Queen of the Lycan, Karina Espinosa [accelerated reader books .TXT] 📗

Alexander sighed. “Aye, Mackenzie. It’s called supporting the community.”

I shrugged. “Fine by me. As long as we don’t have to go to another stupid Council meeting.”

If I had to listen to those old men drone on and on anymore, I would shoot myself.

Last night’s meeting was painless, thankfully. Security around the village was officially reduced, which alleviated the burden for some of the guards who had been working doubles, and the witches and warlocks worked together to lower one of the wards around the village. Alexander, Ranulf, and I still didn’t agree that the threat no longer existed, but I refused to argue with the Council about it anymore. I had my coronation to worry about, followed shortly by my mating ceremony. They could worry about the rest.

Dressed in a canary yellow sundress – not my color, might I add – I walked across the bridge in front of the castle beside Alexander, who was dressed in his customary suit, impeccable as always. Far from a lighthearted stroll, we were surrounded by guards.

As we crossed the bridge and reached the cobblestone road that led to town, I was glad I fought to wear my flats and not the heels they originally insisted on. I would have definitely twisted an ankle.

Crowds of people were out and about, but they all stopped and waved at the King when they saw us approach, often followed by a surprised gasp when they saw me with him. I heard a few scream my name and I attempted to wave back as delicately as possible, not like a regular hand wave like I wanted to. I was still taking etiquette classes.

My arm was interlocked with Alexander’s when he leaned down to whisper, “They all know of yer coronation on Sunday. The village is very excited. Especially the lunas.”

I looked over at him. “Is it going to be broadcasted?” I never thought to ask.

Alexander nodded affirmatively. “It is history in the making. Of course it will be.”

I gulped. No pressure …

Alexander patted my hand gently. “Don worry, darling. Ye’ll be perfect.”

I was glad he, at least, had faith in me.

When we arrived at the clinic where the ribbon cutting ceremony was taking place, I realized that instead of a big box pharmacy, we were welcoming a small medical office to Sheunta Village. I always assumed there was a witch or warlock on hand for any medical needs, but I supposed it was smart to have a doctor on hand for things that couldn’t be cured by magic.

We approached the front of the building and I saw a man standing there in a pair of slacks and a tucked-in, button-up shirt. He had sandy brown hair and looked to be around Alexander’s age.

“Mackenzie, this is Dr. Daniel Harris,” Alexander introduced us. “He’s American, just like ye, and a Lycan. He’ll be our village’s doctor, working hand-in-hand with the witches and warlocks.”

Dr. Harris extended a hand for me to shake. “Nice to meet you, Princess. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

I was momentarily blinded by the brightness of his smile before my etiquette classes kicked in. “Thanks! Unfortunately this is the first time I’m hearing about you,” I chuckled awkwardly.

Dr. Harris waved me off. “No worries. This setup is fairly new, but I hope to become an asset to you and your administration.” The way he spoke, I felt like I was about to become President, not Queen.

The front of the medical building had a clear glass window that covered most of the front with the good doctor’s name written in blocky black letters. Blue curtains draped across the glass, drawn so the interior couldn’t be seen. The door was forest green with a shiny golden knob, but the rest of the building was brick and looked like most of the other storefronts in the village. I saw Cosima’s Apothecary across the street, which was owned by my friend Scarlet’s mother. I wondered if Scarlet was in town for the coronation or still at the academy studying. Either way, I owed Cosima a visit.

I tore my attention back to the reason why we were here and glanced at the red ribbon strung across the doctor’s office just as a pair of comically large scissors was handed over to Dr. Harris and Alexander so they could cut the ribbon together. Onlookers were held back by safety cones and a handful of photographers were there to capture the moment. I made sure my picture-perfect smile was plastered on my face. I stood by like a statue as they counted down and then snipped the ribbon, and then cheered as the King congratulated Dr. Harris on his new medical office and welcomed him to Sheunta Village. Many people, including Council members, were allowed to come closer and take pictures. Idly, I wondered if the press was here because these shots were going to go into some newspaper or newsletter.

Alexander and Ranulf stayed close by my side, but my eyes roved the village and all the faces in the crowd. The guards were with us, but I still didn’t like being this out in the open, especially when we just lowered security.

“Princess!”

I heard one voice raised above the din of the assembled crowd and scanned the faces until I heard the same person yell for me again. That was when I saw her—a luna.

I stepped away from Ranulf and approached the crowd of people as the luna made her way to the front. When she reached me, I saw she was carrying a large bouquet of flowers in her arms.

“Princess!” she beamed. The luna was around my age with reddish brown hair that fell in massive curls down her back and framed bright brown eyes. “Please accept these flowers on behalf of the many lunas in the village.” She handed the bouquet over to me with a deep curtsy.

“Oh, wow, thank you,” I offered lamely as I took the bundle from her and smelled its sweet aroma. “You didn’t have to