When Cam and Jos's carriage had finally stopped back in front of the main entrance to the palace, Apollo and Artemis were already waiting to escort them inside. Ales quickly jumped down from his horse and made his way over to lift Cam down as one of the planners rushed over to assist.
Raven landed and quickly hid her wings away, bowing her head to the gods standing silently in front of her. She and Jos hung back as the rest of the royal and godly party unloaded and followed the two pairs inside. They followed the warriors inside only after being urged forward by the planners as they began opening the gates for the mass groves of people waiting to come inside. Raven arched a brow as her gaze traveled around the packed interior of the palace. "How in the world do they plan on housing such a big crowd?" Raven asked as she tried to recall the parts of the palace she'd seen during her recent visits.
"Zay will be led to the main banquet halls, and zhe main coronation and crowning will zhen take place in zhe ballroom." One of the planners replied in a heavy accent as she led them to designated seating set up for the eccentric family and honored guests.
"Um... I think you may be mistaken on this part." Raven said as she arched a brow and pointed toward the roped-off section.
The planner shook her head. "Zhis is where zhe King and Queen requested Zhat you be seated. You are esteemed guests of zhe prince and princess, no?"
Raven and Jos only exchanged glances as they took their seats by some of the familiar faces they had seen around the palace on other visits. "If this is only the coronation of a prince and princess, I can't wait to see the wedding and the actual crowning to king and queen." Raven commented as her eyes traveled over the intricately decorated room.
Apollo and Artemis were now standing with their hands raised to silence the gathering. Ales and Cam stood between them with their parents standing proudly at each set of stairs leading up to the platform they stood on. Apollo's melodious voice called out, echoing through the room. "As has been done with every alpha ascension, I stand before you today to welcome this boy into manhood and crown him successor to his father King Lykos." The god walked over to Lyko and Reighley and took the crown that rested on the pillow Reighley held. She bowed her head slightly to the god, and he gave her a curt nod in return. Raising the laurel crown into the air for all the guests to see, he called out loudly to Ales. "Please kneel. As Greek god of wolves, I crown you Prince Alesandro Boosilis of the Mediterranean wolf clan, next alpha leader of this pack." He placed the crown on Ales's head and waited as Ales stood then nodded to Artemis.
Artemis smiled down at Cam warmly as she spoke. "It is not often I crown a princess on the same day my brother crowns an alpha, but I've been told of your undying dedication to being with your alpha and of the promises that have been made between packs. You have proven yourself of being brave, passionate, and willing to fight for what is yours. You have earned your place among honored members of my hunt." She bowed her head slightly to the young princess, who in turn fell into a deep curtsy.
"Thank you, My Goddess," Cam whispered nervously.
Artemis walked over and retrieved a second crown for the pillow Morinne, Cam's mother, held. She held the gleaming crown into the air, showing the beautiful design of the crescent moon cradling the north star as she walked back to Cam. "I crown you Princess Camilla Debarbarak Aldolph future leader and female alpha to the Mediterranean wolf clan. May the north star always guide you to those places your heart seek, and the moon may lead." Artemis said sweetly as she placed the crown carefully atop Cam's beautifully crafted curls.
Apollo took the prince's hand and lifted it into the air as his sister did the same with Cam. "This evening I shall place the brand of alpha onto his chest, and we shall have a demonstration of his powers and her leadership as fledglings, new to this new life. And we shall feast on the spoils of the hunt!"
The event planners began instructing the many guests out toward the massive double doors leading into the gardens. The grounds were lined with tall cream tents each with a low table filled with various dishes, glasses, and platters of vegetables and fruit. Curtains hung from the entrances of each tent, giving each a sense of elegance and privacy. Numerous rugs, furs, and pillows were spread out around the tables giving comfort to any creature who set there. Candelabras were dispersed evenly along each table with the largest in the center and two smaller ones at either side. Beautiful, fragrant flowers scattered out over the entire garden. Arrangements littered every table, every entrance, every rail, statue, and hung from every possible location including the lower branches of trees. Single candles hung in jars from the branches as well, lighting the gardens beautifully.
