Chapter 40

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Chapter 40

We spent the next hour getting things set up for the memorial service of those we lost. We had lost a total of one hundred and fifty-three men and women and wrapped their bodies in white sheets. There was a debate if we should hold some of the fallen for their families but it was decided to cremate all after getting consent from their families. The sun was beating a hasty retreat from the sky while all the bodies were lined up and the memorial service started. Each person that was killed had someone to speak on their behalf to say a few words. Jace and Raven had gotten a list of additional names of people who had lost their lives recently at the hands of Kristoff, who were not here but not forgotten.

The group of loyal Royals, with Levian in front, stood to the side and the other wolves eyed them cautiously not sure what to make of them.

"Today, is the first day of our new lives. From this day our territory will no longer be ruled by oppression or fear. Today marks a new beginning for all the packs in the North America territory and I promise a future of peace and rebuilding. Tonight we honor those who are not here to share in our triumphant but are with us in spirit. Jace and Raven will read the names of those that have been killed in the past month." I stepped away from the mic and let Jace and Raven take over and began reading through the names. Korin grasps my hands giving me a little squeeze.

Once they were finished, people came up one by one to say a few words for their fallen pack member or family. It was raw and emotional as they came up one by one and gave heartfelt and at times tearful tributes of their bravery and sacrifice. It was time for me to speak and I took a deep breath before stepping up to the mic again.

"I also lost someone today, my Uncle Thadius. He was like a father to me and raised me to be the person that stands before you today. He always knew that one day I would be standing here in front of you all as queen. I just wish he could be here right now.." my stomach twisted in a knot the grief clogging my throat. My head dropped as tears came to the surface spilling over; showing everyone a side of myself that I struggled to keep at bay. Korin was immediately at my side pulling me into his chest. I hung on him desperately as I tried to collect myself.

"You don't have to say anymore." Korin whispered in my ear. I quickly brushed my tears from my and sucked in a big breathe stepping out of Korin comforting embrace.

"Let's us all take a moment of silence for all those we lost and their bravery and sacrifice so that we can all stand her today free! Free from tyranny!" There was a burst of clapping and cheers and I walked down to join the others taking a torch in my hand and we all simultaneously lit our loved one or comrades on fire. Silence fell around us, some bowing their heads while other gazed at the fires.

I felt arms coming from all around me as Korin and my high guard joined me in a show of unity and my arms encircling Trevor and Korin on either side of me. After a few minutes we broke from our hug and we resumed out position back on the platform.

"I want to formally introduce you all to people who are the closest to me and will be helping me to rebuild. First my mate, and your King, Korin Halder." Korin took a step forward. "My high guard, Trevor, Jace, Raven, Sage, Niko, and Jules." After the crowd settle down, I continued. "There are a few things that we need to address. First, we all know that our former king had rogues attacking our packs and now that he is dead that order is no longer valid. However until word reaches across the country those rogues will still be operating under those orders. To deal with our rogue problem, I am creating an Alpha for Rogues. Keagan has accepted and his beta, Andrew will take care of our rogue problem and get them under control." Cheers echoed around us. "Now the Royals, as you can see there is small group of Royals that has always stayed loyal to my parents and they stand beside you today. However we have other Royals that refuse to recognize that I am the rightful queen and has denounce me as their rightful ruler. They were given a choice accept me as their queen or die. They chose death."

I gave Jules the signal and the crowd split into two as the traitors were brought into the center clad only in their pants their chests bare. Jules and some of the men with him force them all into kneeling position on the ground while the surrounding wolves and people growled and spat at them. Another group of our men armed with guns formed a tight circle around the kneeling royals in case one of them tried to flee. If they tried they would be shot in the dead on the spot.

"They lived by the sword and now they will die by the sword at their own hands." Murmurs and looks of confusion blanketed the crowd of onlookers and the traitors. "Each royal will take a sword and pierce his own heart." The swords were thrown in front of each royal while the barrel of the guns remained trained at their heads. "This was your choice now picked them up."

The Royals demeanor changed from proud men to cowering cowards as they looked frantically around them at the faces of the jeering crowd. Some of the Royals threw hateful glares my way, but it didn't faze me. They were given a chance and they squander on it on their pride. The ones that show their hatred picked up their swords plunging it into their hearts, while some of others tried to escape their fate and were shot on the spot. The scene was gruesome and I wished it could've been avoided.

Their corpses were piled on top of each other and set ablaze. I felt one of many burdens lift from my shoulders. Now it was time to clean house. "Let's us all get some rest, you can stay in the Royals quarters and we will reconvene in the morning in the great hall at 10am. I would like for the alphas to meet with me at 8am in my office."

For now only I, my high guard, Keagan and his men were staying in the main building. I wanted to clear everything out before moving people in. The royal quarters really didn't have anything of importance only that of the personal effects of the royal guards. I still had to make Keagan the alpha of rogues before getting much needed sleep.

((A/N))

Okay we are nearing the end to wrapping up Royal War. I hope you all enjoyed the journey of Celina becoming queen. If there are still some unfinished things you want to know, please put it down and I will make to sure to answer those in the next couple of chapters.

As always don't forget to vote/comment.

Nicci

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