Her face softened and her eyes glittered. “Oh, hen, yer going to love it,” she said. “I have everything ye wanted and all the invitations have been sent out. All that’s left is a cake tasting and then we’ll go over a few minor details like the music playlist, the first dance, decorations, and whatnot.”
“You had me at cake,” I interrupted with a broad smile. “When can we do that?”
“Of course ye want to eat cake,” Alexander chuckled as he sipped his wine.
“After the coronation,” Helena announced. “We still want ye to fit into yer gown this Sunday.”
I glanced down at my soup and rolled my eyes. Much to my chagrin, I had no say in the gown I would be wearing for my coronation. The thing was huge! Pretty, but massive. It was mainly the skirt that was the real hassle. I couldn’t imagine having to pee with that thing on. And knowing me, I would have to pee right before the ceremony, and there was no way to lift all those skirts. But, as they’ve told me over and over, it was tradition, and this was one I couldn’t go against.
“We have a meeting after dinner,” Alexander announced.
I looked up at him, hoping against hope that he wasn’t talking to me. “Are you serious?” I groaned.
“Ye wanted to lower security, didn’t ye? Well, we have to set everything up for the village.”
Of course, I mentally grumbled. There wasn’t a button you could press that would make everything power down on its own. We actually had to work on it.
“Fine,” I sighed as I handed my empty soup bowl to the waiter while another waiter whisked in to place another plate of food in front of me. I still wasn’t used to being waited on hand and foot. I tried to pretend it was no different from being at a restaurant, but it didn’t always work. The only thing that helped was knowing it wasn’t just lunas working as staff anymore. Now, there were male Lycan as well. I thanked them and started cutting into my rare steak.
“We’ll also be in town tomorrow,” Alexander said as he started slicing his steak. “There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new clinic and they’ve asked us to attend.”
“A ribbon cutting ceremony for a clinic? That’s part of your job description?” I raised a brow.
Alexander sighed. “Aye, Mackenzie. It’s called supporting the community.”
I shrugged. “Fine by me. As long as we don’t have to go to another stupid Council meeting.”
If I had to listen to those old men drone on and on anymore, I would shoot myself.
Last night’s meeting was painless, thankfully. Security around the village was officially reduced, which alleviated the burden for some of the guards who had been working doubles, and the witches and warlocks worked together to lower one of the wards around the village. Alexander, Ranulf, and I still didn’t agree that the threat no longer existed, but I refused to argue with the Council about it anymore. I had my coronation to worry about, followed shortly by my mating ceremony. They could worry about the rest.
Dressed in a canary yellow sundress – not my color, might I add – I walked across the bridge in front of the castle beside Alexander, who was dressed in his customary suit, impeccable as always. Far from a lighthearted stroll, we were surrounded by guards.
As we crossed the bridge and reached the cobblestone road that led to town, I was glad I fought to wear my flats and not the heels they originally insisted on. I would have definitely twisted an ankle.
Crowds of people were out and about, but they all stopped and waved at the King when they saw us approach, often followed by a surprised gasp when they saw me with him. I heard a few scream my name and I attempted to wave back as delicately as possible, not like a regular hand wave like I wanted to. I was still taking etiquette classes.
My arm was interlocked with Alexander’s when he leaned down to whisper, “They all know of yer coronation on Sunday. The village is very excited. Especially the lunas.”
I looked over at him. “Is it going to be broadcasted?” I never thought to ask.
Alexander nodded affirmatively. “It is history in the making. Of course it will be.”
I gulped. No pressure …
Alexander patted my hand gently. “Don worry, darling. Ye’ll be perfect.”
I was glad he, at least, had faith in me.
When we arrived at the clinic where the ribbon cutting ceremony was taking place, I realized that instead of a big box pharmacy, we were welcoming a small medical office to Sheunta Village. I always assumed there was a witch or warlock on hand for any medical needs, but I supposed it was smart to have a doctor on hand for things that couldn’t be cured by magic.
