth. It was an easy answer.

“Yeah,” it’s all I say but it’s all that I need to say.

“Just think of that when you’re walking down the aisle. You might be stressed out but just think at the end of the day you’re going to be on a plane and on your honeymoon and everything that’s been going on lately and all the shit you’ve been through, isn’t going to matter anymore.” His eyes seem to be watering a bit as he keeps talking and I know where his line of thoughts is going.

Reynolds had never really talked to me about what had happened to his parents but he had told me that they had died. As of yet I hadn’t been able to bring myself to ask him about but when he continues to talk I feel the need to ask him even more.

“When you walk down that aisle you become a part of Ryder’s family, you become part of our family and we’ll all care for you as much as we can. Don’t think about anything else.” His smile is sweet and genuine. He was like the big brother I could always turn to. He was family.

When I wrapped my arms around him to pull him into a hug he didn’t freeze or hesitate like he normal would when something more than are hands brushing would happen. It was only a few seconds later that he raised his arms to wrap back around me. With my head resting on his shoulders I chuckle as he awkwardly pats my back.

“Do you ever think about your parents?” I ask with my head still on his shoulder staring at the wall behind the bed.

“Every day.” he replies, his voice rough. “I keep thinking of how happy they would be today. They were always very good friends with Alexander and Allie, it made sense this job is a part of my birthright to be able to protect you and I know that they would have wanted to see the people that mean a lot to both me and them be happy. Why do you ask gorgeous?”

He’s pulled back from me but he doesn’t move from his seat next to me. “Sometimes I feel like you’re the only person I can talk to and even though it’s a horrible reason but it’s something that I have similar with someone in this place.”

He actually laughs. He full on laughs and has to steady himself before he falls from the bed. The sound makes me start laughing as well. “That’s great to know, sort of morbid but great.”

When we had started planning the wedding Allie had run through so many people that could walk me down the aisle but as soon as I thought I had decided on someone it hadn’t felt right and I had changed my mind. When she had suggested Alexander to do it and she did it with a grimace and didn’t even wait for me to try to answer before she started to laugh and continued to suggest others like Will, Letty’s mate and since I still hadn’t decided as of last week she had suggested Josh. They were both prepared to do the job last minute but at the moment I had decided to do it alone. Yet the person I truly wanted was in front of me the entire time.

“Reynolds?” My eyes move over to him to see that he’s already watching me. “You’re not the best man right, Maxon is?” He nods at me curiously as he waits for me to continue. “Will you please walk me down the aisle please? Everyone else seems to be more familiar with the old me and I want someone who knows me to be able give me away to Ryder.”

That genuine smile he gives me is back. “I’d be happy to but I might have to check with Ryder first when Ellie gets here but he should be all right.”

Ryder wouldn’t say no, I knew that because today he wanted me to have everything that I wanted. “Can’t you just mindlink him?”

He shakes his head, “He only wants me to contact to him if something happens. We’re very traditional people so when he left yesterday he isn’t supposed to have any contact with you until I give you a way to him. Even as you walk down the aisle he can’t look at you.”

That was something I hadn’t know was going to happen and I’m glad he had told me because that would have been a serious blow to see that he wasn’t looking at me. Seconds later Ellie stumbles through the door apologising for being a late.

“You’re not that late El. I’ve got to go talk to Ryder quick I’ll be back.” He squeezed her shoulders quick before he left the room with a soft smile.

Once Ellie had gotten composed from her puffed and frazzled state she had giggled and grabbed me to help pull me into the bathroom. Smiling at her I allow her to lead me away. I think she’s more excited than I am.

It wasn’t long before all the other girls had showed up with Reynolds following back in behind them. In that time Ellie had finished my hair and was starting on my makeup which she agreed to keep natural but with a bit of glow.

Reynolds seemed slightly frightened being by himself with all the girls and he had taken Elijah from Eleanor the moment that they started talking about their suspicions of what happened last night at the bachelor party. Reynolds looked at me when they started talking about how all the guys had a couple of bruises and cuts and instantly I felt my heart race at what could have possibly happened between them but they had reassured me that none of them were even hungover.

‘Nobody got seriously hurt.’ Reynolds says to me though the mind link.

