Chapter 14

Merie, Darius’ assistant, smiled as she watched as Kira, Celia, Glen and Liam approached her. Darius had warned her they would probably be inundated with phone calls and visits as word spread about the changes in the Dark Realm. “How can I help everyone?” she asked.

“Is Darius in?” Kira asked.

“Of course. You may go on in. He’s expecting you.”

As they entered Darius’ office he looked up from his desk and smirked. They’d gotten the invite. “Good morning, everyone!”

“D... what the heck is going on? Last we knew Thea was in full Nihasia, destroy the world mode, and now there’s a coronation in the Dark Realms?” Kira demanded.

“Long story short... Lucifer showed up and fixed Thea, who in turn kicked Innara’s ass and sent her packing to where Mordecai is. With the Dark Realms needing a Queen, Lucifer, with the approval of Gaia and Chaos, has decreed that Theanna is to be the new High Queen of the Dark Realms. Thus your invitation to the coronation,” Darius chuckled as he gave the very short version.

“But.. but...” Kira stammered, stunned and confused.

“Kira, I’ll explain it to you slowly,” Liam teased her. Turning back to Darius he stated, “I thought non-Daemoni weren’t allowed into the center of the Dark Realms. Even Lilith says she can only enter the outer areas. She has never heard of anyone that wasn't Daemoni entering the Palace.”

“You’re correct. Only those granted entrance by the High Queen or Lucifer himself can enter the Palace. That is why one of Damian’s lieutenants will escort you. I’ll warn you, though, prepare yourself to see Daemoni in their true form. This is their Realm, and they’re not obligated to us to appear anything other than what they are. So, it wouldn’t be a good thing if you reacted badly. You must also remember to stay with your escort and not wander around. Your soul mustn’t be tainted by the darkness if you wish to return to Earth.”

“Will we see Thea again?” Celia asked.

“Yes, of course. Many things are going to change but some won’t. We just haven’t figured out all of the details yet. This is a good thing. With a new queen come very good changes. You’ll see.”

“I need to talk to Helen!” Kira suddenly demanded, her eyes wide.

“Why is that?”

“I have no clue what to wear!!!”

~~*~~

Thea looked into the mirror at her gown. It was an exquisite red dress with intricate detailing in black lace and diamonds... and she looked hideous. Her pink hair clashed badly. Everyone insisted she had to wear red, it was the color of the High Queen of the Dark Realms. Innara looked good in red and black, she didn’t.

Seeing her scowl as he walked into the room, Damian asked, “What’s wrong, my Zoqa?”

“Everything! I’m about to be made High Queen and I look hideous,” she exclaimed, throwing her hands up in exasperation.

Damian knew it was more than the dress. She was nervous and questioning this decision. She was overthinking everything. Wrapping his arms around her, he said, “You’re going to be an incredible High Queen. The coronation will go off without a hitch and this dress is an easy fix. Just because Innara wore red doesn’t mean you have to. With a new queen comes new traditions.”

With a wave of his hand he turned the dress to purple and black. It was form fitting and extremely sexy and matched the crown that soon would be placed on her head. “Better?”

“Much.” Looking into Damian’s eyes she asked him, “I can do this, right?”

“Yes, you can. You’re the strongest, smartest, most beautiful woman I know. You’ve been preparing for this your whole life whether you knew it or not. Chaos wouldn’t have suggested this if he’d thought it was a bad idea. He knows you’ll make a great queen, as do I. Have faith in yourself, Zoqa.”

Thea nodded as she chewed on her lip, thinking again. “The Princes seemed less than pleased.”

“Innara didn’t care what they did so they got away with everything. They know that’s going to change but we’ll win them over.”

“I still need to figure out what to do with the house back in LA and Glen and Celia. So much is changing so fast.”

“Theanna Prince, my mate, look at me,” Damian directed. When she was looking at him he continued. “Stop overthinking this. We’ll figure it out one step at a time. You have Legions at your command now. And I will always be at your side. We got this.”

“We got this,” Thea repeated as she smiled at him.

“Yes we do. Today is going to be a good day my Queen.”

~~*~~

Thea took a peek into her throne room from where she waited. It was completely filled with representatives from nearly every Realm. Even secretive realms such as Talos had sent someone. Suddenly Thea gasped. “Dnirya! Lord Uriel is here with Gaia.”

“Of course, my Zoqa. This is a momentous occasion.”

As she continued to watch, the crowd began to quiet down as the council members entered into the throne room. “Does the council know I plan to do away with them?”

“No, we’ve kept that decision quiet until after the coronation. They believe you’ll make only minor changes and that their positions are secure,” Damian smirked.

A wicked grin formed on Thea's face. “Well, won't everyone be surprised then.”

“Indeed.”

Suddenly a bright light appeared next to the throne causing Thea to gasp. “Is that.... Dnirya.... is that LORD CHAOS?!?”

“It is. He informed Lord Lucifer that he would be conducting your coronation himself. He wanted all the Realms to know that you had his full support,” Damian stated proudly.

Thea suddenly sat down, breathing hard, almost hyperventilating, as all the color left her face. “I can't... I can't... do this. It's... it's too... much.”

Squatting down in front of her, Damian gently placed his hands on her cheeks, lovingly holding her face. “My Zoqa. You can do this and you’re not doing this alone. I’ll always be by your side as your mate, your partner, your love. Whatever you need from me is yours. Together we will do this. Together.”

“Together. You won't leave me?” Thea asked as she blinked back tears.

“Never! I’ll also tell you a secret. As High Queen you can command ANY Daemoni, including myself, to come to you in an instant,” Damian smiled conspiratorially as he caressed her cheeks with his thumbs.

“That could be lots of fun, but as long as you promise....”

Suddenly Damian stood up and produced an ornate knife, slicing open his hand he declared, “I, Damian, Prince of Ikisat, give to you and only to you, my blood oath to serve you as my true High Queen of the Dark Realms and to always remain by your side as your mate, forever loyal.”

Thea watched in surprise as Damian placed his hand over his heart, sealing the unbreakable blood oath. “Dnirya....”

“I was going to do that as part of the ceremony but I can easily do it again. I love you, Theanna, with every part of my being. I’m proud to be known as your mate.”

Theanna stood up and reached up, pulling his face towards hers and kissed him possessively. As she pulled apart and looked deep into his eyes she heard the deep tones of the music chosen for the event. With a sigh she said, “Well, let's get this show done and over with so we can start the rest of our crazy lives.”

With a smile, Damian offered his arm to her. She returned his smile as she took his arm and allowed him to lead her to the massive throne room doors. As the doors opened, Thea took a deep breath and steadied herself.