Dragon Fire & Wolf Blood

Chapter 20

The celebrations were going well. Everyone was mingling with the people. Many friendly faces and kind words. All of them unsuspecting of the major changes that were about to take place. There was laughter and music. The ambiance was happy and peaceful.

Alexander talked with many of the people asking him questions about Ember. Many of the people in attendance had witnessed when Alexander discovered Ember was his mate. He talked about her as thoughts of her rushed through his mind.

Just a few more days and Ember would be back at his side. His wolf was restless as it waited for that time to come. Anticipation filling them both. It had been over a month since he had come back. Soon enough, there would be extended periods of time being away from one another.

He couldn’t hide that he was going to miss his family and his people, but his love for Ember was more. She couldn’t leave her people. They had no one else. He couldn’t and wouldn’t ask that of her. His people here had many to choose from. Damon had declined to accept the title. Emmit accepted it with reservations. He wasn’t thrilled about it, but knew they couldn’t leave their world with so many questions. Their parents were many years from the end of their lives, but people needed certainty. Too many questions and uncertainties could cause havoc in their world.

Queen Rayne moved to the front of the room. Tapping on her glass to get everyone’s attention. King Jace, King Ryder, Emmit, and Alexander all moved to her sides. Preparing for her to share the news.

“I thank you all for joining us this evening. We could not enjoy this evening without your presence. Now, as many of you are aware, Prince Alexander has found and claimed his mate. She is a beauty and full of kindness. She is Queen of the Dragons. Please raise your glasses to Prince Alexander and Queen Ember.”

She raised her glass. Many followed, but the confusion was palpable.

“I understand many of you have questions and concerns. First, we would like to say, no they will not be combining their two kingdoms. Goddess Hestia has blessed the dragons with their own island, after many years of peril.

Second of all, we are here to announce Prince Alexander’s rescindment of his title. He shall no longer be first in the line of succession. Instead, Prince Emmit has chosen to step forward. Tonight, we bestow upon Prince Emmit the title of future King.”

Emmit stepped forward, as did Alexander. Turning towards one another, they made a fist and placed it over their hearts. Bowing to one another. This display was to show the people this was a mutual decision. There were no secrets in the dark and evil schemes.

There were hushed whispers in the crowd. Queen Rayne showed no emotion other than joy and peace.

“I understand many of you have questions that need answers. This is not a change which only affects the few, it affects all. Therefore, we will be holding an open meeting in two days. There, we will stay as long as we need. Queen Ember will be in attendance to answer any questions or concerns you may have. We will hold this meeting for as long as needed until everyone has been addressed.”

Raising her glass, the rest of the room followed her lead.

“To Queen Ember and Prince Alexander!”

Most people raised their glasses and drank to their mating. Alexander couldn’t help but notice the few that did not.

“Do not let them bother you. There will always be those that fight change.” Queen Rayne came up and was talking to Alexander.

Her eyes followed his as he was looking at the people that looked irritated and were whispering among the people. Alexander tried not to think about them, but it was people like them that caused the most problems. They invoked unrest in the people.

Moving around the room, he made sure to stick around and talk with each person who approached him. Unsurprisingly, there are many questions. Questions about Ember and who she is. If he is coming back to visit the kingdom. Several people expressed their relief that Damon was not taking over, but Emmit. Emmit had a more positive influence over people than Damon had had. Many times, Damon had angry fathers and mothers chasing him because of his extracurricular activities with their daughters.

It was late into the night when people finally started to leave. Alexander could feel the exhaustion in his body threatening to end his coherence if he did not find his bed. He felt his body’s threats were not idle.

Gently, he excused himself. His room was dark and quiet when he entered. The silence allowed him to finally feel how tense he had been. His back ached, and his joints were stiff. His eyes were heavy and threatening to close without permission. He could feel them disobeying him and fluttering closed. Consciousness was quickly slipping away.

Falling into bed, it was seconds before he was sound asleep. That night, no creatures came to haunt his dreams.