When I shot a glare at him he laughs and so does Elijah even though I think he’s more amused by Reynolds. Eleanor who was concentrating on doing Lena’s hair when it happened, I noticed when her eyes flicked over to me. Being a mother herself she was the most excited about the prospect of me becoming one as well. I was nervous about it though.

Tomorrow was my birthday though and in less than twenty four hours I would go into heat and if everything about a royal wolf mating was true, then by tomorrow I would be carrying the heir to the Jordenian throne.

When we got closer to two thirty all the girls were in there dresses and they were helping me into mine. Reynolds had left the room to get dressed and he had taken Elijah with him to get him dressed as well.

Ellie’s hands were gentle as she did the few buttons up my back. A lot of my back was exposed and I liked it. I knew Ryder was going to like the dress especially with the way that the neckline dipped low and the soft lace hugged me down to my thighs and gently billowed out into a flowing skirt.

“Are you ready for this?” Hayley asks as she adjusts the thin belt.

Nodding my head I smile at my reflection, I was trying to fight tears. I felt beautiful and I looked happy that I was going to be marrying the person I love. All the girls seem to notice my line of thoughts and lean into wrap their arms around me. They cared for me. I didn’t think I’d have girl-friends but I’m glad I have them here with me today.

“Am I interrupting anything?” Reynolds says as he pops his head through the door to check that we’re all descent.

He was in a military dress uniform and so was Elijah who was asleep in his arms. They’re uniforms were black with a stripe of purple the exact same as the girls dress down the outside seem of the pants and a white sash fringed with the same people that run across their chests, the only difference between the two outfits was that Reynolds had medals on his chest as well.

He let Eleanor take Elijah into her arms as he came over to stand next to me.

“You look gorgeous. Ryder is going to have trouble keeping composed up there.” Chuckling lightly I wrap my hand around the crook of his arm.

The ceremony was being held in the back garden that overlooked the lake. The area was completely grass when we get close enough I can see all the full chairs and the branches and orchids the exact way that Allie had told me.

From where I was I could see Ryder. His dress military uniform was a lot like the others but instead of his sash being white and fringed with purple it was the opposite way around which signalled him as a Royal. He looked nervous standing there with the other guys at his side.

Easily there were around four hundred guests already in their seats and waiting for me. I only knew a handful of them myself, the rest were mostly here for Ryder as Alphas’ and Lunas’ of other packs throughout the world and other Kings and Queens.

I could also see the few cameras that Allie had tried to disguise into the background so they wouldn’t distract Ryder and I from our day. If this was a Jordenian royal’s idea of a simple small wedding I would hate to see what a big one would look like.

When Lena steps up to the beginning of the walkway with Hayley moving in behind her it finally begins to settle in me what’s happening. Eleanor gives me a quick smile before she steps up next with Elijah sat in her arms while she holds a purple, gold fringed pillow with the wedding rings in his lap.

Ellie is next and I’m surprised when she pulls me into a gentle hug being careful not to disturb the beautiful masterpiece she had created. “I’m so glad that it’s you that’s going to be our queen.” She whispers into my ear before she lets go of me but not before I can give her a squeeze in thanks around her waist.

“Come on let’s get you down that aisle before he has a fit.” Reynolds smiles down at me.

With a final nod I tighten my hold around his arm. When the music starts I feel my heartbeat quicken. This was it. I was finally going to have a family that I could call my own and have a real last name. Ryder would be mine forever.

Walking down the aisle I hear the gasps and the whispers that are directed at me and how beautiful I look. They’re comments would have made me blush had not been for the fact that my mind was only on one thing.

Ryder.

Like Reynolds had said he wasn’t facing me but all the others were after they gave a look at their respective mate. They smiled and I could see all the care that they had for me, they would always protect me.

The closer we got the more I could see the muscles of Ryder’s back tensing and the way he also seemed to be taking deep calming breathes. He was nervous as well.

With one final step up onto the small platform he finally turns towards me. My eyes stay locked on Ryder as Reynolds takes my hand and places it into my mates before he walks over to stand on the other side of Maxon.

Ryder’s eyes give my body a quick once over as he helps to stand me up next to him. His jaw tenses and I can see the admirable look in his eyes. I could feel my hand shaking in his and he smiles at me as he squeezes it lightly.

