A Prayer For The Crown-shy Novels & Stories

We looked like the perfect couple, deeply in love, as if my pain had never existed. However, deep down, I was the only one who knew about the raging inferno of revenge that was burning inside me. After a brief exchange of pleasantries with the Brown family's elder Donna, Nolan moved on to mingle with the other mafia leaders. Meanwhile, I seized the moment when no one was paying attention to stride up to the banquet hall's central stage. "Ladies and gentlemen," I began, clearing my throat and switching on the microphone, "I'm grateful to the Browns for inviting me to this evening's gathering. I'd like to take this opportunity to make three announcements..."

“Do you believe this is simple loyalty? You do not comprehend the forces at play. The Veil… they provide stability. The crown… it will destroy everything if misused.” Aera shook her head, the crown’s glow intensifying as if emphasising her resolve. “The crown does not destroy—it chooses. And it has chosen me. Your justifications will not absolve you of your actions.” Corvin made a desperate move, lunging for a concealed dagger. Kael intercepted him, steel clashing with steel. Liora raised a barrier that flared around the room, forcing Corvin back. Aera extended her hand, the crown pulsing outward. Corvin was lifted, suspended by invisible energy, unable to resist.

“Two days ago, Alexander personally took her to a private jeweler. Measurements, design consultations—he stayed the entire time.” My heart clenched. “There’s more,” Ethan continued. “And it gets worse.” “I accessed her private cloud. Password was Alexander’s birthday.” Inside were photos. Hundreds of them. I opened the file he sent. The album was titled: My Knight. The most recent post was dated two days ago. He said this crown belongs only to me. Just like him. Next week’s family dinner—he promised to give me a name. The image showed an exquisite bridal crown— diamonds and sapphires set in a constellation pattern.

It was tremor. “Serena Vale,” the Goddess said, her silver eyes piercing through her soul. “Listen to me. The Crown was never meant for you. It is not a gift. It is a key. It seeks not to place you on a throne—but to break a prison. Fenris stirs. The First Wolf waits in chains. If you open the Crown fully, you will free him. And the world will bleed.” Serena’s pulse thundered. “Then why give it to me at all?”

The warriors clashed their heavy shields in a deafening thunder, and a massive wave of proud, primal wolf howls tore from the throats of thousands, echoing off the highest mountain peaks until the very earth shook. Braham stepped forward, taking the heavy golden crown from the cushion. His eyes were burning with an intense, fierce public devotion that made my breath hitch. He didn't look at the crowd; he looked only at me as he carefully, deliberately placed the crown upon my head, his fingers lingering against my hair for a fraction of a second.

I swallow the lump forming in my throat as the priest asks me to come to the center of the stage. I walk over to the center, everyone’s eyes fixed on me and the priest motions for me to kneel. A servant steps forward carrying an elegant velvet cushion. Resting upon it is a breathtaking crown. White gold woven into twisting vines. The priest carefully lifts the crown. "This crown represents strength." He places it just above my head. "Wisdom." It lowers another inch. "Compassion." It settles gently against my hair. "And the promise that the Queen shall protect this kingdom with both justice and love."

"Today is my son's big day! I'm livestreaming the ultra-rare old Toyota Crown that most people have never seen! Let me show you what real luxury looks like!" Behind her trailed six or seven distant relatives, carrying bags of wedding favors and chattering excitedly about what it would feel like to ride in the old Toyota Crown. Altogether, there were about 16 of them, lined up in two rows. Jeffrey cleared his throat, took out his phone, and sent a voice message in the Chapman family group. "Mom! Aunt Nat! We're here at the garage now! The Toyota Crown will be out any minute! You guys wait on Fairway Street! The convoy will pass by at 8:00 am sharp!"

His voice carries through the square as he begins the ancient rites. “On this day, before the eyes of our people, under the sky that has watched our kingdom rise and fall for generations, we crown a ruler to guide us.” The words feel distant. My gaze flicks back to the crowd. Scanning. Searching. No Althea. My skin itches under the collar. Something’s wrong. I can feel it. The chancellor turns to me, holding the crown in both hands. It’s gold. Pure. Heavy with history. He lifts it, stepping forward—

As Ivy walked in, Silvia strolled behind her, dressed in her royal military uniform just like Damon who stands beside me. The priest, and his attendant started the service of the coronation, and it was time for me, King Slade to place the crown on Mercia's new Princess. “Do you Princess Ivy, swear loyalty, and honor to the Mercia crown, and its people,” the whole room was silent waiting for a reply. “Yes, I do,” Ivy responded, and I smiled. I took the staff from its stand, and brought it close to her lips, she bent forward, and kissed both sides.

I reached the altar, where the Crown of Lycanthra rested on a velvet cushion. The high elder stepped forward, his voice resonating through the hall. “Today, we witness the coronation of Aiden, who will lead us into a new era. With the Crown of Lycanthra, he will guide our people with strength and wisdom.” He lifted the Crown, placing it gently on my head. I felt a surge of power, of destiny fulfilled. The hall erupted in applause, the sound filling my ears and making my heart race. As the noise died down, the high elder spoke again. “Now, we shall witness the union of Aiden and Lady Chloe, a bond that will strengthen our kingdom.”