The Night To Remember

Ivy's POV

It's here.

The night everything changes again.

I stand in my room, ready, with my hands visibly shaking from my nerves. I haven't been allowed to see Nathaniel since the night before, so needless to say I'm allowing my nerves to get the best of me. This is seriously the biggest gathering I have seen in my entire lifetime, bigger than any pack gathering, and even the mating ball from months ago.

Speaking of, we're back at the castle where the mating ball was held, and the memories flooded back of my time here the moment I walked in the front door a couple days ago. Dancing with Nathaniel out on the terrace, performing for everyone and singing a song just for him, before I knew what I was to him, pouring out my feelings and desires unbeknownst to everyone around us.

I smile as I focus on those feelings and how I've changed and grown into a person I can be proud of again.

"Luna Queen." My title is used, and I turn to face a lovely young she-wolf in the doorway of my room.

"It's time. If you'll please follow me." I nod and take the first steps into my new future.

- - -

I walked for what felt like ages, but it was only a few minutes. The she-wolf led me up to the top balcony of the foyer, in front of the main doors that lead to the royal balcony which is where Nathaniel and I will be announced from before heading back down to mingle with everyone.

I exhale shakily and bite my lip. "Pull yourself together." I mumble under my breath, clearly frustrated with myself.

A hand touches my shoulder and I jump a little in surprise and turn around quickly. I'm met with those blue eyes I love and a handsome face that I could stare at until I die. I smile seeing Nathaniel in all his royal attire, looking absolutely fierce and feral. I clear my throat awkwardly as I continue to look him up and down, clearly enamoured by him yet again.

He leans into my ear. "You're eye fucking me again, songbird."

"I can't help it, you look good."

"So do you, baby. Ready to do this?" He asks with a smirk, and I return it.

"With you? Definitely." He comes to stand beside me, linking my arm with his and a few moments later the door opens, and Nathaniel leads me through onto the royal balcony. I glance down and see so many faces of wolves who have joined to witness Nathaniel's ascension to King, and I feel a burst of pride seeing all the support he has from his people. People that know he's going to rule them fairly and sternly and will look after the needs of everyone.

We're announced and the cheers and shrieks that follow make both Nathaniel and I chuckle. Nathaniel's father comes and stands around us to stand in front of his son, and his mother does the same to stand in front of me. I glance down and see each of them holding a soft cashmere pillow with the new royal crowns atop them. I gasp lightly with how beautiful they are, and I look up to meet Nate's mom's tearful gaze.

"There's no one else more deserving of this crown, Ivy. Rule alongside my son and keep him humble." I nod, my own eyes tearing up as she places the crown upon my head. Mine was designed with my name in mind, rose gold framing that is moulded to look like vines with black adorned crystals and diamonds giving the illusion of leaves. It's sparkly, has my favourite colour and fits like a glove.

I see Nate's father place his golden crown atop his head and he turns to me, smiling. He takes my hand, and we walk to the edge of the balcony and look upon our proud people.

I turn to look at him and laugh. "We did it. We made it here."

"That we did songbird, that we did."

"I love you."

"I love you too, Ivy."

It's then that I feel a wave of emotion hit me, realizing that everything I've been through, everything I've endured was for this moment. To stand here alongside my mate, to rule our people together with strength and prosperity. When this all started, I was in the darkest place of my life. Fighting each day to merely survive until the next one. I was drowning in sorrow, unable to see a way to live my life to the fullest like I wanted.

Then a man came into my life and showed me what my life could and should be. Full of love, adoration, desire, and respect. My life has meaning again, and I feel worthy of fortune and change.

When I see Nathaniel get down on one knee and present a ring with a profession of his love, a thought makes itself known, and I smile as I accept, and a ring is placed upon my finger.

This is where I'm meant to be, without a doubt.

Here, with him, forever.

END