Athena definitely wanted this ring off her finger. She had dreamt about taking it off and finally becoming immune to Alex's charm. Several times, she had tried removing it and even gotten to the extent of asking a goldsmith to melt it off her fingers even if she was going to burn. But Alex taking it off without her expecting it was shocking. Athena staggered backwards and she read his countenance. Alex was visibly angry. No, angry wasn't the word. He looked frustrated and tired. Like he had given up. But Alex had shown her that he wasn't the type to give up. Slowly, Alex raised the ring and sucked his lower lip in for a brief second. He flashed it in her face. "See, I've taken off the ring from your finger. You're finally free from me, Athena." Athena said nothing. All she could feel was emptiness. She had been feeling empty for her whole life and the death of her guardian had increased the emptiness but this ring had made her feel more, want more. Want

"I am shocked that you're back this early. You aren't back with your mate. Sad." Alexander said nothing in reply to what she had just said and Ciara could also read his countenance enough to see that he was visibly angry. She followed him through the wide corridor that had an array of rooms for guests. Alex was going towards his wing. "Have my council members prepared. We'd be having a meeting this evening." "Of course, I will. But I would like to tell you something." Ciara said as they both took another flight of stairs that led to the north wing of the palace. Alex stopped in his tracks and turned to fix a look on Ciara who looked as calm as ever. "What is it?" "We got an invitation early this week." Alex sighed. "I'm not ready to start my party season. You are well aware that I only party at the end of the year?" Ciara nodded. "I obviously am. But I have not failed to inform you. All you just have to do is turn the invitation down or not honor

Everyone was at the receiving end of Athena's frustrations. Not even Damien was spared. The day before yesterday, she complained that the decorators were using bland colors and one shade lighter or darker than the color she had suggested. Damien had tried to explain to her that the shades she was requesting for was what they had done but he also had gotten his own share of beration. Yesterday, she had nearly slit the throat of the truck driver that had brought food supplies for the coronation. If it hadn't been for her guards who had held her back, she would have killed him. The order had been given by Damien prior to this event. He had asked the guards to hold her back if she tried to kill anyone. Well, they were bearing the brunt of it; they had been thrown into the dungeon for three days. Everyone knew that she was acting this way because of the footman who had left. Ever since his departure, her mood had been all over the place and no one dared to mess with her.

The coronation party was to take place in two days time and the ritual ceremony was to take place the next day. Antarti was begining to get visitors and most of them had come from far and wide. It was an event that had never happened in their lifetime and everyone wanted to witness the crowning of a female Alpha for the first time. The Palace's special invites had begun arriving in the flashiest of cars and also with vans bearing gifts for the new female King. Athena had made sure that there were more than enough rooms for the guests to spend for the whole time they'd be staying and she had made sure to welcome them all. But not in person. Damien and her other officials were made to stand at the entrance like the hosts and welcome them. Athena was no interested in showing herself to anyone. She felt like she was too big for that so she remained in her chambers while the nest seamstress and fashion designers in Antarti took her measurements and sewed her dresses

Athena was a bit disappointed. She had expected to see Alex with these people but they weren't even the Alpha and the Luna! She made sure not to show her disappointment as she led them into the palace. They got to the hallway and the woman stopped and smiled at Athena. She was older. "We didn't get to introduce ourselves, your highness." She said, Her companion also stopped walking. Athena smiled. "Of course." "My name is Cecilia Vega and this is my husband, Daniel Vega. We are both the Alpha's special advisers, my husband being the Beta." "As you all know, my name is Athena, daughter of the great Alpha Caden. You both are warmly welcome." Cecilia took her hand and shook it. "I am so proud of you. Never has it been heard that a woman is ruling a pack. You have broken that embargo." "Of course, I have. It is not an easy task." Permit me to interrupt, Daniel jutted in. Both women turned to look at him. "I have not heard of you choosing a mate. It is a