Chapter 70-

Oriel:
I smile into Rowen’s lips and grab onto Irvin’s hand. Having Rowen place me alongside of him in authority and power in front of our people gives me the strength to finish this. These men conspired to dethrone my mate, and almost killed another. They took and humiliated me, they hurt Ayla and forced her into a terrible situation. They followed that vile man and happily planned my family’s demise. I straighten my spine and hold my chin high as I look to the crowd that is gathered before me. Even with my dress tattered and covered in blood I feel powerful and strong. With Rowen and Irvin beside me, my family and pack supporting me, and our people united together I know we can overcome any darkness. I will show them all that I will not cower or bend, I will be the queen they deserve.
I clear my throat and address the accused. “I have always been taught that the one who passes judgment should be the one to wield the sword.” I turn to Rowen and grab his father’s blade, the one with the black dragon on the hilt. This sword has belonged to many kings sharing Rowen’s proud blood, and now I will use it to cut down the men who threatened that blood. I turn back to the men on their knees before me and the fear that is visible on their faces doesn’t take away the sneers and lewd comments that they threw at me yesterday. It doesn’t take away the burning fury that I feel looking at them. “That hate that you let fill your hearts has decided your fate. I will root out this disease that you have spread so carelessly. You used your position of power for evil. Pray to the goddess for forgiveness because you will not receive it from me today.” There are twenty nobles in all kneeing in a row who I deliver justice to. The kings blade cuts easily through the neck of the first man. My hand is sure as each noble pays the price for their treason and I wear their blood like a cloak of vengeance, it feels as heavy on my body as the sword has become in my hand. I face the fifty or so men still on their knees, eyes wide as they stare at the bodies of their superiors and the blood that now stains the ground. “Decide your own fate men. Bow and pledge your life to the crown, vowing your loyalty and service or join the men who led you down this dark path. Chose for yourself who you want to serve.”
Tears sting my eyes, and my breath feels stuck in my chest as each man not only the accused before me but every shifter, and vampire alike kneel and pledge loyalty to me. The tears freely fall when my mates each take my hand and drop down to a knee next to me. I bend down kissing my king and then my warrior mate, I know if Darius was here, he would be next to them and me. The goddess has gifted me so much and I will do everything I can to protect and love her people. I stand tall and clear my throat. “I promise for as long as I live to serve and care for you.” I hand Rowen back his blade and the men rise, today is the start of unity for our people and I couldn’t be happier.
After a long night of clearing the camp and traveling back to the castle I am worn down. The last few days have been some of the hardest of my life and I am ready for my bed. Darius is there waiting for me; he will be weak for a few days as he heals but the doctor who treated him said he expects him to have a full recovery and soon. Rowen and Irvin walk me to my room where I know Darius is resting and waiting for me. “Princess do you want us to say goodnight here so that you can be with Darius?” I smile at Rowen, even though I know he is just as anxious as I am to see our mate, he puts my needs first. “I want us all to be together tonight. I need all of you close to me.” “Anything for you firecracker, always.”
When we go into the room, I see Darius is still sleeping and I don’t want to disturb him, even though I am exhausted I am also filthy. I smile coyly at Rowen and Irvin then slowly pull the filthy dress off of my body walking backwards towards the bathroom. Rowen fills the giant tub, and they wash, massage and brush through my wild hair together. They work in tandem making me feel so cared for and cherished. All of the pain from today fades away when I am with them. I sigh and lean back into Irvin’s chest while Rowen rubs my aching feet. “Princess the coronation is scheduled for the day after tomorrow, well technically tomorrow since the sun will be rising soon. Should we postpone? I don’t want your day to be overshadowed by the attack.” I lean forward and kiss Rowen, stroking my hands up and down his back. “I love you so much, I don’t want to wait to be connected to you in every way. Let’s turn what others meant for evil into good. Let us celebrate as a united people.” “I couldn’t agree more sweetheart. From the report I got earlier, you were amazing and just as I though you would, won the hearts of our men. I’m so proud of you princess.” I stand from the tub not caring about the fact that I’m soaked and covered in bubbles. “Darius. You are supposed to be resting my love.” “And miss the chance to see you soaking and naked, not to mention I could never pass up on seeing my favorite man hard and slippery from the bath.” “Dream on Darius, I told you I’m not interested.” I laugh as Rowen punches Irvin while getting out of the bath. “He meant me you neanderthal.” Rowen and I both kiss Darius and walk him back to bed. We all lay tangled together and rest. This is where I belong, the place that I feel safe and loved.
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Today is the day I have been looking towards for so much time now, it feels a bit surreal. My mother and Ayla have been life savers yesterday and today. Although she suffered at that camp she came home and got right to work with my mother finishing up the final touches for today. I am a little sad to think of my parents, Apollo and the pack leaving tomorrow but I know we will see each other more now that we are working closer together with the treaty in place. I don’t know what I would do without Ayla, she has become like a sister to me, and I rely on her calm, loving presence. There has been a shift in her lately and when this is all over, I plan on being there for her as she has always done for me.
“You are beyond beautiful little princess.” My dads come into my room each kissing me on the cheek before going to my mother. They have a hard time being away from her, especially now that she’s pregnant again. “We are so proud of you little warrior and of you phoenix. You did a good job with this one.” Seeing my parents still so in love after all of these years together and all of the hardships that they have faced gives me so much hope for my future. It makes me realize all I ever wanted growing up was to have what they do, to be loved the way they loved her and our family. I say a little prayer of thanks because I got exactly what I wanted.
Rowen:
Seeing her come down the stairs followed by her family makes the organ in my chest thump wildly. She is wearing a long, flowing, emerald gown. The top is tight and sleeveless, showing off her lovely tan skin and womanly curves and the bottom flows out from her hips. She is wearing the necklace I gave to her at our mating ceremony and her hair is pined backed in elegant braids that are covered in little gems that look like straight. She is perfection, everything I never knew I would want or need. Her strength and determination have made me want to be the best version of myself, so that I can be someone worthy to stand beside her. I notice a small bandage on her inner arm when she comes to stand beside me. Oriel looks me over with hungry eyes before giving Irvin and Darius the same predatory gaze. We stand together all matching in long black dress jackets and trousers. The only difference is my emerald sash that matches Oriel’s dress and the crown that sits on my head. Having them beside me today and forever no longer stirs jealousy inside me because they have become part of me by sharing my love for the beautiful woman before us. “I have a surprise for you before we go in.” She smiles and pulls the bandage off of her arm and shows me a tattoo of a black dragon, my houses banner. “I wanted to represent my love for you and the coven just as I did for my pack. I love you Rowen, are you ready for me to belong to you in every way.” “Crown or not you’re mine, but if I am to rule you are the one I want by my side.”
Oriel:
We walk inside the decorated throne room hand in hand to start the new life we have built. In front of a bursting room of noble vampires, shifters, and coven members I give my life to the people, and to Rowen. I pledge to rule them with love and give my life away to protect them if needed. I smile at my family who sit in the first row as Rowen places the jewel covered crown on my head and stand beside him as he gives Darius and Irvin the rank of high lords over the coven.
Today is perfect, and I can’t wait for when we are alone tonight so that we can celebrate properly and so I can give them all another surprise when we are alone together.