Still ravenously horny.
This is going to be the longest six days of my life.
Chapter Ten
Morwen
It’sfinallythe night of the mating ceremony.
I can finallybreathenow that there’s a full moon in the sky. For I know when I fall asleep, I’ll befinallysatisfied. No more tossing and turning with dirty dreams tormenting me, waking up all sweaty, my body blazing.
I’ll finally be Alaric’s. And he’ll finally be mine.
“You look marvellous,” Nyxara says when she’s finished getting me ready. “Like a queen to rule the wolves for ages. When my grandpups sing of you, they will be singing of your timeless beauty tonight.”
“Oh,” I say, taken aback. “Thank you.”
And here I thought this red gown was a bit too much.
I step in front of the mirror for the first time and my breath catches when I see my reflection. I do look like a queen. This gown is heavy with fine embroidery that glints softly in the lantern light. The fabric is warm against my skin, rich and decadent like it was made for royal throne rooms, candlelit halls,and moonlit rituals, so unlike the muddy village paths I once walked. A low neckline reveals just enough that it will make Alaric’s pulse quicken, and the fitted waist hugs my hips, falling gracefully behind me.
I hardly recognize myself.
Nyxara has swept my hair up into an elegant twist with small braids woven through it. It’s all pinned and held together by delicate silver clasps shaped like crescent moons. A few loose strands frame my face, softening the look, making me still feel likeme—just… elegant and elevated.
Alaric arranged for me to wear the royal jewels, and they are something else. A giant ruby on a thick gold chain hangs from my neck and I have gorgeous gold and ruby earrings to match. Nyxara told me they’ve been passed down through his royal line for generations. It’s dizzying to imagine that one day my daughter might wear them.
My daughter with Alaric…
“Are you okay?” Nyxara asks, looking at me curiously as my eyes tear up.
“I am, thank you. I’m just happy.”
Nyxara adjusts a final pin in my hair before nodding with satisfaction. “The king will not survive the sight of you,” she says solemnly.
I laugh, breathless and nervous. “I’m not sureI’llsurvive the sight of him.”
She smiles knowingly and steps back, bowing her head. “It is time, my queen.”
The word sends a shiver straight through me.
I take one last look at myself—at the woman I was, and the woman I am becoming—then lift my chin and turn toward the door.
The full moon waits.
And so does my mate.
We head down to the courtyard where the beginning of the Lunaris Vinculum is in full swing. I canfeelthe energy. Everyone is so excited. It’s not every day that the king is taking part in the mating ceremony and shifters have been travelling for days to come witness it in person.
Every head turns to watch me as I walk toward the other shifters taking part in the ceremony tonight. I hope we don’t take away from their night, stealing the attention they deserve, but it doesn’t feel that way as the shifter women greet me with smiles and compliments. There’s enough love and excitement to go around.
Whispers arrive before Alaric does.
“The king,” I hear someone whisper. “He’s coming.”
“King Alaric is on his way.”
“Let’s get a good spot. The king is arriving.”
