Adelina stood before the mirror and stepped into the exquisite dress Nadyah held out for her. It was the traditional white, but she’d had a few additions made. The gold brocade was handstitched with real gold from the top down. Howling wolves and roses hidden in the embroidery.

The gold trailed down into the white and glittered.

It was a strapless gown and hugged her form until it reached her waist, and then the skirts became voluminous and cloud-like. Adelina rubbed the gold stitching between her fingers gently as Nadyah did the clasps on her back.

So many traditions. So much to remember as she was dressed. Adelina remembered all the preparation for Raena’s coronation – and Giselle’s hasty one. This dress she wore…Gwendoline had it already made by the time she’d returned. Apparently it was something she’d started working on when word reached Draga Terra Adelina would be queen.

It was perfection.

As was the crown she’d found when she’d gone to pick one out. The Royal Jewels were now hers, and hers to allow others to wear. Thousands of cycles of Draga royals had amassed the collection. But Adelina had already known which era she wanted to represent.

The queen who had ruled two thousand cycles ago – a warrior queen who had been the undisputed ruler. No male had taken that power from her. And the crown…

It was something else. Something no one had worn in an age.

There were gold panels that created a fan from ear to ear, pointing straight up with designs carved into it. Every other panel had a small black jewel at the tip that glowed with an inner fire – the blackest opals Adelina had ever seen.

Golden petals formed the base that would sit atop her head with one point coming down over her forehead to reach the golden mark between her eyes. The black opal set into that center piece was what made the ancient headdress crown truly magnificent. It glittered and glowed and would remind all that she was queen – that Adelina had been tested and tried and had succeeded much like that warrior queen all those centuries ago.

“Asher is ready to perform the ceremony?” Adelina asked as Nadyah set the intricate gold chain mail over her shoulders.

“Yes, my queen.”

Every piece was meant to be a reminder. The gold on her shoulders was delicate and gorgeous but also looked like armor – despite the gold chains that wrapped around her throat and would drape across her chest, set with diamonds and black opals.

The gold on her right hand was delicate filigree that wrapped around her fingers and nails and went up her arm like an armored glove, ending just before her marriage tattoos began.

Long gold filigree earrings nearly brushed the top of her shoulders. Her hair was set in a half updo with golden chains around the bun. The rest of her hair fell down her back in dark, shimmering waves.

Black kohl rimmed her eyes and blood-red paint colored her lips.

Adelina looked every inch the warrior queen. And she planned to lead her people with that same steel she’d used to free them from the Neprijat threat. That steel wouldn’t melt in peacetime. Not when she had to fight for the rights of those of the Neprijat who had never wanted to attack them.

Not when she had to integrate the Drakesthai into her kingdom – make sure the Draga people accepted Kaiden and any Drakesthai who wished to live within her borders. She still had to make sure the progress with their infertility continued until the poison was completely reversed.

It would be easy enough since she had a wedding to throw there in a few months.

Adelina smiled at her reflection despite the severity of the event.

They’d made it through the war and onto the other side. All three of her mates were alive and well and waiting for her in the other room. She couldn’t wait for them to see her. And she couldn’t wait until after the festivities when they would take every bit of this glory and splendor off.

Everything but the crown of the warrior queen.

“Is everyone here?” Adelina asked.

Nadyah smiled. “Yes. Your mother and father-in-law were the first to arrive this morning with Roman and his new mate. The rest of their sons had to stay in Hai. But the entire Drakesthai council is here. As are the Unchanged. Queen Kaita arrived a few hours ago and she’s been making Nash give her the official tour. She brought the other royals, and the Chancellor of Brogna is here with his retinue.”

“Princess Dejah?” Adelina asked.

The smile turned into a frown. “Sozav and Princess Dejah brought five other Neprijat. It has been…uneasy since they arrived about an hour ago, but Veri was handling it last I checked. Your brothers are dressed and ready as are your mothers.”

