145. A Decision at Court

YILEYNAThree Weeks Later…Three weeks had passed since that night. I took the throne and became the Alpha Queen of Astalion by default. The last few weeks had been a blur of work. Not only were there things to do within Astalion, but there was so much to work out with the other kingdoms and how we would go from there.

The foremost was the funeral of our fallen heroes, the victims of Theoden’s actions. The kingdom was in mourning for three days, and until those days were up and everyone was buried with full honours, there was no merriment. The fallen Sirens, Nagas, and Fae were also engraved on the memorial stone in the courtyard of the temple of Selene, for they died for this kingdom and fought bravely alongside us for our people.

After the funerals, the next job was making peace between the Sirens and Nagas, something that went well enough. Despite the fact that the two species will never mix, they came to an agreement, and the Naran empire broke down their dams, letting the water their land so desperately needed enter. The Sirens would not attack, and they would stay away from one another.

As for the Sirens, Queseidon refused to allow Deliana to walk the land, saying the curse he had made in anger was not one he could lift entirely; he had been able to grant her legs only for the battle. I had seen the pain in her eyes when she realised she couldn’t visit me often, but I promised I’d visit her down by the coast and in the ocean, too, when I could.

Ariella was often walking through the city and had taken somewhat of a job at the White Dove. She chose whom to sleep with, and the lucky man paid the owner of the White Dove since Ariella didn’t want any money, just a taste of men. They were even making a pool room where she would entertain her company in Siren form. Well, the White Dove sure became a spot where people from other cities came to visit and hope for a taste of the forbidden sin that it now offered. I had a feeling if Queseidon found out, then she’d be stripped of her legs, too, but I was a curious thing, and she was too, just far wilder than I ever was, of course. I was glad she got to enjoy her life however she deemed fit, and the Sirens were welcome in Astalion whenever they wished.

Of course, aside from Westerfell, we all knew it would take time for people to accept them completely. We needed to work on that slowly rather than overwhelm them, but I was positive about the future.

The story of the battle of Westerfell had travelled across the borders, a miraculous moment when every kind of being united to defeat a Dark One, a story those who were a part of told with extra joy. Of course, the story began to take many forms, but the truth remained in there, for now.

As for the Fae Kingdom issue, food rations were sent, and an open trade passing was set up, so they would never need to worry about this issue ever again. Astalion was bountiful in its crops and produce; it accumulated more than we could consume. Although I’d miss him, Zarian had to return and take up his duty as prince, one that he had been away from for several years.

Last of all, the crew of the Siren Killer renamed their ship The Queen’s Voyage. Although they had been devastated about the loss of Ailema, as was I, she would always be remembered. She was a lovely woman, the kind that everyone needed in their lives.

My official coronation was in a week’s time, and everything was hectic, with everyone expecting Theon and me to marry. It was still something that Theon was uncertain of. We were sitting around the conference table consisting of Theon, myself, four Alphas, Raiden, two Nagas, two Sirens, three Fae, and one mage. It was a council I had put together, wanting other species to live among us and a means for them to be the link to their kingdoms.

"Regarding the marriage, My Queen, perhaps we can hold it in the Temple of Selene in the morning hours before the coronation?" Raiden suggested. I glanced at Theon, who sat next to me. The very first day, he had refused to sit in the throne-like chair that matched mine; he now sat in a chair that matched the rest.

"We will not marry," he said coldly, looking around the table.

A ripple went through those at the table, but I kept my face emotionless. Theon had been by my side every morning and every night… he’d hold me in his arms as I fell asleep and kiss me awake, so his words didn’t affect me. It was a different matter for those around us.

"Why not?" Hunter asked, raising an eyebrow.

"We will marry someday; I proposed after all, but I'm not marrying for the throne. I will not take the title of king. This kingdom is Yileyna’s, and even if our packs are combined, I will not be king but remain Alpha alone." His eyes were cold as he looked at his brother firmly. I sighed softly. This was a conversation I had had with him several times, and he kept brushing it off.

"It’s just a title. She is the heart, of course, she will remain the ultimate ruler, but you are almost equal in power, Alpha Theon," Alpha Julian added quietly. He had stepped up well into Alpha Romeo’s place proudly, and I was sure if his father could see him, he would be truly proud, just like I was certain mine would be. Alpha Romeo was someone we would always be grateful for.

"I'm not going to accept it, am I speaking a foreign language?" Theon asked icily, his eyes flashing, making me reach over under the table and run my fingers down his thigh. He gave me a look.

It’s so sweet of you to be so adamant that I'm the queen when you love to be the master in the bedroom, Precisely. That’s my forte, and unless you want to be punished for being so fucking stubborn, I suggest you agree with me, or I swear, little storm, I will slip my hand under that dress and make you come right here.You’re playing dirty,Don’t we always?Now be a good little girl and agree with me."Then, it's final," I declared, sighing. "Theon will remain Co-Alpha of the Silver Storm, and when we do marry… and we intend to… he will be known as Prince Theon. Fair?" Now that I had changed my verdict, everyone who had opposed him would now agree.

"That is an excellent idea, Queen Yileyna."

"Reasonable,” Jaen, one of the Nagas, hissed.

"Fair enough. Prince Theon sounds cute," Hunter taunted his brother, smirking.

They’re a bunch of fucking puppies. You were the only one pushing this argument, I didn’t reply to him, keeping my hand on his strong thigh. Was it wrong that I wanted to get him alone and have him punish me?

What will you do? Punish me? Oh, I plan to.Yes, please, Alpha."Then I’ll make sure that everything is prepared for the queen’s coronation," Raiden said, bringing us out of our secret conversation.

