Shade Academy

Chapter 41

The first thing I did when we got up the next morning was take comfort in my mates, and hope their presence gave me the courage and strength I needed to stand beside Ashe and before an entire kingdom of fae to announce the kings death and Ashe and I's ascend to the throne. And explaining to them how I had to go back to Shade Academy. I was worried they wouldn't be happy their new queen was leaving them for an unknown period of time, but hoped they'd take comfort in knowing I would be returning frequently to learn and take care of things that required my attention. 

The reality of my current situation hasn't fully hit me, and I was aware of this, but could I accept this? Could I accept being the queen of not one but two kingdoms? Would I even be able to do what needed to be done? Could I take care of them the way they deserved? "Anna, stop worrying so much." Axel said rubbing my shoulders. "I can't help it." I told him honestly. "What's making you worry so much?" Samuel asked squatting in front of me. I sighed closing my eyes. "What if I'm no good at it?" I whispered. "No good at what love?" Ashe asked walking in the room. "This." I said motioning around me. "What if I'm no good at being a queen, at leading? What if I fail them?"  I voiced my concerns. 

They all looked at me like I had grown three heads. "What?" I demanded sternly. "Have you met yourself?" Alex asked with a chuckle. "You are the kindest, most loyal and pure hearted person I have ever met. When we first met you didn't even know me, ya you felt a connection but you didn't know me. Do you remember what you did?" He asked. I thought for a minute and smiled. "You and Elana were arguing and I stopped it taking up for you. People were uncomfortable with you being a lamia vampire, I said I didn't care." I replied, remembering fondly of when Alex and I first met. 

"And what about me?" Axel asked. I laugh burst from me. "I ran from you." I chuckled. "When you chased after me I froze you mid step. Abe scared the life out of me when I saw his true features. Actually I think I ran from all of you except Alex." I said laughing. "I ran from Axel, Samuel, and Ashe. And all for different reasons. But I am so glad we are together now." I said looking between all four of my guys. "So are we Anna." Axel said looking at me with eyes filled with love. 

"Anna, look at all you've done for the school, for Samuel and Elana and your families estate. What you did for Elana and her family after she passed away. There is no one better fit to be queen than you. You are fiercely protective of those you care for and of those weaker than you. You make quick decisions under pressure. You are perfect to be queen and the people will love you." Ashe tried to reassure me. 

I smiled at my guys, all of them were trying their best to give me encouragement and I loved them for it. I knew, sitting here and looking into each of their eyes that they would always be with me, that none of them would ever leave me. And that one thought was all I needed. "As long as all of you are with me, I can do anything." I told them smiling. "I'm glad to hear you say that." Ashe said his voice strained. "Now though it's time to go address the kingdom."

And just like that, the nerves were back. Doubts and second thoughts clouded my mind as I followed Ashe through the castle, dressed in the formal royal fae garb. Which consisted of a sky blue tunic. A gold belt was clasped around my waist, holding the tunic in place. Gold bangles adorned my wrist, upper arms and neck. While as ironic as it was a crown of golden vines rested on my head. "Are you ready?" Ashe asked as we reached a very large, and elaborate wooden door. I looked at Ashe, then looked behind me to my guys who were all dressed in royal garb. They nodded at me, smiling in encouragement. I took a deep breath and turned back to Ashe. "I'm ready." 

Ashe took my hand and together we stepped out onto a balcony that overlooked a large agora. White ancient looking stone walls stood all around us. Vines, creeped up the walls and crawled into every crack and crevice they could make their way into. The fae people were all gathered below us, anxiously waiting whatever news they were brought here to receive. Their anxiety and confusion clung to the air like a suffocating fog. 

"My fellow fae. The news we have gathered you here today to hear will be joyous for some and devastating for others. But my father King Draco is dead." Ashe paused for a minute to let the news sink in. Whispers and gasps erupted from the crowd immediately upon hearing his news. Soon thereafter Ashe raised his hand in a motion to silence the crowds growing whispers. When they didn't respond I stepped forward. "Silence!" I demanded. Putting so much power into my voice it reverberated off the ancient stone walls, instantly silencing the now stunned crowd. 

"King Draco is dead." I repeated. "There is nothing that can be done about that now. But you will not disrespect Ashe. He is your king now, like it, don't like it, it don't matter. He is king, and he deserves your respect, if not more so than your previous king who was a tyrant."  I said bitterly. "How dare you!" Someone from the crowd screamed. "Who are you to speak about him?" I stepped closer to the railing of the stone balcony and looked out. "I am Anna. Mate to King Ashe, Queen of the fae and Queen of the fairies." I announced proudly. 

The crowd began to laugh, some scoffed while others looked at me as if I lost my mind. I didn't like it, I did not like people making a food of me. So I did what I did best, I showed my power. With my power of the wind I levitated myself into the air above the crowd and released a loud and piercing whistle, making everyone below cover their ears. 

Seconds later I was swarmed by an uncountable number of fairies. Now instead of looking at me like I was a nut case, they looked at me with fear and respect. "How?" "What does this mean?" "Who is she?" was just some of the questions that arose from crowd. "I've already told you. I am a witch but also of royal fae blood. The fairies chose me as their queen, Ashe is my mate and he is queen which make me queen. Now I promise you, I will use my power to protect all of you to the best of my ability, but I must return to the Academy who also needs protection. King Ashe will remain here to take care of the kingdom and settle everything that needs to be settled."

Using my power I moved myself back to the balcony and lowered myself back to Ashe's side who was looking at me with pride shining in his eyes. "See, I told you, you could handle it." He whispered in my ear. I chuckled and looked back over the crowed who was now looking at the two of us with awe. I turned around and motioned for the others to join us. "These are my other mates." I informed the crowd of fae. "Which also makes them your rulers, maybe not your kings, but your superiors all the same. I expect them to be shown respect whenever they are here." I warned them. 

My answer was the entirety of the crowd kneeling, placing their fists over their hearts, and bowing their heads. I looked to Ashe in confusion who smiled at me in return. "It's a show of respect." Ashe informed me. "It is usually only shown to the highest ranking and most respected warrior in the realm. Even my father never got showing of such respect from the people. I applaud you of your quick work." Ashe said wrapping his arm around my waist and kissing my cheek. 

I smiled as I looked back over the kneeling crowd. A sense of triumph and achievement soothing whatever nerves were left on edge. "Please stand." I announced. They all stood and looked up at us expectantly. I stepped back into the arms of my other mates and let Ashe take over and address the crowd. Today went well, and I was proud of what we had accomplished, and what we have the potential to accomplish in the future. But for right now, my immediate future was at the academy and protecting the people inside.