The Planning

After Orian said that he thought they were all extinct and they had all disappeared after the Dark War almost 200 years ago, Lady Ezmerelda nods her head and sat for a few seconds, contemplating how to say what she was thinking.

"That is what the Fairy King wants everyone to believe. After the Dark War, the King saw them as an embarrassment to his kingdom. It was believed that they were the ones that started it all. They were cast out of the kingdom and went into hiding. I'm guessing Douglas found them and added them to his collection of species for his army." She says.

"That would make sense. We know Douglas wants the element of surprise, and having a species in his army that's thought to be extinct would definitely give him that." I say. "What about the coven? Did you receive any information about the attack?"

"Yes, apparently, it was rogues and vampires." She says as she pulls out her phone and shows pictures of three of the attackers dead.

"So he has every species in his army except elves?" Sam asks.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they were in on it too." Lady Esmeralda answers.

"I don't know about that."Rain says, and we all turn our attention to her.

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"I've had dreams of being attacked by his army, and I haven't seen elves in any of them. I've even seen the dark elves in my dreams." She answers.

"But those are just dreams, Rainie bug," Jessica says, and Rain shakes her head.

"I don't think they are. I've dreamt about the war, and the Moon Goddess has visited Odette and me. She told me I needed to prepare for something big, and I'm starting to think that this is what she was talking about. Of course, they very well could be involved, and I just haven't seen them yet, which is very possible. But if I have another dream and they are in it, Zion will be the first to know. I know they can't be ruled out simply because of my dreams. But I do think we should hold off on accusations until we have proof." She says. " And everyone nods in understanding.

"How will the transfer of the witches from my coven to the kingdom grounds be handled?" Lady Ezmerelda asks me.

"Do your witches know the evacuation protocol well?" I ask, and she nods. "We will send armored busses instead of the regular busses to bring them here safely."

"When will they need to be at the extraction point?" She asks.

"Four or five hours, give or take, depending on the traffic," Orian says. "They are preparing the busses as we speak. They should be ready to leave within the hour."

"When we get word that they are almost there, you can send word to proceed with the evacuation," I tell her. "They should only bring what they absolutely need to reduce the load size. We will provide everything else."

"Yes, my King." She says.

"And with that, this meeting is over," I say as I kiss Rains' cheek, and she giggles. "The guys and I will go check out the apartment and make sure they are ready for the witches' arrival."

**********************************

Rains' P.O.V.

After Zion ends the meeting, He says he and the guys are going to check on the apartments where the witches from the coven will be staying to make sure they are ready for their arrival and check in on Odett. He kisses me on the cheek and tells me he would send in the organizers before he left his office.

"So, do you have a dress in mind for the marking ceremony?" Jess asks me.

"Oh Goddess, I haven't even thought about the dress," I say in a panic. "I doubt I can get one made in just two days."

"Don't fret, my dear. I will handle the dress. You just worry about the rest." My mother says. "I will handle the maidens' dresses as well."

"Thank you, Mom," I say as I hug her. There's a knock on the door, and the planners come in.

"Good morning, my Queen. These are the planners the King summoned to assist you." One of the guards at the door said. I recognize him from the dungeon yesterday where Ashley was being held.

"Thank you. And I'm sorry if you were affected by the Alpha command I used on Ashley yesterday. I didn't realize I was doing it until Zion informed me after we had left the dungeon." I say, feeling guilty that I hadn't apologized before now.

"It's okay, my Queen. It was amazing to witness." He says with a smile as he bows and closes the door.

"That was Evan. He was the guard at your door after Ashleys' attack on you." Jess says with a smile. "He is also James' mate."

"Oh wow," I say with a giggle. "I will need to get to know him better." We turn our attention back to the planners.

"Hello, My Queen. I am Nikky and this is Kristy. We are the planners the King summoned to help you plan your mating and crowning ceremonies. We will also be preparing, and setting everything up so you won't have to worry about it yourself." Nikky says with a warm smile.

"Thank you. This is my mother, Lady Ezmerelda, and my sister, Jessica Beta Orians' mate." I say, introducing them to each other.

We talk and plan for a couple of hours. We decide that both ceremonies will be held a day apart so it's not too overwhelming for me or the crew that will be putting up the decorations. The mating ceremony will be held Friday night when the moon is full. And the crowning ceremony will be held the next afternoon. We decided on royal blue and black for both ceremonies. For the mating ceremony, I will be wearing white as tradition calls for. But for the crowning ceremony, I will be wearing a black dress, thankfully. I then let my mom, Jess, Nikkie, and Kristy decide the rest as they pick flowers, dresses, food, design, and decorations.

Dosha explains how to use the mind link. I then attempt to link Zion. Clearing my mind, I think only of him, which isn't very hard since he's been on my mind since he left his office earlier.

"Babe?" I call out to him.

"Is something wrong, sweetie?" He asks, and I do a small victory dance because I got it right on the first try.

"No, I just finished my part of the planning and wanted to see if you had some spare time," I say.

"Your part?" He asks, and I nod. Then blush when I realize he can't see me.

"Yup, Mom and the ladies are picking the rest. I want to be surprised." I say proudly, making him laugh, and I giggle.

"Okay, get Evan to walk you to the suite, and I'll meet you there. Just make sure he stays with you the whole time." He says, and I'm on my way with a smile!