Chapter 21

Tali’s POV

It has been two years since Roman was kicked from Silver moon along with Skylar White. I knew it was wrong to be a little angry with her, she did not know he had his mate but still. Skylar and her pregnancy ruined things for us, she had ruined Roman and mine plans. By now he and I would’ve mated and if he was still by my side he would’ve become king. Today was the coronation.

Perhaps Skylar helped me dodged a bullet, what if Roman would walk out on her when they were already mated? No matter how hard I tried demonizing him, my wolf would still long for him and it’s his fault. He didn’t return the rejection, ruining both our chances of ever fully moving on. I knew Tessa wondered if he was still alive after she lost contact with him, but I knew he was still alive. I also knew he got beaten to shit from time to time, our pain was still shared. I never told Tessa that because it was something bittersweet and she was upset with Roman being gone as it was.

I took a deep breath, looking at myself in the mirror and smiling. I was proud of the woman I’ve become even when I knew there was a hollow place deep inside me. I knew nothing I did would ever change that, only one person would be able to change that, but he ruined the chances of that. At least I get to live up to my dreams and become the queen, both my parents and grandparents believe I’m ready for it and I couldn’t be more excited.

The first queen to take over after three generations… They sure were big shoes to fill but I wouldn’t become queen without my people being sure I was ready for it. The others showed no negative reaction to the news, in fact, many were happy to have me take over. I unlocked my door and let the ladies come in to help me get ready, for the first time I’d let someone other than my mother and grandmother touch my hair. I sat down at the vanity and looked over at the three ladies.

“Would you like it in a formal updo, or do you prefer it let down, princess?” The brunette asked, running her fingers through my hair, untangling some of the kinks.

“Could I have your names first? It feels weird not knowing what it is,” I asked, looking at them all.

“Of course princess, I’m Ara, that’s Mavis and she’s Hazel,” The brunette replied then pointed to the blonde and then to the shorter brunette.

“Nice to meet all of you,” I smiled at them, they seemed like lovely ladies.

“Likewise, princess,” Hazel responded, I wonder if she got called Hazel because of her eye color.

“As for your question, let down. Putting in the pins to hold it together is too much work and taking them out even more,” I remembered what was going on and finally made up my mind. I never liked updos, it was too much work, and my hair was too long and thick.

“Understood, how do you feel about flowers in your hair?” Ara asked, looking at me through the mirror.

“Are they going to match the dress I’ll be wearing?” I wondered, pointing to the red dress in the corner of my room.

“Is this okay, princess?” Mavis showed me a basket of red petals.

“Seems like it’s meant to be,” I smiled, it would go perfect with my dress.

“What would you like for make-up, princess?” Hazel asked as Ara started to carefully brush my hair.

“Keep it natural with a hint of glam and don’t be shy with the eyeliner oh and don’t forget the red lips,” I answered, sitting still so they could all do their job.

“Understood, princess,” She said and began to unpack her small box.

“Are you excited for today, princess?” Mavis asked, carefully helping Ara with brushing my hair.

“More than anything. How do you ladies feel about this?” I asked, curious to know their opinion.

“No offense to the current king and the two previous ones, but women do the job better and I’m excited it’s you,” Ara replied truthfully.

“And why is that?” I raised my brow at her.

“You show the lower and weaker community you actually care about them,” Ara answered, looking at me through the mirror. I frowned, I felt like I knew her from somewhere.

“You are from a rogue family, correct?” I questioned, realizing where I knew her from.

“Yes princess, you gave us refuge two years ago,” Ara answered, smiling.

“Oh wow, I had no idea,” I mumbled. She and her mother were the only two alive from their family and were made rogue when their pack lost a war.

“I’m not a rogue but I am from the lower-income neighborhood. My brother wanted to be a salutary, but we didn’t have the money, you made it possible for many people from my community to find a job by giving out scholarships,” Mavis told me, quite honestly her story I did not remember but I do remember setting up a program therefor scholarships.

“Did he get accepted into med school?” I asked, moving my head to the side so Ara could part it properly.

“Yes princess and he has kept his good grades up,” Mavis smiled.

“That’s good. Don’t tell anyone yet but my first order of business is searching unclaimed land for some rogues so they can stop being rogues, hopefully, one day all wolves can live together in peace,” I told them. It gave me some satisfaction to know they were behind me, I knew the less privileged were struggling, and helping them would be better for everyone.

“If anyone can do that, that would be you, princess,” Hazel said, mixing the different foundations together to make a fitting color.

“Thank you, ladies,” I smiled.

We continued to chat as they did my hair and make-up, it was safe to say I made some new friends today. Once the ladies were finished I told them to go get ready themselves, I wanted them at my coronation. When they left the room my mother and grandmother entered the room.

“Oh wow, the ladies did a splendid job,” My grandma said as she looked at me.

“I’ll let them know, they are quite lovely,” I smiled and locked the door, and turned back to the two.

“I see you took a liking to them,” My mother walked over to me and cupped my face.

“Yes, I did,” I smiled, watching as my mother admired the look.

“I’m so proud of you, honey bear,” My grandma sighed, her thin lips forming into a smile.

“Thank you, grandma,” I grinned at her.

“Come on, princess, let’s get you ready,” My mother walked over to the corner of my room where the dress was.

