52.

**Emma**



'I hope the princess is OK?!'

'Any word about the prince and princess?'

'King Landon is terribly worried. Everyone is. What do you think happened really that night?'

'Our princess. A white wolf. We are truly blessed by the moon goddess again'

Distant links of conversations awoke me from my sleep, it took me a while to understand why I was able to hear other wolves mind-link beside my mate's and my family's before I opened my eyes.

Confusion again hit me; it wasn't my room nor Michael's I was in, looking around the decor was a mixture of burgundy and gold, two walk-in closets and a balcony leading to outside.

I sat up to get a better view of my new room, it was truly magnificent with all the gold trimmings. I turned to my right as I felt the bed move - it was Michael- his now lengthy curls fell across his forehead which was creased in frustration or pain I couldn't tell.

Our pack bond-breaking took a toll on us, after feeling his pain and bonding with my father everything after that was a blur.

"Emma?" I heard a worried voice call out to me from the door. Looking towards the voice, I discovered it was Mason.

"Beta Mason" I called out to him grinning. A slight blush took over his cheeks as he made his way in further.

"Princess," he returned with the same teasing tone and gave me a slight bow.

It was my turn to slightly blush. He sat on the edge of the bed after kissing my head in greeting.

"Where are we?" I asked looking around again.

"Your new room. Since you both are mated and now crowned, Arabella saw it fit to give you both a bit more privacy. Your own quarters in the southern side of the castle. The twins and I are a few corridors away due to safety measures" he explained.

"Oh" was all I said before the links of wolves came at me. I winced in pain as they came in stronger.

Mason chuckled and held my hand, "Breathe " he instructed.

"Your people have been worried about you and Michael. It's nearly two days since you two claimed your position among all wolves," he went on.

"Claimed? What exactly happened?" I asked looking over at my mate.

"After the bond being approved, you shifted then Michael followed. You both turned to the moon and announced your homecoming. It was a memorable night. The power that came from you was so strong it brought us to our knees" he said living in the memories of that night.

"So...... Every wolf heard?" I asked still not grasping what he was telling me.

He nodded his answer, 'yes'.

Great now Malcolm would surely waste no time in coming after us; we're prepared for him. Aren't we?

'Any word about the young royals?' A link flowed through me. They were all worried for us even when we haven't ascended the throne. They are still loyal wolves after all.

"Reassure your people Emma," Mason said smiling. I looked at my childhood friend, we both matured drastically due to our different situations at seventeen we both been through betrayals and death, things our parents sheltered us from.

"But Michael......" I started to say.

"Could you two please shut up? I'm trying to sleep here" my mate's voice interrupted me. I threw myself at him and held him tightly. "Well good morning to you too my sweet" he mumbled in my hair. To have his arms around me sent me into a cocoon of warmth and safety.

"Good day, my prince" I teased him.

Mason laughed at his confused expression, I quickly told him what Mason explained to me what happened, then he got a bit of clarity.

"Though I would love to stay in bed with my beautiful mate I think we should put our people's hearts at calm. Don't you think so my fair princess?" Michael said tickling my sides.

"Yes," I laughed out.

Mason went to stand at the door as Michael and I struggled a bit to gain back the strength in our legs. We sat in the lounge talking to Mason as we waited on the food he ordered for us to be delivered.

"The king would like to see both of you in two hours time. And... Arabella would be here right about......" Mason said with an amused smile on his face.

In came my bustling mother in a beautiful white sundress topped off with a red wedged sandal, her golden blonde hair was let loose which gave her such a youthful look. Two helpers came in after her with trays of food for us, as they placed our meals before us they gave us their heartfelt sentiments of knowing we are okay.

"Thank you for your concerns," I said smiling at the two young she-wolves.

"We are very grateful for your loyalty" Michael added. They stared at him in awe, they blushed as he smiled at them, I couldn't help but giggle at the effect my mate had on the females.

"You're welcome your majesties" they chorused and bowed. Mother cleared her throat which brought them out of their trances and they quickly left after bowing to her and Mason.

