Accidental Surrogate

A King, A Queen Ella The aids go pale as they see me hurry back to the door, their eyes going wide.

This is not protocol “Ella!” Cora gasps, her eyes moving quickly over me as she bounces Rafe in her arms, trying to calm him. “What are you doing!?” “He wants me, Cora,” I breathe, hurrying to her side and reaching for my baby.

Cora doesn’t hesitate, handing him over to me, even though she rolls her eyes.

“He’s going to be fine!” “Well, he is now!” I say, already turning back to the door, my baby beginning to calm, though his face is still red and a few tears stand out on his cheeks.

The aids wave to me frantically and 1 nod to them, mouthing my apologies as I again head through the door and hurry towards the aisle.

The crowd, which had gone quiet in their confusion, suddenly bursts into the loudest cheer yet, a great deal of laughter and joy in their noise now. I laugh along with them as I head down the aisle, shrugging my apology and hoping that they understand. Because as much as I’d love to be their dignified queen?

I’m always going to be a mother first.

There’s a huge smile on my face as the crowd cheers for Rafe and I, as I coo to him and wipe the tears from his face, as I see him look around at everyone in wonder and surprise. He’s not scared anymore not with me holding him.

Someone in the crowd shouts his name and I swear he turns when he hears it, making me laugh.

us. And my smile deepens as a thrill runs through me from head to foot to see him there, waiting for me. I swear, my feet start to move faster

too, reaching out a hand for Sinclair

to be dignified – it didn’t work “It’s all right, trouble,” he murmurs, kissing my hair. “This was better. It was you.” I almost purr with happiness then, pressing my face briefly to his chest and letting him hug me before

wanted me

maybe that’s all

reaches the end Henry makes a short detour up the little ramp that we had built for him as Cora and Roger come up to stand at our side – Cora next to me, and Roger next to

fast as the

to together perform the ceremony. Sinclair and I turn towards them and he goes

that we had changed, which promise

is done the mayor hands Sinclair a scepter that marks his sovereignty, and then the pack

crowd roars their approval. He faces them all and looks around smiling, nodding deeply to let them know that he accepts his new position with the gravity that it is due. The cheer goes on for a long time and I send Sinclair a little pulse of joy. He turns to me then, taking my hand and beaming his

crowd dies down Sinclair turns towards the throne, accepting

my face settling into serious lines now as I see

this crown and it really is very pretty – I’m well aware that