Rejected, Then Crowned Novels & Stories

Chapter 50 "He rejected them." I had barely reached the servants' hall when Mira caught my arm. Her eyes were wide. "Rejected who?" "The council." My stomach tightened. "What about them?" "They're furious. Elara, it's everywhere. He sent his formal response last night." "What response?" "He rejected the fitness clause." I stared at her. "He did what?" "They're saying he chose you over his own crown." A steward hurried past us. "civil unrest if this continues"

"King Alexander the First, Queen Lyra, and King-Consort Kieran, united in bond and purpose, crowned by ancient magic and the will of the people." The response is thunderous. Even Lord Harwick is on his feet applauding, and I see Lady Merrick dabbing at her eyes. The acceptance we've fought so hard to achieve finally feels real and lasting.

It hasn't. The next one in is worse. Alpha Corren, a broad, graying man who's ruled a mountain pack for longer than I've been alive, and who still manages to look like he'd rather be anywhere else the moment he's shown into the hall. He doesn't bring a land dispute. He brings a gift instead — a fine hunting blade, presented with both hands and a speech I've heard some version of a dozen times before, about loyalty, about honoring the crown, about how his pack stands ready should the crown ever need them. I accept the blade. I thank him. I watch him leave the same way Renner did, backing out rather than turning, and I think, not for the first time, that a King who inspires this much careful d

"What do you even take me for? Is it that hard to reject me huh?" Even with those smiles, tears were already gathered in her eyes. "If at all I don't have any interest in you, I wouldn't hesitate to reject you. But since you're the one who doesn't want me, why not do that?" She voiced out in tears. He stood up and came down from his throne. "You can reject me if you wish, but Ophelia is the one I choose to crown." "I just hope the moon goddess will reject her so you'll become stranded." She retorted.

"Which apparently they have." I sat on the edge of the bed, my body still humming from the claiming but my mind racing. "So what happens if I refuse?" "The coronation doesn't proceed. The bond is still valid, but you can't be crowned queen without completing all the traditional rites." "And if I do it and the magic rejects me?"

A stranger was about to take the crown that was mine. Casbian paused at the door and glanced back. "You will attend the ceremony." His gaze dragged over my bruised and marked body. No guilt in his eyes. No disgust. Nothing. "You'll stand in the back row of the gallery. Kneeling. With the servants." "You will bow to the new Luna." "If you make a scene—if Lydia, or anyone else, discovers what you really are—" He didn't finish. He bent low and patted my sweat-slicked face.

" Lord Ruckus, just do this. It is for this moment alone. You won't have to kneel before anyone in this lifetime again. Besides, you are not really going on your knees because of him. You are kneeling for a friend. " The words of Badmus were the exact things that he really needed to hear right now. He could agree with that. He was going on his knees for the crown and not for anyone. He went on his knees. Enrique lifted the shining crown. " By the power vested in me, I crown you the new alpha king of the red moon pack!!" He placed the crown right on his head . " All hail the alpha king!!" Badmus shouted. The same chant went off into the air.

He steps forward, bowing slightly, then extends a hand. I take it, feeling the electricity of our bond, the unspoken promise that this moment is ours. Mary leans close to me, whispering, “Go, Eva. Shine. This is your crown, your day.” I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. The hall is filled with our pack, allies, friends, and family. The music swells, flowers trail along the aisle, and the banners flutter above. Theo lifts the crown—crafted of silver and moonstones—and lowers it toward me.

Hopefully, it won’t get too suffocating for her. When she got to Octavia, the rituals started, and she took her oats. After taking her oats, Octavia wore the crown for her. There was cheering in the ballroom as she turned around. After she was crowned, the head warrior was also crowned. So now it is Archie’s turn to get crowned, and that is what everyone is anticipating.

Whispered erupted within the crowd, and I felt the eyes of everyone in the room dart between me and Alexander. Alexander and I had spent months orchestrating this very moment, and we were ready. As the initial shockwave of the King’s announcement rippled through the room, I gave Alexander a nod and a wink. He returned gesture with a small smile, his shoulders set in determination. I knew he still felt overwhelmed, but he was masking it perfectly. He stood tall and proud, ready to take on the role of Crown Prince with all the grace and poise he could muster.