"Fans already Michael?" She teased.

"Maybe but I have my first fan by my side from day one," he said kissing my temple. Happiness flowed through me to know that he acknowledges my support.

Mom shook her head at us with the most serene smile.

"On other news, as Mason has informed you two Landon wants to meet with you in two hours. However, you shall meet us in the receiving room as we have guests arriving soon. Mason I also expect you to be there also the twins. Don't be late and dress presentable. No jeans, boys" she said motherly.

"Yes ma'am" they both grumbled.

"And Michael get a hair cut, that rugged look has to go," she continued.

"Mom" I whined running my fingers through his hair, he groaned in content, closing his eyes as I did it, which made my mother rolled her eyes.

"Just do it. Remember two hours" she said walking to the door. "I knew I made one pup not five" we heard her mutter as she closed the door behind her.

"Do you know who are the visitors?" I asked.

"Nope. Everything is being kept on a need to know basis. Beta Isah told us to be careful though and be more vigilant with the people around you two" Mason said.

"Why?" I asked again being highly uncomfortable with secrets I know that are being hidden from me.

"Your father knows why he's taking that initiative. Come on let's finish eat and get ready for the castle's visitors" Michael quickly said glancing at Mason who quickly left.

"Okay," I said following him in finishing our meal.

A hairstylist came in moments after our empty dishes were taken away, the woman was a petite blonde with large framed glasses, she bowed timidly and blushed at the sight of Michael when he approached her.

"G-good day, your majesty I'm Astrid. The Queen told me to report to your quarters?!" She said slightly mumbling her words.

Both of us sniffed trying to place her scent, she was neither wolf nor vampire.

'Human?!' We both asked each other.

"I'm princess Emma may I ask how did you come to be employed at the castle?" I asked politely.

She looked at me uneasily then at Michael, we gave her comforting smiles showing we won't hurt her.

"A friend of my late mother took me in when I was 14 here at the castle. The queen sent me to college then employed me when I graduated" she said.

"So you know of... Of our kind?" Michael asked.

She nodded in answer.

"Then why are you afraid to come near us," I asked.

"The workers told me of how powerful you both are and informed me not to anger you" she explained.

"Well, where most of that is true. We don't anger easily unless someone threatens the ones most dear to us" Michael said kissing my head lovingly.

"Oh, that's a relief," she said gaining a bit more confidence.

I nodded at her and left her to tend to my mate. "Oh, princess do you wish to have your hair tend to also?" Astrid asked as she fastened a cloak around Michael.

Before I can decline, Michael spoke for me, "Curls. I would love to see her hair in curls. It makes her eyes much more captivating "

I blushed at the way he looked at me when he said those simple words. Astrid cooed at his words and got back to work on Michael.





"Perfect. Queen Arabella would be pleased" Astrid said after giving her finishing touches on my hair. Michael came out of his closet dressed in black slacks with his black Ralph Lauren boots in his hand and a baby blue dress shirt in the other.

"I know I am" he said huskily lust was evident in his eyes. My hair was loosely curled and pinned up in a casual style to match my outfit of a baby blue ruffled baby doll dress with white peep-toe heels.

"Thank you, Astrid, you did a wonderful job" I praised her looking at how great my hair looked.

Mason and the twins came in looking miserable in their attire, I tried my best not to laugh when Mason loosen his tie from around his neck and rolled up his sleeves.

"Now there is my bad boy Mason" I teased.

"Shut it Em" he mumbled tugging at the shirt once more.

Delta Avery came in next with four guards trailing behind him, one was carrying an antique chest and stood next to Avery waiting on some sort of instruction. "When receiving visitors or in court tending to your subjects your crowns are to be worn at all times. For safety and also as respect to your line" Avery explained.

Michael and I sat as he placed our crowns on our heads, everyone in the room bowed to us as we stood. 'Still not comfortable with this' I told Michael.

'Neither am I,' he replied bowing his head slightly to Avery for him to proceed.

