Chapter Eighteen

Lucian turned and let out a powerful growl which caused him halt from approaching me any farther. “You are right Carson. It is my fault your father is dead. He died protecting me from this man you see before you. His own father.” I said as I pointed to his grandfather not far from me. “This man killed your mother and your father. He killed them out of pure hate, envy, and greed.” Carson stared blankly at the man who he never knew before until now.
Beatrice snapped her head staring at Carson. I knew what that meant. She was his second chance mate. I had to get through to him here and now. I walked to Carson, who I could tell was very overwhelmed with everything he was hearing. “Carson words are not enough but it is time for you to see the truth.”
I grabbed his hand and took him back in time. I showed him everything from the beginning. His grandfather murdering mine. Killing his mother for no reason but to hurt his own son. Then his father saving my life and losing his in the process. We returned and Carson fell to his knees. I knew this was a lot to process.
As he cried his grandfather started laughing but Carson paid him no attention. “You think you have defeated me. I have many followers my dear.” He said with a cocky attitude. “You are right. You do have followers. Answer me this. Do they know you are not the king but an imposter out for power? Do they know your secrets? You have followers out of fear of the crown not out of loyalty. The only heir to this throne is standing before you now.” My words were clear and unwavering.
“For so long because of you I thought I was weak. I thought I was pathetic, fated to live a life of pure misery. Even though it took some convincing.” I said as I gave Lucian a smile. “I am stronger than I ever thought possible. I am stronger than you could ever imagine. This time you will not win.” He stared at me as I spoke with power lacing my voice.
The others begin approaching around us, shouting for him to die, to torture him, anything awful they could think to do to him they shouted it. “Just kill me then princess.” I shook my head to him in response.
“That is to easy for you. You fail to see that I am nothing like you. The laws you made to end the lives of others were only those that benefited you. Someone else is going to choose your fate.” I looked to Carson who still had tears streaming down his face as he knelt in the same spot. I did not feel hatred or anger. I felt pity. He was so out of his mind in grief that he was blinded by rage and succumbed to it.
“Carson. This man stole not only half my life but he stole everything from you. It will be you that will choose his fate.” He looked at me in shock but rose to his feet. He began to walk towards his grandfather who was fighting against the witches’ magic that held him in place. He looked around to the crowd who were shouting ways for him to die. He did not want to make the wrong choice.
“You have spread fear to many people with your horrendous acts. You tortured those who you saw beneath you. You ruined the lives of countless others for your own enjoyment. Due to your actions and your manipulation I let my judgement be clouded. I was blinded by rage. I did things I will never be able to take back.” He looked straight at me as he spoke the last part.
“Unlike you I will not torture you. I will not make you writhe in pain or beg for mercy. I will be giving you the mercy you did not spare to anyone else. May the goddess be the one to judge you on your crimes.” I heard the pain in his voice as he spoke. He kept his word by showing mercy. He snapped his grandfather’s neck, giving him a quick death.
Carson then faced me throwing his fist over his heart. “I pledge my loyalty to the queen. I will be an alliance in any battle she may need. I promise to honor her ruling until death takes me.” He then knelt to the floor on one knee. “Long Live Queen Raylynn.” I was in shock but everyone in the castle began to follow suit. Including Lucian and the others.
“Please everyone I need to speak to my pack, Carson, and these here who helped me. In due time we will be having a coronation.” Cheers were heard as they began exiting. The witch who helped the imposter looked down in shame as she approached me. “Please forgive me my Queen. He had my daughter.” I interrupted her. “I know everything. I hold you no blame or ill will. Anyone else would have done the same in your place including me.” She looked up at me smiling.
I then walked up to Carson. He looked me in the eye but his held so much sadness. “Carson, you do not have to apologize.” I cut him off from speaking. “The only thing you can do for the past is do better in the future. You have to let the past go. There is nothing we can do to change that. You have a second chance mate because the Goddess deems you worthy. You have to find it in your heart to see yourself as worthy as she does.” He nodded his head in response.
I then walked to Beatrice. “Take it slow give him time. Please do not give up on him. He deserves a second chance.” She smiled and hugged me. I then ran to my father and mother hugging them tightly. My brother joined the hug. A family hug. It felt so great to have a family I longed for. We stayed silent and just enjoyed each other’s company.
I felt Lucian approaching. “My Queen, may I have a moment.” I turned and jumped on Lucian, wrapping my legs around his hips. We kissed passionately both fighting for dominance. When we parted for air we laid our foreheads against each other. “Raylynn, if you ever run off like that again I will start tying you to our bed so I know you never run away again.” I could not help but smile. “I may like that. Now we have a coronation to prepare for my King.” Lucian gave me a large smile carrying me down the aisle of the throne room. Who would know being the last Queen would start a whole new adventure.