The Forgotten Luna

A KING AND QUEEN ARE CROWNED

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Making her way into the dressing room, Jade waited for the woman in charge of dressing her for the coronation. She didn’t have a

long wait as a plump gray-haired woman of 60-something swept into the room.

She walked up to Jade and bowed deeply.

Your grace, my name is Dorothy but you may call me Dot. She said, rising to her full height.

Nice to meet you Dot, replied Jade with a smile. I would prefer if you used my given name it’s Jade.

Oh! My lady, I would never take such liberties with my queen. Gasped Dot.

How about this, in the company of others you will address me as Your Highness, but when we are alone you will call me Jade. This

is my order, said Jade.

Dot smiled and shook her head in agreement.

Okay, so we need to find just the right dress for your coronation. Normally, I would have weeks, even months, to prepare something

but I understand we are in a time constraint and must work quickly. Said, Dot.

Yes, I am sorry about that, but my mate has a prior engagement in the pack lands and we must do this quickly so that he attend to his

business. Sighed Jade.

I understand, said Dot, reaching for a beautiful peach-colored gown made from a soft satin material with beads sewn onto the skirt to

make it look like the dress was blooming with flowers. Stepping back to see how the dress fit, Dot nodded her head with approval.

Now just a few more touches and we will have you looking like the Queen that you are. She smiled.

Crossing the room and opening the door to a smaller room, she motioned for Jade to follow her.

Jade stepped down from the platform and followed behind Dot. Inside the room was a lady with cases and cases of fine jewelry and

another with all the things required to do Jades' hair.

Please, my queen, have a seat and we will see what can be done with your hair. We haven’t much time so we must work fast. Said

the woman with the comb.

Jade took a seat in the chair and allowed the woman to comb through her long hair.

I think if we just pull it up into a nice sweep and add a few curls it will accentuate your beautiful face. She said.

Jade was not used to someone else doing her hair, she agreed and turned her attention to the woman with the jewelry.

She picked an emerald jewel shaped like an oval. It was surrounded by smaller diamonds and even smaller gold beads.

An excellent choice my lady, said the woman. Here are the earrings and bangle that go with it.

She handed them to Jade and offered to help her put them on.

Having finished her hair, the first woman motioned for Jade to follow her into yet another room.

Inside this room, Jade found several full-length mirrors and several crowns.

Oh my! Jade gasped when she saw herself. I wouldn’t know that was me if I didn’t know it was me!

The three women smiled and Jade thanked each one of them for the excellent work they had done.

We have just two more things to complete your outfit, said Dot. You need to choose your shoes.

Looking at the variety placed before her, Jade chose a Ballerina-style slipper in a slightly lighter color than her dress.

Wonderful! Exclaimed Dot now for your Crown.

She walked over to the shelves and picked up a gold crown adorned with diamonds, emeralds, and smaller rubies.

This is the crown your mother wore on the day of her coronation. Would you like to wear it also, my queen? Dot asked.

Jade took the crown in her hands and slowly turned it over and over. It was the most beautiful piece of jewelry she had ever seen. It

was gold with a row of large clear diamonds, next came a row of smaller (but still) large emeralds, and next came a row of smaller

rubies, and finally on the very top sat a shield with the family crest. It was solid gold and etched in it was a small fairy with a shield

and sword.

I would love to wear this one today. Said Jade.

Victor paced outside the door to Jade’s quarters. What was taking her so long, surely she couldn’t have that much to do to get ready.

Just when he thought he might have to break it down, the door opened and Jade stood before him.

Victor was sure his mouth fell open when he saw her. Never in his life had he seen such a beautiful creature. Her waist-length auburn

hair was swept up into a bun placed on top of her head with just a few tendrils hanging down around her face. Around her neck she

wore an opal-shaped emerald surrounded by diamonds and gold beads, her gown came down below her shoulders and hugged her

small frame until it reached her waist, then it flowed out like a bouquet of flowers. Around her shoulders, she wore a sheer scarf held

closed at the base of her throat by a beautiful butterfly broach.

Seeing Victor in his coronation suit, Jade’s heart swelled with pride. He was so handsome he looked like he could have stepped right

off of a magazine cover.

His black suit looked like it was tailored for him. It fit snugly on his broad shoulders but so tight that it restricted his movements. It

slimmed to his waist and left off just below his wrist. His black hair was combed straight back and his violet eyes shone with

admiration.

You look amazing, breathed Jade.

