Chapter 227 Long Live The Queen!
Chapter 227 Long Live The Queen!
Kira's POV
The trumpets swelled like a living heartbeat as we began walking down the aisle. Golden light from a thousand candles and crystal chandeliers poured over us, turning the coronation hall into something out of a dream.
Crimson and gold banners hung from the vaulted ceilings, flowers scented the air with sweet roses and jasmine, and the polished marble floor gleamed underfoot.
Hundreds of faces turned toward us…alphas in formal robes, lunas in shimmering gowns, nobles dripping with jewels…all standing in respectful silence broken only by the occasional sniffle or whisper of awe.
My arm stayed linked tightly with my father’s. I could feel the slight tremor in his muscles, the way his breath hitched as we began our slow walk down the long aisle. Every step echoed. My heart pounded so hard I was sure he could hear it.
This was it. The moment I had both dreaded and desperately wanted.
“You’re trembling,” he murmured, voice low and rough with emotion.
“I’m just… happy you’re here,” I whispered back, fighting the lump in my throat. “I really thought I’d have to do this alone.”
His hand covered mine on his arm, warm and steady. “You’ll never be alone again, Kira. Not while I breathe.”
We walked slowly down the long aisle. Every step felt cinematic, like time had slowed just for us. I could feel hundreds of eyes on me, but the only ones that mattered were Adrian’s at the end of the aisle.
He stood tall in his royal robes, crown gleaming, looking every bit the king… and every bit the man who had screamed like his world was ending when he thought he might lose me.
My father stopped in front of Adrian. For a tense second, the two men locked eyes. Then my father gently lifted my hand and placed it in Adrian’s. The transfer felt symbolic…the past handing me to the future.
Except that they are both my future.
Adrian muttered softly, “Thank you,” his voice thick with genuine gratitude. My father gave a single nod…gruff, reluctant, but real…before stepping back. Thomas appeared smoothly, escorting him to a seat of honor near the front.
Then, Sheila entered next, graceful in flowing silver robes, followed by two attendants carrying the crown on a velvet pillow.
It sparkled under the lights…intricate gold and precious stones that Adrian had chosen himself.
Sheila bowed deeply to both of us before handing the crown to the oldest Council Elder, a tall man with a long white beard and kind but solemn eyes.
The Elder raised the crown high. His voice rang out, clear and authoritative, carrying through the hall. “By the ancient laws of the Moon Goddess, who watches over mates and kingdoms alike, we gather today not just to crown a queen, but to unite two souls and two legacies. Through trials of blood and deception, through bonds forged in fire, Queen Kira has proven her strength, her heart, and her claim. May her light guide Draven into a new era of peace and prosperity.”
He turned to me. “Kira Draven, do you accept this crown, swearing to honor the realm, protect its people, and stand beside your king through every season the Goddess brings?”
“I do,” I said, my voice clear despite the tears threatening to spill.
“By the Moon Goddess’s blessings,” the Elder proclaimed, lowering the crown onto my head, “we bestow this crown upon our Queen.”
The weight was heavier than I expected, but it felt right. The entire hall bowed as one. Then the cheer erupted, rolling like thunder:
“Long live Queen Kira!”
“Long live Queen Kira!”
“Long live Queen Kira!”
I smiled gracefully, willing myself not to trip or let the crown tilt.
‘Don’t embarrass yourself now, Kira. You’ve survived worse than wearing shiny head jewelry. You’ve got this.’
The ring exchange came next. Adrian slipped the royal band onto my finger slowly, his thumb brushing my knuckle in a secret caress.
His eyes never left mine. “With this ring, I vow to cherish you every day of our lives,” he whispered, voice low and passionate. “You are my mate, my queen, my everything.”
I slid his ring on with shaking hands, tears finally escaping as I whispered only to his ears. “And I vow to drive you crazy, love you wildly, and stand by you through every storm.” Our fingers stayed intertwined longer than necessary, the moment sweet and refreshing.
The Elder smiled. “King Adrian, you may now kiss your queen.”
Adrian glanced quickly at my father. Only when my father gave a small nod, a tiny smile tugging at the corner of his lips, did Adrian lean in.
His lips met mine…soft at first, then deeper, full of promise and relief. Heat rushed through me.
‘Why is he acting all righteous like he didn’t fuck me senseless this morning? Why does he suddenly need my father’s permission?!’
I heard his low chuckle through the mindlink. ‘I heard that, my Queen.’ He smiled against my lips, the kiss lingering just a second longer. ‘What’s wrong with being a gentleman in front of your father?’ he mused as I scowled at him.
We broke apart, both a little breathless. Adrian took my hand firmly, and we turned together to face our people.
The hall erupted. Everyone rose to their feet, cheering wildly. Music swelled…harp and drums blending into something grand and joyful. The atmosphere crackled with pure excitement, smiles everywhere, glasses already raised in toasts.
I leaned close to Adrian and whispered, “I’m starving.”
“And it is my duty to feed you,” he said as he grinned and started tugging me toward the side exit, ready to sneak off. But the oldest Elder blocked our path with surprising speed.
“The ceremony is not over, Your Majesties. The Queen will first dance with her relative, then with the King.”
I grumbled under my breath, hissing softly, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” My stomach growled in protest, but I plastered on a queenly smile.
‘How are they not asking or wondering why Tristen walked me down?’ I quickly asked Adrian through the link.
‘Well, we went with Thomas's theory that Tristen is your biological father and you were kidnapped at birth by Ariston,’ he said casually.
Hmm, not bad.
The music shifted to something slower, softer. My father approached and took my hand. We moved to the center of the floor. His hold was gentle, almost hesitant at first. As we swayed, the world around us blurred.
“You really stepped in front of my claws for him,” he said quietly, voice cracking. “I’ve never been more terrified… or prouder.”
“I couldn’t lose either of you,” I replied, tears welling again. “I’m sorry for the pain between us, Dad. I never wanted to choose sides. I just…want us to heal.”
He squeezed my hand. “I know. Seeing you step in front of those claws… it reminded me what matters most. You. Your happiness. I’m sorry for the fear I caused.”
We shared a quiet laugh as he spun me gently. “No more totems or threats?” I teased lightly.
“No more,” he promised, voice warm. “We move forward. Together, even if it’s messy.”