Princess of Faerl

*Elentari*

Today was the day. Coronation for Aranelda and myself. It was about to get bumpy. Being away from Hep was excruciating, but he would be with me today. Not publicly, sadly, but he would be there. I sat still as a stylist poked and prodded at my head, mumbling about creating a masterpiece. After they were done, it would be onto makeup and then getting dressed. Belle, Alisee, Stacie, Lily, and Eliza joined me to get ready. Eliza had spent all her time, when she wasn’t glued to Aran, trying to make things right between us. She was decent when she learned to be comfortable and was out of her father’s shadow. She and Stacie were also getting closer. I did not tell them they were part of a mated triad, but they were figuring it out on their own.

My hair was piled on my head in the most massive mound of curls I had ever witnessed. A brilliant obsidian tiara wrapped around it, and a large heart-shaped diamond sat in the center with the triple moon symbol circling around the entire thing. It seemed so ornate it was crazy. I slipped on my dress and felt different. Well, I felt regal, but not at the same time. I saw myself so differently than I had all my life, and I was having a hard time comprehending it all. The last few days I haven’t heard from my ‘headmates’ as much as I used to. Not individually anyway, but today Silk came through hardcore showing her approval for our outfit and makeup. Belle came into my room with a beautiful corsage of pale pink and deep plum roses. They looked like there were diamonds glittering throughout them. There was a matching set of two more corsages and two boutonnieres. I figured they were for my brother and our parents.

“Aren’t you short a boutonniere? I’ve two dads.” A cheeky grin spread across my face.

“But you only have one Fated. Your brother has two mates.” She winked at me.

“Wait, they are going to be announced today as well? Stacie doesn’t even understand it all yet…” I felt a lump rising in my throat.

“Yes, love. Now I need to go deliver these and have a conversation with your fated.” She softly kissed my forehead. “And Stacie will be fine. Trust me.” Just before she reached the door, she turned around. “Thank you, by the way, for not rejecting us. You’ve been so understanding and I hope one day Alaric and I can earn the titles of mom and dad.” Tears welled up in her eyes as she quickly turned away before I could respond. In truth, I wanted to do just that but felt awkward. How do you call people who were perfect strangers just weeks ago, mom and dad?

I sighed and stood. Today was a big enough day. I pep talked my way to the staircase, telling myself it was no big, I would be okay, and everything would be fine etcetera, etcetera. I stopped at the top of the stairs and froze.

So. Many. People. My brain went into overdrive. I backed away, hoping no one saw me. Thousands were making their way into the castle. Not just mortals either. “Are you okay?” I jumped, hearing Alke. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Her head tilted to the side as she studied me.

“Too many people,” I whispered.

“I told you. You got more than you bargained for in the attention department today since Hep and I are here. They all know something is up. It’s not a secret how hard things have been on Hep.” Her face turned red and she bit her lip. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Is that why there are so many deities here today? Because of Hep being here?” I still didn’t understand.

“I don’t think that’s my story to tell, Princess. Hep may when he’s ready, but I think he’s just praying this isn’t a dream.” She winked at me with a sisterly smile.

I nodded, still overwhelmed. “Can you portal me to where I need to be? I’m not ready for them all to see me, and I need to get there sooner than later, or else I may back out of this whole thing.” My knees were shaking and I felt like I was sweating like a stuffed pig on a spit.

Thankfully, she understood and opened a portal for me. I was behind a curtain on an outdoor stage. This wasn’t where we had said we were doing this. I peeked through the curtain. Big mistake. There were hundreds of thousands of pairs of eyes. I started to feel dizzy, blinking rapidly. I felt someone caught me and I was out.

“El, sweetie?” I heard Selene’s gentle voice calling me. “You need to pull it together. You’ll be okay. I’m with you.” She forced my eyes open and the sight of my Fated greeted my eyes. He was so worried.

“You gave us all quite the scare.” He said softly, holding me close in his lap.

“I’m so sorry, how long was I out?” I bit my lip nervously.

“Only a couple of minutes. Are you okay with doing this today?” His concern warmed my heart.

“I can do this.” I started to stand with his help. “Aran, you ready to get this over with?”

My brother laughed nervously, “More than ever.”

Bella and Alaric nodded to us with smiles, taking the stage. It was amazing to see all of the people, deities included, silent in their presence.

“Today is a beautiful day for Faerl. Moreso for the queen and I,” Alaric began his speech. “We’ve brought home not only our daughter but our son as well. There will be many questions, I understand, but when you meet them, all will be explained. On top of that blessing, our children have found their mates as well. While we had hoped to keep them to ourselves for a little while, we now share them with three amazing beings. Starting from the beginning,” He gestured for Belle to step forward.

“All of you know my bloodline and the duty of our females when Selene calls, and call she has. We did what we needed to keep our daughter safe.” She motioned for Scott to step forward, “This man, many of you may recognize. I grew up with him. He has been a friend and confidant for many years. He raised our daughter as his own, keeping her as safe from harm as he could. For this, he is now a Duke of Faerl. I am pleased to say my best friend, Alisee, is his mate.” A cheer erupted from the crowd. There was always fanfare with a new pairing. “And I now present to you, Princess Elentari Tirisil, Lunar Guardian, our daughter.”

I was so nervous I almost couldn’t hear anyone. Hep let go of my hand, and I looked back at him, terrified. He mouthed the word*go* to me and I moved forward to Belle. Everyone was going crazy but suddenly stopped, mouths open, staring in my direction. I had no idea what to do.

“Uhm… Hello, everyone.” I internally scolded myself. I felt so stupid. My parents all gave me hugs.

“The same night Elentari was born, we gave birth to another. We were told he was stillborn, but have come to find out he was not. Today we are proud to introduce you to Aranelda Tirisil, Prince of Faerl.” Alaric announced Aran. I clapped and smiled for him as he walked forward and gave a small wave.

“Now it is our honor to present Eliza Bronzetail and Stacie MaComb, the mates of our son.” Both of the girls walked out in their matching dresses, hand in hand. They looked absolutely radiant. It was getting harder and harder to breathe. I couldn’t help but feel something was about to happen, and I don’t mean a bursting pinata with candy in it.

“Our last introduction is a being you all know of. He is not simply our daughter’s mate, but her Fated, and she, his Destined.” Belle motioned for Hephaestus to join me on the stage. His strong hand wrapped around my tiny one and I finally took in a breath as the crowd openly gasped. I knew he wasn’t much to look at, but my heart and soul didn’t care. He was mine.

A slow clap came from the crowd as someone started walking toward the stage. I could hear the click of heels followed by a sarcastic laugh. I looked for the source of the sounds and I saw her. I don’t know how I knew her, but I did. Aphrodite.