No More Lupercalia
The Kingdom has survived the betrayal of King Ralph and moved on.
Jasper is now the sole King of the Royal Kingdom of Werewolves and is respected by all werewolf packs worldwide. He honors his Queen and the species are not outspoken about his devotion to his family. The twins grow up as happy pups adored by all. Ralph's name is no longer mentioned throughout the Kingdom.
The Name Giving Ceremony has arrived.
All the grandparents - the former King and Queen, Clea and Ana - have done all the preparation. The names are known to only a closed group of high rankings and have yet to be announced to the larger public. The twins are now six weeks old, but Rain still marvels every day at their steady growth. And now, assisted by Jasper, she dresses the boys, who seem to know that they are in the spotlight today. They babble away and are quite active.
And then, it's time for the official part of the day.
The Kingdom is one big party scene, the Lycans are dancing, eating and drinking like never before. Everyone toast to the health of the successors to the throne. When Jasper and Rain enter the huge open hall and step onto the high stage, a grand applause erupts. Decorations and balloons are released into the air, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Werewolves from packs have flocked to the Kingdom to witness this event, and once again, the hall is filled with high rankings from over the world. "Long live our Crown Princes, our future leaders and heirs to the throne," is shouted from all sides.
Waiting on the stage are the Sages. In the background are the grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Elena, Ruth and John are back from Human Town. They didn't want to miss this memorable moment. In addition to the name-giving, the redistributed positions in the Palace will be announced. This in particular, caused heated debates in the Palace, and eventually, the King and Queen reached an agreement with the Sages.
Elder Nicolas, the senior of the Sages, steps forward and bends over the firstborn in his father's arms. After saying the mantras and sprinkling the pup with a substance. He takes the boy, lifts him in the air and addresses the audience. "Kingdom and packs. This is the Heir to the throne, Prince Jarrett Jasper, after the last King of the ancient bloodline. His names were given by the Moon Goddess herself". To everyone's delight, the Prince starts to smile broadly, showing his toothless mouth. His laughter is so infectious that everyone falls into an endeared smile. A high-pitched "aaahhh" murmurs through the air as loving glances reach the beautiful Prince. The Elder hands the boy back to the King and now takes the youngest Prince. The same rites are followed. "Kingdom and packs. This is the second Prince, Marc Kenston Randall, named after his grandfathers". This Prince also makes himself known as a conqueror of hearts. The crowd swooned at the sight of the jolly boy.
As the Elder hands the Prince to the Queen, the King steps forward.
"My people. There are some announcements we need to make about a shift in responsibilities in the Kingdom," Jasper speaks into the microphone. An overall silence follows his words. "An official message will be sent to the packs and Council regarding the new format in the Palace." He glances to the back, where the family sits. "Secretary Eric will retain his position until Elena turns eighteen. After that, he will be appointed the Treasury of the Palace. Elena will assist the Queen, while Jace will become my Secretary. Ivor and Cleo will remain in charge of security and lead the Elite troops".
This news is well taken, although a few wonder why Eric is still maintained in the Palace after his unethical behavior. Of course, the whole ordeal was leaked through to all Lycans.
To relax the atmosphere, Rain decides to come in with her planned speech.
She stands next to Jasper and takes his hand. "Jasper, my fated and King," she begins. "A few weeks ago, you asked me to repeat the pinky promise we made on our first day of mating". With eyes full of love, she stares at her man. "I promised you then I would tell you everything that concerns me and not allow anyone to come between us. We are one body and soul". Jasper stares at her, open-mouthed at first. Emotions threaten to choke him. After clearing his throat a few times, he holds her hand tighter. "Thank you, my love. There can be no one else in my life but you. I affirm that we are one body and soul, you are my heart. Look what you have gifted me, two beautiful sons".
The couple exchanges an intimate kiss as the crowd approvingly cheers.
As they part, Rain seizes the microphone. "With the naming of my two sons, I officially abolish Lupercalia, the festival of fertility. Lupercalia will never again be celebrated and will never again have an impact on the werewolf community." ....