His Rebellious Lycan Queen

Chapter 4

(Luciana POV)

My eyes kept glancing at my mate who stood at the end of the podium. He looked uncomfortable in the proper knight attire, occasionally pulling the tight neckline and stretching his neck.

"I can't believe he is your mate." James commented making me laugh.

"It's a shocker." I replied turning to him. "Is everything set?"

He nodded his head with a wide grin. "Of course."

The ceremony will start in less than half an hour. The function is on the main pack house large Veranda. All the main council members, the pack Alpha, Beta and other important members were present. On the ground, the people were allowed to participate. The function was done on a raised platform so everyone can see.

Alpha Kenny walked towards me, his mate and younger brother right behind him.

"Shall I start the announcement?" he asked to which I nodded.

"Yes, please proceed."

The three of them bowed their head before walking to the podium while James and I sat on the chairs designated for us.

"My dear pack members! I am proud to say that today we are going to get the fruit of our hard work labour. It is an honour to stand in front of you announcing...." by this time I zoned out on the speech.

Something I hate is hearing and giving speeches.

My eyes went to my mate who was standing right behind Alpha Kennedy. He is just as bored as I am.

He looked handsome in the clean, unwrinkled proper clothes but for some reason, I feel like I liked the messed up Nero more. Well, we need to at least get rid of the slick back hairstyle.

The messy one suits him more.

My hand once again feels the itch to touch him.

He was stiff probably feeling my gaze on him. He would occasionally glance my way, each time turning more and more uncomfortable.

"Are you going to take him to the palace?" a voice came as I turned to my vizier.

"No."

His eyes widened at my answer. He frowned and stared at me before looking at my mate.

"No?"

I sighed and sat up a little more upright.

"Yes. I won't take him with me. You can clearly see he had no interest in me. I am not going to force another person into my life."

James stayed silent upon hearing my answer.

"I call upon the Ruler of the Southern Reign of Lesdara! Queen Luciana!" Alpha Kenny announced as I stood up from my seat.

As I walked to the podium I was shocked when Nero walked forwards. He stopped by the steps and extended his hands, bowing his head lightly.

I couldn’t help but let a small giggle.

Who knew he would be the one who would guide me to the podium. But then again I am sure his elder brother forced him to do this.

I bowed slightly in respect before taking his hand.

Both of us paused as we felt the sparks that ignited in our bodies.

This was our first touch and it was amazing. Nero took a deep breath as if trying to control himself.

The mate bond effect is really powerful.

I took a few steps so I was on the same level as him. He then guided me to the position next to the Alpha.

I was surprised by how smoothly he did the task. He looked flustered as if he wanted to run away from me.

Once he left my hand the both of us bowed in courtesy.

I then turned to the people and the crowds erupted.

"Long live the Great Queen! Long live the ruler of the Southern Reign!" the crowd chanted and I bowed to them.

"Thank you, everyone. It is such a great honour to have you all here. Today is a very special day." I said trying to calm my fast beating heart.

I hated the crowds and I hated being the centre of attraction. I always had social anxiety but being the Queen something like that was out of option.

I took a deep breath.

I have done this a million times but no matter how much, I still sweat.

After I gave my very short speech, the main ceremony was about to commence.

"Now let's proceed into the moment we have all been waiting for." Alpha Kennedy said as I smiled and looked at James.

He immediately wore his hood and walked to the stage stopping in between the two of us.

His eyes started to shine bright silver as he raised his hand in the air.

"The ceremony is about to commence. I, Sir James Miticus, the vizier of the Southern Reign ask for permission to join the Atlas Pack to the great kingdom of Lesdara."

The whole of the crowd turned silent as the Alpha faced him with a stern look.

"I do."

James nodded and looked at the person behind him. The guard handed the box over to him.

"Do you Alpha Kennedy to give your utmost trust and interest to become the part of the southern kingdom. To sworn and protect the whole of the kingdom and not go against the rules and betray your queen?"

Once again the Alpha answered to which James opened the box.

"Do you, Queen Luciana, swear upon your kingdom to protect and prosper the pack, to guide and help them? To take them under your wings and be their guardian?"

"Yes I do."

The ceremony was going well. There were no distractions and no objections. Now it was time for the sealing.

James started to mutter the Devine words before turning to me.

The Knife of Oath glowed upon the chanting.

I took the knife and cut myself in my palms. I could feel the immense pain but I tried my best to keep a straight face.

The Alpha extended his arm and did the same for him. He hissed and took a deep breath.

Since he didn't have any royal blood or blessings, I knew he feels 2 times more pain than me.

The blood in our hands glowed lightly from being mixed with the power of the knife.

We grabbed each other's hand as James put his hand over ours. He muttered more chants as an orb filled around our hand.

"With this, we are sealing the bond between the Atlas Pack and The kingdom of Lesdara." he shouted as both our eyes glowed.

A wave of energy passed through both of us and almost immediately I felt the pack connection. I looked at the Alpha who looked like he was in pain.

He was feeling my power over him. He was now feeling the superiority I have over him.

When we released our hand he went on one knee, bowing his head.

"I swear my loyalty to the queen." he said as I smiled.

James handed me my sword and I tapped both sides of his shoulders with the flat side of the sword.

"You may rise, Alpha."

With this, the ceremony ended. I couldn’t help but feel excited. I had words hard for more than a year, enduring many sleepless nights and rebels just to get to this day.

I smiled as he rose from his feet and bowed. He returned a smile telling me how excited he is for our new corporation.

"Thank you, everyone, for joining in this auspicious day." he said to the crowd. "With this, the ceremony is concluded. The banquet will be held in the central square so please enjoy."

Everyone around once again praised the Alpha and me before dispersing.

The alpha's mate walked to him, before taking the wounded hand. She started to treat his wound with the first aid box she brought.

"Your highness, May I treat your wound?" My head maid walked to me. Upon getting my permission she started to treat it carefully with the help of two other maids.

Usually, we shifters have fast healing. But since this was a wound made by the elemental sword, it will be a very slow process. In addition to that, no matter how long the time passes, the wound will leave a mark.

My eyes went to the younger alpha who was staring at my wounded hand. He sighed and turned around, his hand formed into a fist.

"Where do you think you are going?" the alpha asked upon seeing his brother about to leave the room.

"I am hungry. I will wait for you all in the central square." he said before walking away.

The alpha turned and looked at me with worry before bowing his head.

"I am sorry for my brother's immature behaviour. I hope you will forgive him."

I gave him a tight smile, my heart feeling a bit sad for my mate's behaviour.

"It is ok. I am sure there is a reason behind it."

He sighed and scratched the back of his neck once again bowing and apologising.

I feel sad for the older alpha. He might get early grey hair because of the younger one's antics.

"Your majesty?" Melissa called as I looked at her. "Shall we get ready for the evening banquet?"

"Yes." I replied before bowing at the Alpha. "Then I will take my leave as well."

With that, I made my way to my room.

Another thing I must attend is the greeting ceremony. The queen must attend a common banquet and interact with the pack members.

Such a ceremony happens on two occasions: The day of the coronation and the day were a new pack joins the kingdom.

It was a mandatory tradition that the ruler greets all the commoners to signify how important they are to the royals.

Everything till now was going smoothly as planned and I was sure the rest of the night will be just as perfect.

But then how did this happen?

A natural fire?

Arrows directed to kill me?

Everything turned chaotic in a split second.