Shatter

16. Our New World

   As my mom and my sister help me get ready, I hear the painful process of turning happening in the other room. It makes me cringe and feel bad for Ash but knowing he chose it and what we could do together makes me feel better. I put my dress on and sit down as so they can help with my hair and makeup. Ten minutes later they finish and Ash has gone quiet. I stand up, put my shoes on and breathe.

   "You'll be okay love." My mother smiles looking at me and my sister agrees also smiling at me.

   "I know... I just can't believe this is real." I turn around and look at both of them. 

  "We know Luna, but like mom said, we'll be right here with you always. You saw how your people already look up to you, just believe in yourself." She smiles at me before going to see if Ash was ready.

   I sit down while I wait and let my mind catch up. My mom sits next to me and just lets me think. I look at her as everything sinks in, I'm going to become a queen and a wife today. Ash is going to be my king and my husband today. Yesterday we were storming the mansion and not knowing who would live or die and now we're here. I stand up, walk over to the mirror and look over my shoulder at my mom's reflection

   "You can put it on now mom, I'm ready." She smiles and puts the veil on with that mother's love projecting out. She always makes me feel okay when things are crazy or when I'm overwhelmed.

   "You look beautiful and I'm so proud of you. Ash really is the perfect guy to have by your side." She gently hugs me from behind and I put my hands over hers just standing there looking at our reflections.  

   Twenty minutes later I'm standing at the door with my mom about to walk down the aisle that's going change our lives forever. Ash is waiting for me with the boys and my sister. I take a deep breath and nod at the people by the doors. My mom puts her arm through mine and the doors open as we walk towards the thrones.

   My sister stands on the right with my crown and ring. One of Jake's men stands on the left with Ashe's crown and ring. I look at Ash and his smile makes it feel like we can do anything as long as he's by my side. I smile and walk confidently up to the thrones. I stop in front of them next to Ash and my mom goes to stand next to my sister. 

   We hold hands and face the crowd as the ceremony begins. My mom and Jake step forward to speak for us from both sides. All the people sitting together as one is like a dream and none of this feels real. We look out at our people and it makes me smile seeing vampires and werewolves together as friends.

   "Do you Luna, promise to love Ash faithfully as long as you both live? And do you swear to rule and protect the people the best you can as long as you sit on this throne?"  My mom looks out at the people as she talks.

   "I do and I swear."

   "Do you Ash, promise to love Luna faithfully as long as you both live? And do you swear to rule and protect the people the best you can as long as you sit on this throne?" Jake says also looking out at the people."

   "I do and I swear."

   They give us our ring and we put them on each other. We kiss, the crowd cheers and we sit on the throne. My mom and Jake crown us at the same time and the crowd cheers louder. My mom steps forward to speak to the people.

   "Ladies and gentlemen, we give you your new queen and king."

   They cheer once more and then bow respectfully to us. We stand and walk up next to my mom. We look out at everyone and nod to them before hooking arms and walking down the aisle into the next room. We sit on the couch shutting the doors behind us and smile looking into each others' eyes.

   "I love you Ash and I'm glad you're the one by side through all of this."

   "I love you too Luna and there's no one I'd rather spend my life with."

   We cuddle for a bit before going downstairs to celebrate with everyone. A half hour later we head downstairs and join the ball. We greet people and dance a lot. 
Ballroom dancing has always looked fun to me and now that we're having a ball, I know it's fun. We dance for what feels like days but really has only been hours. Everyone says their farewells and heads to their rooms. Ash and I head to ours after saying goodnight to my mother and family. 

   We change and get in bed finally able to really relax and soak in everything that happened. We don't talk much since we're both exhausted and ready to sleep. We cuddle and close our eyes, the castle silent and calm for once. I hope tomorrow will be a calm day, but I almost forgot we have to deal with the prisoners. But that can wait until tomorrow. It doesn't take long for us to drift off and sleep through the night.