Epilogue #2
I burst out in laughter at that. "Are you sure you can behave for the entire day?"
She bites her lip and shrugs. "I'm going to try, Daddy."
I kiss the tip of her nose. "Good girl. Now you'd better go let Petra and Isabeth in before they break down the door to get you."
She giggles. "See you at the altar, Daddy."
It's been hours since Petra and Isabeth absconded with my mate, and I'm growing restless.
It's the longest we've been separated since she came into my life, and it's driving me insane.
She put a curtain over our bond, only allowing me to feel her happiness as the women help her get ready for the ceremonies, and I hate it.
"You need to calm down before Sera thinks something is wrong," Sean says. "It's almost time."
"Yeah, you're wearing a path in the rug from all your pacing," Saint points out.
I blow out a breath and collapse into my chair. I've tried to focus on work, but that distraction lasted about ten minutes before I was up and pacing again. It's not just me who's anxious; my wolf is feeling extra possessive of his mate now that he knows she's with pup. Not that I can blame him.
What if something happens and I'm not there?
I know that sounds ridiculous. She's safe in the palace. We have guards throughout, as we have many visiting packs. She's as safe as she can be without me or Saint by her side. That gives me an idea.
"You should go check on her—I mean them. Maybe they need help with something, and that's why it's taking so long," I tell Saint.
He backs away, holding his hands out. "And get my head chewed off again? No, thank you. The last time you sent me, I was threatened to within an inch of my life by a group of Omegas! The sweetest females I know threatened to castrate me… even my own mate!"
There's a knock on the door, and I bark at whoever is on the other side to enter.
Alberta opens the door with a scowl on her face. "Don't bark at me, young man."
"I'll apologize for our king. He's a bit strung tight today," Saint says, not even trying to hide his amusement.
"I came to let you know they are ready, and it's time to start the ceremonies. But if you want to be grumpy, I can tell them we need to wait until the king stops being an ass," she sasses.
"You wouldn't dare," I say, even though I know she one hundred percent would do just that.
"You're right. But only because your mate is about to go on a rampage if she doesn't see you soon."
For the first time in hours, a smile crosses my face. Hearing that Sera misses me as much as I miss her makes everything better.
"Well, we don't want that. Let's get these two married!" Saint says, clapping his hands together.
The throne room is decorated to the nines, and the seats are filled with our closest friends and representatives from the packs of the kingdom.
There are so many people here to witness this day that there are even people standing in the back and around the sides.
I never anticipated this many people would attend, but then I never anticipated how loved Sera would be by the entire kingdom.
I stand tall at the altar as I await my future wife and queen.
The harpist starts playing when the doors at the back of the room open, revealing my beautiful bride.
I know she kept her dress a secret because she wanted me to be surprised, but I only have eyes for her beautiful smile and the happiness in her eyes.
I'm sure the dress is gorgeous on her, but I just can't tear my eyes away from her face.
When she reaches the halfway point down the long aisle, she starts walking faster, like she can't get to me quick enough.
Understanding the desire to be reunited, I step off the altar and meet her halfway.
Everyone in the audience laughs when I lift her off her feet and carry her the rest of the way.
I sit her down and kiss her. We get lost in the moment and are broken apart when Saint clears his throat loudly. "That's for after the 'I dos,'" he whispers loud enough for everyone to hear.
Sera's cheeks flush pink, and she looks at the audience. "Sorry! It's been hours," she says without any remorse.
Laughter fills the room again.
Sean clears his throat and starts the ceremony.
We decided to stick with the basic vows, as the ceremony will be longer than normal, with the crowning ceremony added directly after.
Sera said we didn't need to write our own vows because we already know how the other feels. I could do nothing but agree with her.
"You may kiss your bride."
Our kiss is less than appropriate for where we are, but neither of us cares.
We only break apart when the applause breaks out, along with cheering from the crowd.
Sera's cheeks are flushed, and she looks ready to rip my tuxedo off.
Not that I blame her, because I'm ready to do the same to her dress.
We proceed directly to the crowning ceremony.
Sera says her vows to the kingdom and kneels before me.
Saint holds out the queen's crown on a velvet pillow for me to crown her.
The moment the crown is in place, a warm wind dances through the room, causing everyone to gasp.
Flower petals fall from above, dancing in the wind.
A true blessing from the Goddess herself.
I help Sera to her feet. Her beautiful smile warms her face.
"All hail Queen Seraphina Ragnor!" Saint shouts, sending the room into a frenzy of applause and cheers.
While everyone moves to the banquet hall, we sneak away for a private moment.
We lose ourselves in a passionate kiss. It takes every ounce of my strength to pull away.
I want to secret her away to our rooms and let the celebration happen without us, but she worked so hard to make things perfect, and I know she'll regret it tomorrow.
"We'd better get back."
She sighs. "Just a minute more."
I hold her close and let myself savor the feeling of holding her.
"Can I ask you something?" she asks a few minutes later.
"You can ask me anything."
"Will you still be Daddy even when you are a daddy?"
I can hear the clear distinction between the two daddies. I know exactly what she's asking, and I'm so proud of her for expressing her concern.
"I will always be Daddy to you, little wolf. No matter how many children we have."
"That's good to know because I'm pregnant."
I smirk down at her. "I know."
She frowns. "How did you know?! I was so careful."
I lean in close and take a deep inhale of her scent. "I can smell my pup in you, my beautiful mate."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"Why ruin the surprise?"