“Hi beautiful,” he whispers and I can feel the tears starting to sting my eyes already.

“Hi,” I don’t know how I get my voice to come out but it does.

The officiant who was a member of the council started talking but I was too concentrated on Ryder to pay attention to what he was actually saying. He looked beautiful. His hair was tidy for once and the light stubble that he usually let cover his jaw was gone and with it I could see every fine detail of his facial structure.

Twenty minutes later Ryder’s eyes flick over to the officiant and mine follow realising that I should probably start listening to our ceremony. Out of the corner of my eye I see Ryder smirk as I finally took notice of his presence in my mind. I didn’t want to block him out.

I love you.

Ryder’s smirk disappears and it’s replaced by a soft smile. We’re still facing each with our hands locked together and when the thought crosses my mind he seems to subconsciously pull me in so I’m standing closer to him.

“Do you Ryder promise to care for Charlotte through all that may happen and to love her as both your wife and your Queen?”

“I do,” His voice is deep as he speaks the two words. He sounds like he’s holding back tears.

The officiant looks to me and I know that next I have to make my promise to Ryder. It was an easy promise but I was still nervous to make it.

“Do you Charlotte promise to care for Ryder through all that may happen and to love him as both your husband and your King.”

A lot could happen. A lot was happening within the next few days and Ryder had guessed that soon the rebels would attack. I didn’t know how I was going to care for him, he was the one that seemed to steady me both physically and emotionally and I was supposed to do that for him as well.

“I do,” I didn’t know if I could do it but I would try my best because I loved him.

Ryder chuckles lightly and I don’t know why until he pulls a hand from mine and wipes away the tears I hadn’t noticed had fallen. The crowd had seemed nearly non-existent till a collective awe came from them. Behind Ryder and me the groomsmen and bridesmaids chuckle as a wave of anxiety erupts over me and I feel my face heat up.

“Elijah, the rings,”

Reynolds steps up with the little boy in his arms more concentrated on his sash that he has taken to using as a pacifier. My eyes stay on Ryder as he smiles down at the mini version of Cole he takes the small circle that is encrusted with expensive diamonds. Reaching out to take the large thicker ring of tungsten I barely notice as Ryder’s smiling eyes flick from Elijah to my stomach. I shifted knowing of what was to come.

“Ryder, will you please place the ring onto the third finger of Charlotte’s left hand and repeat your vows.”

For the wedding my engagement ring was on my right ring finger and as he slides the cool metal on to my previous bare hand a pleasurable shiver runs through me.

Ryder takes a deep breathe watching the way his thumb rubs my hand before he looks up to meet my still watering eyes. This was happening.

“I, Ryder, take you, Charlotte, to be my friend, my lover, the mother of my children, my wife and my queen. I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity.” Through his speech I could feel my heart rate quicken and somehow I manage to repeat my own version of the vows without falter and judging by the look on Ryder’s face he had felt just as I had.

I knew what was going to happen next and before the officiant has time to speak Ryder has dropped my hands to wrap them around my waist pull me into him his hand coming up to caress my cheek. This was the part Ryder was most worried about I couldn’t even count the number of times that he asked me if I was comfortable kissing in front of that many people.

His warmth was more than enough to distract me from the number of people that had their eyes on us. “I now pronounce you husband and wife you may now kiss the bride.” Chuckles sound through the crowd with the defeated sound of the officiants’ voice. Ryder would do what he wanted either way.

“Can I?” he whispers so low that only I can hear it.

Not even with the slightest lift of my head in agreement his lips are softly pressed against mine. His hands running up the back he revels in the exposed skin of my back. He lets out growl from his throat and his kiss is harder on my lips.

He pulls back a couple of seconds later his hand not leaving my skin. Out of the corner of my eye I can see the crowd rise to their feet as they bring their hands together in applause. I knew he was already mine but now everybody knew it and I didn’t mind it.

With Ryder’s hand in mine he leads me back down the aisle with the bridal party and groomsmen behind us. The crowd still continues to clap and congratulate us. If Ryder hadn’t stopped us and nodded towards Heidi who was in tears I don’t think I would have noticed her.

“You look beautiful sweetheart. I’ll talk to you later.” Her words were rushed as she wrapped her arms around me and pulling me into a small hug so I didn’t have to release Ryder’s hand.

