The Amber Shift

Epilogue

Noelle

One Year Later

I run my damp palms down the length of my cerulean blue gown, the delicate beading tickling my hands. The color is in honor of my mate's eyes, and the backless cut and plunging neckline is a small gift for him too. I hold my head high as I stand at the back of the newly built parliamentary palace. I feel so small under the high arched ceilings and towering windows that line each side of the throne room. But the alphas make me the most nervous.

The males and females that lead our people are cramped on either side of the long, gold rug that runs to the steps of the dais. Corbin stands at the top with his arms clasped behind him. The breast of his tailored suit is embellished with medals that represent his ranking amongst our people—Lead Alpha and King Regent. He nods to the orchestra seated in the balcony at the back of the room and a soft, regal melody brings the whispered exchanges to a halt.

"Please don't let me trip and make an ass of myself," I whisper to the goddess and take a step forward.

I keep my gaze on my uncle, who hold his facial features in serious lines, but from my peripheral, I catch the alphas lowering their heads in submission as I pass. It is not until I reach the bottom step that Corbin bows his head with a proud sparkle in his eyes. A light movement behind him demands my attention and my heart drums against my ribs.

Elijah stands beside a large white throne that I designed. Hand carved lilies run down the arms and along the back—my mother's favorite flowers and a subtle tribute to her. My mate clasps his hands in front of him and bows his head. I can't look away. His black suit clings to his tall, muscular body and a strand of ebony hair brushes his brow. He lifts his head and winks at me, and I swear I'm on the verge of swooning before my coronation has even begun.

He holds his hand out to me and I place my palm in his, gripping it tight. Leading me up the stairs, he turns me to stand next to him and leans in, his breath brushing against my ear. "You are breathtaking, Noelle."

My cheeks flush and I squeeze his hand. "And you are devastating," I murmur, turning my head just slightly to meet his eyes.

Corbin clears his throat, bringing our attention to him as he beams at me, his expression full of pride. You've got this, he mouths, and for the first time, I fully believe it.

*****

The crown perches on my head as if it has always been there as I stand at the door to the throne room, greeting the last of the lycans as they exit the double doors and head toward the dining hall for the coronation feast.

The doors shut behind the Alpha from Cocoa Beach, and Elijah and I are left alone. His shoes click on the marble floor and the sound echoes through the empty room as he steps behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

I place my hands over his and intertwine our fingers. "Hi," I whisper over my shoulder.

"Hello, my queen."

He holds me, slightly swaying as we look at the empty throne room for the first time. I can't help but smile when I look at the smaller throne sitting next to mine. It was odd to see my mate sit in it by my side. Elijah is a force to be reckoned with, yet it seemed to suit him just fine to take a submissive role for me.

"This place is awe inspiring," he says against my ear.

"It is, but I'm just happy that it's close to home and that Corbin and I will be able to step away at the end of each day."

When I asked Corbin to take the role as King Regent, I couldn't ignore his hesitant yes. This is the life he had known until he was old enough to lead his own pack. He understood the strain it put on a family, and the constant stress of a king. I was quick to suggest that we build the parliamentary palace—a place designed strictly for governmental purposes.