Page 40

EMBER

I stood before Drake on the stage, and I held his hands. He stared down at me, his gaze tender. Before us stood the minister of the official mating ceremony, it had taken a couple of months of prep work to make it happen.

I wore a stunning alabaster gown with a sweetheart neckline and a full skirt. Drake wore a pressed onyx-colored suit, his long hair tied back in a high ponytail, with intricate beading woven along the strands.

The whole kingdom rejoiced as a multitude of shadow fae gathered in the palace gardens to watch the ceremony.

There were many werewolves in attendance as well, seeing as our union was finally happening.

I glanced into the large crowd, my smile widening upon seeing my parents seated beside Drake’s parents.

The four royals had actually started vacationing together.

Alongside them sat Drake’s siblings. His brother gave two thumbs up, whistling.

Drake’s sister slapped him on the shoulder, scolding him for disrupting the ceremony .

I laughed, recalling the first time I’d met the two. Some things would never change.

Who would’ve ever thought that six years ago, our enemies would be vacationing buddies, let alone our friends? I thought to myself in wonder. My inner wolf barked her approval. I looked up at Drake. More than friends.

The minister cleared his throat after a lengthy reciting of the ceremonial customs that both Drake and I had incorporated into the speech—borrowing from both of our cultures.

“I now pronounce you officially mated!” He looked to Drake. “King Evenus, you may kiss your female.”

Drake pressed his lips to mine, and the audience erupted into clapping and cheering. We broke our kiss and turned to the crowd, raising our entwined hands as one. The applause grew louder. I caught sight of Melodina sprinting up from her seat, jumping up and down as she cheered.

Drake and I laughed at our daughter’s antics. Several of those in attendance came up to offer us congratulations.

A summer fae female came forward. “Congratulations, Your Majesties,” she said, dipping into a low curtsy.

“Thank you,” I said, speaking for both Drake and myself. “We’re so glad you could attend.”

She smiled at us. “We’re so glad you defeated our king and took control of the summer fae lands. The dark blithe that had rotted our lands is gone now, thanks to you two.”

Drake and I smiled at each other. It turned out that our combined power also rid the lands of a plague that started festering after the summer king’s evil heart had turned corrupt with greed and a hunger for power.

Once the evil influence was purged from the land, the blithe disappeared along with it.

I returned my attention to the female. “We’re happy we could heal your land and free the citizens of the summer lands.”

She bowed again and then excused herself to partake of the catered food while other fae and werewolves waiting stepped forward to congratulate us.

Melodina squeezed her way through the throng and to our side. She hugged our legs. “This day couldn’t get any better!”

I smiled secretively. Drake caught my look, and his brow raised. Excusing ourselves from the masses, I led my mate and my daughter toward the very water fountain I had first encountered my mate.

“Why are we here, Momma?” Melodina asked. She eyed the tray of brownies at the table.

I giggled. “Because I have a surprise for both of you.”

Drake and Melodina blinked at me. Then Melodina began hopping in excitement.

“What? What is it?” She asked.

“Well, there’s going to be a new addition to the family soon,” I said, smiling. “And you’re going to be a big sister,” I told Melodina.

Her eyes popped wide as realization dawned. Drake

stilled a look of wonder across his face. I laughed at their reactions.

“Are you serious?” Drake asked. He grasped my shoulders and peered deep into my eyes .

I nodded, pressing a hand to my lower abdomen. Drake’s gaze dropped to my belly.

Melodina jumped into the air, screaming and cheering.

“I’m going to be a big sister. I’m going to be a big sister!” Melodina cried, drawing the attention of those standing nearby. She then tore across the gardens heading straight toward both sets of grandparents.

Drake and I shared a laugh as we watched our daughter share the good news. Then Drake dipped me and brought me in for a passionate kiss. And I surrendered into his loving embrace.