Page 73 of Once You Go Pack
Elder Grimm stepped forward, his ancient voice carrying easily through the hall. “We gather today under the light of Nova Aurora’s twin suns and the blessing of the Moon goddess herself to witness the union of King Cade Dravik and Mila Eldridge, and to crown our new High Sovereign Queen.”
The ceremony proceeded in a blur of ancient words and sacred rituals, but Mila remained focused entirely on Cade. When the time came for vows, he spoke first, his voice clear and strong.
“Mila, you came into my world when I thought I had everything figured out. You showed me that strength isn’t aboutcontrol—it’s about trust. About opening your heart even when it terrifies you.” His eyes burned with sincerity. “I promise to love you fiercely, to stand beside you as an equal, and to spend every day proving that you were always meant to be my queen.”
Mila’s voice trembled with emotion as she spoke her own vows. “Cade, you saw me when I felt invisible. You believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. I promise to stand beside you through every challenge, to bring light to the darkness, and to love you with everything I am for all the days of our lives.”
Elder Grimm smiled as they exchanged rings—simple platinum bands that would mark them as eternally bound. Then came the moment Mila had been anticipating with equal parts excitement and awe.
The crown was unlike anything she’d ever seen—delicate silver worked with moonstone and sapphires that seemed to hold captured moonlight. As Elder Grimm placed it gently on her head, she felt a surge of power and purpose flow through her.
“By the ancient laws of the Ice Mountains and the blessing of the Moon goddess,” Elder Grimm announced, “I present to you Queen Mila Dravik, High Sovereign Queen of the Ice Mountains territory.”
The hall erupted in cheers and applause, but Mila heard none of it. Her entire world had narrowed to Cade’s burning green eyes.
“You may now kiss your queen,” Elder Grimm said with obvious satisfaction.
Cade’s hands cupped her face with infinite tenderness as he looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the universe.
“My queen,” he murmured, low enough that only she could hear.
Then his lips claimed hers in a kiss that was pure fire and devotion—possessive yet worshipful, claiming yet cherishing. Itwas a kiss that spoke of forever, of battles fought together and victories shared. A kiss that declared to everyone watching that this was his mate, his queen, his equal in all things.
Mila kissed him back with equal passion, pouring all her love and joy into the connection between them. She didn’t care that hundreds of eyes were watching them. This moment belonged to them alone.
When they finally broke apart, both breathing hard, Cade rested his forehead against hers.
“Are you ready for your next great adventure with me?” he asked, his voice husky with emotion and barely contained desire. “Together as king and queen?”
Mila’s smile was radiant with happiness and anticipation. “I can’t wait for many great adventures with you,” she said, her eyes sparkling. “Including children.”
The way his eyes darkened with primal satisfaction sent heat spiraling through her.My Alpha,she thought with delicious anticipation of their wedding night.
“Soon,” he said, his voice a low growl that made her shiver with want.
As the crowd continued to cheer around them, Mila felt nothing but pure joy. The woman who had been invisible and ordinary just weeks ago was gone forever. In her place stood a queen ready to embrace whatever challenges and adventures lay ahead, secure in the knowledge that she had found her true home and her perfect partner.
The future stretched before them, bright with infinite possibility.
