Crowning Ceremony

Elena POV

I stood next to my father's chair waiting nervously. It had been twenty minutes and there was no word from Nate or Ryker. Damien kept glancing to me from where he sat with his mother. He tried to remain confident, but it's been too long since we heard from Nate.

The King stood, walking towards the stage's edge to address our people. He spoke out loud and through our mindlink for all of the kingdom and council to hear.

"We are gathered here today to witness the end of my era and the beginning of my daughter's. I have put my blood, sweat, and tears into this Kingdom so it would remain protected from the many threats we faced in the past, and may still face in the future. Although my child will be Queen with no King, I will be here to guide her. In two weeks time she will chose a mate and give her people their next King." He glared at me so I knew this was nonnegotiable. The crowd cheered for both myself becoming Queen and at the idea of a new King soon.

I tensed at the idea