Victor smiled and the smile reached his eyes. I have never seen anyone so beautiful! Jade, you are stunning and every bit a Queen.

Pink flushed Jades cheeks. She bowed her head and thanked him for his kind words. Reaching for him, she took his hand and said,

Shall we proceed to the balcony and get this over with?

Victor took her hand and led her toward the door. Just before the guards opened it, he stopped and said to Jade," Remember you are

the queen of this land and the Luna of my world, you will speak to a nation and all will listen to your words. Choose them carefully

my love for your words have weight. He kissed her on the cheek and motioned for the doors to be thrown open.

Jade was taken aback by the number of faeries looking expectantly up at the balcony. When she stepped out the door and walked to

the railing the cheers could be heard for miles. Drawing in a deep breath, Mariah spoke in a clear voice so that everyone could hear. I

bring before you, Jade. Luna of the Prairie pack and future Queen of the land of the Fae. Silence fell over the crowd at the mention

of her as the Luna of the Prairie Pack. Feeling her anxiety begin to rise, she squeezed Victor’s hand.

Victor leaned close to her and whispered in her ear," It will be fine. Mariah knows this crowd and will keep things under control.

I know, but still, I worry, said Jade.

Be brave, my little wolf. You have overtaken much in a short amount of time. You can conquer this too. Whispered Victor.

Mariah turned to Jade and summoned her forward. Please step forward and take your right full place, Jade, daughter of Queen

Selena, granddaughter of Queen Marsa.

Jade stepped forward and bowed her head.

Raising the crown Jade had chosen for the coronation, Mariah placed it upon Jades' head and said swear the oath of Queenship so

that all may know and recognize you as the Queen of all Fae present, absent, living, or gone to the Great Fae Forest.

Clearing her throat, Jade stepped closer to the rail and said in a clear, loud voice:

I, Jade, daughter of Queen Selena, granddaughter of Queen Marsa, now place this crown upon my head and swear upon all that has

come before that, I shall serve the Fae people for the remainder of my life. Placing no higher value on any person or thing before the

Fae people. Taking the knife, Victor held out to her. Jade quickly sliced the palm of her hand and dripped the blood into a small glass

vile. Victor placed the vile into Mariah’s hand and turned to face the crowd below. Standing on the balcony with his arms at his side

his heart swelled with pride.

Mariah raised the vile and said to the crowd, I give you Queen Jade all bow before your Queen. With those simple words, over

A thousand Fae fell to one knee and with bowed heads chanted, Long live the Queen!

Come, my Queen said, Mariah, we will finish your business today in the throne room.

Jade shook her head and followed Mariah. Victor walked beside Jade and offered her his arm.

Thank you, whispered Jade. I don’t know how much longer my legs are going to hold.

You’re doing fine. Just lean into me and take a few deep breaths, cooed Victor.

You have done much tougher things than taking the oath of.Queen He smiled and Jade suddenly felt she could do anything with this

man beside her.

Once in the throne room, Mariah again took the lead and stepped into the center of the room. Speaking in a voice that rang

throughout the room she said, Her Majesty Queen Jade shall now make her mate of choice official. All who hear this decree shall

spread the word of your Queen so that all nations will know him as her true mate and afford him the title of King of the Fae!

She nodded for Jade to step up and take the sword she held forward. Letting go of Victors' arm, Jade stepped forward, and the sword

in her hands.

Turning to Victor, she motioned for him to come and kneel before her.

Victor walked forward and bowed to one knee. Placing the sword on his right shoulder, Jade spoke in a loud and clear voice. Upon

this shoulder I place the mantel of love for the Fae. Lifting the sword and placing it on his left shoulder she spoke again, upon this

shoulder I place the loyalty to the Fae. Handing the sword to Mariah, she took the crown from a nearby guard and stood over Victor.

Her voice was calm and quieter as she said, Upon your head Victor Lucian, I place the crown of Kingship. Now stand and swear

your oath to the people of the Fae so that all may know you have been chosen by me to rule beside me and in my stead should I no

longer be able.

Victor rose and turned to face his new adopted people.

His voice was strong and rang out throughout the room.

I, Victor Lucian upon my life, do accept the mantle of King and protector of the peoples and land of the Fae. I shall give my life to

the service of the Fae living and those gone before. I pledge my heart and life to the defense of Queen Jade and the children that shall

come from this union. Know that my lands and armies shall be given to defend these people and this land.

