Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell
Chapter 148 Royal Enclave
With all of the last-minute arrangements that had to be made, as well as clearing Adam’s schedule and booking in a last-minute stylist for her hair, the time seemed to pass far too quickly.
She certainly didn’t feel like she had gotten enough sleep the night before when she woke the next morning.
After they had gotten ready for the impending ceremony, she made her way out to the car, clutching the jewelry that she had inherited from her mother tightly in her hands. It only seemed fitting that as she was wearing the dress that her mother designed for her, then she should also wear the heirlooms that had been left for her too.
In a way, she hoped that even in the arms of the moon goddess, her mother would be able to look down on her today and smile warmly, seeing what she had become.
“Are you nervous at all?” Adam asked as she slid into the car and he got in, sitting next to her.
Ann smiled and shook her head gently.
“No, I don’t think so. I think it’s more anticipation if anything. My father has made a lot of questionable decisions during the later years of his reign, and I think it’s about time tat I was able to at least have a hand in putting everything right.”
Adam nodded his agreement and smiled at her.
“You’re going to be fantastic you know?” he affirmed before he paused and a troubled look crossed his face. “Will your father be there?”
Ann nodded slightly.
“Yes. as far as I’m aware it’s customary for the former ruler to be in attendance so as to show that there has been no foul play involved in the ascension of the throne. The people need to see a united front, even if that is not always the case behind closed doors.” She grimaced.
“It makes sense. I just wish you didn’t have to be f*orc*ed into close proximity with him so soon…” Adam said, his brows creased in concern.
Ann laughed dismissively and rubbed his arm gently.
“I’ll be fine, Adam. What is there left that he can do to me? He already betrayed me and abandoned me, and chose others over his family. I doubt there’s much that’s left. I don’t need a washed-up, neglectful father to give my own life value.” Ann said confidently. “At one time it might have bothered me, but now? Now he holds no value to me whatsoever.”
Adam placed his hand over her own and patted it gently. Although there was a smile still firmly planted on his face, it didn’t quite reach his eyes, the concern still evident there.
The journey to the Enclave passed almost in silence, apart from the incessant excitement that Maeve was exhibiting as she bounced around happily inside of Ann. Even Adam was positively bristling with excitement.
Once the car had pulled to a stop in front of the entrance, the driver rushed around and opened the door for Ann, knowing full well that in a mere matter of hours, she was about to become the most powerful and revered woman in the entire Kingdom.
The doors to the Enclave opened slowly and they were greeted at the door by a hooded female in the flowing robes customary for those that sat in the office as part of the Royal Enclave.
Her voice felt familiar and Ann was almost positive that it was the same woman who had approached her at the first trial to retrieve the data stick from her as she fought to prove her innocence.
She greeted them warmly and ushered them inside, showing them to their quarters within the Enclave that from this day forward would be theirs and theirs alone. Depending on the matters to be resolved, sometimes days would need to be spent within the Enclave, and having their own quarters alongside the Elders meant that discussions could continue late into the night.
“It’s a pleasure to finally have you among us, Princess Ann.” The Elder female stated warmly.
“Thank you,” Ann replied with a small smile, not really sure of how to address the woman before her.
As a young girl who sometimes had to frequent the Enclave with her mother and father, the Royal Enclave had always seemed very austere and the people that wandered the halls emanated a frightening aura to her childlike eyes.
Now, as an adult, she saw that they emanated power and wisdom. That in itself was nothing to be fearful of. Now she looked upon them as colleagues, a means to ensure that justice would prevail throughout their Kingdom, no matter the status that an individual held.
“I might be wrong,” Ann began, a little hesitantly, “But were you the Elder that retrieved the video of from me within the court?”
An amused chuckle rumbled from under the hood as she lifted her hands and revealed her face.
“I can already see that your perception is far better than your fathers ever was, Princess. However, I will introduce myself, and my fellows later when we have more time. I want you to know, that no elder here holds any of the trials against you. There is no suspicion or wariness towards you based on your father’s baseless accusations. The ill feeling lies with Leopold, not with you, Princess.”
Ann took in the woman’s kind expression and soft crinkle at the corners of her eyes and nodded, returning her smile. Her expression seemed genuine and Maeve hadn’t offered any objections so she would take her at face value. “The ceremony itself won’t take long. After The rites are conducted in the Sacred Halls of Elune, you will be expected to make your way to the balcony and greet the crowds that will be waiting below.” The Elder replied as Ann nodded quietly.
“I’ll send the Omega’s to a*s*sist you with dressing for the occasion.”
“There’s no need. I can dress myself. I do have a hair stylist on the way though… it’s not something that I’ve ever been much good at, not for fancy occasions anyway.” Ann smiled.
The Elder chuckled lightly.