Awakenings: The Rise of an Empire

Ceremony Part 1

Annie

Between preparations for our coronation ceremony and early morning training, I felt energized. I enjoy training with Marcus, we use our mind-link to strategize attacks. He teaches me the best strategy to use when attacking rogues, too how to search out a threat with my newly developed senses. Kristoph has helped me develop my power of telekinesis, and how to hunt here in Etolis.

Here in the immortal world, we do not hunt humans, we hunt wildlife. We also have blood that is manufactured here. Kristoph says the only reason we hunt here is to keep our senses sharp, to develop strength, and perfect our instincts. Each day I feel stronger, and faster. I am adapting to becoming a vampire. I know the difference between the smell of a rogue and wolves that are members of a pack.

Today I am out doing a perimeter run with Marcus, Kristoph, Matty, along with some of the warriors.  Kristoph discovered Matt was his guardian during our training session the day before. He was in the middle of teaching me how to fight off a vampire attack; when I watched his eyes slowly glaze over. Marcus was in the middle of teaching Matty how to communicate through his mind-link and that is when he connected to Kristoph.

Now they train together too. When Marcus becomes Alpha, we will be linked together with the whole Black Mountain Pack. We will all become one. I enjoy these runs, with the wind blowing through my hair, it feels like I am flying. While I search for rogues, I can see the grounds through Marcus’ eyes, I can feel the power in his legs as he runs, and the strength in his paws. He never loses focus, his priority is his pack, and Dannie always. He is going to be a magnificent Alpha, and I am proud to have him as my guardian and one of my best friends.

Once we finished patrolling the grounds; Kristoph and Marcus signal all clear, Marcus gives orders for the warriors to continue hourly rounds. I decide to head back to the castle to my bedroom suite to shower and get ready for a short shopping spree with Dannie.

The hot water felt luxurious, I wash my hair and scrubbed the sweat off my body. After I finished and felt rejuvenated, I wrapped myself in a huge fluffy white towel. I sit at my dressing table to blow dry my hair when I heard Dannie burst into my room.

“I can’t believe you’re still not dressed.” She said as she flops down on my bed.

“Knock much,” I say with a smile.

“I figured it was safe for me to come in after I spotted the guys in the kitchen devouring their breakfast. It is a good thing the Omegas prepare a huge feast, it amazes me how much the pack and the vampire warriors can eat. Here I am thinking that all vampires consume is blood.” She says as she casually examines her nails. Our conversations are so normal sometimes it amazes me how easily we have transitioned into this life.

“Personally, I am glad that we eat regular food as well I think I would miss pizza. I was so glad when I had a slice and it tasted just as delicious as before.”

“I can not imagine you without pizza,” she said with a smile. “So, what exactly are we shopping for today?”

“Well, as your maid of honor we have to make sure you have the perfect lingerie for your wedding night, and your marking ceremony,” I say as I wiggle my eyes at her and we both burst out laughing.

“Okay, as long as we get to pick out your lingerie as well.”

“Of course, now let me hurry up and get ready so we can hit the local shops.”

I pull my hair up into a lazy bun with some curls pulled out at the side. I grab a pair of blue jeans, brown boots, and a gray sweater. I make sure to dress warmly its cold here today and I love comfortable clothes. Once I am dressed and ready to go Dannie and I let the guys know we are headed out and they arrange a driver to escort us around town.

Victoria is a beautiful town with wonderful small shops lined along the narrow streets. We visit several of the different shops picking items that will accent Dannie’s gown, and my dress for the coronation ceremony tomorrow. I pick a beautiful gold herringbone bracelet with emeralds and earrings to match as a present for Dannie, it matches her eyes perfectly.

We finally visit a shop that has beautiful high-end lingerie, we pick out several items and two special items for our wedding nights. After we make our purchases, we visit the bakery next door to sit and enjoy a latte and a vanilla scone.

“Are you nervous about the ceremony tomorrow?”

“Hmm, am I nervous about the pledge I’m about to take as the future Queen of all Etolis and pledging my life to protect its people as long as I rule.  Hmm, I am terrified. But I know I can do it; I have a powerhouse team at my side I have no doubts.” I say as I reach across the table and grab Dannie’s hand. 

