Alpha Nocurne's Contracted Mate

Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell

Chapter 154 Emergency

The hum of chatter faded as soon as the Steward announced their arrival and every person in attendance stood and turned to watch the newly instated royal couple with interest.

Ann took a deep breath to steady her nerves as unobtrusively as she could. She f*orc*ed a demure smile on her face as she and Adam made their way toward their seats and tried desperately to ignore the countless judgmental eyes now focused solely on her.

The Royal Table sat at the far back of the room, elevated slightly above the others on a beautifully sculpted dais. Two ornate chairs, crafted in Silver and decorated expertly with reliefs of the Moon Goddess and her first children sculpted into the metalwork, sat central to the table, flanked on either side by additional chairs for the most senior of the Royal Enclave.

As Ann and Adam passed the many faces of the wide array of dignitaries a*s*sembled in the banquet hall, they held their heads high as the surrounding shifters bowed their heads or bared their necks as a sign of respect to the passing couple.

‘Oh look how respected we are already!’ Maeve preened proudly as she fought the urge to extend her dominance just a little, ‘Clearly, they appreciate that we are a magnificent fit for the throne.’

‘Clearly,’ Ann replied with a chuckle, ‘Not all of these faces are friendly though. Politics and diplomacy are tricky at the best of times, especially with the devious hearts behind some of these faces.’

‘Oh yes, because you’re an expert on spotting sinister intentions,’ Maeve sniggered sarcastically. ‘Are you ever going to let that go?’ Ann replied with a little sigh as her frustration leaked into her tone. ‘Evidently not. You’re a big girl. You can take it. Own your problems before they own you and all that…’ Maeve replied nonchalantly.

bit back defensively, ‘Whilst some are happy to work on a mutually beneficial relationship, there is still a good amount that will only look out for their own interests,

can’t just go around ripping people apart. It would have been disastrous

Maeve snorted jokingly with a wicked glint in her eye, although Ann wasn’t quite sure

Senior members of the Enclave bowed their heads respectfully and greeted them as they took their seats at the table in the central position, with the

and Adam were almost immediately engaged in conversation with the Elders that sat closest to them

called out above the hum of conversation, as people slowly turned their attention to

he smiled broadly

welcome her consort, Adam Nocturne into the lineage of our treasured Royal bloodline.” He began to a chorus of shouted greetings and well wishes, interspersed with

waited for the noise to die

hope that together, they will lead our kingdom to new heights. It is a special occasion indeed, for it is said that every coronation marks the beginning of a new era and what is even more extraordinary and exceptional, is that this era will be led

toast of the evening! As we raise our glasses in honor of our rulers, let us not forget the ancient tales of kingdoms ruled by werewolves and the hardships that we have already faced, and the dire threats that we overcame. For tonight, we celebrate not only the triumphs of our human natures, but also those of the noble beasts that dwell within our hearts. May this feast

the steward rippled through the room as Ann and Adam raised their glasses

and as the day turned into the evening, the a*s*sembled nobles began to bid

for the night too, my Queen,” Adam

saw the heat that smoldered in