It all seemed to be a rush after that and I couldn’t let it settle that now I had a last name, a family. We took the usual wedding photos in the gardens around where Ryder had first showed me his wolf. I could feel the excitement from the both of them as we stared into each other’s eyes and the royal photographer took the pictures of the moments.

Now I was stood outside the doors to the throne room. This was live. I was going to be officially crowned as the Queen of Jordena in front of the entire world’s population that had decided to watch.

My body was clad tightly in a deep purple dress that had pushed my chest up while the skirt fell from my waist with detailed layers. My hair had been slightly altered to carry the heavy crown that was going to be placed on my head.

Ellie was next to me in a different dress like all the others but she was the only one that was stood with me outside the heavy doors.

“It’s going to be okay.” She tries to soothe me in smooth voice. “All you have to do is swear your vows to Jordena and to Ryder as the king and then stand beside him and you can leave and then you can enjoy the rest of the night with your husband.”

It seemed easy but in reality it was a lot.

‘Relax, I can feel you from in here baby.’ Ryder’s voice soon enters my mind.

Looking towards Ellie I see that she seems lost in her own thoughts as she most likely communicated with someone else as well. ‘The people, the cameras, I can’t do it.’

‘Don’t worry about them. Just look at me and keep your mind open so if you have any problems I’ll help you.’ Letting out a sigh I think of what will be happening in less than twelve hours. Both Ryder and I would be on a plane to an unknown location and we’d be completely alone.

I could feel an overwhelming sense of happiness and realised that it didn’t belong to me. ‘I can’t wait Mrs Connolly.’

“Are you ready?” Ellie interrupts the giggle that’s about to leave my lips.

Just look at Ryder, nothing else mattered to me except for his opinion. Nodding at her Ellie taps lightly at the door and I hear my name announced. As soon as the door is opened my eyes replace Ryder stood to the left of the minister who would complete the coronation. He was still in his dress uniform from the wedding but with the way that his back was straighter with his hands locked in front of him he looked so much more like a King.

My eyes quickly flick to Alexander who is stood just behind my husband with his own wife pressed to his side with a dress the same colour as mine but a smaller skirt. Allie had smiled softly t me but Alexander was tense and couldn’t meet my eyes.

Sliding my eyes back to Ryder I continue the long walk through the long room past all the people on my side with camera lens located on me. None of them mattered as I caught the small smile on Ryder’s face. I could do this.

When I reach the end of the room I drop lightly in front of the minister. Raising back up the minister starts a speech in Jordenian. I know his every word. Today I was going to swear myself to the country and to the people. Breathing through my speech I repeat the words that had been imprinted into my mind.

A deep breathe can be heard from both Ryder and I since I had completed what I was supposed to say without fault. I know I shouldn’t have done it but my eyes flick to Ryder with amusement, he catches my gaze with a wink.

More words are spoken in Jordenian and I feel the weight of the crown lowered down on my head. It was only yesterday that I had first seen it. I was afraid to run my fingers over it let alone have it on my head. I could easily see why there was only a few that could handle it even with protective gloves on.

He steps back as Ryder steps forward his hand gently sliding into mine as I step up and turn back to face the crowd. Squeezing Ryder’s hand I watch in awe, the hundreds of people in the room bowing and curtsying in respect to me and Ryder.

“All hail His Royal Highness King Ryder and Her Royal Highness Queen Charlotte of Jordena.” The minister announces across the room in English.

My eyes scan the room watching as everyone drops down. My eyes catch Ellie first since she was stood behind me through the ceremony and now she had dropped down low onto her knees as had everyone else in the room. Out of the corner of my eye I see Alexander and Allie rise from their small dip.

I draw in a tight breath when the entire crowd repeats the words back towards us. Ryder’s hand tightens around mine reassuring me that I wasn’t alone in this. Rising back up they applaud us before we’re lead back out of the room.

The service had taken only about half an hour but it felt as if it had been four times the length of that. Now was the first time that I was truly alone with Ryder since yesterday and Ryder takes full advantage of that his arm wrapping around my waist and pulling me up to his chest.

“Hi, wife.” He says just before he leans forward his lips connecting to mine.

Our lips stay locked for a short while before a knock on the door forced Ryder to pull back from me with a growl. Maxon steps in with Ellie only a step behind him.

