Chapter 305 Chapter 305
“Yes, Your Highness. Congratulations once again,” Ladrian said, delivering a small bow.
Xenon crossed the distance between him and Rayena in a few short strides, engulfing her in a bear hug and peppering kisses all over her face.
“Thank you… thank you… thank you,” he murmured over and over again, fighting to keep the tears at bay.
“We’re going to have another baby…” Rayena whispered. “I’m pregnant… I’m pregnant, Xenon.”
“You are…” he croaked, burying his face into her neck, his body trembling softly. “Gods, you don’t know how happy you’ve made me.”
Tears streamed from Rayena’s eyes as she clung to Xenon.
Ladrian watched them with a wry smile on his face. “I’m truly happy for the two of you, but as always, there are things you need to take note of with this information.”
Xenon glanced at him, managing to school his features. “Like what?”
“Well, you already know this, but a shifter’s pregnancy is a delicate time. She needs more rest, more nourishment, and most importantly, she needs you, Your Majesty. Thankfully, you’re mated now, so it will be easier for you to notice when she’s in distress.”
“Of course,” Xenon groaned, already vigilant.
“I’ll be dropping some medicines for her now. I’ll bring more later. I’ll leave you two alone now,” Ladrian said, giving a short bow before exiting the chambers.
Xenon kissed her then, taking her lips in a soft, reverent kiss. Rayena responded with equal fervor, tears streaming down her cheeks as happiness flooded her veins. Xenon pulled back gently, swiping away her tears with his thumb.
“Oh heavens… we have to speed up the coronation,” he groaned, his eyes widening with alarm.
Rayena chuckled, even as her heart raced. “Yeah, we might have to do that.”
“Thank you. I didn’t expect this to happen so soon. But then again, it’s you we’re talking about. You’ve always managed to do the impossible,” he murmured, a soft smile on his face.
Rayena felt her cheeks heat up, and she pulled him into a hug. They stayed like that for a while until she fell asleep. Later that night, Xenon divulged the news to Morvan when he came visiting.
“Really?! Wow… I’m so happy for you!” Morvan said, his eyes gleaming with happiness for the king.
“Thank you… but I think I’ll be keeping it a secret for a while. Need to be done with the coronation first.” Xenon groaned, his expression immediately turning serious.
“Oh, there’s that too… How’s that coming along?” Morvan asked, peering at him.
“I’ve started making the plans,” he said. “The ceremony should hold by the end of the week at most.”
“Then we best start sending invitations. Congratulations to you once more,” Morvan said, bowing quickly and exiting the King’s study, his footfalls sharp and precise.
The coronation day rolled in, and everyone who could possibly be in attendance showed up. So much so, the entire hall was overflowing with guests.
Xenon sat on his throne, gripping the handlebars tight, heart in his throat as the door was pulled open and Rayena—wearing the most beautiful gown he’d ever seen, her red velvet cloak trailing the floor behind her—stepped into the room. Everyone except him rose to their feet as she made her way toward the dais, her gaze fixed on him.
Slowly yet steadily, she reached the dais, standing directly in front of the priest, her crown on a pillow next to him. Xenon held his breath as she went down on her knees, the priest going on with the proceedings.
“Princess Rayena…” the priest intoned, his voice echoing against stone. “You stand before crown and covenant. Do you come freely to receive this title and its burden?”
Rayena’s gaze lifted—briefly, instinctively—toward Xenon. He tensed, clenching his jaw so hard he was surprised he hadn’t broken a tooth.
She gave a short nod.
“Yes,” she said at last, her voice thankfully calm. “I come freely.”
The priest recited the ancient vows: to assist the king, to uphold law above blood, to place the realm before self, crown before desire.
Each vow struck Xenon like a lash. He swallowed hard.
When the oaths were finished, the prelate lifted the crown, hovering it over Rayena’s head.
“By decree of the Crown and will of the realm,” he declared, “I hereby name you queen of the realm.” His voice echoed through the hall as he placed it on her head. “Rise, Queen of the Realm, and stand beside your king—two as one.”
Rayena rose to her feet on unsteady legs, the weight of the crown unfamiliar on her head. When she glanced around, she saw Xenon already next to her, hands outstretched. She took them, and he laced his fingers with hers, pulling her closer and pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
They both turned to face the cheering crowd before them, tears glistening in her eyes.
“I can’t believe this…” Rayena whispered, her hold on Xenon tightening.
“Well, you better. The people have not only accepted you, but they love you too. We did it,” he groaned, his voice rough.
“We did…” Rayena conceded.
From the corner of her eye, she could spot Soraya standing together with Morvan, clapping.
She waved at them, giggling as she leaned against Xenon. Her throne had been reinstated next to Xenon’s, and before her, the people of the realm were bowing, hailing them.
“Long live the king! Long live the queen!” the people cheered, a resounding applause filling the room.
This was easily the best day of her life. Her hands reached for her stomach, rubbing it absentmindedly.
Her chest throbbed with happiness.
A couple approached them and when Rayena looked, she saw it her parents coming with her brother. "Mom!" She cried, rushing to hug her mother.
"When did you come here?"
Remeta giggled, wrapping her daughter tight, chuckles spilling from her lips.
"Well, your mate invited us." Her father answered, casting a wary glance at Xenon who was approaching them.
Xenon acknowledged him with a nod of his head.
Rayena glanced back at Xenon. "Really?"
"Yes. It may be the surprise I was talking about." He murmured, but his voice was soft. Rayena leaned in to kiss his cheeks.
"Thank you." She muttered, before reaching down to ruffle her younger brother's head.
"He's grown tall." She muttered, glancing at her mother, who gave a impish smile.
"I see why you wanted to return." Her father said, glancing at the both of them. He looked at the happy crowd around them. "I'm glad she could be of help to you."
"she was more than that." Xenon answered, pulling her to himself. "Rest assured, the realm has no I'll feelings towards human's anymore. Not since you helped us take back to the kingdom."
"That makes me glad. For as long as I can make it possible, we'll continue to lend you all hand."
Her father answered. Rayena smiled, watching the interaction between both men, while she pulled her brother close to herself.
Someone tapped her shoulder and she turned to see Soraya. She instantly pulled her into a hug and the latter tensed, sniffing her neck. Her eyes widened.