Chapter FOURTYTHREE-MAKING A KINGDOM
Two Weeks Later:
Ace POV
I sat in the office reviewing some pack paperwork while Rachel was tending to Xander and Xayden was sleeping in the bassinet. I smiled as I heard Xander cooing at Rachel's voice. Apollo hummed in my head as we watched our mate. I had been planning for the last two weeks when Helena mentioned that my sons were the future Kings of werewolves. It was time to start embracing their destiny and make some changes around the Blue Eclipse pack and our allies. Before I decided, I wanted to discuss everything with everyone. I was writing names for the future kingdom I planned to build for the boys and linked with my friends.
"Can you guys come to the office?"
"I have some things I want to discuss with the four of you and our allies over a video call," I linked.
"Yeah, we are on the way," Carlito said, and I closed the link.
It's good that their offices were only a few doors down and on the same floor as ours. I recommend not changing too much about the castle, seeing it is already modernized and eight stories high. Still, a throne room would be an excellent addition. I also linked our parents to come to the castle as they should be a part of this conversation as well. I heard a knocking at the door and told the gang to enter.
"Hey guys, have a seat."
"We are just waiting for our parents to show up," I said as everyone sat down.
"Ace, what is going on?" I heard Rachel ask, and I smiled.
"You will see in a few minutes," I told her and turned on my laptop.
I video-called all our allied packs and waited for everyone to connect. Then, there was another knock at the door, and I told our parents to come in. I smiled as our parents took their seats and began to explain my reasons for them being there.
"So, guys, I called you all here and the video conference because I have been thinking about things for the last two weeks."
"I was recently told about our sons being the future Kings of the werewolves," I paused and heard the gasps from some of the Alphas and Espen.
"Yes, it's quite a shock knowing that you fathered the future Kings of the supernaturals, but honestly, I want your opinions about some things, if that's okay?" I asked, looking at the faces in the room and on the laptop screen.
"We are all ears, nephew," I heard my Uncle Adriel say, and I smiled.
"How would you all like to be a part of a kingdom?" I asked as everyone's eyes widened.
"Excuse me?" I heard Alpha Major say.
"I know it sounds catchy, plus, Blue Eclipse is the biggest pack in the center, sounded by six allied packs and one were-bear clan."
"I looked up the map terrace and saw it myself," I told everyone as they whispered and talked.
"So, you're telling us you want to build a kingdom with our packs as your royal subjects and pledge alliance to you as our Alpha King until the twins get older and continue the tradition?" I heard Alpha Wendell say, and I nodded.
"You would all still be Alphas to your packs, and so will your future heirs, but I think it's time the supernatural world comes back into order from all the chaos and mess our previous ancestors created," I said as everyone thought my idea over.
"Son, seeing as you are of royal blood and an Alpha, I think it's a wonderful idea."
"I think you would make a great Alpha King, and Rachel would be a wonderful Luna Queen," my Mother said, and I smiled.
"So, what would you call this kingdom of yours?" I looked back at the screen as Alpha Derek spoke.
"I've been playing around with names for a while, and one stuck out to me, so I came up with The Cerulean Moon Kingdom," I said as everyone looked like they were thinking.
"I like it," I heard my cousin Alpha Samson say.
"Crescent Moon agrees," he said, and I smiled.
"Consider Silver Moon in agreement," I nodded to my other cousin, Alpha Spencer.
"Lad, well, count Wind Howler in that as well," I heard Alpha Patrick say.
After the first three votes, everyone agreed on the kingdom's idea. I looked at Rachel, who had been quiet the whole time, and wondered if she was okay.
Rachel POV
When Ace said he wanted to build a kingdom for our sons as the future Kings, my mind spiraled at the possibility of others wanting to hurt our boys just because of who they are.
"Little flower, are you okay?" I heard Ace ask through the link as he stared at me. I smiled and nodded my head, but on the inside, I was hurting.
"I know you are lying to me. What is bothering you?" I sighed and looked at Ace with sad eyes.
"I'm worried for our sons, Ace. What if someone wants to hurt or trick them into using their powers for evil?" I said as Ace looked at me.
"Rachel, as long as our sons have us and our families, nothing bad will happen."
"They are stronger together and will be a formidable force when it comes time for them to take the throne," I sighed and looked down at my precious sons.
Xander was looking at me while he sucked his thumb, and Xayden was watching me with curiousness in his eyes.
"Rayne, what do you think?" I asked my wolf as she hummed.
"I think Ace is right, Rachel."
"One day, they will have to sit on the throne and prepare to put the world back in order."
