Chapter 111 Chapter 111

Chapter 111 Chapter 111
Aira.

Like him, I loved listening to his thoughts as well. His were usually incredibly detailed, a sharp contrast to his simplistic outlook. We did get to know each other more during that period, and Kael promised to assist me in the official trainings I would have to undergo to be a worthy queen.

One of those skills included being able to read and write, and I must say, I was getting incredibly good at that. Kael was an incredible teacher in that aspect. He'd caught me worrying about it once and had assured me it would be fine.

"You're already smart," he said as he sat down next to me. "I mean, it was your quick thinking that saved my life before. So it shouldn't be too hard for you to do incredibly well on your trainings," he said, smiling.

Then, in a softer, yet assured voice, he added, "I believe in you." "Thank you," I said, feeling butterflies go on a rampage in my stomach, my cheeks heating up.

He smiled, leaning in to kiss my lips before pulling me into an embrace.

On the dawn of the eighth day, we returned to the castle and met everyone already expecting our arrival. Villagers filled the streets, welcoming us with flower petals and handkerchiefs, and there was a long line of maids at the entrance to the castle when we finally arrived at our home.

A week-long banquet was held, celebrating our union, and it turned out to be more amazing than I would have dreamed. Unfortunately, Helen wasn't around during that period, as she had gone for her own mating ritual, so I was assigned another set of maids who looked after me during that period.

Classes started in earnest for me after the banquet, and Kael dedicated himself to his duties, leaving the nighttime as the only period when we could be together without any interruptions. It would continue like that for several months, until I was done with my training and teaching on how to be a noble, dignified lady who was well-versed in the history and way of life of the wolf shifters and humans.

That night, Kael took me on a run to celebrate, the first of its kind in several months.

I had loved the thrill of the wind hitting my face and the smell of fresh moss and earth filling my lungs. When he finally settled me on my feet and reverted back to his male form, he pulled me into a bear hug.

"I'm so proud of you! Congratulations!" he said against my skin, and I grinned, feeling tears sting my eyes.

"Thank you. I couldn't have done any of this without you," I said as we pulled away from the hug, staring into his eyes. They twinkled with so much happiness and love that my entire body warmed.

"I didn't do anything, but I'll happily take the credit," he said, and we laughed. We ended up having a moment in the woods, a moment that would forever stay with me.

A week later, I had my coronation. In the presence of hundreds, if not thousands, of wolf shifters, I knelt before the priest, who stood before me, holding the most beautiful crown I had ever seen.

"By the power vested in me as the mediator between werewolves, lycans, and the moon goddess who governs over all of us, I hereby pronounce you Queen of Valdoria!" He announced, his voice resounding in the Hall.

Very gently, he placed the crown on my head, my head dipping lightly from its weight. I straightened even further, welcoming the weight with pride, grace, and dignity.

"Now, rise and stand before your King, two becoming one, bound by duty, destiny, and blood, the moon bearing witness to your union."

I rose on unsteady legs, my heart hammering in my chest. My eyes immediately zeroed in on Kael, who was standing in front of his throne, the Queen's throne already reinstated and seated grandly next to him.

Blinking back my tears and taking a deep breath, I crossed the dais, carefully yet steadily making my way towards him. He stretched out his hands, and I immediately placed mine in his, letting him pull me the rest of the distance and lead me next to him.

Together, we turned to face the crowd. "Behold, after centuries of waiting and losing hope, your king and queen! Long may they reign!!"

Thunderous applause echoed through the halls, and from a distance, I could hear bells ringing as the grand news was announced throughout Valdoria.

I was now a queen. I still couldn't believe it. Kael had used the moment to open up the borders, allowing humans to have free access to the kingdoms once more. It was such a splendid surprise that I teared up.

To think he'd been making a conscious effort to mend the broken relations with the humans during my time in training filled me with happiness I couldn't quite describe.

"That's not all..." Kael muttered after a while as he cleaned my tears with his thumb. "Come," he said, holding my hands and taking me along.

We rode a carriage to the end of the kingdom, then to the village I grew up in, and shocked gasps escaped my lips. Gone was the rundown, dilapidated shacks of homes that belonged to the humans.

Now it was a thriving town with well-tarred streets and basic amenities. And right where my cottage stood was a monument erected to solidify the amended relations with werewolves and humans.

"I hope you like it," he said, his voice almost inaudible, eyes glossy.

"Like it?" I squeaked. "I love it. Thank you so much!" I cried, hugging him.

"I love you," I cried against his chest, unable to help the sobs racking my throat.

"I love you too," he muttered, just as sincere. "And I'll keep loving you till the end of time," he promised.

Deep down in my heart, I would always know that to be true.

The End.