He Came!
Loud trumpeting sounds outside the dressing room.
From the murmuring, I conclude that quite a few guests must have already arrived by now. I hear whispers but also laughter, so the mood downstairs is on the upswing. The King's mating is no simple affair; it is one of the most critical events in the entire werewolf community after the coronation.
Alidya enthusiastically helps me into my dress, she beams with pride. Her hands are slightly trembling out of joy as she whispers all kinds of mantras while busy. The robe has all sorts of gadgets that need to be tied. It was Alidya's personal choice so she knows exactly how everything should be held together. Finally the gown is on my body and she shoves me toward the tall mirror.
"You look great, Saray. Everyone can see that the Crown Princes are already well on their way. The Kingdom eagerly awaits their arrival. You will be the perfect Queen, my child," she babbles emotionally. I see tears in her eyes that she is trying to hold back. "Today, you will officially become my daughter-in-law and the pups will be born under the blessings of the Moon Goddess. It was a good idea of Ralph's to hold this earlier than planned. The pups might well be born earlier than the doctor thinks," she continues.
Without replying, I turn to get a better look at the dress in the mirror.
It is indeed an amazing creation that seems to have been made especially for a pregnant woman. I sigh as I consider what a waste of time and money was spent on it. "The makeup artist is waiting for you. We only have half an hour left before you have to appear on the big platform," Alidya informs me as she slowly drives me toward the dressing table. Two women are waiting there with broad smiles on their faces. "My Queen, do you prefer a full makeover or just want to go mostly natural?" ask a blonde. I look at my reflection in the mirror, my face is somewhat pale despite having slept straight through the night. "Do natural," I answer her, uninterested and sit back.
Twenty minutes later, I stare at the stunning result.
The artist has merely spectacularly accentuated my features. "Thank you. It's fantastic, you did a great job," I compliment her and get up from the chair. Alidya also gets up right away and comes over to me, still with a happy grin on her face. Poor woman, she doesn't know what is about to happen. She was very good to me all the weeks, making sure my diet had the right vitamins so I didn't suffer much from pregnancy illnesses. But no matter how much regard I have for her, I belong to my fated mate and that is not her son. I don't know what game Ralph is playing, but I don't intend to trade my happiness with Jasper for that.
At Alidya's hand, I walk out of the room.
We wander down several corridors until we come to two wide doors. My senses perceive a high energy source behind the doors. I place a hand on my forehead and take several deep breaths to stand tall under that great authority. "Saray, follow all of Eric's instructions punctually," the older woman whispers to me now. "The rehearsal was a fiasco so Ralph has decided that Eric whisper all necessary actions to you, making the chances of mistakes on your part small."
I nod obediently.
Alidya sighs in relief and I notice she goes into the mind link. Then I hear Eric make the announcement of my entry. "Go in soon now, my child. I am not far from you. So be at ease," she says, smiling, giving me a gentle shove.
I step onto the stage and there is an approving outburst from the audience. The applause is tremendous and as I look at the faces in the front row, everyone is excited about this day. In front of me on the stage, I see a grinning Ralph, with the three Sages behind him. Randall and Alidya are now sitting in special chairs a few feet away. But most notable is a high curtain-covered cabinet standing on a platform in the center of the stage. It is painted with high gloss white, but the authority it releases is enormous. I understand right away that this must be the Oracle. Which is strange, because Elder Nicolas still told me that the Oracle has a fixed place in the Sages' building and is actually never moved. Only on rare occasions when the King or Queen is installed.
Hesitantly, I walk with Eric toward Ralph.
He takes my hands in his and stares fondly at me. "Thank you, Saray. For a moment, I feared you wouldn't show up. But luckily, you love me enough to share this moment with me," he whispers to our ears alone. He then takes a step to the side so that I am now standing in front of the three Sages. The men's faces are now dead serious, with no spark of emotion in their eyes.
"Saray Weiner. We are gathered here for your mating with King Ralph of the Royal Kingdom of Werewolves. Do you know what this ceremony entails and what is expected of you after today?" inquires Elder Nicolas formally. I nod in the affirmative. "I do, Elder," I reply. "Do you agree to the mating and accept King Ralph as your chosen mate, for the rest of your life?" he asks again as he looks at me earnestly. My heart is pounding furiously; a moment more and it will beat out of my chest.
My lips part to say what is on my heart.
But a voice from someone walking up the passageway prevents me from my action.
"Elder Nicolas. Is there such a thing as twice mating in our werewolf culture?" a familiar voice asks harshly and menacingly. "How can you hold a mating ceremony with a she-wolf who is already fully mated? Standing before you is Rain Weiner, the daughter of the former Beta of Storm Forest and my fated mate for the past five years. The official documents have been sent to you and yet you continue with this unlawful act?"
I turn to the voice for which I would give up everything.
Jasper!
He has come!...
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