"Perfect. Send invitations to all," I commanded. He nodded, and my attention fell to his neck. He and Thea had marked and mated, yet Thea was not living with him in the Beta quarters, much to my surprise. She was currently staying with Hunter, who would be leaving Westerfell after my coronation. I didn’t want to think of them leaving… I would miss Charlene, who had remained to spend time with her brother and Zoe after the death of Gamma Grayson. Rhys had also returned from Hunter’s pack, which was currently being run by his Gamma and his new Beta.

"Meeting adjourned," I declared as everyone began getting up and bowing.

Yileyna, can you ask Theon and Alpha Hunter to remain for a while?Of course."Alpha Hunter, Theon, Raiden, I want an additional word," I said, making the men nod. The rest took their leave after paying their respects.

Was it wrong to feel sorry for Raiden? The day after he had marked Thea, Theon had lost it, furious that she was only seventeen, until I had to remind him that he had fucked me at seventeen, too, which had stopped him in his tracks. Double standards when it came to his sister. The girl is happy; honestly, these men!I heard footsteps as everyone left and saw Thea enter. She looked much better than she had a few weeks ago, having gained a little weight too.

"Thea, what are you doing here?" Theon asked, frowning. She simply poked her eyes out at him and walked over to Raiden, who stood to meet her, kissing her lips. Both brothers growled, and I closed my eyes.

"Seriously? You both are growling? You both have mates," I frowned.

"Exactly, tell them, Yileyna. Charlene," Thea said, turning her attention to the open doors as Charlene walked in with a bump that was noticeable. My queen was glowing and looked absolutely radiant in her pregnancy. Although many asked Theon and me when we were going to have pups, the answer was not yet. I had a lot to do yet, and I wanted to make sure that when the time came, I was there for my child. When we had the conversation, although Theon looked a little uncomfortable, he simply said he had just gotten me all to himself, and he was not ready to be a father yet. We both agreed now was not the time, and we were happy.

"Hunter, leave them alone," Charlene cajoled as she walked over to him. He stood up, kissing her forehead softly before turning her back to his chest and wrapping his arms around her firmly, placing his hand on her stomach.

I looked at Raiden, wondering what he wanted to say.

"What is it?"

"I actually wanted to tell all of you, as you are Thea’s family, that we are planning to move in together, permanently," Raiden said, smiling slightly as he looked down at his mate.

"She’s only seventeen," Hunter reminded us yet again, and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

"Yeah, agreed," Theon added, although he seemed a bit less bothered than Hunter.

"I'm only eighteen, and I remember you encouraging your brother several times," I frowned, glaring at him. "Not to mention Charlene is just nineteen, yet she’s pregnant."

"A good age to be a mother." Hunter frowned as Charlene nodded, far too enraptured by her husband to disagree.

"Exactly, Yileyna is right." Thea frowned. "Raiden and I are perfect for one another, and we are moving in together regardless of if you want us to or not."

"Theon?" Hunter said, looking at Thea with concern. I don’t think he realised she was a woman who was mated…

"Let them. It’s true… they aren’t kids. If he hurts her, I’ll fucking castrate him," he said, his cold eyes turned on Raiden.

Castrate… I had heard the story of Nikolai and Kyson’s deaths... and although no one had ever confirmed it, I knew it was Theon. When I asked him, he simply looked me dead in the eye and said, "What a shame they didn’t die a far more painful death." That had confirmed he had been the one behind it.

"I will only request that you always keep the queen happy, too," Raiden replied challengingly, making Theon’s eyes flash and his aura flare.

"Well, since that’s sorted, let's end this discussion!" I declared, standing up and placing my hand on Theon’s shoulder, giving him a view of my breasts, which were showing plenty of cleavage in my sage green floral corset. His hand instantly went to my ass, the other tangling in my hair as he pulled me down and kissed me, sending rivets of pleasure coursing through me.

"My threat stands. Don’t hurt her," Theon said when we broke apart and gave Raiden a cold glare as he stood up. His eyes raked over me, and I knew exactly what he wanted to do.

"Well, I guess if Theon is okay with it, there’s not much I can say." Hunter almost pouted, making Charlene caress his cheek.

"Of course it's fine, let them be together. You know how hard it is to be apart." She reminded him softly.

Hunter looked at Raiden and Thea, who were lost in their own world, and his face softened. Sighing, he nodded. Letting go of his Luna, he walked over to the duo and placed a hand on both of their shoulders.

"Well, since I'm outnumbered," he smirked before kissing his sister’s forehead. "Welcome to the family, Raiden."

I smiled, watching them, before Theon’s hand squeezed my ass, drawing my attention back to him.

"If the queen’s finished with her affairs of the court, shall we head home for the night?" My heart skipped a beat as I ran my fingers through his hair. Home, a place we tried to go back to when we could, a place that now had homely touches to it and had been fixed up – our cabin.

"Let's," I whispered as he stood up, yanking me against him roughly, making me gasp.

"We’re still here." Hunter reminded us, clearing his throat.

"Good, stay here. We’re leaving for the night," Theon replied.

"It’s not even dusk yet," Thea teased.

"Well, I have been working all morning," I remarked, letting Theon lead me out.

"And now you’ll be busy with other… work," Hunter teased, earning himself a scathing glare from Theon.

I simply smiled up at the man I loved. Even then, as I looked at his side profile, admiring it, I realised how things had changed from years ago. I no longer walked behind him, rushing to keep up… I now walked beside him, hand in hand.

I was once a girl who was infatuated with the handsome, cold guard. That obsession grew into unconditional love, love that he reciprocated. Now I wasn’t that little girl but a woman walking beside her man.

"What shall we eat tonight?" I asked, leaning my head against his arm.

"You."

Our eyes met, and I couldn’t help but blush faintly. Oh, how life was perfect…