The Last Royal Luna
(Book 3) – Chapter 36

“Are you ready for this?” Kane asked as we stood by the ballroom doors. “I am nervous, and I already know most everyone out there. I have also heard most of my dad’s speech.”

Knox hit his brother on the back of the head. “Shut it, dummy. We don’t need her feeling even more nervous and stressed. She will do amazing and you know it.”

Blue wanted to hit them both and remind them to shut up. I just ignored them and stared at the wall. I was nervous but I was more worried about not being what they expected in a Queen. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone and I didn’t want to let my birth parents. Mom and Dad already said I would never disappoint them or my birth parents because I have already turned into a beautiful women, leader, mate, and mother. They actually cried which caused me to cry hard enough my make had to be redone. I had to promise to hold off on any more crying until I got through the coronation.

On top of all that Nick and his rogues have started moving toward one of the surrounding packs. He is moving slow trying to show that he is in no rush and has no worries in defeating us. What an i***t. He is just giving me more time to lock down this coronation before ripping his head off. He will die before the end of the fight and I don’t care who does it. We have double his amount of fighters, but he has more vampires and witches so that evens out the playing field.

“Have you heard from any of the warriors on the front line to see where Nick has progressed to?” I asked the twins keeping my eyes away from them. I didn’t want to cry or let the nerves creep into my thoughts.

“Yea, we have time and plenty of warriors ready.” Knox answered stepping toward the doors. “It is our turn to walk down to wait for you to make the grand entrance like you deserve. You are a bad b***h in every way and we are so lucky to be your mates. Asher,

Andrew, Koda, and Edgar look a bit nervous standing on that big stage with all eyes on them but their eyes haven’t left the doors.” He chuckled which got a nervous giggle out of me.

“You look beautiful in that dress. Your mother would be so proud and you know that we are already proud of everything you do,” Kane whispered in my ear before following Knox out the door into the ballroom.

I looked down at my dress and instantly felt the throb of loss go through me. I had decided I wanted to wear my mother’s coronation dress instead of getting my own. I wanted to be close to at least a piece of her while I take over her position. It was a beautiful dusty rose that went in on my waist and back out all the way down to my feet. It had a long 20 feet train that matched in color and held our royal design on it. She also had tons of sparkles on it which I was not a fan of but Id wear a bright pink tutu if it meant I was wearing something of hers.

It was hard not to want to replace the nearest traitor and tear them limb from limb to get some sort of small revenge. This day wasn’t supposed to be happening yet. This day was supposed to come when my parents were ready to step down and spend the rest of their days with their grandchildren while I had just gotten back to settling down in my late twenties or early thirties.

She should be here helping me get ready. I needed her help getting my speech together and getting myself together. My dad would have been walking me down whispering words of love and praise for being their loved daughter. I don’t even know how to be a princess, much less act like one. Id rather have a party with shots and a keg while wearing shorts and tank top. Why, Goddess, did you let them take my parents from me? How has this helped me in my life?

‘Its ok, Ryder. Remember not to cry and just hold your head up high. Later we will take a run and curse out the Goddess,’ Blue pushed waves of comfort and safety into me.

‘Why must I always be brave? Calm and controlled? Why can’t I ever just lose my s**t?’ I was getting angry.

‘SAVE THAT ANGER FOR NICK. THAT FUCKWIT DESERVES TO DIE AND SO DO THE TRAITORS WITH HIM. WE WILL USE IT ON THEM BEFORE WE BURN THE KING AND QUEEN OF THEIR PATHETIC FOLLOWING T O THE GROUND!’ Blue shouted, breaking through my misery and rage.

She was right. I was going to do exactly that. I hope not too many of the wolves focus on how bloody I was going to get later. I also hope I have enough time to change out of this outfit because I would hate to ruin it.

‘Jared is about to start. Get ready my perfect Queen.’ Edgar linked me. ‘I can’t wait to see you walk toward us just like if we had a wedding. You are going to do amazing.’ I was loving these votes of confidence from my mates.

The rest of them linked their love and confidence in me doing anything I set my mind to. Koda mentioned he spoke to his parents, and they were watching with the whole pack who were all excited for me. Even with everything they had going on, they made sure to support us. Now to make them proud.

“Thank you to all that were able to join us in person and those watching from their homes. The day we have waited 19 years for has arrived.” Jared took a deep breath before speaking again. “The princess was in the safe hands of the most trusted couple who were personally given the baby from the King and Queen before they died in battle. The princess has grown up learning all she could about her parents, her pack, and her role. She is more than ready to lead us in this war and to lead us as the QUEEN!”