We all made our way down to the receiving room where my mother and father were seated on their thrones deep in conversation. Entering from the side door I saw the whole room better from that angle. Wolves, vampires and few humans lined the sides of the long aisle standing to have their own conversations awaiting of the visitors.

It seems the people who are arriving were important for everyone to dress their best.

"Presenting her royal highness, the crowned Princess Emma and his royal majesty the crowned Prince Michael of the wolf kingdom," a man announced.

Michael and I walked up to the stage where my parents were, I sat beside my mother while Michael was to sit beside my father.

"May the moon goddess bless you" the audience chorused as they bowed in respect. Our betas and deltas stood by our sides as we sat and waited for the visitors.

"You look beautiful my sweet pup" mom gushed tucking my hair behind my ear.

"Thank you, mom," I said smiling at the love that shone in her eyes.

During the amicable chatter across the room, two loud thumping of a staff was heard. Everyone became quiet.

"Hailing from the neighboring kingdom and our highly respected ally, I present to you their royal majesties. King Dimitri and Damian of the vampire kingdom" the announcer called as the doors opened.

In strode, two tall men both with dark hair and blue eyes, the one on the left wore a serious expression as the one on the right held a slight smirk on his lips as he approached us.

"Her royal majesty, Queen Rayan mate of King Dimitri"

A beautiful blonde woman came all but skipping down the aisle with a welcoming smile on her face. She seems so happy to be visiting us.

"Welcome my old friends" my father bellowed stepping down to give each of twin a manly hug. "Rayan looking as great as ever. Still not through with Dimitri I see" dad teased the blonde. "I'm surprised my self " she bantered looking at her mate coyly.

Mom stepped down and greeted the vampires; you can tell how good of friends they are in their teasing.

'Come baby girl' dad linked me smiling my way.

Nervously I stepped up to them, I've never met vampires up close before, and to know that they are my godparents brought some sort of comfort.

"Boys. Rayan. This is our little girl Emma," dad introduced me. The pride and love in his voice couldn't be missed, he held my hand tightly, squeezing it lightly.

They smiled and bowed before me as a sign of respect. "It's so great to finally meet you, little one" Rayan said hugging me tightly she felt so cool and inviting that I had to return her hug.

"And it's great to meet the people my parents trust with their daughter," I said sincerely.

"Annnnnn! quit hogging the little munchkin" I heard Damian whined.

"Seriously brother," Dimitri said flatly to his brother.

"Stop acting like you weren't excited to see baby Emma," Damian said rushing towards me.

I was engulfed in a bear hug lifted off the floor, he kissed my cheeks which caused me to laugh, a warning growl was heard behind us and I was quickly snatched away from my godfather.

"Mine" Michael growled holding me tightly against him.

"Whoa. You must be Michael, her mate. Sorry for that though" Damian said backing away. The mischievous grin on his face grew wider and wider.

Dad laughed at the scene in front of him, "Where's Ariana?" He asked.

"Who's that?" I asked.

"Our daughter," Dimitri said proudly with the same tone dad has whenever he spoke about me.

"There is also one other person accompanying us, they came with us last minute," Damian said nodding to the guards at the door.

When they opened the doors the familiar scent that hit my senses had Alia in defense mode. I stepped forward with Michael, Mason and the twins following. Avery caught the scent also and took his place in front of the royals.

Guards were on alert when they saw how affected we were by the newcomer.

"Hello cousin Emma," the boy said.

"You don't deserve to acknowledge her that way" Noah growled at him.

His blue-green eyes were fixed on mine where I sensed his defeat and calmness but an inkling of fear was there.

'No threat' Alia confirmed to me. I relaxed and smiled his way. Caleb stepped forward to me Jonah and Noah advanced towards him ready to attack.

"Stop" I ordered them both stretching forth my hands towards them, a shield manifested in front of the twins causing them to sharply stop at the barrier.

"What are you doing? That's Malcolm's son," Mason hissed at me.

I turned to my parents who gave me a nod of approval. They sensed his defeat also, looking at Michael I saw his wolf calmed also.

