THE SIGMA'S MATE

CHAPTER 7 - ROYAL CEREMONY

The event of the decade is taking place at the famous Bloomington Temple. Anyone of significance will be in attendance to watch this historical moment in time. It is no small occasion, and for the most influential people in the world, it is a historical, political and societal change that will on many levels impact the future of the nation. Not only is new blood being brought into the royal bloodline, but most of these elites of our society are under the impression that they will be witnessing the future King and Queen of the Werewolf Nation devote themselves publicly to each other for the rest of their lives. Countless luxury cars of every make, pull up to the grand entrance sparkling in golden light, releasing their wealthy and famous passengers. I watch it all from the guest bedroom through the window. Soon it will be time to join the invited guests and their families to await the royal couple. Once they have made their appearance, my search can begin...

A small knock sounds from the closed door which is pushed open to emit Laura Castor.

"Princess Lyra." Laura says in greeting.

"Lady Castor, to what do I owe this pleasure?" I say, facing her with a smile plastered onto my face despite her intrusion.

Laura doesn't smile though, she simply walks in and takes a seat by the roaring fireplace. I narrow my sights on her as she pours herself a glass of whatever the temple has provided as a beverage.

She twirls the liquid around in the glass before bringing it up to her nose and sniffing it, "Whiskey, my favorite." She states, taking a long sip.

"How fortunate for you." I say, taking the opposite seat and wondering what this is all about.

I have little doubt that it's not about our conversation in the tea garden. She looks too serious to be here to discuss... say the joining of our families or the great weather we've been having.

She places her glass on the round coffee table next to her seat with a tight press of her lips, "Alaric will be here tonight. He would never miss something this important to Bela." I lift my dark brow, already seeing where this is going. Laura doesn't disappoint, "Why don't you just speak with him when he arrives, hmm? He can hardly refuse a request from a royal."

"I certainly plan on trying, but I somehow think that he will be avoiding me." Avoiding me like the plague.

Laura narrows her eyes sharply, "Why is that?" She inquires with a light tone and a curious tilt of her sunlit-blonde head.

I grip the arms of my seat tighter, "A miscommunication." I explain simply.

"About?" She prompts.

I laugh and it sounds light and charming but I don't feel anything of the sort. I feel tense, like a wire pulled so thin that it's about to snap. It's him. It's his rejection that's playing with my temper.

I just want to see him!

I just want to hear his voice!

"Is this an interrogation, Lady Castor?" I question darkly.

Laura's eyes widen a degree in surprise, but her words are firm and steady, "Of course not, Princess Lyra. I only wish to understand the situation better."

"It's very simple Laura." I say, dropping the formalities, and standing up, my red dress flowing to my feet. "You get what you want and I get what I want, and I want you to set up a meeting with your brother as soon as possible somewhere outside the palace. He needs to think that he is meeting with you. That is all you need to know and do to get the potion."

"What if I no longer want the potion?" Laura asks.

I place a hand on my hip in irritation, "Then name your new price. Make it happen Laura, I am running out of time!" I snap unlady-like.

"How will this potion give me a night with Alec? It doesn't guarantee me anything." She snaps back daringly.

I sigh, hoping that this will all be worth it in the end.

"If Alec rejects your advances, he will not remember it the next day. It's unlikely though, men rarely reject a pretty face." Unless you are Alaric Castor apparently, "Either way, he will have no clue the next day."

Laura just nods her head, a solemn expression on her pretty features. No doubt she is considering whether it is worth tricking her brother. I feel a pang of regret. This is so unlike me and I almost tell her to forget the whole thing. Instead, I leave her with her thoughts, in a much worse mood. But it doesn't matter, it will improve when I see him… if I see him. It will all be worth it in the end, I think myself and my shy wolf nods along with me.

