Queen of the Lycan - Karina Espinosa (bill gates book recommendations .TXT) 📗

I have a sort of … history, I thought it would only be logical if I came in person to congratulate you.”

“Right …” I looked around the ballroom, noticing everyone’s attention riveted on our exchange. “In that case, welcome to Sheunta Village. I hope you enjoy your evening here.” I made sure to word my greeting carefully.

Angus bowed again. “We will, Your Majesty. Please accept this gift on behalf of the fae.” As he stepped aside, one of his companions moved forward to present a dark mahogany box carved with swirls all around its perimeter.

When the lid was lifted, I saw a bounty of jewels glistening within—rubies, diamonds, emeralds, along with gold and silver pieces that looked like they would be more at home in a treasure chest. Not bothering to disguise my awe, my mouth hung open in a very unladylike manner.

“Angus … I can’t accept that.” I involuntarily leaned forward to look at all the sparkling gems and metals.

“It would be an insult if you didn’t, Your Majesty,” he said as his companion closed the lid, the sharp snap a loud thud in the quiet of the ballroom.

Without waiting for my response, the fae holding the box handed it to one of my guards. With that movement, the exchange was complete. I couldn’t reject it if I wanted to now—decorum wouldn’t allow it.

“I hope to see you soon, Queen Mackenzie MacCoinnich.” Angus winked. Without waiting for my response, he walked away with his companions.

I was left sitting there wondering what the hell his gift and words meant. I knew it had something to do with the little blood donation I made in exchange for a couple favors back home, but I didn’t know the specifics. All I knew was that they found fae magic in my blood. Okay, now what? What did it mean? Was Angus planning to keep me in suspense for the rest of my damned life? Damnit, I hated the fae. Nothing was ever straightforward with them.

I slouched on my throne in a very un-Queen-like fashion and grumbled about how unfair life could be. Soon after the spectacle of our fae visitors diminished, others began to approach the throne to offer their well wishes. I held on to that box for dear life. Once the night finally started to wind down, Alexander made his first appearance of the evening. I hadn’t seen him in hours, and I’d been a nervous wreck the whole time. I felt like I’d stolen his crown from him.

“Darling,” he offered with a slight bow. “How are ye feeling?”

I blew out a breath in the most unrefined manner. “Overwhelmed is a good place to start.”

Alexander smiled. “That’s normal. Ye did well today.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled. “Do I have to wear this crown every day?” I groused as I scratched my scalp around the edges of the crown.

Alexander laughed. “No, dear. Ye didn’t see me wearing it every day. Only for special occasions.”

I gave a contented sigh. “Good.” I bit my lip and decided to plunge ahead and ask the question I’d been dying to ask. “Hey, so … about the coronation … what was that thing with the ribbon?”

He grinned and his gray eyes sparkled. “Ah, the transfer of power. I should have warned ye about it, but I did nae think ye would go through with it if I told ye what it was.”

I gulped. “What did I take?” I whispered.

“Yer an Alpha now, Mackenzie. A true Alpha. Ye’ve always been one, against all odds, but now ye have the power of all the Lycan Kings of old. Yer one of a kind.”

He smiled at me like a proud father and not like someone who stole his Alpha powers. I was so confused! Seeing my perplexed expression, he laughed.

“Don fret, darling, I’m nae useless. I’m still strong on my own. I always have been. It must be in our blood.” When he smirked, I rolled my eyes. I didn’t understand how he could be so nonchalant about this. “What do ye have there?” He smoothly changed the subject and motioned to the box in my lap.

I tightened my grip. “A gift from Lucian.”

“Oh, really?” Alexander’s smile brightened. “And what did he bring ye?”

I bit my lip again, uncomfortable and strangely reticent to tell him. “It’s nothing …”

His brows furrowed for a split second before a light bulb went off in his head. “Oh.” He cleared his throat and smiled again, but this time I could tell it was forced. “I bet it was nice seeing the Council take a knee, those old bastards,” he grumbled low enough so he couldn’t be heard outside of me and Bash.

I chuckled. It was nice seeing the King’s Council pledge their loyalty to me, but it was even more satisfying to see Charles Cadwell do it. The whole time it looked like he had a sour lemon in his mouth. It took a lot for me not to laugh outright at the spectacle.

I glanced away from Alexander to scan the ballroom for Charles, but couldn’t find him. I knew he was here somewhere—already plotting my demise, most likely. Both the American and European Summits were in attendance, so he had plenty of takers to join him in his conspiracy.

“Charles was even better,” I whispered. Bash snorted beside me, covering his mouth and coughing to disguise the sound.

Alexander couldn’t control his roar of laughter and threw his head back in delight. “Ye’ll do just fine, darling.”

I could tell he truly believed it, and in that moment, something unfurled in my chest and I knew I needed to start believing it, too. I had a good support system. With them behind me, I could do this.

“Where’s Helena?” I asked Alexander as I searched the large room for my granny.

“She’s mingling,” he replied breezily. “I’m sure she’ll stop by soon.” As soon as the words left his mouth, I spotted her standing with a group of older lunas. I smiled at the sight. She looked happy.

“Your Majesty.” As