"Yes, he is but he's also my cousin who I'm sure came to help?! Isn't that so cousin Caleb?" I asked of the strapping wolf approaching me.

"Yes, cousin Emma" he breathed out. He fell to his knees and bowed before me asking for my forgiveness.

"Emma. Don't do this. His father killed our mother. He was there. He should have said something" Jonah shouted at me. He was right but a child can never go against their parents. Whether good intentions or bad, we want to make our parents proud. I know I do.

'Do not fight me on this. I know what his monster of a father did to our family but we shouldn't judge people by their actions. Isn't that what mom always taught us. Actions lead to deeper feelings' I linked to my brothers.

'Yes, she did but that won't change the fact that we don't fully trust him,' Noah said.

"It's okay. Come on get up." I said softly. He got up and tackled me with a fierce hug. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know," he whispered to me.

"You know we have to talk don't you?!" I said to him. He nodded in response.

"Caleb? Where's Ariana?" Rayan asked with a confused look.

"She said something of looking at the gardens first," he said going towards them.

"Should of known" Dimitri muttered with a warm smile on his face.

We made our way back to the thrones where the Vampire royals stood below us.

"For the period of time the royal vampires are here no word shall be spread of their stay here. Also, respect is to be shown to them as you give your leaders." Dad told the audience. They pledged their respect to the vampires then dispersed.

"Boys. Come with me. Let's go find my lovely goddaughter" mom said grabbing the twins while Mason followed. They were hesitant to leave Caleb with us. Michael and dad gave them a reassuring look before they left. Rayan went after them sensing the need for us to have Caleb alone.

Michael kept me close to him as we left the room and proceed for my father's office.

"Okay let's get this over with. Tell me how my uncle's son is connected to you two?" Dad said plopping down in his chair behind his desk.

Damian and Dimitri looked at each other uncomfortably then at their friend; Caleb kept his head bowed.

"You do know that Rayan was human when I found her right; she was the youngest of three" Dimitri started to say. A dark cloud seems to form over the office.

"As suspected the rebellion that caused the kingdoms to be at each other throats was all because of Malcolm when I found Rayan, she was a captive of the vampire rebels along with her two older sisters....." He continued his body became tense his eyes were dark, the memories were taking over.

"They were willing to trade my beloved to that monster for a few pieces of gold. A life, whether be mortal or immortal is priceless. Malcolm wanted human women for his men's own pleasure. Rayan and her sister Rein managed to escape Malcolm's hold but Resa stayed back..... She found out that Malcolm was her mate and he used that against her." Dimitri ended.

"Guess there is someone for everyone" Avery muttered.

Damian snorted with laughter. Everyone looked at him.

"What? I know y'all were thinking it. The beast had a beauty after all. Ironic isn't it" he said rolling his eyes.

I had to muffle my laughter in Michael's chest. "Emma," dad snapped at me.

"Sorry daddy," I said pouting. "Its okay baby girl," he said smiling at me.

"He's a big pushover like you brother," Damian whispered to his twin but he meant it to be heard.

"Damian" both my father and Dimitri shouted, it was then my uncle's turn to pout that brought out the laughter from myself and Caleb. Michael, Isah, and Avery were more successful in holding theirs in.

"Why are you related to me again?" Dimitri asked pinching the bridge of his nose. Damian shrugged and clasped his hands behind his head looking up at his twin.

"Back to business people" dad drawled out.

"I think I can finish that. After discovering my mother was his mate, dad kept her away from everyone including my aunts, but she was able to send letters about me being born till dad found out. He told them we both died by an incurable disease when was only mom died. No one saw me since I was a child until I showed up at the castle the night before. I couldn't take it any more. I was never the son he wanted because of my human side. I also hated that he was painting Emma as this monster when he truly was. When I saw her that day we attacked I knew that it was all lies. So he banished me, even my mate is caught up in this new era of wolves shit." Caleb said with so much hate for his father.

"Who is your mate?" Dad asked.

"A she-wolf named Heather from Moon Dust pack" he answered.

"Well shit. There is someone for everyone" I blurted out.