The Coronation

The Coronation
Ivy’s POV

I stepped out of the room and into the corridor with both of my fathers on either side of me…Richard to my right and Mr. Carrington to my left. Uncle Marcus was right behind us, close enough to scare off anyone who breathed the wrong way in my direction.

“Ready to be the queen I’ve always known you would be?” Dad said.

I smiled and rolled my eyes. “Dad, please… don’t hit me with those dramatic tales of how you saw the future.”

Uncle Marcus scoffed behind us. “But he’s not lying. Your father has always believed you’d be married into royalty. Ever wondered why we all called you princess?”

“Please,” I muttered. “Now you guys are just saying anything to be dramatic.”

Richard huffed proudly. “I know my daughter is destined to be royalty. It is what it is. Besides, I got you tons of tiaras at some point, didn’t I?”

I laughed. “Dad, this is a serious moment. Stop cracking me up.”

We came to a stop in front of the massive oak doors that led into the coronation hall. I could already hear the faint hum of the pack members inside, waiting.

Ezra had already informed us the ceremony was about to begin. Leo was waiting for me at the end of the aisle.

My biological father cleared his throat awkwardly. “Maybe I should sit this one out. If anyone is worthy to walk her down the aisle, it should be you, Mr. Blackwood.”

“Nonsense,” Richard said immediately, pulling him back to stand beside me. “We’re both walking her into that hall. Just in case I break down in tears halfway, you’ll keep us moving.”

He tried to keep it light, to put Mr. Carrington at ease. And surprisingly, it worked.

“She’s also your daughter,” Richard added, his tone softening. “Let’s do this together. For our daughter.”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. My dad always found a way to be dramatic and sweet at the same time. My biological father looked nervous, unsure and guilty. Good. At least he knew he had a lot to fix.

“Okay… are you guys walking me down to meet my mate or should I go with Uncle Marcus?” I teased.

They laughed, and some of the tension faded.

Richard offered his arm and I slipped my right hand through it. My biological father awkwardly extended his arm next, and I linked my left hand through his.

“And me?” Uncle Marcus asked.

“You’re behind. Chief bridesmaid. Don’t drag the dress,” I smirked.

He scoffed. “Please, I’ll hold your gown like it’s the crown jewels.”

And then…the doors were thrown open.

Light spilled into the hallway as we stepped forward. Every seat was full. Pack members stood tall in honor, dressed in black and silver. Flags of the royal crest hung proudly across the hall. Flowers and lanterns lined the aisle.

And at the end of that aisle…stood Leo.

My mate. My king. The only man who ever made me feel seen.

He was dressed in formal royal armor with a black coat clasped by a silver wolf crest, his crown sitting proudly on his head. His eyes were locked on me like nothing and no one else existed.

‘Calm down, Leo. It’s just a coronation,’ I teased through the mind-link.

‘Easy for you to say,’ he shot back. ‘You’re the one walking like royalty with three overprotective men behind you.’

I bit back a laugh.

We walked slowly down the aisle. The pack members bowed their heads as I passed. I noticed warriors stationed along the walls and at the doors. Security was tight. Good. I wouldn’t put it past Lila…or the witch hunting us…to try something stupid today.

But so far, everything was perfect.

When we reached the platform, my fathers each kissed the side of my head before handing me over to Leo. He extended his hand, and I placed mine in his.

“Hi,” he whispered.

“Hi,” I breathed back.

The presiding Elder stepped forward. “Today, we gather to crown our king and queen…not just by birthright…but by strength, sacrifice, and loyalty to the pack.”

When he was done with his introductory speech, the hall fell silent as Leo stepped forward to give his speech.

“I am not a perfect man,” he said, voice deep and steady. “I have made mistakes. I have lost battles I thought I could win. I hid from my people for so long in the past, afraid of a loathful force. I have watched my people suffer and I have carried that weight every day. But I stand here alive because of you…my people. You kept fighting. You stayed loyal. You never gave up on each other. And I vow, as your king, that I will never stop fighting for you. I will protect this pack, this throne. And as for my queen who saved me so I can lead you all again, I will protect her with my life. Long live the kingdom.”

“LONG LIVE THE KINGDOM!” the hall thundered.

Then it was my turn.

I stepped forward, heart pounding but steady. “I never saw myself standing here. I never imagined I would be a queen. But life has a funny way of turning pain into purpose. I don’t have all the answers. I’m not here to pretend I’m perfect. What I do promise is simple…I will stand by your king. I will protect this kingdom. I will fight for those who don’t have a voice. I will rule beside him with strength, fairness, and a whole lot of stubbornness.”

Laughter broke through the tension.

“And if I ever fail…” I added, “you can blame your king. He picked me.”

The hall roared with cheers and applause.

The Elder raised his staff. “Bring forth the queen’s crown.”

Shina stepped forward carrying it. A real crown. Not the tiaras I had while growing up.

Then Leo took my crown. His hands were steady, eyes warm as he turned to me.

“With all that I am,” he said under his breath, “I crown you my Luna. My wife. My queen.”

The hall went silent as he lowered the crown onto my head.

The Elder stepped forward again. “Your Majesty… you may now kiss her Highness.”

Leo looked at Richard first. My father gave a short nod.

Leo didn’t waste another second.

He pulled me in and kissed me…deep, hungry, and full of promise. The hall exploded in cheers.

“LONG LIVE THE KING AND QUEEN!”

The rest of the ceremony flowed beautifully. We took vows, received blessings, and then the celebration began.

Leo danced with me first. Then I danced with Dad. Then my biological father…who was stiff and awkward but trying. Then Uncle Marcus, who promised loudly to fight anyone who looked at me for longer than two seconds. Then Rosa, who cried and told me she loved me. I held her until she calmed down.

Daniel in all his goofiness came but Leo won’t even let him five feet close to me. It was the funniest because Daniel and I danced five feet apart with Leo standing between us like a statue.

Connor stepped forward next.

He bowed. “I pledge loyalty to the king and queen,” he said formally.

He introduced me to his human mate. I was genuinely happy he found peace. For the first time, I felt no pain looking at him. No leftover heartbreak. Just gratitude for the part he played in bringing me home and rejecting me.

If he hadn’t rejected me, I would never have been Leo’s second chance.

And Leo is worth everything.

Connor apologized again…about Lila escaping, about the past and unbehalf of his pack. I accepted, but I didn’t dwell on it.

Because this night wasn’t about the past.

It was about everything I finally had.

Happiness. Love. A mate. A real family.

Everything was perfect…

…until the warning bell went off and the hall fell into a frenzy.