Prince Ella couldn't help it. Tears burst forth immediately. The crowd, realizing what was happening and witnessing her emotional reaction, again shouted their approval. Sinclair laughed, shaking his head as he returned to her side with the small crown.

"Well, if you didn't want me to cry!" she exclaimed, stamping her foot lightly, "you should have told me!"

"Nah," Sinclair said, smiling softly but audibly over the cheering crowd. "This is way better. It was worth it to see your face."

"Okay, well," she said, hastily wiping her cheeks before straightening Rafe in her arms. "Get on with it! I want to see how he looks!"

Sinclair laughed, shaking his head. The crowd quieted, eager to hear their King.

"Rafe Sinclair," her mate said, looking seriously at his son. Rafe frowned and waved his hands, confused by his father's serious tone, which made Sinclair laugh and start over.

The crowd joined in, pleased, she thought, to see their serious King so human, to see how much he loved his son.

"Rafe Sinclair," her mate tried again, his voice lighter. Rafe squealed with joy, threatening to make Ella cry again. Sinclair grinned, leaning over. "I crown you my Prince and heir, to ascend to this throne in your time. I promise to raise you to understand this responsibility, to grow into a good man, and to deserve it." Then, overwhelming Ella with love, Sinclair gently placed the crown on Rafe's tiny head.

Ella watched eagerly. She burst into laughter when Rafe reached up, his pudgy hands experimentally touching the crown, trying to remove it. Ella moved his hand away, and the crowd cheered again, charmed, she knew, by their little Prince.

She stepped close to Sinclair, tilting her head up. He bent and kissed her—a warm, real, true kiss. Lost in the kiss, overwhelmed by her love for him, she didn't know if the crowd cheered.

Next, Sinclair had his arm around her shoulders, leading her down the aisle as they waved to their people. Soon, they were back in the private room at the front of the great hall, where Henry, Cora, and Roger entered, smiling and laughing.

But Ella only looked at her mate, her Alpha, her King, her love shining down their bond.

"I love you, little Queen," he murmured, pulling her close, Rafe nestled between them. He tilted her chin up. "You look just as good in that crown as I thought you would."

"Wait till you see me later," she murmured mischievously.

"Later?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow.

"I believe," she said quietly, wanting to keep it between them, "that I promised to show you what I look like in nothing but this crown." A growl rumbled in his chest. He lowered his head and kissed her. She stood on her toes and kissed him back.

The party that night was large. While not completely open to all citizens (the majority celebrated in the streets), hundreds were present. Guests from foreign delegations and many honored citizens attended.

Ella admitted to being nearly overwhelmed by the guests and attention.

Sinclair and Ella spent hours greeting each person, accepting congratulations, shaking hands, and sharing in their excitement for the nation's future. She gave each her full attention, matching their enthusiasm.

After three hours, she was exhausted. The ballroom remained packed, their duties unfinished. She squeezed Sinclair's hand, kissed Rafe's head, and turned to the next guest.

"Hey!" A familiar voice shouted. Her face lit up as she saw little Benny from the human refugee camp rushing toward her, followed by about five children, some familiar.

"Hey, Ben!" she said, crouching and opening her arms for a hug. "I'm so glad you could come!" She had sent an invitation to the children's home a week prior, but hadn't received a reply. She smiled warmly at the other children and their caretakers, who shyly waved.

"I didn't know you were a Queen," Benny said, frowning at her crown.

"Well, that makes sense," she said, wrinkling her nose. "Considering I just became one today."

"I thought you had to be born a Queen," Benny replied, studying her crown, then Rafe, who was dozing, his own small crown perched on his head. "Like him."

"Well," she considered, "I guess it happens all sorts of ways."

"So, can I become a king?" Benny asked.

"Is someone already trying to take my job?" Sinclair asked, appearing behind her. Ella laughed, looking up at him.

"I think you've got some stiff competition," she replied, standing and gesturing toward Benny and the other children. She introduced them to their King, who graciously shook each orphan's hand. They then warmly greeted the caretakers, expressing appreciation for their work.

"I know Ella intends to be more deeply involved in the future," Sinclair said, smiling at her. "If you'll allow her to."

"Oh, we'd welcome the help," a caretaker said.

"Then I'll come visit," Ella said with a smile. But Sinclair squeezed her hand, indicating that while she could spend all night with these important guests, there was more to see. She sighed, crouched down, and told the children about the huge dessert table in the next room, inviting them to raid it.

Thrilled, the children rushed off.

"We'll have more dessert sent home," Ella said to a caretaker, touching her arm. "A whole truckload—enough for all the children. Would that be alright?" The caretaker nodded her thanks.

"You like them," Sinclair murmured in her ear. "You like that little boy most of all."

"Yes," she sighed, glancing up at him. "Am I so obvious with my favorites?"

"Only to me," he whispered, kissing her forehead as they turned to their next guest. But seeing who it was, all joy drained from them both. Standing before them, ready to congratulate them on the happiest day of their lives, was her Uncle Xander.