Ella’s Coronation
We moved immediately to the palace’s grand hall, where we’d met our delegates a few nights earlier. Sinclair and I waited quietly in a small room beside the entrance, allowing everyone from the first chamber to take their seats in the grand hall, where thousands already awaited. While the first chamber only accommodated a small portion of our population, the grand hall was far larger—and packed.
I squealed with excitement as I peeked through a velvet curtain covering a doorway window, thrilled to see so many people gathered to celebrate with us. I lifted Rafe so he could see, too, but then felt a hand on my shoulder. My sister’s beaming face appeared.
“Ella!” she laughed as I squealed and hugged her. She held me tightly, rocking me gently. “I’m so happy for you both,” she murmured, laughing softly. “Unanimous! It’s unprecedented!”
“Happy for all of us!” I laughed, grinning at her. Rafe reached for her, and Cora kissed and cuddled him, but didn’t take him from me—not yet.
I glanced behind Cora to see Roger, happy beside Sinclair, their father with them. They were speaking with royal aides, who showed them something on an iPad.
“What is that?” I asked.
“Probably footage from outside,” Cora said, still smiling. “It’s crazy out there, Ella. The streets are filled.”
“Oh,” I said, worry clouding my face as I glanced toward the door. “Is that…safe?”
“Yes, the crowds are incredibly happy,” Cora said, raising her eyebrows. “There aren’t many humans, but those present are celebrating.” She smiled softly. “They’ve done extensive analysis and polling, Ella, and they say the humans largely support Sinclair’s reign because of you.”
“What?” I asked, confused. “I haven’t even been in the public eye long—”
“Yeah,” she said, nodding eagerly. “They know you cleared the refugee camps and helped those people—and they love your story: an orphan girl who found her mate by chance and didn’t even know she was a wolf? They don’t know the details of your divinity or magic, but rumors of your healing circulate, and everyone’s excited about your gifts and how you use them to help the neediest. You’re kind of…beloved, Ella!”
I blushed and swatted her playfully. “That’s ridiculous, Cora,” I murmured. “I’m sure you’re exaggerating—it’s all for Sinclair—”
“No,” she said, serious now. “It’s real, Ella. Wolves and humans alike—they love you.” I looked down, blushing harder. Even though I desperately hoped it was true, I couldn’t quite believe it. I want the people to know I love them and will help them, but beloved? That seemed…
“Ready?” Sinclair said, coming over and looking between Cora and me. Roger grinned at me from behind my mate.
“Oh, she’s ready,” Roger laughed. “She’s been waiting to get her hands on that crown for weeks now.”
“Don’t be jealous, Roger,” I said, raising my chin haughtily. “Just because you don’t get a crown.”
“It’s true,” he sighed, feigning grief. “I only get a stupid necklace.”
“It’s a livery collar,” Cora sighed, rolling her eyes and linking arms with him. “If you call it a necklace again, I’m going to smack you.”
“If we kill them now,” Roger said in a loud stage whisper, “we can take it all, Cora!”
Cora and I burst out laughing, but Sinclair glared at his brother and shoved him playfully. “Don’t even think about it, Rog,” he growled. “You don’t want the work.”
“Truth, brother,” Roger said, clapping Sinclair’s shoulder cheerfully. “Your life is safe with me.”
“Boys?” Henry said, looking sternly at his sons. “If you’re done kidding around? We have a coronation to begin.”
Sinclair and Roger looked mildly ashamed, making Cora and me laugh again.
Sinclair looked down at me, and I nodded, signaling my readiness. We’d rehearsed this meticulously. Sinclair would go first, then me, then Cora would take Rafe, and she, Roger, and Henry would proceed down the aisle to the thrones. Everything was precisely timed; we had one chance to get it right.
It was televised, and Henry had emphasized the importance of presenting ourselves as dignified, serious people who took our responsibilities seriously. I agreed. As much as our family joked, we were determined to show our nation the respect it deserved.
We composed ourselves.
Sinclair kissed me lingeringly and went to the door, where his aides waited. I exhaled deeply, stood behind him, and passed Rafe to Cora after kissing his cheek. The baby gurgled but went willingly to her. I smoothed my velvet dress, hoping it wasn't wrinkled or stained with baby spit-up.
Cora and Roger fell into line behind me with Henry. My pulse quickened as the door opened and I heard the crowd roar its approval.
Sinclair sent a final smile over his shoulder before moving slowly and deliberately into the hall, walking down the aisle to the throne he’d earned with his people’s support.
The aides smiled and gently waved me forward. I remained just inside the doorway, out of sight—as planned—and when the count reached two minutes (meaning Sinclair had reached the throne), the aides signaled me to begin.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped through the doorway. A huge roar erupted. A blush warmed my cheeks as a smile broke across my face. I bit my lip—I was supposed to be dignified and serious—but their cheers were overwhelming. I raised a hand to my heart and bowed slightly, humbled by their approval. The cheering intensified. I laughed, shaking my head, and began to walk forward.
But a sound behind me made me turn. My baby, Rafe, was crying. My heart broke as I felt his distress through our bond; he was afraid of the noise and being left alone, despite loving his Aunt Cora. He was looking for me. Even though I knew I should proceed, that everything was timed, I turned back to my son.