“We do have a great team. It's time to get back to the castle though. Marcus and I have an appointment with his parents.”

“Wedding preparations?”

“Wedding preparations, Luna training, the number of babies we are going to have, you name it.” She says as she rolls her eyes dramatically.

“I have my fitting today, a meeting with Kristoph’s mother, and mine. I am looking forward to their advice and their stories about their coronations. It's important for me to hear their history and the reasons behind their personal pledges.”

“Annie, you’re going to be a good queen. You are already invested in Etolis, and you enjoy every aspect you learn about its history, to protect its people. I believe in you, and the people will too.”

“Thank you,” I said with a smile. “It means a lot.”

We drive back to the castle in silence. Both consumed with our appointments this afternoon. In less than 24 hours I will be pledging my life and service to Etolis. In the middle of a pending threat of war with Cadoc, and a possible threat to my life. I know this is something I can do; I can protect myself from Cadoc. I look at my amulet I know it will protect me, but I also know my strength will protect me in a battle. I have not had any visions lately, but the vision of my future son still lingers in my mind I know I will do everything to protect him, and everything to protect Etolis.

Kristoph

“Guys come on. The morning is wasting away. We finished training and breakfast an hour ago.” I say as I watch Matt sulk because one of the Gammas got the best of him during training. While Marcus is sitting behind the desk mapping strategic coordinates for the warriors to patrol while we are away.

“Okay, Kris give me a sec I just want to make sure I have all the borders covered before we leave,” Marcus says as he surveys his map once more.  

“Tomorrow I refuse to allow any of the gammas to take me down,” Matt grumbles.

“Matt, you are a powerhouse, but the gammas have been in training since they were sixteen. You must give yourself a chance to catch up.” I say as I try to hide my smile. He is strong, naturally since he is a beta, and he is huge of course not as huge as Marcus; but as far as patience he has none, the perfect beta one hundred percent hot-headed just like his dad.

I enjoy my time with Marcus and Matt more and more. Today we are visiting Des Krieger’s School, located at training grounds with our fathers. They wanted to give Marcus and Matt a tour. It borders all three territories. When the young vampire warriors, gammas, deltas, and Fae fighters reach age 16 this is where they go to train. There is even a school for the spell casters here that wish to use their powers to protect the warriors. The grounds resemble a school campus with dorms, separate for females and males with classrooms in several different buildings. Every generation of warriors has attended there.

Marcus, Matt, and I will be future trainers here like our fathers now, once our children are able to rule this will be one of our duties. I am looking forward to fulfilling my duties for Etolis and my life with Annie.

Annie

My mother and Queen Lorelei; my future mother in law, sit and watch as I get prodded and pinned for my fitting for my coronation ceremony tomorrow. They ooh and aah and shake the heads in unison at the things they like and dislike. While I stand here on display. My mind fluctuates between daydreaming about Kristoph’s lips on mine and searching the future for any visions on how tomorrow will go.

So far it everything will go according to plan it seems. I know when they recognize I am not present because they clear their throats to regain my attention.

“Annie, focus. That shade of red in your cheeks is the perfect complement to your dress, but how do we know if you like it if your thoughts are constantly elsewhere. Lorelei says with a smile.

“I remember my coronation,” my mother says with a faraway look in her eyes.

I lift my dress and take a seat across from them. “Tell me about it, I would love to hear it,” I say as I lean forward and place my elbows in my lap totally engaged.

***Keba***

I admired my reflection in my mirror in my childhood bedroom one more time. I want to remember every aspect of this day. I run my hand along the fabric of my white and emerald green accented gown covered in lace and embroidered with flowers to represent my home; Ishvenora, it flowed to the floor and pools around my feet. I run my finger across the sweetheart neckline and admire the pearl necklace my mother gifted for today. My hair is pinned up in a bun with two braids intertwined in it with pearl pins to accent my necklace. My bright golden-brown eyes glow with anticipation and my brown skin shimmered. Today I would be crowned Princess of Ishvenora. My father King Samuel a Vampire, by birth, and My mother, Queen Olivia a vampire changed by my father and head sorcerer by birth are ready to present their first-born daughter.

