In the next coming weeks, the entire focus on the colony were the two Royal Weddings that were to be held at the same time, on the same day, with the same fanfare....they had even been ordered to make three cakes - one for the King and Queen, and two for the Princess Consort (although no one understood why).
There usually was a huge fuss about a royal wedding - even when the lower tunnels weren't invited, they still reveled in the chance to be noticed by the higher wolves who would often hire tunnel dwellers with a private job or two.
However, this celebration had the entire mountain buzzing with happiness and the feeling of unity, for all were invited to this even, and not merely the upper crust. In fact, it was to be so huge that the entire hive was considered the venue. All were welcome to come and go as they pleased through the regal ballroom, the enchanted crater-garden that still bore the scars of the revolution, and the castle's entryway. No specific attire was required - just a smile and enthusiasm.
The biggest hit of this party, though - was the fact that they were going to get paid. Not just a thumbs-up, or some shitty recognition. No, they were going to be given real, usable money so that they could share in the economy the caves had thrived in for years by buying off each other.
Everyone was on their best behavior, and those who had won the contracts to aid in the wedding were not only proud to be there, they felt as though their spot was worth something more than an 'atta-boy' (a very rude term in their society that was meant to be demeaning).
Even with all the preparations finished, everything handled, and tons of citizens working in the background to make the approaching day perfect - both Myranda and Lara were very nervous, and very alert for the vows they were going to share with the brothers they loved so dearly.
Finally though, the day of the celebration had arrived, and for that particular evening Myranda made sure her family was close - and her friends closer. On this bright night, as the new head of their entire kingdom, the youngest of her pack could finally run things the way she wanted to.
"I'm really glad you're happy sharing the day together, I was worried you would want your own, you know?" Lara said next to her Luna as the two of them had their hair styled by two other women who had very much wanted to be there - and were looking forward to their payments and praise from onlookers.
"Why would you be worried? We're pack sisters - we're marrying brothers - we're going to be royalty together. After everything we've been through, it would feel wrong to not celebrate today with you and all of our friends," Myranda answered, she wanted to give Lara a smile, but she was asked to sit still since her hair was in the hands of another.
"You two aren't sisters?" The female working on Lara's hair asked suddenly.
"Shh. We can't talk to royalty,"the older one with Myranda's hair shushed.
"Oh, no no no -- no to your question, and no to your reaction. Please speak to us...." the Luna insisted kindly.
"This isn't the old days. We're not into that." Lara added quickly.
"See, mother? I told you the rumors were true," the younger one chuffed and wore a triumphant grin.
"Lara is a fantastic pack sister, but... my real sister..." Myranda choked on her words and tried not to cry. She had attempted to keep Syrana out of her mind so she didn't break down, but now it was inevitable. "Syrana....."
Lara reached out and grabbed her Luna's hand in support. "She's always with you, and I just know she's here today somewhere in the air. You know she has to be at peace if Veltar and Jess were blessed so beautifully."
The Queen tried to keep her composure - she really did - but it was too hard, and they were in private company, so it was so easy to dive into the temptation to let it all go.
At the expense of her face markings and make up, Myranda sobbed. This entire day - the entire revolution was all thanks to Syrana, and no one even knew who she really was. Her elder sister, her surrogate mother, and her best friend were not titles fit enough for how the Queen felt about her departed sister.
"Oh, your Grace - I'm sorry, I-" the elder wolf started, and then looked to her daughter, leaned over, whispered in her ear, and let the girl leave as she attended to her Luna.
"No, it's fine - it's... It's alright. I miss her more than I can say, and if she were here, she'd be the one working on my hair, or telling me how proud she was. I wish so badly she hadn't died. Even though Silas is dead, I am still so angry and filled with hate at what he did to her...."
"It's alright, Myri." Lara consoled gently, and got up so she could take the Luna into her arms and hold her closely to her beautiful gold, white, and red gown. "I'll never replace Syrana, but I'll be here for you in her stead."
Myranda nodded through her cries and pulled Lara closer to her as well. There were many times the Queen had cried herself to sleep, or was so sick with grief she'd throw up - but this session felt much different than the rest. There was almost a relief in her tears, a weight off her chest.
She had become someone her sister would be more than proud of - and in that regard, it was the best way to carry on Syrana's legacy. Yet, the absence of her smiling face was hard to take on the happiest night of her life.
"My Luna, if I may speak - I understand your feelings. I lost my younger brother when I was your age. There isn't a day he isn't in my mind or my heart - and sometimes it hurts badly, but it does get easier, and you will find meaning in your memories with her in each thing you do," the elder wolf said kindly and dared to reach down and put her hand on Myranda's back.
Lara opened her arms and motioned for the elder female to join her in comfort, and after a mild hesitation, she joined in and hugged her sobbing Queen with care and affection.
It took a little time to calm her down, but by the time the daughter returned with the same male who had done her makeup, she had regained her composure, and felt much better having not only cried - but revealed the reason they were all sitting here today.