Chapter Five
1042 Words
Queen Ashlyn
Nathen led Sage and me over to the stage with our men following behind us. I could see Gabby skipping along with Nathan's best friend Zayden. She looked so pretty in her puffy light pink dress. She picked it out herself and I couldn't say no. I had James on my hip, he was getting so big. And all my babies were growing up so fast. And now my coronation is about to start, and it feels surreal. After everything we went through to get to this moment, it felt like a lifetime ago.
My life has been chaotic but in the best way. Mason, Derek, and I have been working hard to keep the balance between work and family. Some days are harder than others, but I wouldn't trade this life for anything else. I'm not sure how, but we all fit together perfectly. They both complete me in a way I never knew possible. I never realized I was missing a few pieces until I found two pieces that fit together perfectly with my piece.
As we arrived at the stairs of the platform, I let out a groan. I didn't want to wear these heels and now I will have to climb more stairs.
"Who decided on having all these stairs?" I complained, putting James down. Then I let out a squeal.
"I will carry you, my queen," Mason announced as he picked me up bridal style. Before I could protest, he was already climbing the stairs. The front of the platform was covered with a curtain, so we could get ready without all the eyes on us. As soon as we reached the top, Mason's lips were on mine.
"Finally," I heard Arthur exclaim. The ceremony may start later than expected, but I didn't care. I would rather have something more personal with my people. This is just a tradition I decided to keep. And my mates deserve to be celebrated for all their hard work through all of this.
Mason placed me down without moving his lips from mine. We don't get a lot of moments like these. And even with the kids and life, I will always get lost in my mates.
"Hey, stop hogging," I heard Liam scoff. I giggled against Mason's lips. Even with a mate, Liam still likes to push my mate's buttons.
Mason pulled away and rested his forehead against mine, letting out a sigh.
"He's your friend," I chuckled.
"Don't remind me," he groaned.
"I'm right here," Liam exclaimed.
"Aren't you supposed to be the babysitter?" Derek asked, and Liam huffed.
"Oh, is that how it is now? I'm only good for watching the kids?"
"Barely," Derek retorted.
"It's okay, Uncle Liam, I'll show you," Gabby said, and I smiled. She was always so helpful, even when she didn't have to be.
"Alright, you two, be nice. And thank you, my Gabby bear." I told her.
"It's okay, mommy. Tundra likes to help too."
I was glad my daughter was given such a wonderful wolf. Tundra may not remember us, but I will always have a special place in my heart for my amazing wolf. And she may not be mine anymore, but I know she will take care of Gabby like she always cared for me.
Derek came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. He snuggled his face into my neck, letting out a sigh.
“Now, who’s hogging?” he pouted. I just rolled my eyes. This wasn't a competition.
"Gabby," I heard a squeal and I knew it was Aurora. The Fae Royals and the Vampire Royals had come over to our group.
It was good to see everyone. We had all been so busy cleaning up the mess that was left that it was hard to plan anything. I watched as Aurora walked up to James, who was holding onto Sage's hand.
It was interesting watching those two since I knew they would going to be mates. I know they don't feel anything, just like I didn't when I met Mason all those years ago.
"He is going to have his hands full with that one," Derek chuckled.
"I think you mean she's going to have her hands full with our son," I corrected, and Mason chuckled.
"At least they will never be bored," Derek said.
"Just like me," I turned my head and kissed his cheek.
"Okay, let's get this ceremony started," Victor exclaimed. And Derek shook his head.
"Someone is ready for the afterparty," I chuckled.
"Don't remind me. I have to have warriors watching both grandpas, who are ready to mingle, apparently," he grumbled. I looked at Mason and he sighed.
"Just don't. I don't want to know." I pushed my lips in a line before the giggle bubbled to the surface.
"Come on you two, your dads are handsome men, in their prime," I snickered.
"I'm in my prime," Derek retorted, and both Mason and I laughed.
"But you're mine," I purred, pecking his lips.
"Just let them have some fun. They will finally have more time for themselves," I told them.
"I just don't want to see it," Derek grumbled.
"Or hear about it," Mason chimed in.
"You two are impossible," I rolled my eyes.
"Come on everyone, it's time to get into your places," Arthur announced. I walked over to Liam who was holding my sleeping Donny. I kissed the top of his head. He was looking more and more like Derek but with Mason's eyes.
"You look beautiful, my queen," Liam whispered, before kissing my cheek.
"And you look so handsome, holding a baby," I smiled.
"I'm working on it, I assure you," he chuckled. Derek came over, lacing his fingers with mine before leading me over to the middle of the stage where Mason was already waiting. The others were standing with the children on one side and on the other side stood the other kingdoms and their families. Everyone was here to witness me taking over as Queen of all the kingdoms, and my mates taking over their kingdoms.
I was just happy to have everyone together. We have all been through so much together and everyone here deserves to have some fun.
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