"They are Alphas and white wolves for a reason. The goddess Selene chose them for this purpose," I wiped my eyes and looked at my precious sons again.
"You boys will make us proud one day, won't you," I said, kissing their chubby cheeks.
I looked at Ace, smiling, and nodded. He smiled back at me, and I blew kisses at him.
After all the agreements were made, Ace said he would call the elders tomorrow and establish that we would become a kingdom and ask them what we needed to do to prepare to make the changes. I was scared, but at the same time, I was proud. That one day, my sons would change the world and bring peace back to the supernaturals and not just the werewolves.
After Ace finished his video conference with the other Alphas, he turned off his laptop and looked at Carlito and Julio.
"So, what do you guys think of all this?" he asked them.
"Will our kids and their future kids be the royal Beta and Gamma?" Julio asked as Ace nodded.
"I knew your family was special, Ace, but this is a whole new level of going up against the odds," Carlito said as Chloe rubbed her swollen belly. I smiled with pride, knowing my friends would get royal titles.
"Oh, crap!" I thought.
"I would be the Queen of the werewolves," I thought as Rayne howled.
"See, Rachel, everything is working out how it's supposed to be," Rayne said as I smiled.
I looked at my Mother, smiling and winking. She mouthed that she loved me and was very proud of me. I just hoped I could make our future kingdom proud as their Queen.
Six Months Later: (Still Rachel's POV)
"Shit! Shit! Shit!" I yelled as I ran around the room. I was looking for my silver heels and felt one of my sons had moved them.
Today was Ace's and my coronation to be sworn in as the Alpha King and Luna Queen of the Cerulean Moon kingdom. It was a rough six months of training classes and learning how a Queen is supposed to act. The elders ensured Ace, and I knew the ins and outs since there hadn't been an Alpha King in over fifty years.
"Rachel!" my Mom shouted into the room. I was scrambling to find my heels as my sons giggled from the other room.
"You're going to be late. What's taking so long?" Mom asked as I searched my closet.
"I'm trying to find my silver heels!" I shouted as Staci came into the closet.
"Where did you leave them last?" Staci asked as I looked at her.
"In the bedroom by the bed," I said and sighed.
"Hmm," Staci said and exited the closet.
I followed Staci as she looked around the room's mess. Staci giggled, moved a pile of clothes, and found one of my heels.
"Thank the goddess," I almost shouted as Staci handed me the shoe.
Staci quickly found the other heel in the boys' playpen as I groaned and held my head.
"Xander and Xayden," I sigh as Staci laughs.
"Boys are a handful," Staci says, helping me put on my heels so I don't wrinkle my dress.
"Is she ready?" my Mom calls out from the living room as Staci assures her I'm ready.
We exit the bedroom and head toward the living room, where Mom and the twins are waiting. My sons babble and play with their toys. Xander and Xayden look handsome in their royal blue baby tuxedos.
"Oh, my goddess! Rachel! You look beautiful!" my Mom squeals.
I wore a royal blue A-line one-shoulder V-neck halter floor-length silky satin dress with my silver heels. Ace and I kept everything the same inside the castle regarding colors and themes. We did add a throne room a few months ago before the coronation.
"I'm ready," I said. Staci and my Mom picked up the twins, and we exited the suite and headed toward the elevator.
When we exited the suite, Julio stood near the elevator with Tristan, who turned and smiled at us. Julio and Amber's son Noah was a mixture of his parents, with Amber's blonde hair and Julio's silver-gray eyes and light-tanned skin. Carlito and Chloe's son Cornelio had his Mother's chocolate brown hair, but it was curly and her amber-colored eyes. His skin was light-tanned like his Dad's.
"Luna Rachel, Staci, and Sarah," Julio and Tristan bowed.
"Hello, Julio and Tristan," I said as they smiled, and we entered the elevator.
We entered the elevator as Julio pushed the button for the first floor, and the doors closed. The elevator descended as my stomach twisted in knots. I could hear Xander and Xayden babbling in their Grandmother's arms.
"Are you okay, Luna?" Julio asked. I took a deep breath and nodded as he looked at me.
It was tradition that the Alpha King and Luna Queen should be at least 21 when they took the throne. But the elders made an exception for Ace and me because there hadn't been a royal in a long time.
The elevator doors opened, and I gasped at the decorations inside the foyer and living space. The Omegas had outdone themselves and worked hard to make this day possible. Julio and Tristan led us toward the throne room where the coronation was being held. Rayne was pacing inside my head as we stopped before the double white doors, and warriors stood outside, waiting for our arrival.
