Epilogue

**Cynthia **

“There are too many people here. No one said that there would be so many people”

I am starting to feel sick to my stomach, the thought of what I am about to do and the amount of people that I am to do it in front of is enough to make anyone weak at the knees.

“I can do it. I can’t stand up and speak in front of them, one of you are going to have to do it for me”

*” You know I don’t think all the people who have come here are going to appreciate the sister doing the acceptance speech”*

I can hear Selene’s eye roll, I don’t even have to look at her to know she is doing it.

“You know what else I don’t understand. Why the dresses and the shoes, I can barely walk in them and it’s heavy”

*” I don’t understand why you are complaining about being a queen and besides that, so many people have come to see you. Did you see that pack from the south they are rugged bunch aren't they, I wonder if they stick around, perhaps Salvi will find her mate”*

“You do remember you have a Husband right Selene and that is going to be there today”

*” I remember very well I am merely admiring the moon goddess creation. Besides so many packs have come that we didn't know existed, they were hidden and they kept our families secrets out of loyalty. Should you both not like to know what they have to say about the time before us ?”*

“Maybe you are right, but that does not make me want to talk to them any more than I have to so which one of you id going to make the dumb speech”

Artemis stands and walks across to sit between us.

**” I am already making a speech and crowning you now, you Selene are the luna of a very powerful pack mind you do not stare too much at these new people and Cynthia ….Perhaps, little sister, you should quit your complaining and just accept it, you are about to be officially crowned as Queen, Sigi as King and your Son the Prince. This is supposed to be a happy day and you are whining about your shoes”**

The two of them stress me out, they do not understand. I’m not stressing overshoes and dresses. I have no idea how I am supposed to lead people, no idea how I am to be a Queen. I'm a doctor, not a ruler.

“I do not know how to do this though Girls, there are so many people out there. So many people have travelled so far, children of people who worked in this house all those years ago, people who have heard stories of our families greatness and I am not it. Maybe one of you should just be Queen instead. “

I pick up the crown and hand it to Artemis, she is the oldest and she is made for it, she is strong and powerful and able to lead people.

**” I know what you are thinking Cynthia and you are wrong. These people have seen power, they have lived with strength what they need now is compassion and you are the most compassionate of us all, this role was made for you like it is made for Frode”**

Selene hands me a drink of something and I take it in one go. I have to keep telling myself over and over I can do this.

The time passes quickly and people are in and out of the room fussing with my hair and talking to Artemis as they prepare. Their two packs and those who are now in mine are patrolling every border of this land to ensure nothing goes wrong.

Time seems to pass by so quickly and when Salvi and Sekreta enter my room both adorned in their colour I know that it's time.

We begin to move out of the room, the others going first but Artemis stays by my side, her hand wrapped tightly in my own.

**” You can do this Cynthia. I know deep down this is what you were made to do. Everything in your life before has been a test and you have passed it”**

She is whispering low as we walk past people whose eyes are all on me.

**” You are stronger and braver than any I know Cynthia and you will be an amazing Queen. For once you have to trust in yourself and you will be your guide. Whatever step you take next our world will follow. Long live Queen Cynthia, my sister, my best friend”**

I am about to respond to her but I realise we have made it to the end of the Aisle, Sigurd is waiting for me holding Frode tightly in his arms and he is beaming with pride.

At that moment I feel all my stress and panic wash away from me, my life is waiting for me on that altar. A life I have fought for, a life that I have bled for and I will protect them and the people of my lands at all costs.

The ceremony begins and the Artemis speaks to the room as the others stand behind, Sigi and Frode placing a Tiara on each of their heads adorned in the colours of their eyes.

She speaks of bravery and love. She delivers a message of hope resting it on my shoulders, she reminds the people who we are born of and then places the Crown atop my head.
Ryan then stands beside me holding a tiara for Artemis and I place it on her head kissing her on each cheek and whispering a thank you in her ear.

It is then my turn to speak as I crown my husband and son. I had prepared what I would like to say but the words do not seem fitting at this moment.

Instead, I opt for something in the language of the old.

“Alltaf ertu verndaður undir ljósum þess fyrsta”

The room is silent at first and then it erupts.

*Long live Queen Cynthia*
*Long Live King Sigurd*
*Long live Prince Frode*


*A/N
Thank you so much for coming on this journey with me.
For those of you who are would like to know what Cynthia said to the crowd here is it below
**For always you are protected under the lights of the first**
I hope you have enjoyed the sisters stories so far !! There is more to come in 2021!!