***

It is everything a royal ceremony should be. Beautiful and elegant. Guests eagerly chat away as I walk through the reception hall, lined with indoor trees creating a canopy of blooming pink flowers and hanging lights. People move swiftly to the side, bowing their heads and resting their fists on their chests in respect as my guards make way for me through the coward. The venue is stunning, decorated fully with blooming pink and red flowers that cover almost every inch of the walls and along the tables. Artificial waterfalls and living trees give the place a magical feeling. Pathways through the massive hall are made of glass with running water and floating rose petals between the dancing floor and seats for the guests. I'm one of the last people to arrive and the lights are already dimming as if the show is about to start. The excited chattering dies down as I'm escorted to the very front, past the clusters of guests, Belavina's family and Lazarus's closest friends, to take a seat on one of three golden thrones overlooking it all. My gaze finds its way back to the table accommodating Belavina's siblings and not strangely Alec. Only one seat is void and it's for Laura. Alaric is nowhere to be seen but that's not unusual either. He will blend in with the rest of the crowd. The High Priestess takes her place first, dressed in a silver robe to signify the Moon Goddess, along with twelve priestesses that will assist in the ceremony. On the front of each of their robes is the twelve stations of the moon. Their faces are veiled from the general public, so the High Priestess could very well be my aunt and I will not know until I hear her speak. While this is a completely different temple, it might not have it's own High Priestess. All holy temples within the Werewolf Nation are maintained by the Eaglais and it's twelve High Priestesses. Meaning that one would be requested and sent from the Eaglais just for this special occasion. The chances are high that they would send Aunt Kaiya, but you never know... Twelve is greatly associated with the heavens, the moon and the sun. It is a special number to Werewolves and even the Authority abides by it with its twelve family representatives. Despite the loss of two families, the rest of the Authority is in attendance, watching and analyzing everything and anything that the royal family does. I can feel multiple eyes on me, but after years of practice, they no longer bother me. The entire attendance hushes, drawing my attention as Lazarus and Belavina make their appearance together. Lazarus is dressed darkly in a shadowy grey while Belavina, stunningly dressed as always, appears in a glittering silver dress that looks like a million stars. Soon the royal couple stand before the elites of our world with excitement and love shining in their connecting eyes. The High Priestess begins speaking her holy words and I immediately discard the idea of her being my aunt. Aunt Kaiya does not sound so grumbly. The twelve priestesses sink to their knees gracefully and in one swift motion, linking hands and sealing the couple within. The couple is required to slice into their hands before all watching and bleed into a silver cup, which they then both drink from in turns before dipping their finger into the combined blood and smearing it over their bonding marks. It is a beautiful and hypnotic ceremony to watch. Drawing you into the magic and power of it all. The couple then kneel as the High Priestess speaks words of blessings over the couple, ending with the drawing on their foreheads in the shape of a half moon. The half moons glow, magically appearing and will only fade after twenty-four hours in which the couple is expected to join body and soul. Lastly, the couple is expected to give their vows, much like a human marriage. Lazarus surprises everyone by speaking first.

"I know that I haven't always been a good person or even a good mate. I know that I've disappointed you and even worse, that I've broken your heart." Lazarus takes a deep breath as if he is nervous and it's a strange sight.

He looks away as if embarrassed, "I offer to you my undying love, for your acceptance and forgiveness." I see the moment he squeeze her hands tighter, "I love you." He almost whispers, "I love you more than you can ever imagine. And when I say that I love you more, I do not mean that I love you more than you will ever love me. I want you to know that it means that I love you more than the tough roads ahead and any difficulties that may arise. I mean that I love you more than any disagreements we might have or anything that has and might come between us. You have my heart and more importantly, you have my soul. I am yours forever." Lazarus says, bringing Belavina to tears.

"That's a tough speech to bet." She says, wiping away the stray tears and the crowd laughs in good humour. Even Laura cracks a smile which is probably the most shocking thing here.

"I love you too, my golden prince. I forgive all of your past and everything that weighs your heart down. I forgive because love does not keep count of wrongdoings. I choose you, in every lifetime and in every world. My soul will always be yours."

The High Priestess nods at me and I bring the rings that I am entrusted with over - a tradition not of Werewolf origin. Both Lazarus and Belavina take the rings anyway.

"Do you know why humans place their wedding rings on the fourth finger?" Lazarus asks Belavina while I stand quietly to the side.

I cannot help wondering about it myself. I'm surprised Lazarus even knows. He has never shown much interest in humans. I know that I shouldn't be eavesdropping on their special moment but I find myself intrigued. I watch Belavina smile and shake her head as she gazes into his adoring eyes. Lazarus slides the ring with a large sparkling diamond onto her finger before bringing the hand up to place a gentle kiss to her fingers.

"It's strongly believed that the fourth finger has a particular vein that extends all the way back to the heart, connecting the two. It's called the Vein of Love and it's done to ensure a lasting love between the bride and groom."

It is a beautiful story, unfortunately humans have quite a high divorce rate despite the "Vein of Love", unlike werewolves who mate for life. After that the royal couple is released to greet the crowd, doing rounds to receive congratulations and best wishes from the eager guests. The music once again picks up into an unbeat melody as the crowd begins to mingle and the most appealing smell draws my attention.