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.

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 of their own volition, eager to carry

it – the crowd loves it, and cheers harder. I laugh at this too, reaching out a hand for Sinclair when I come to the end of

and pulls me to his side. “I tried 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

– as much as I thought the people of this nation wanted me to be their dignified queen… Well. They’ll just have to make do

maybe that’s all they really want

us. When he reaches the end Henry makes

go as fast as the previous meeting

of our fine city – a human – comes forward along with the head of the largest pack – a wolf – to together perform the ceremony. Sinclair and I turn towards them and he goes to one knee, reciting an oath

vow, especially the words that we had changed, which promise explicitly to protect and serve

scepter that marks his sovereignty, and then

is due. The cheer goes on for a long time and I send Sinclair a little pulse of joy.

the crowd dies down Sinclair turns towards the throne,

serious lines now as I see it, finally,

pretty – I’m well aware