A cheer rose from the crowd and soon all were chanting" The king and queen" long live!

After they were seated on the thrones Jade began the business of decreeing by royal order her cabinet and other staff she would need

to run this land. By the time the day was finished, her head was swimming and her nerves felt raw and irritated. Once back in their

quarters, Jade fell onto the bed and let out a sigh. Victor laid down beside her and kissed her on the cheek.

I know it’s been a long day but I have a suggestion that may make you feel better, he said.

Please, Victor, I love you but I’m too tired right now to make love. Said Jade.

Victor laughed and said, as tempting as that sounds I was actually thinking of a run. It’s a great stress reliever and it will give us a

chance to survey your lands.

Jade sat up and started to undress before Victor could finish his sentence.

I think it’s a Wonderful idea! Exclaimed Jade.

Victor chuckled," Okay, I guess I had better get changed or you are going to leave without me.

Stopping long enough to write a short note for Mariah while Victor packed them some clothes, Jade gave the note to the guard and

asked him to deliver.

Turning to Victor, Jade asked, Are you ready?

Let’s go. Said, Victor.

With that, both Victor and Jade shifted into their wolf forms and leaped from the window.

Feeling the breeze blowing through her fur was just what Jade needed. She saw Victor a short distance ahead and sped up to catch

him. He slowed his pace to allow her to catch up and then mind-linked with her.

Feeling better, he asked.

Much came her reply how about you this must have been so difficult for you to be stuck in that stuffy castle with all those people

all day.

I’m used to stuffy castles and snooty people, Jade, but I must say I am impressed with the way you handled things today. Said,

Victor.

One they ran until the sun began to set.

I suppose we should turn back, said Victor.

Please just a little further begged Jade.

Victor laughed and relented but he said we must return before it gets too late or they will call out the palace guards and we don’t

want

to get caught with no clothes on.

They had run just a few miles further when they came upon a stream.

Please Victor, can we just go for a quick swim? Pleaded Jade.

Victor had to admit that a swim in the cool water did sound good and he didn’t think it would hurt to allow Jade a few more minutes

of freedom before she went back to being the Queen of the Fae.

Human or wolf asked Victor.

Human answered Jade and began to shift.

Human it is laughed Victor and shifted.

The water was cool and felt soothing to her tired muscles. Victor dove under and came up beside her. Drawing her into his arms, he

began to kiss her. Jade drew back and drank in the scent of him. It was the one only she could smell and it aroused her like nothing

else ever could. Lowering her head, she kissed him back and felt him growing hard beneath her. She smiled and shifted so that she

was positioned directly above him and slowly began to lower herself onto him. Victor closed his eyes and allowed himself to be

swept away in the feeling of her. Jade began to slowly up and down the length of his shaft and Victor growled deep and low in his

chest.

As the heat began to build inside her, Jade moved quicker and with more urgency. Taking ahold of her hips, Victor began to help her

move and just when they were to the point of the explosion he withdrew from her and began to walk to the shore.

Jade felt as if she would burn up from the inside and kissed Victor as if she would never kiss him again. Waking into the soft grass

Victor began to lay down with Jade still a straddle of him.

No sooner had her back touched the ground than Victor was inside her and moving again. This time it was Jade’s turn to let out a low

soft growl.

Victor heard her and responded with one long hard thrust, spilling his seed deep inside her.

Jade let out a small cry and raised her hips to meet him. She dug her nails into the soft flesh of his back and bit into his neck.

Victor was taken aback but smiled to himself. He had no idea that such a wild wolf lived inside his Luna. His surprise must have

shown because Jade withdrew her fangs.

I’m so sorry, she apologized.

Don’t be chuckled, Victor. You didn’t hurt me and with our wolf’s ability to heal, it will be healed before we return to the castle, so

your secret is safe with me.

Jade, blushed and stood. She walked into the water up to her waist and dove under. Victor followed her and they began to swim in a

lazy relaxed way.

After a few minutes, Victor said they should go back before Mariah sent out the palace guard. As much as she hated to leave the

water she agreed and they both walked onto the shore and shifted.

The run back home seemed much faster than when they had left. Before long they were outside the gates of the palace. Victor looked

around until he found a tree that would cover both of them and suggested they make the shift behind it.

Just as he shifted into his human form Victor felt a heavy blow to the back of his head and everything went black.

Victor screamed! Jade just as a hand covered her mouth and her world too went dark.