We approached the front of the building and I saw a man standing there in a pair of slacks and a tucked-in, button-up shirt. He had sandy brown hair and looked to be around Alexander’s age.
“Mackenzie, this is Dr. Daniel Harris,” Alexander introduced us. “He’s American, just like ye, and a Lycan. He’ll be our village’s doctor, working hand-in-hand with the witches and warlocks.”
Dr. Harris extended a hand for me to shake. “Nice to meet you, Princess. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
I was momentarily blinded by the brightness of his smile before my etiquette classes kicked in. “Thanks! Unfortunately this is the first time I’m hearing about you,” I chuckled awkwardly.
Dr. Harris waved me off. “No worries. This setup is fairly new, but I hope to become an asset to you and your administration.” The way he spoke, I felt like I was about to become President, not Queen.
The front of the medical building had a clear glass window that covered most of the front with the good doctor’s name written in blocky black letters. Blue curtains draped across the glass, drawn so the interior couldn’t be seen. The door was forest green with a shiny golden knob, but the rest of the building was brick and looked like most of the other storefronts in the village. I saw Cosima’s Apothecary across the street, which was owned by my friend Scarlet’s mother. I wondered if Scarlet was in town for the coronation or still at the academy studying. Either way, I owed Cosima a visit.
I tore my attention back to the reason why we were here and glanced at the red ribbon strung across the doctor’s office just as a pair of comically large scissors was handed over to Dr. Harris and Alexander so they could cut the ribbon together. Onlookers were held back by safety cones and a handful of photographers were there to capture the moment. I made sure my picture-perfect smile was plastered on my face. I stood by like a statue as they counted down and then snipped the ribbon, and then cheered as the King congratulated Dr. Harris on his new medical office and welcomed him to Sheunta Village. Many people, including Council members, were allowed to come closer and take pictures. Idly, I wondered if the press was here because these shots were going to go into some newspaper or newsletter.
Alexander and Ranulf stayed close by my side, but my eyes roved the village and all the faces in the crowd. The guards were with us, but I still didn’t like being this out in the open, especially when we just lowered security.
“Princess!”
I heard one voice raised above the din of the assembled crowd and scanned the faces until I heard the same person yell for me again. That was when I saw her—a luna.
I stepped away from Ranulf and approached the crowd of people as the luna made her way to the front. When she reached me, I saw she was carrying a large bouquet of flowers in her arms.
“Princess!” she beamed. The luna was around my age with reddish brown hair that fell in massive curls down her back and framed bright brown eyes. “Please accept these flowers on behalf of the many lunas in the village.” She handed the bouquet over to me with a deep curtsy.
“Oh, wow, thank you,” I offered lamely as I took the bundle from her and smelled its sweet aroma. “You didn’t have to do this.”
“It’s the least we can do, Princess,” she responded shyly, clasping her hands in front of her. “Ye have changed so much for us. Whatever ye need, know ye can count on us.”
I didn’
t know what to say or how to react. I didn’t feel like I’d done much, and certainly not enough to warrant such admiration. I didn’t feel like I deserved it, but as I looked at the admiration shining in her eyes, I wanted to deserve it.
“What’s your name?” I asked.
“Layla,” she answered excitedly.
I nodded. “Thank you, Layla, and please tell the others how much I appreciate them. I won’t forget your kindness.”
She reached out to touch my hand. “Anything for ye, Princess.” With that, she backed away and was quickly swallowed by the crowd.
Ranulf’s hand landed on my shoulder, catching my attention and alerting me to the fact that he had been watching my interaction with Layla. He pulled me back to the fold and I stumbled back with my bouquet of flowers cradled in my arms, feeling all kinds of warm and fuzzy. Interspersed throughout the crowd I saw lunas; I waved to each one, and in return they smiled widely at me. I knew it made their day that I singled them out and was struck again by the immense responsibility resting on my shoulders. I wanted to know more about them: what they were doing, how their lives had changed, or if it had. But now wasn’t the time or place.