Adelina nodded and adjusted the gold on her shoulders. It was a similar design to the necklace she’d created for Raena and despite everything that had happened, Adelina wore it to remind herself of everything her eldest sister had ever taught her – even if Drozer had turned her into a monster…Raena had loved her.

The red lipstick she wore for Giselle. A token reminder of the blood debt that had been paid – the blood that she’d sacrificed for this victory. The earrings her father had given her for her coming-of-age day. Adelina wished for the thousandth time that he could be here to see her.

But she knew that wherever he was – he was proud of her and of what she had accomplished.

Adelina breathed deep and nodded. She was ready.

For the first time since the war she didn’t feel nervous before a public event. This official coronation would mark the beginning of her peaceful reign. And Adelina no longer felt the nerves plague her.

She’d accomplished everything she’d set out to do and more. She had saved her people, the Drakesthai, and the Corinthians.

Yes, there had been casualties. But there were so many more left alive because of what she’d done.

“Thank you, Nadyah,” she murmured, turning to the female that had been with her from the very beginning. “I will be sad to find your replacement as my lady-in-waiting, but I’m happy to be gaining an advisor.”

Adelina took Nadyah’s hands and smiled down at the ring she’d made for her. She had so much to be thankful for.

Nadyah released her and cradled Adelina’s face with a gentle touch. “There is much to do and figure out, but don’t forget that conversation you owe me.”

“Hm, which one?” Adelina asked, her smile turning into a grin as she teased.

“This one,” Nadyah whispered, leaning down to kiss her softly.

The feel of her lips reminded Adelina of their first kiss – when she’d been nothing more than a shy, nervous mess who blushed at every opportunity. The attentions of a female with so much sexual energy and experience had intimidated her – even with such a gentle kiss, barely more than a traditional kiss of greeting.

And now Adelina relished the feel of Nadyah’s love in that gentle pressure. No more than a greeting warranted, but it was a reminder—a promise.

“I love you Adelina,” Nadyah whispered. “And I’m so very proud of how far you’ve come – the queen you’ve become. I will spend the rest of my life serving you with pride. I will serve in any way you ask of me.”

Adelina had to quickly blink back the tears before she ruined her makeup. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you, my love. Thank you for pushing me to quit hiding who I truly am.”

Nadyah hugged her hard, careful of her hair and gown. “Go see your males,” she said, carefully wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “I’ll make sure everything is set up and Asher is ready.”

Adelina turned back to the mirror and smoothed the front of her dress, still blinking hard.

This time when she looked at her reflection she saw herself – she saw the girl who had grown into a woman. No longer was she the shy princess, but she was still her, still Adelina. Even if she was queen now.

“Hello, little cat,” Varan purred, appearing out of the shadows like the thief he was and always would be deep down. “You look absolutely ravishing.”

Adelina smiled. “I expect you to be careful when you remove it later.”

He tilted his head and trailed a finger across the gold armor on her shoulder. “Do I have to take it all off, or could we perhaps leave certain pieces?”

His words made her shudder with desire. Varan had always had such an effect on her, the flirt. “I suppose we’ll have to see, won’t we?” she said lightly.

Varan wore a ravishing suit of black with the same gold embroidery on her dress. It went down the tie he wore and along the edges of the jacket. He’d paired the royal outfit with his usual boots, but new this time. Still – they were clearly the boots of a rogue and not a king. It made Adelina grin and she touched the gold hoop in one of his ears. “You look beautiful.”

“I don’t hold a candle to you, darling,” he murmured, looking her up and down yet again. The dark desire in his eyes threatened to drown her. “It’s nearly midnight,” Varan murmured, abruptly changing the subject. “Are you ready?”

Adelina nodded and took the arm he offered. “I’m ready.”

The prince of thieves and king consort escorted her to her main living room where Kaiden and Nash waited.

Goddess, all her males looked fantastic.