Raven's eyes took in the beautiful display as she and Jos were ushered out with the rest of the honored guests. "I haven't seen a display like this since being in fae court. I mean admittedly fae court is typically done up like this, but it's done through magic and illusion. This is pretty impressive."
"It's beautiful," Jos whispered from beside her as she too took in the splendid sights.
"But?" Raven asked as she forced her attention back to Jos.
Jos let out a heavy sigh. "But I've never felt more out of place and unwelcome." She sighed as she tugged uncomfortably at her sleeve.
Raven laughed, "What do you mean unwelcome? They pulled out all the stops to see that you were not only welcomed but 'honored'." Raven said overexaggerating the word.
"Maybe so... but as you said earlier... Cam is still but a child... When she realizes I don't fit into this world I'm sure she'll have no more need for my company either." Jos sighed as she let her gaze wander over the magnificent display.
Raven reached over and squeezed Jos's shoulder. "Look man, friends sometimes grow apart. It happens, but those bonds and love never die. You'll both have these memories for the rest of your lives." She lightly tapped Jos's cheek with her knuckles. "Now, cheer up and try to make them happy memories for the both of you instead of your usual moping."
Jos nodded her head, but as she was about to reply someone from behind her called out her name. She turned to see the goddess Artemis quickly approaching. Unable to force a response, Jos simply stared.
Artemis studied the girl in disbelief but certain she was the girl she was looking for. "May I speak to you in private for a few minutes?" She sent Raven a warm smile. "I only would like to speak to you about a friend we may have had in common some time ago."
Jos sent an anxious glance to Raven. When the fairy only shrugged, Jos gulped down her worry and turned back to the goddess with a slight nod. "P...please lead the way, My G...Goddess."
Artemis laughed lightheartedly. "There is no reason to be concerned, my dear. I mean you no ill will. I only have some questions is all."
***
The combination of excitement and nervousness battled within Cam's body as she waited impatiently for the servants to help her undress and prepare for the hunt. Impatience won out as she kicked the undergarments to the side and quickly wrapped the ceremonial robe around her, making a slipknot in the sash for easy undoing. A light knock sounded on the bedroom door. Before she could answer, her mother was stepping in. "Momma!" She called out feeling the mist of building happy tears cloud her eyes as she ran to embrace her mother.
Morinne held her daughter tightly against her. "You looked absolutely beautiful this day! I'm so proud of you my dear!" She held Cam out at arm's length, studying the young girl's face. "You've grown so much since winter, I can barely recognize you." Her brows knitted as her eyes fell on a slight crescent scar that was still slightly red. She brushed the robe to the side to get a better look. She snapped her fingers toward the maids and nodded for them to leave the room before turning her attention back to her daughter. "Camilla?"
Cam's hand came up involuntarily to hide the mark from her mother. "It happened the night Ales took on the Alpha form for the first time. He... we have planned to redo the mark tonight while on the hunt so that everyone will believe it only just happened..." She tried to explain.
Morinne held her daughter's gaze. "Who all knows about it. Were you and the young prince involved before he transitioned?"
Cam swallowed hard. Her mother had always been the first to know whether or not she was lying. "N...not really... He had already taken on the alpha form, and his father had already declared him heir apparent before he marked me..."
Morinne's gaze grew serious. "Camilla, this isn't a game. If the other's find out the two of you have had a relationship before he was an alpha they may question the authenticity of his claim. They may believe the king and queen are simply saying as much to keep arrangements with our kingdom." She hooked her fingers under Cam's chin and brought the girl's face up to face her. "Promise me he is in fact an alpha." When Cam nodded against her grip, she added. "And that the two of you have not done anything more than that bite, Camilla I am the wife of an alpha I know what it means for them... and what takes place as they are claiming a mate."
Cam could feel a deep blush spread across her cheeks as she shook her head rapidly back and forth. "No, Mother we have only kissed a few times outside the mark." She glanced away from her mother's gaze as she mumbled under her breath. "He wouldn't do more..."
Morinne's eyes widened as she jerked her daughter's face back to meet hers. "You must not! The prince must be accepted by his people as the next leader before you threw yourself at him. Do you understand! If he isn't you will not be accepted either! We can't have that, do you understand?"