“You’re supposed to be getting ready for your wedding reception.” He says as Ellie raises her eyebrows at me falling into Maxon’s touch. “You’re already late.”

Ryder growls from deep in his throat as he gently lowers me to my feet. The room Ryder had pulled to me was a sitting room with French doors that lead out to the garden were the reception was being held. Already I could see the wedding guest milling around under the gazebo that had been set up.

It was also the temporary changing room that had been set up, so my wedding dress was still hung up near the door along with the secondary crown that was smaller and weighed half of what the one I currently had on my head, the one I wore to the ball in London.

“Maxon wait outside.” Ryder orders dropping his hands from there spot around my waist.

“Are you ready to do this Mrs Connolly?” Once Maxon had left the room Ellie had got me back into the soft white dress while Ryder sat on the back of the lounge averting his eyes when he needed to. Now I was standing with him just outside of the tent where the reception was being held with my hair falling in loose waves down my back with the other crown twisted amongst strands to hold it in place.

Slowly my eyes move up from his chest to his hazel eyes that are looking down at me gently. His arms were wrapped around my waist holding me into him.

When I nod he releases my waist to slide my hand into his. Walking into the tent area of the garden with everyone standing and applauding us it makes me nervous but I keep the smile on my face. Out of the hundreds under the tent I only knew a handful and they were all sat at the head table or at the one positioned directly in front of it.

The speeches went quick and only Heidi’s was directed towards me. She could barely get her words out of her mouth without letting a tear escape, eventually she just apologised saying that it was pregnancy hormones which lead to another round of applause. I couldn’t help but notice the nervous twitch that I got when Ryder squeezed my waist hearing about the pregnancy.

Ryder was mostly preoccupied with me for the rest of the night even when high ranked people tried to come up and congratulate him but he didn’t acknowledge them. Instead he was more concentrated on having his hands or his mouth on my body somewhere.

Even when the first dance came around his hands where sliding down my back and cupping my butt. Despite his hold on me he whispered sweet nothings in my ear making me feel comfortable in front of the large crowd.

All in all I couldn’t have ever asked for a better wedding or even a better husband or mate. Eventually Ryder had managed to detach himself from me and thank all his guests for coming. I was stood with everyone who I knew now that I had changed into a pair of jeans and a shirt so I could be more comfortable for the supposed long flight.

Heidi didn’t want to let me go once she had her arms around my shoulders. “You’re not allowed to come back till you know you’re going to be a mum ok. You’ll be great at it don’t worry and he’ll make you fell amazing.” She says through sobs.

Behind her I can see Josh shaking his head but he has a soft smile along with Letty who remembered and got along with each other well. They only people who looked out of place were Acton and Brylee who were stood back talking to Maxon as he looked over our small group.

Finally Heidi pulls back away from me and she re-joins the party with Letty and Will, once I’m given a reassuring hug from the both of them. “Hi, sweetheart,” Brylee says softly as she wonders over to me. Her hand is soft as she runs it down my arm. “I know we don’t know each other very well but I’m glad to see you happy. You look like you deserve it.”

“Thank you,” I say as I step closer wrapping my arms around her shoulders as she quickly wraps her arms around me. Ryder’s eyes look over at me now that he’s also changed into casual clothes, he smiles at Acton as they shake hands.

Brylee follows my eyes and notices my husband stood by hers. She chuckles rubbing my arm again. “He’s a lucky guy and you need to go show him that.”

Maxon and Cole had stayed behind, now in charge along with Alexander. All my other guards where however now comfortably sat in front of us on the jet with their mates as well. Ryder and I would be alone wherever we went but we still needed people around to guard us.

Once we’ve taken off I ask the question that I’ve wanted to know for weeks. “So where are we going?”

He grips my hand tighter bumping my knee with his. “Lycan, it’s a private island in the French Polynesia. Complete private only direct access from this jet and under constant surveillance from the guest house where the others will be.”

“Complete privacy?” I question with a smirk.

My breathe catches at the smirk he gives back. “Except from me, I’m going to see all of you and feel all of you.” His says slowly his hand sliding down the crevice of my chest.

“You still have a couple of hours to go.”

“Not even two, baby. Don’t start teasing me now.”