I was so nervous, my legs began shaking, causing ripples in the ruffles on my dress.

“Calm yourself Keba,” my mother says as she wraps her arms around my shoulders. “You look beautiful. In a few hours, you will be crowned a princess. Everyone in Etolis will be here today including the other royal families to witness you take your oath. You may even meet your mate today.

 I roll my eyes and looked at her.  “Please mother, I can only handle one thing at a time. Just let us hope I make it through the ceremony without embarrassing my family.” I say as I place a kiss on her cheek.

She laughs and says, “It's time to head to the church, the car is here, and your father and sister have already gone ahead.”

I am escorted to a limo with my security team and we head to the cathedral for my ceremony. Once we arrive, I am ushered inside by my father. He hugs me and tells me how proud he is of me then we make our way up the aisle and I focus solely on the spot where I am to stand and make my pledge. I take my seat next to my father and mother. I close my eyes as I listen to the elder to make his short speech and wait for my cue to take my pledge and receive my crown.

When the time comes, I stand center stage with my parents on my left and right facing the elder. I turn and face the crowd and in the middle of my pledge, my eyes are drawn like a magnet to a young vampire in the front row. He eyes capture mine and never let go, I feel my heart race and I try to break the connection, but his eyes hold mine captive and never releases them. Finally, after I end my pledge and crowned, I can break the trance.

We stand at the front of the cathedral to greet each royal family, that is when I am introduced to the young vampire.

He reaches out his hand, “Hello I am Prince Alois, it is a pleasure to meet you, Princess.” The moment I take his hand I feel sparks erupt throughout my entire body and a link that instantly bonds us.

“Mate,” he says. From that moment forward all the world around us disappeared.

***

Annie

“Wow, you met father at your coronation,” I say surprised.

“Yes, it is a day I will never forget.” She says with a smile and a look that reminds me of the love I feel for Kristoph.

“So Ishvenora is your home,” does that make Queen Arielle your sister?”

“Yes, there is still so much you have to learn.”

“Wait is she a vampire too?” I say confused because I do not detect it in her.

“No, unlike you and Kristoph who are full-blooded vampires your children will be born vampires. Because our parents were different, my mother was turned by my father. Therefore, I received the vampire gene, and Arielle the sorcerer gene. She is an immensely powerful Luna. King Aodlan changed her into a werewolf when he marked her, it was what she wanted. This is why Dannie is Marcus’ mate she carries the gene for werewolves and after she is marked she will give birth to extremely powerful wolves, one may even be born a hybrid with special powers since she does also carry the vampire gene from my father.”

My mind was completely overwhelmed by all the new information. Wow, Dannie is not only my best friend she is my cousin. I could not wait to share the news with her. We finished my fitting and continued discussing the ceremony and the order of service. I enjoyed listening to my mother, and Lorelei tell stories of their youth and the love for their mates. I could spend the rest of the day sitting here with the two of them.

Gabriel

I waited at the southern border of Victoria for Natalia. I had a potion from one of the witches that serve Cadoc to poison Annie during the feast after the coronation ceremony tomorrow. Her wolf is a born tracker, so she knows how to cover her tracks and not leave a scent path. Finally, I heard her approach.

“Finally, you need to take this and make sure only Annie receives it. Once she does you have to find a way to sneak her out of the castle. Cadoc wants her alive.”

“What if this does not work, she has a personal spell caster that is protecting her since Cadoc attacked her in her dream. If they catch me, it will mean my death.”

“Cadoc suspected that she would be protected this potion is strong and it will block the spell caster’s spell. Make sure you stay close once she ingests it to make sure no one else notices the effect. If you fail it will mean your death either way.”

“I understand, master.”

“Now get back to the castle and prepare to meet me here tomorrow. I will have warriors with me to protect us against any attack.”

I watch as she disappears into the woods. Our plan is in place and tomorrow we will have their future Queen and declare war on all Etolis.