Alpha Nocturne's Contracted Mate

Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell

Chapter 149 I Do

“Very well. I will see that she is escorted to your room once she arrives. Now, is there anything else I

can help you with?”

“No, I think that’s everything. What time do I need to be ready?”

Title of the document

The Elder waved her hand dismissively.

“There’s no set time, your Highness. As long as it is completed today, that’s all that matters. If you use

this button here,” She continued, indicating a delicately engraved panel with a single button set inside

it, “It will alert the Omega’s that you require something. They have already been briefed on your arrival

so will cater to your requests as needed. Once you’re ready, let them know and we will come and

escort you to the chamber.”

“Fantastic. Thank you very much.” Ann said, a little awkwardly.

She wasn’t sure how to dismiss her politely so that she could be left alone to prepare, but it seemed as

though the Elder had read her mind. She bobbed her head politely and said her goodbyes as she

turned and left the room.

With a heavy exhalation, Ann turned to face Adam.

“I suppose I had better get started.”

As Ann and Adam were escorted to the Halls of Elune, they were flanked on both sides by a silent

column of Elders seemingly gliding alongside them.

The whole experience felt more than a little surreal to Ann as the faint rustling of their clothes seemed

to fill the dimly lit stone corridors that surrounded them.

After what seemed like forever, they pulled to a brief stop outside a set of towering golden doors

covered in images of The Moon Goddess and her children.

Adam was instructed to follow an Omega who had been waiting patiently at the side, and she would

show him to his seat. He would be able to watch Ann be inaugurated, but would not be allowed to

participate as he was not of direct royal lineage.

With a rea*s*suring smile and a quick peck on her cheek, he turned and followed his escort, leaving

Ann standing alone, in between the Elders that surrounded her.

It was an odd feeling, and even Maeve felt slightly unnerved, the sound of the enormous golden doors

slowly opening startled them slightly as the columns began moving on either side of her again.

Ann followed their lead wordlessly. Striding past row upon row of seating, mostly filled with nobles of

lower rank that eyed her predatorily.

To them, she was very much new blood and she was acutely aware of the power struggles that went on

among the noble houses. Ann was adamant, however, that this would not be her downfall.

Ann’s father had eradicated many dissenting voices that disapproved of his actions over the years and

the numbers had greatly reduced. Those left standing were either in it for the power, shameless

sycophants, or still holding bitter grudges that one day, they may choose to act upon.

‘Let them try to manipulate us and we’ll see where that gets them… a fast track to my naughty list…’

Maeve sneered, baring her teeth internally as she passed them.

Ann ignored her as her eyes focused on the towering throne of the Goddess that lay ahead of her. It

was even more beautiful than she had ever imagined.

It seemed to be carved of the purest white gemstones that she had ever seen, and it seemed to radiate

light from within it, almost dazzling all that looked in its direction.

Stood slightly in front of it and to the side, was her father, Leopold, the former Alpha King. She frowned

slightly as her eyes settled on him. His arms were outstretched in front of him as he offered a large

extravagantly designed pillow, enclosed with a clear glass case on top of it.

Inside the case, resting on top of the cushion was the Crown that would signify the start of Ann’s reign,

as soon as it was placed on top of her head. It glittered brightly on top of the cushion and Maeve

rumbled her approval at the exquisite design.

She came to a stop in front of the throne as an elderly, yet distinguished-looking man approached the

front of the throne.

“Welcome, Ann Nocturne, daughter of Leopold Veritas. Do you understand the reasons why you are

here today?” The man asked with the barest hint of an amused smirk on his face.

The ancient voice that came from between his lips was instantly recognizable as one that had spoken

during both trials. Although his body appeared frail, it was glaringly obvious that he held hidden power

within him. It wouldn’t surprise Ann at all if he turned out to be a former Alpha.

“I do. I am here to accept the t*itle of Alpha Queen, based on my royal bloodline.” Ann answered

seriously.

The ancient man’s smile widened slightly as he shuffled his way across to where Leopold stood and

removed the glass casing from the crown that he held outstretched in his hands.

The ancient Elder caught Leopold’s gaze and narrowed his eyes at him briefly, before turning back to

Ann and continuing.

“In accepting this crown do you accept the royal duties and responsibilities that come along with it? To

protect your Kingdom from outside threats and rule with a firm yet fair hand? Do you pledge to protect

the weak and show compassion to the vulnerable, and keep the strong in check to ensure that no

imbalance of power exists in our lands?”

“I do.” Ann answered firmly, knowing full well that all of those ideals that she had pledged to, would

prove the basis for her rule.

It didn’t matter that former rulers hadn’t gotten it right, what mattered to her was that she got it right,

and she would do everything in her power to ensure that it happened.

The Elder nodded his head and his face took on a solemn expression as he raised his arms and laid

the crown on her head.