I opened the doors and walked through to everyone standing and clapping. It was so loud I couldn’t make out what everyone was shouting but it was definitely hyping Blue and myself up. I know they said to walk straight down but I couldn’t help but shake a few hands and hug a few kiddos. My mates were laughing but I could tell Jared was rolling his eyes at not following instructions.

I made it to the top and kissed each of my mates on the cheek. I had to show how much these men were MINE but in a respectful manner. They knew what I was doing and made sure to keep their eyes on me like good boys.

Jared hugged me before speaking. “Do you have any words before we start?”

I nodded yes, took a deep breath, and stepped in front of the microphone. “Thank you for coming out tonight and thank you for the ones who are watching from their homes or their packs. I still can’t believe this is happening and that I am now walking in my mother’s footsteps. I miss them and I know you all do as well so I will do my best to uphold the standard that they set and hopefully do even better as a person who protects and loves everyone. I know that many would call you my subjects, but I don’t believe you are objects nor something I am studying in school. That is what I think of when I hear it and it means no disrespect. To me you are my family and friends who work together to make a better future for everyone. We may have some fights, deep discussions, and rough patches but we always end up on the same side when it counts. So, let’s get this coronation done and party with some amazing cake.”

I walked back to Jared and kneeled before him. Knox gave him the microphone and gave me the extra one. He winked at me before going back to stand next to my mates. Jared looked at the crowd before speaking.

“Princess Ryder do you promise to protect your people? To be loyal and fair to your people? Do you promise to put your subjects lives above all else?”

“I, forever, vow to protect, be loyal, fair, and loving toward all who stay under my rule.” I changed up my reply but I meant what I said about not calling them subjects.

“Then stand and take your throne.” Jared helped me stand and walked me to the throne. I sat down and was surprised it was quiet comfy. “I will put the crown upon your head and the link between all werewolves will start. It takes some time so we will give

silence while you are transitioning to queen.”

He picked up the crown from the table beside my throne and lightly put it on top of my head. As soon as he let go links began clicking, starting at the top of the food chain all the way down. It was more painful then I thought it would be and my head was pounding a few seconds in. Blue was whimpering but standing strong. We had to show how strong we were to our people no matter the cost to us.

Jared leaned over and whispered, “It was painful for your parents as well. Your mother went first. Once yours is complete you will need to remark your mates and it will connect with them as the Kings.”

I looked over at them and they smiled. They must already know. I looked at Jared questioningly but only heard that they know before the pain intensified and all I saw was black before replaceing myself at a beautiful waterfall with the clearest blue water I had ever seen. The fish were bright and colorful swimming around in lazy circles. I could only hear frogs croaking and crickets chirping.

“Ryder?” I heard a beautiful voice come from behind me.

I turned around and gasped. “Mo…m? Mommy?” She nodded and I flew into her arms. She looked so beautiful just like she did when she passed away. She wore a pink dress that made her purple eyes stand out.

“My baby. You have grown into such a beautiful woman.” She hugged me tighter sniffing me. “Your scent is the same but stronger. How I have missed feeling you in my arms.”

We fell to the ground crying and holding onto each other. She smelled like the waterfall, so fresh and full of peace. How did this even happen?

She pulled back and smiled sadly. “I only have so long before I have to go. The Goddess granted me a small amount of time to warn you about the war.”

“But I can hold you? Doesn’t that mean you are back? Can’t she give you more time?” I didn’t even want to focus on the reason she was here. I just knew she was here, and I missed her.

“I wish I could, my princess. I hate that we missed all the important steps in your life but we have watched from the moment we died. Your fathers and I love you endlessly.”

“I am still so full of anger that you are gone. I get jealous of others with their parents before worrying I will be killed in this war and leave my children.”

“That won’t happen. We won’t let it.” She growled. “I have to tell you this before you are yanked back to finish the coronation. They are going to take your children. You won’t have time to warn anyone. Once you are back Nick will be attacking and you must mark your mates in a hurry. The link will save one of their lives so make sure you do it. Once you finish with Nick you will get a call stating that they have taken the kids. They won’t be hurt because they want them for the prophecy my friend told you. Don’t wallow and don’t kill every traitor you come across. There will be a few you need and you will feel it in your bones.”

I jumped up and glared at her. “I won’t have time to warn anyone to save my children? Send me back now to do it. I can’t let them get hurt.”

She smiled, stepped forward, kissed my cheek, and hugged me tight. “We loved you from the moment you were conceive and continue loving you for all time.”

“Wha..” I felt that her arms leave my body and she was gone. “No. NO! You bring her back right now!” I growled feeling Blue wanting to push forward but this hard yank on our chest had us seeing black again before the world turned back to the coronation.