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

in a towel, Helena had a pair of slippers waiting for me. The moment I slid them on, my grandmother hurried me out of the bedroom, through the common room, and out of the guest wing.

With two of the King’s guards in tow, one of them being Liam, we crossed the castle to the fitting room where my gown was being pressed and the hair and make-up team was already waiting to do battle. I sat down in the chair in front of the mirror and waited for the torture session to begin.

From the moment I woke up that morning, I was too tired to really process what was going on. I let the morning roll by without thinking or worrying—that was, until they slipped the gown over my head. My face was caked with what felt like thirty-two layers of make-up, my hair was artfully designed and wrapped around my head in a beautiful, braided crown updo atop my head, and now I was standing on the platform surrounded by mirrors, wearing only my underwear as I shivered and waited for the gown.

The gown was a deep, royal blue with gold accents. Once the corset was fastened and the skirt adjusted, it felt like I had packed on an extra thirty pounds. I didn’t know how I would possibly be able to walk down to the throne room in this get-up. Dangling sapphire jewels were placed in my ears and around my neck. It made me incredibly nervous to wear such expensive jewelry. I definitely shouldn’t be trusted, and if they knew me better, they certainly wouldn’t. I might lose an earring down the toilet or something.

There was a knock at the door, but I couldn’t even move past the layers of dress to see who it was. Instead, I sniffed the air and caught Bash’s scent. He popped his head in the door and walked around to stand in front of me, his mouth agape and he took in the sight.

“I’ve seen you dressed up before, Mackenzie, but right now,” he ran a hand through his inky hair and blew out a breath, looking at me in awe, “you look magnificent.”

I blushed and lowered my head. “It’s just a dress, Bash. Are you trying to say I don’t look good in jeans?” I teased.

He grinned. “That’s your best look, Mackenzie. Nothing beats that.”

“Good answer,” I retorted, winking. I assessed my mate standing before me in a crisp tuxedo, snug in all the right places. “You look pretty spiffy yourself. Now, are you here to escort me?”

“Yes ma’am.” He offered me his arm. “Ready to get this show on the road?”

I gave a heavy sigh. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

With Bash’s help, I stepped down from the platform and walked out of the fitting room, thanking the lunas who helped me get ready. I noticed the number of guards had increased to twice the amount that stood in front of the door when I first stepped inside. I shook my head at the precaution but appreciated the effort. They escorted us to the throne room, which Bash told me was already packed with guests. It made me even more nervous.

Each step I took toward the throne room was a step closer to the crown; the butterflies in my gut swarmed in masses that threatened to bring me to my knees.

“Breathe, Mackenzie, you’re trembling.” Bash squeezed my arm tight against him.

I swallowed a few times, my mouth as dry as a desert. “Easy for you to say, Prince Consort.”

Bash snorted. “I guess so. But I’m with you, every step of the way. You’re not alone, Mackenzie.” He sounded just like Alexander. I needed to remember I had a lot of people in my corner.

I glanced down at my gloved hands and then back up at Bash. “I feel very lonely right now.”

Bash stopped walking and spun me so we faced each other. The guards surrounding us stopped walking without a word. “From here on out, Mackenzie, you make the rules, you understand? Surround yourself with people you trust, those you can confide in. Not those old bastards who are plotting against you. If you do that, you won’t feel so alone. And you know I’ll always have your back.”

I nodded and then laughed. “All of this just makes me feel like a little kid, like I’m playing dress up. It doesn’t feel real. I also feel weak, and I don’t like that. It makes me angry.”

Bash chuckled. “The last word I would use to define you is weak. You might be a bit insecure right now, but you’re far from weak. You’re the ultimate alpha. Now let’s go show them.”

I blew out a shaky breath. “Okay, let’s do this.” Taking Bash’s arm again, we resumed our walk to the throne room, surrounded by silent guards.

When we reached the wooden doors carved with howling wolves, we stood before them and waited for the ceremony to begin. I could hear someone speaking through the heavy wood, but my blood was pumping so loudly in my ears I couldn’t make out what they were saying. My stomach churned and I felt the sudden urge to pee.

When bagpipes started playing, I startled to attention, my eyes widening as the guards shifted position and two of them moved forward to open the doors. With my first glance inside the throne room, I saw it jammed elbow to elbow, row after row of seats filled with a sea of faceless people. I was a ball of nerves. My eyes couldn’t even focus on anyone in particular.

Bash started to walk inside and I numbly walked beside him. We strolled down the aisle toward the altar that stood in front of the throne, which had never looked so intimidating with its brilliant golden frame and red cushioned seat. Which was ridiculous. It was just a chair, after all.

The moment we entered, everyone stood at attention. We walked down the center aisle with silent steps, where Alexander