Cam pulled her face away from her mother. "Yes, momma..." She said with a huff.
Another knock brought their attention in that direction. Ales pushed it open, but his usual calm demeanor quickly shifted to nervous when he saw her mother. "Sorry, I'll come back..."
Morinne held up her hand stopping his exit. "Why are you in my daughter's room?"
He cleared his throat, his eyes shifting to Cam and her bared shoulder. His eyes widened as realization register. He quickly closed the door behind him as he stepped into the room. "Father sent me in..." He met Cam's gaze as he swallowed against the building nerves. "to... um... redo the mark... But I guess it's too late to do it before anyone else notices..."
Morinne straightened in indignation. "I have noticed, and I would have liked to have been informed of these things." She moved her gaze back to her daughter. "I'm not stupid, I know there is much you're not saying." She bowed her head slightly to the prince. "But for now I will leave this decision to your father and pray he doesn't ruin both our clans." She bent and gave Cam a light kiss on the cheek. Before she lifted away, she whispered. "Do not let him do more than the mark, do you understand!?" She didn't wait for Cam's reply as she retreated from the room, glaring at Ales as she went.
Ales let out a heavy sigh as the bedroom door shut leaving them alone at last. To his surprise, the door had barely closed when Cam flung herself at him in a tight hug. He didn't waste any time wrapping his own arms around her slender shoulders. He tried hiding the nervousness from his voice as he whispered. "I'm sorry you had to be reprimanded because of me."
Cam buried her face into his robe more as she felt a hot blush begin to creep up her neck. "It's not your fault. I asked you to do it, remember." She whispered against the thin, silky material of his robe.
He leaned back to look her in the eyes. "I could have done the right thing and said no... Now I must hurt you again because of my lack of restraint." He stroked his index finger gently over her rosy cheek. "And worst yet, I fear I may do something to hurt you more by having to repeat the act." Dread reflected in his eyes as he searched hers. "Your mother is right to warn you against me." He said as he ran his hands through her loose, pale curls.
Cam lifted her hands to cup either side of his face. "You're wrong... she's wrong. No matter what happens I am yours and you are mine. I love only you, Ales, and want only you regardless of others' opinions or approval. Do what you must as you mark me, I am completely yours." She lifted onto tiptoes as she tugged his face down toward hers. She didn't release her hold on him until the tension released from his body and he returned her kiss.
"I love you." He whispered against her lips between kisses. He ran his hand over her shoulder, across the mark. Pulling away and smiling down at her, he guided her to her bed. Though she smiled back at him, he could feel her nervous energy as they neared the beautiful four-poster. He cupped her cheek as he bent to give her another kiss. "Sit on the edge but face away from me, alright." Her questioning eyes held his. He forced a reassuring smile. "It will be easier for me to maintain control... I believe." He didn't want to admit to the sweet, innocent princess that he simply didn't want her to see him spill his seed again in another bout of uncontrollable need the act created. When she did as he had asked and even tugged down her robe, he rewarded her with a kiss to the mark.
His lips on the fading scar sent an excited chill coursing through her body. "Ales." She murmured as she tilted her head to the side to give him better access.
He ran his tongue over the raised flesh, feeling his teeth shift and his shaft harden with anticipation. He slid one arm around her waist tugging her against his chest as he began sinking his wolfish teeth into her tender skin directly over the scar. At the first taste of blood, the beast struggled to be freed. An animalistic growl rumbled through his throat as he held her tighter, pulling her closer as he sank his teeth in deeper. When she moaned loudly and leaned farther back to run one hand into his hair, pulling it free of the tight band, he couldn't stop the movement of his hips and to the utter shock of his fogged brain, a tiny hand brushed against the front of his robe and against the sensitive tip of his aching member. Another growl rumbled his throat pulling a moan from her as her hand continued awkwardly fumbling with him. Giving another deep growl he pushed the robe open and cupped her hand around him, holding her hand in place as he stroked out his release.
Cam's breath caught as Ales went rigid and hot, thick liquid began to spill over the fingers he clung tightly to. Tingles ran through her body. "Ales!" She exclaimed as she tightened her grip on his hair, pulling him away from her neck and forced his lips to hers.