I looked at the big red dress, it was your classic poofy princess dress only the top was a darker red and as it went down it got brighter. It was strapless with glitter sprinkled over the fabric and let’s not forget the sheer cape that came down to my hands. My mother helped me into the dress and led the way to the full-length mirror. I smiled as I looked at myself in the mirror, all that was missing was the tiara, my dad would hand that over to me along with the responsibility of the kingdom—now, queendom.

“Now for the last part,” My grandmother said, pulling out a square velvet box. Mom opened the box, inside was a necklace, earring, bracelet, and ring made from rubies. I knew that jewelry set, I’ve seen many pictures of my mother with it.

“Wait, but that’s yours, Mom,” I pointed out.

“No darling, this belongs to whoever the current queen is,” Mom explained, taking the necklace and putting it on for me.

“So you got this from grandma?” I asked, standing still as she wore everything for me.

“Yes and I got it from your great-grandmother,” Grandma took my hand and wore the bracelet for me.

“Oh wow,” I was surprised by this all, I never knew the story behind the jewelry.

“The very first king made this himself for his bride and over the years each king did some touching up before passing it onto his queen,” Grandma explained, smiling and looking at me.

“I’m honored to have this,” I said, turning to the mirror and looking at myself in the mirror. I sure was stunning.

“You better keep it safe for when you pass on the throne,” Mom said, resting her chin on my shoulder as she looked at me through the mirror.

“Ma, I’m only twenty. That day is far away,” I mumbled. Passing on the throne meant having kids, I don’t see that happening anytime soon without a mate.

“Before you know it, you’ll be in my seat,” My grandma laughed.

“That’s what you always say,” I laughed too. Me becoming a grandma was way too far, I recently turned twenty.

“I know, I’ll give you two some privacy,” Grandma kissed my cheek then felt the room. I looked over at my mom and walked to her to sit down next to her.

“So, how are you really feeling?” She asked when I rested my head on her shoulder.

“I’m truly excited to become queen mom, but he should’ve been here,” I admitted, ashamed of what she might think.

“Roman?” She wondered and carefully stroked my hair, trying not to ruin what the others did.

“Yeah, no. My mate, someone who was supposed to be loyal to me and the person who is supposed to love and support me, the person the goddess chose for me for a reason but instead, I got dealt the short end of the stick,” I ranted, letting it all off my chest. I didn’t know I had it all bottled up.

“I know, sweetheart, and I wish I could tell you it will all be okay, but I don’t want to lie to you,” Mom cupped my face, making me look into her dark shimmering eyes, the one's dad would gaze into and get lost.

“Why can’t I have what you and dad have, that’s all I’m asking for. A loyal, loving mate,” I whined and pouted, resting my head completely in her hand.

“When Cullen held me captive I used to pray for my mate to find me… When he didn't for the first five years I still held that hope,” She explained, I knew she didn’t like thinking of that time and barely spoke of it.

“Are you telling me I should have hope in Roman?” I frowned; did she support his infidelity?

“Not exactly dear, I’m just saying you should have hope in love. The thing about rejected mates is that they are free to move on, choose their own love as long as the other is an unmated wolf or a windowed wolf,” She winked and booped my nose.

“If only it was that easy to move on,” I got up and straightened out my dress with the help of my mother.

“You will dearest, someday,” She assured me and kissed my forehead. “For now I need that queen attitude of yours because you’re about to make your father and me proud,” She linked arms with me and led the way out.

After the coronation I walked around and greeted those who were invited, it was mostly only the alpha, luna, and their beta. It proved they supported their queen, those who didn’t come without a notice we keep an eye out. My father had his worries, what if someone challenged me for my position, he didn’t doubt if I’d win he just didn’t want me to get hurt or to have the people not obeying their queen.

I greeted many people already and even saw Mavis, Hazel, and Ara. I spotted the alpha of Lycan blood, it was surprising to see him here. He was one of the ruthless ones, his pack didn’t support my father when he became king due to what he did to save my mom. It was complicated but I didn’t expect those people to understand.

“Alpha Vesper?” I asked, surprised as I sauntered to him.

“Congratulations, queen Tallulah,” Vesper put the champagne glass down on the table.

“I’m surprised you’re here with all the enemies you’ve made,” I said, looking around us, his eyes following where mine went. He chuckled and looked back at me.

“Came to show my support to our new queen besides everything I did, I did within the laws and to keep my people safe,” Vesper smiled innocently, but I knew he was anything but innocent.

“Fair enough and I shall not argue with you on that,” I chuckled and finally mentioned what was on my mind, “I’m surprised I have your support.”

“Well you certainly are not your father so of course I came to show my support,” Vesper smirked, his sharp teeth showing.

“I thank you for that,” I nodded. If anything ever happened I knew where I could rely on getting the best soldiers.

“Will we be having a king any time soon?” He asked, picking up the glass he was drinking from.

“I don’t think so. Where’s your Beta?” I asked, changing the subject. I always wondered what happened to his mate, did he ever find her? Is she dead? Nobody really knew.

“He decided not to come,” Vesper shrugged.

“And the Lycan blood came to show their support?” I mumbled, just to tease.

“He’s feeling under the weather, no need to worry,” He chuckled.

“Have a good night, Alpha Vesper,” I said. I had others to go greet and thank them for coming.

“You too, queen Tallulah,” He said and walked away. I too excused myself and went to Luna Bria, this soon led to me going to all the different lunas and alphas, even the ones I had no idea about.