Alexander wrapped an arm around me and leaned down to my ear. “Ye have many admirers, Mackenzie.”
I snorted. “I’m sure I have just as many enemies, too.” I knew for a fact that many of the male Lycans weren’t too happy about the changes.
“You’d be surprised. The village has adjusted quite nicely.”
Alexander’s words surprised me and I snapped my neck in his direction. “Really?” I asked, shocked.
He nodded. “Aye. We’ve had more trouble with outside packs than in the village.”
Well, that was definitely an interesting tidbit. Maybe that was why the lunas looked so happy and well-adjusted. Things weren’t so bad here. That admission actually made me feel a little better.
Alexander and I posed for a few more pictures and he answered a couple of questions about my upcoming coronation before we announced our departure.
The King’s Guard moved smoothly into position around us, making a path through the crowd and back toward the castle. They started their march and we walked between the growing crowd, waving at everyone as we went, Ranulf bringing up the rear. Suddenly Liam, one of the King’s Guards, held up a fist, bringing us all to a screeching halt.
“What’s going on?” Ranulf barked as he darted around me toward the front of the group.
Alexander reached for my hand and held it tightly as we waited for confirmation that everything was okay. I looked over at him slowly and saw the worry in his gaze. I was just about to open my mouth to tell him not to worry when an arrow struck him in the chest. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion after that. I dropped the bouquet of flowers in my other hand and struggled to catch him as he fell.
“Alexander!” I yelled as we toppled to the ground. I peered around us frantically, my gaze looking everywhere and nowhere at once. My ears were clogged and a shrill whine was all I could hear as I struggled to process all that was going on around me. When I looked down at Alexander’s frightened face, the world caught up and I finally screamed. “Help!”
The guards swarmed in and closed ranks on us once they realized we were under attack. Most of them lunged into half shifts, while others shifted into full wolves, their hair bristling. I cradled Alexander in my arms as he gasped for air, his eyes blinking rapidly as the hand that wore the MacCoinnich ring tried to reach the arrow embedded in his chest.
“Don’t move, Alexander, please,” I cried, not knowing what to do. “You can’t die! Please don’t die,” I whispered, searching the area for the threat and feeling utterly helpless.
Complete pandemonium reigned. Shrieks and shouts from the villagers came from all sides and I couldn’t concentrate on a single thing … not when it took every scrap of willpower I possessed not to freak out.
“Mac-Mackenzie,” Alexander choked out.
I hiccupped on a cry. “Shh,” I whispered. “Save your energy.” I brushed the unruly curl off his forehead and fought to remain positive.
“M-My room,” he grimaced. “Ch-Check my room. T-The ring.”
“What? Please, Alexander, don’t talk. You’re going to be okay!”
Just then, Ranulf came barreling toward us and dropped down beside Alexander, picking him up as if he was as light as a feather and cradling him in his arms. “I got ye, Yer Highness.” He cradled him in his arms. The old guard gave me a determined look and commanded, “Come on, Princess. Run, and don’t you dare stop.”
Without waiting to see if I followed, Ranulf started running with Alexander in his arms. I followed beside him with an army of wolves flanking us for protection. We weren’t far from the castle, but we still had to get there without getting hit by the seemingly unending volley of arrows that continued to rain from the sky.
We galloped at full speed and were only a quarter mile from the castle when I glanced up at the sky to see where the arrows were coming from.
That was when I saw them.
Flying women.
I stumbled and dropped to my knees, peeling my skin on the rocks, and Liam reached down and hauled me up to my feet without losing his stride. I renewed my efforts and ran like hell.
These women weren’t every day, run-of-the-mill ladies; they had wings like birds—or angels. I’d never seen anything like it before in my life. They were covered in shining armor like warriors from another era. What the hell were they?
