The Hideous Secret

Coronation

Aleksandar smiled proudly as he watched her walk up to stand beside her father on the balcony and face the crowd below. She appeared confident but he could sense her panic. The week had went fast, far to fast for her.

He was beside Analexa. While not up front and center they were not very far back. He pursed his lips in surprise as the baby moved inside him. His stomach wasn't swollen or distended but...but he still felt the baby move. His mate's mother smiled to him.

"How are you dear?" She asked softly.

"Excellent," he responded, unconsciously reaching to pat his belly and rub it lovingly. "Her attire is perfect."

"I know, I am surprised I was convinced at the simplicity of it."

His mate wore a soft green dress that matched her eyes perfectly. It clung to her tightly but was not a poor or incompetent choice. It showed her power and strength and not a tad more. It was accompanied by a brown belt and delicate knee-high boots. She had a crown in curly strawberry blond locks and a perfect amount of cosmetics on to extend her eye lashes, rosy her lips, and brighten her cheeks.

Aleksandar wore warrior's clothing. The typical chain mail, covered by a cloth over shirt bearing the kingdoms insignia. His pants clung a little more fitting than preferred but it was not explicit. Despite having not even a slight arch to his stomach he uncomfortably hunched his shoulders slightly in fear the baby could be at risk if anyone noted his pregnancy.

Analexa tapped his back between his shoulders as Rathgar began speaking. "Hun, stand up proud." She paused with a soft smile, "No one knows you are to have a babe."

He nodded and straightened himself out, before noting Hawlor in the crowd. Or not exactly. Hawlor was on top a roof in his small two-legged form. His short legs swung off the ledge and he smiled and even waved.

Alek dipped his head back honing in on Rath's words. "As my territory expands it has come to my attention I will be spread thin. Upon that, I've realized I needed someone to rule where I could not. There is no other perfect being in this world than my lost daughter. For the little time I've known you, you have proved yourself in every way. You fought bravely on the battle field, and always assured and comforted your mate.
         You have brought powerful children into the world with him and didn't bawk at the consequences but rather assured yourself with proper training they were going to be perfect. You faced internal battles with a child that wasn't yours but you've grown to love him anyway. You allied with all species, wolf, fae, and bear alike. You are simply perfect for this throne.
       With that I gladly hand you the proper crown to this city...." he paused to remove her delicate crown and place a massive black and red growing crown atop hers. It was the one Alek had once worn when he invaded her village. It was the crown of her calling and she hadn't even blinked at it the first time she had seen it.

Alek winced when he sensed his mate choking up. In realization. In horror. In pride. And in panic.

Allahie took a heavy breath. "Thank you father. I am honored to take this responsibility but my people, I do not take the task as queen alone." She turned to face him. "I am a new face here. Many of you may not even know I am mated to perhaps the most powerful Dark Lord of all time...Aleksandar. He is your king." She paused to summon him. He raised his brows but stepped confidently forward. Beside her she pressed against his side and hugged him.

"He has an equal say as my significant other. We will rule as a team. We will form a new court and plan to expand our alliances. For where may fall as I learn the ropes he will catch me. He is to always be respected and obeyed. He is your king, he is your lord, he is your ruler." With that Allahie reached up to kiss him, and place the crown on his head.

Aleksandar smiled down at her and squeezed her shoulders tightly, "I will not fail you my darling."

But Allahie cleared her throat, "And with new leadership we will also bring more royal blood. Our current children already will be great lords and warriors, but we will be brining another into this world and for that the quality of this city will improve even more. More defenses, cleaner streets, and more joy.
        "My mate is tasked with having our baby it is our task to care for him. For that matter care for all the magical lords. No more forcing the powerful lords and ladies into producing warriors. No more are babies to be forced from their parents into ranks without a say. Only in the time of war will that happen and it will only be teenagers or older. No more children fighting because this possess power. All children will be on a draft and kept in check though. But no more living away from parents at the palace in military camps. We all are fae alike. We all are equal."

Alek had heard the buzzing of approval the minute his mate had began speaking but now there was an uproar of happiness. It was the sound of a nation standing behind their new queen. He looked to Rath out of the corner of his eye. The blue-eyed, silver-haired king was just smiling. He knew how important it was for his daughter to be liked. It was why he hadn't canceled the law yet. It was also a test for her. Probably from the very day she'd been born. If she truly was fit for leading.

Aleksandar smiled again--of course his mate had passed it. She was perfect in every way. She was going to be perfect queen.