I caught the scent of spicy rum as Ace and Carlito entered the castle through the side door. Antonio and the others were right behind them. Ace looked handsome in his royal blue tux with a matching vest, white tie, and black dress shoes.
"Hey, little flower," Ace said, gently kissing my lips. My heart fluttered, and my stomach did somersaults, as I smiled.
"Are we ready?" Antonio asked as everyone lined up to head inside the throne room.
"Ready," Ace told his Dad as Antonio had the warriors open the doors, and we walked inside. We entered the throne room, and my eyes widened as I took in the crowd of werewolves and the room's interior.
The Cerulean Moon Kingdom
Throne Room
Ace POV
I knew Rachel was nervous. I could hear the rapid beat of her heart as she squeezed my hand. Today was our coronation day, and I couldn't be proud. The Crescent Moon, Silver Moon, Golden Moon, Dark Moon, Midnight Moon, Redwood, and the Black Paw Clan were in attendance. Elder Gerard stood before the dais, awaiting Rachel and I's arrival to start the ceremony.
Our allies bowed as we walked the aisle to the dais and acknowledged everyone. Our royal Betas and Gammas walked behind us as we approached the dais and stood at the top. Our royal Betas were to my right, and our royal Gammas were to Rachel's left.
"Alphas, Betas, and leader of the were-bears of the kingdom."
"Welcome to the coronation of the Alpha King and Luna Queen of the newly established Cerulean Moon kingdom."
"We will now start the ceremony," elder Gerard announced as everyone stood.
"People of the Cerulean Moon kingdom. We hadn't had a royal sit on a throne in a long time."
"It is with great honor that the time to crown the new King and Queen of the werewolves is now upon us," elder Gerard boomed.
I looked out into the crowd and noticed the smiling faces and proud glances our parents were giving us. I listened to Xander and Xayden babble as the elder commenced the ceremony.
"Alpha Ace, please kneel," elder Gerard said.
Elder Gerard held a silver crown embedded with royal blue jewels and a royal blue cap with a wolf carved right above it. The crown was specialty-made and beautifully crafted.
Ace's Crown
"Do you, Ace Ronaldo Silva, solemnly swear to govern the wolves of the Crescent Moon, Silver Moon, Golden Moon, Dark Moon, Midnight Moon, Redwood, and the bears of the Black Paw Clan?"
"I solemnly swear to do so," I say respectfully.
"Will you uphold the laws and values of this kingdom and execute your judgment by the justice set forth by the moon goddess? Will you lead with grace, mercy, and strength?"
"I will," I smile.
"Do you swear to guide your Alphas and were-bear leader in times of hardship and prosperity? Do you swear never to abandon your people and lead diligently from this day forward?"
"I solemnly swear to do so until my final breath," I said with pride.
Elder Gerard promptly places the crown on my head. I feel a sense of pride and power as Apollo howls and puffs out his chest. I feel a surge of power as the Alphas, Betas, and Espen bow before me and acknowledge my aura as their Alpha King. The Alpha King is supposed to have a ring signifying his reign, but my family doesn't know what my ancestors did with our family ring.
Once my crowning was done, Rachel was next and crowned as the Luna Queen of the Cerulean Moon kingdom. Carlito and Chloe were sworn in as our royal Betas. Julio and Amber were sworn in as our royal Gammas. Julio and Rachel's bond intensified as they recited their oaths. Julio was now Rachel's royal Gamma and protector.
Rachel's Crown
After the ceremony, I felt the raw power and change as our allies and family recognized us as their Alpha King and Luna Queen. Royal Betas and Gammas. Our parents congratulated us, but I had one more surprise for Rachel.
"Rachel," I called as we stood on the dais.
"Yes?" Rachel said with a smile.
I got on one knee and held Rachel's left hand as she gasped. I looked at my Dad, who nodded. I looked back into Rachel's eyes and smiled.
"We had a rough start a year ago. You rejected me on the night of the mating ball."
"Things were hectic for the first few weeks, but we found our way back together."
"I can't thank the moon goddess enough for you and our sons. The three of you complete our little family."
"I love you, Rachel, and I want to know if you will do me the greatest honor by accepting me as not only your Alpha King but also your husband?" I asked, pulling the ring box out of my pocket.
Rachel's Engagement Ring
Rachel gasped as she looked at the ring inside the box, and tears glistened in her eyes as she smiled at me.
"Yes, I'll marry you!" Rachel squealed. I smiled, removing the ring from the box and gently placing it on Rachel's finger.
"I love you, Ace," Rachel said as I stood, kissing her lips passionately.
I could hear the claps and cheers from everyone as Rachel and I embraced.