We reached the bridge that led to the castle and our feet thundered against the wood planks. We poured over the structure and into the safety of the castle yard.
I took one last look behind me before going inside and my heart froze at who I saw standing there, watching us flee.
Fenrir.
4
I paced outside the King’s chambers while the resident warlock examined Alexander with Dr. Harris. I argued that all Alexander needed to do was shift and he’d be right as rain, but they said something about the arrow piercing something or whatever and I spaced out. I did know that if they removed the arrow now, it could be really bad for Alexander.
I wrung my hands together and waited for someone, anyone to give me an update. I just needed to know he was okay, that he would live. There was no way I could do any of this without him. I hadn’t even told him—
“Damnit, Alexander,” I whispered as I thumped my head on his bedroom door.
“Princess.” Ranulf marched down the hallway with Bash in tow.
Bash looked like he was about to blow his top. “Mackenzie, are you hurt?” He pushed past Ranulf and grabbed my upper arms, keeping me at arm’s length and scanning me from head to toe.
“I’m fine,” I grumbled, pulling away from him. “Ranulf, it was him!” I said finally, giving voice to something I had yet to reveal to anyone since we arrived.
“It was who?” he asked, confused.
“Fenrir! Úlfur! Whatever you want to call him. He was in the village! I saw him!” I all but yelled, then forced myself to take a couple deep breaths to calm down. “It was him who did this. I swear! He’s here – in the village.”
“We saw who shot the arrows, Princess. It was one of those winged women.” Ranulf furrowed his brows. “Are ye sure ye saw him?”
I grabbed the lapel of his suit, frantic to make him believe me. “I promise you I’m not lying. I know what I saw.”
Ranulf sighed. “Regardless whether ye saw him or nae, we must raise the security level again. This was an attack on the King in broad daylight.”
“How did they get in?” Bash asked the most obvious question, but one I hadn’t considered in my hysteria.
Sheunta Village was supposed to be protected by wards that encircled the area, constructed not to allow trespassers to enter without permission. It should have been impossible for unknown creatures to enter the village.
“We’ve had a breach in security. I have the Council working on that. Hopefully we’ll find
out soon,” Ranulf explained, but he didn’t sound hopeful.
The door to the King’s chamber opened and Dr. Harris stood in the doorway. I hurried to the door and tried to peer inside.
Dr. Harris swiftly relieved me of my worry. “Princess, he’s going to be okay. We removed the arrow safely and he was able to shift immediately. He’s currently resting.”
“Can I see him?” I asked quickly and he nodded, turning to the side to make way for me to enter the room.
I’d never been inside the King’s chamber, which would soon be mine, and I couldn’t help gaping at the size of the room. It was easily the size of my apartment back in New York City—maybe even bigger. The space was opulent and serene, full of crisp white, gleaming gold, and soothing beige tones. I walked past a living room area that contained a balcony that overlooked the grounds to my left, and to my right was the bathroom and closet. The center of the room held an enormous, four-poster bed with a white fluffy comforter, elevated on a raised dais. Lying in the center was a massive black wolf.
I hurried to Alexander’s side and stroked his midnight fur. His silver eyes fluttered open and he stared into mine with relief and tiredness.
“Hey,” I mumbled. “I’m glad you’re okay. I … I don’t know what I would have done if something had happened, Alexander.” I looked down at the mattress. “You can’t leave me. Not yet.”
He huffed lightly and inched closer to me, dropping his head just below mine and staring up at me as if to say I was speaking nonsense.
I shook my head. “You didn’t see what I saw, Alexander. You looked … you looked dead.” I knelt beside the bed to be level with his face. “It was Fenrir …” I revealed. “Ranulf said they saw one of the winged women shoot the arrow, but I saw him standing there when we were on the other side of the bridge. I know he’s behind this.” Alexander’s ears perked up. He couldn’t move completely just yet, but he growled in understanding. “He’s in the village and I want to find him,” I whispered.
Queen of the Lycan Page 5
