“Is it okay that he’s in here?”
“This is the Court of the Deer, Mae. You are the High Princess, about to be crowned the High Queen.Isit okay?”
I look at the stag and nod fervently. “Of course. They’re all welcome. This is as much their home as it is mine.”
The throne room’s double doors crack open, sending an echo through the space as spectators begin to file in. I stand and straighten my gown, pasting my most queenly smile on my face. My ears pick up whispers of conversation as they near the stage and take their seats. Their eyes alternate between the stag and then me, standing behind him. I do my best to hold a smile on my face and soften my eyes. My smile turns genuine when I see Cally walking toward the front row, smiling from ear to ear.
Ivan’s voice booms through the grand room. “Ladies and gentlemen of the Woodland Kingdom, it is my honor to present High Princess Mae Bailey, the direct descendant of High King Silas Fairbairn. Today, we have gathered here for her official coronation and crowning as High Queen, Queen of the Deer, and Queen of the Woodland Kingdom.” He turns to me and says softly, “Mae, please repeat after me.”
I steel myself, feeling sweat blooming under my armpits. I resist the urge to look at Cally again, instead locking eyes with Ivan. He gives me an encouraging nod, then begins the Royal Oath.
“I solemnly swear that I, Mae Bailey,” he begins. I swallow hard, then begin to recite the Monarch’s Oath.
“Will serve the people and the animals of the Deer Court and the Woodland Kingdom in their best interests. I will ensure that my power will be used for the greater good of the court, its people, and the people of the Woodland Kingdom. I will govern, lead, and protect all its citizens until the end of my reign. I will give a voice to the voiceless. I will protect those who cannot protect themselves. I will honor the values of integrity, morality, and probity.” I repeat each line, my voice loud and ringing through the space. “These promises that I have made will be honored to the best of my ability until the end of my reign.”
“Mae Bailey, I now pronounce you Her Majesty, Queen of the Deer, and High Queen of the Woodland Kingdom,” he booms, his chest puffing with pride. He turns to the crowd now and exclaims, “Ladies and gentlemen of the Woodland Kingdom, I present to you, your High Queen!”
Even though Ivan is practically bursting at the seams, they don’t clap or cheer. Instead, everyone immediately bows, resting on one knee, heads angled to the floor. At the sight of them, chills spread across my skin.
Ivan turns to me, and suddenly, I wrap him into a hug. He tenses as if the sudden contact surprised him. When we break apart, he faces the crowd again and booms, “And now, for the crowning!”
He motions to someone behind me and Elle comes forward with the same green velvet box from earlier. She smiles at me before bowing to one knee and holding the box up, an impressive feat in her dress. Ivan opens it and removes the crown. I throw a quick enchantment on it, causing it to sparkle and glisten in the light. Ivan carefully places it on my head, clasps it on, and motions for me to sit.
I do.
I sit on the High Throne as the High Queen.
I place my hand on the stag at my feet.
Finally, applause erupts throughout the room.
Chapter 12
My cheeks are killing me. I’ve been smiling and greeting what feels like every person in the kingdom for the past hour. Everyone seemed delighted to meet me, pure joy radiating from them as they congratulated me.
As if I did anything to be appointed High Queen. As if three people hadn’t died for me to make it here.
Little girls dressed in their best outfits approached the throne, wearing crowns made of branches and wildflowers. No one attempted to touch the stag lying beside me, instead choosing just to stare at him and keep a healthy distance. Finally, Ivan escorted me out to the terrace where I immediately downed a glass of champagne. The stag remained in front of the High Throne.
Now, Cally and I stand on the terrace, overlooking the garden and the perfectly manicured yard. It’s a beautiful day. The sun shines high in the sky—not a cloud to be seen. People filter through the grounds, laughing, drinking, and eating. Families sit with plates brimming with food, and children roll through the grass, gleeful shrieks ringing through the air.
A couple watches their two sons race across the massive space before speeding back to their parents. Based on their speed, I assume they’re of House Canis, likely wolf hybrids. Prince Barrett walks past the garden with a young female in a russet brown gown. They share a laugh as they breeze past a neatly-trimmed rose bush.
“Are you ready for tonight?” Cally asks, grabbing her glass of champagne from the table.
“I suppose. I’m more ready for tonight when I’m in bed, asleep,” I admit.
“It’s been a busy weekend for you, Your Majesty,” she says, grinning behind her glass of champagne.
Elle walks up to us, her expression grim.
“What’s wrong?” I ask as she joins us at the table.
“Incoming,” is all she mutters before I turn my head back in the direction she came.
A male and a female approach us slowly, both wearing crowns made of silver gold. Their emerald eyes pop in stark contrast to their chestnut hair. They stand tall as they walk toward us, their steps in sync with one other.
When the couple reaches our table, they both bow briefly before straightening.