Kaiden wore a suit similar to Varan’s but with room for his wings. There was less gold, but only so it would enhance the gold armor along the edges of his wings. Adelina released Varan and went to Kaiden, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“You both look magnificent, moya lubov.”

“As do you, kyotona,” Kaiden murmured. “They are ready and waiting for you downstairs.”

She kissed his cheek and studied his blue eyes. There was no trace of sadness at all. Kaiden was truly happy to be here – with her.

Then she turned to Nash who smiled wide. He wore traditional Kharan formal wear, but in Draga colors of black and gold. He was the only one who wore a white shirt – the same white as her gown. It suited his coloring quite nicely.

“You’ve left your hair down,” she teased, giving it a tug. “My wild warrior. It suits you.”

Nash shrugged and pulled her in for a quick kiss. “I don’t want them to forget I’m a brute.”

“My favorite brute,” Adelina corrected. “Now, will the three of you escort me to where I’m supposed to go?”

They bickered over who got to escort her, but in the end she had Varan on one side and Nash on the other. Kaiden followed from behind, spreading his wings as far as they would go. Adelina had no doubt he looked fearsome, and in turn made them all look fearsome.

She couldn’t help her smile despite the severity of the event.

A new era for Draga was beginning.

The trip down the lift to the throne room flew by and it was nothing more than a blink of the eye before she stood in the small space across from the throne room, waiting for her signal. Varan left her with a kiss and a promise to dance at the ball following the coronation – it would be a celebration of life after everything they’d endured.

Nash and Kaiden gave her a kiss each as well and then went to their places.

Then it was just her and the vid display showing Asher on the raised dais – all the thrones removed as it had been for Giselle’s coronation.

This coronation would be different. It would be a joining of the old and the new. Adelina wanted to remind her people not only of what they had accomplished, but that they had to get ready for change if they wanted to prevent such things from happening again.

They could no longer live in ignorance and isolation.

Adelina watched as recorders caught everything. They showed all the human factions and she smiled to see her mother and father-in-law, Roman and his pretty mate. They and all the Drakesthai had been given chairs to accommodate their wings. She was pleased to see even Kalene had come to see her crowned.

Then the Corinthian royals and the Queen of Khara were shown. Princess Dejah and Sozav seated next to them and on the other side, her cousins Princess Vasara and Prince Ajax.

Brogna, the Unchanged…they were all there. And then all the lords and ladies of Draga. There was Mistress Jael, Joslynn and Sirus, Alock, Masha…Adelina took a deep breath and smiled.

They were all there for her.

The lesser nobles, courtiers, and citizens were silent in their seats, no doubt cowed by all the different races in one room. The recorders showed the doors were thrown wide open and the floor-to-ceiling windows were open as well – letting in the night. Stars and moonlight glittered behind the citizens pressed against the windows and the door as guards held them back from actually crossing into the room.

More people filled the courtyard behind the doors and they spilled out into the streets. Massive displays hovered everywhere and hundreds of recorders flitted about, afraid to miss anything.

Then they showed what remained of the royal family.

The queen mother and Elara sat in the front row with Varan, Kaiden, Nash, Veri, and Nadyah.

William held the pillow with the crown as he had for Giselle. Ian held the ceremonial knife. They both stood behind Asher.

“Welcome,” Asher said loud and clear. A thousand voices silenced at his words. “We are gathered here today to officially crown the Queen of Draga. Adelina has already sworn her oath and more than proved herself to be a true leader.”

The drums started to beat, adding to his words and Adelina held her breath as she waited to hear what he would say next.

“She is the reason there are so many new faces in the crowd,” Asher said, pausing to give a nod to each faction. “She is the reason we are alive today. And we are gathered not only to recognize her rule, but to swear our fealty.”

Adelina had to take a deep breath to hold back the wave of emotion she felt at those words. Asher had always been the most dominant and ruthless. And now…he was telling them all she was.

There was no one else she would rather have crown her.

“Please rise.”

That was her cue.

Adelina stepped out of the room as the sound of thousands standing reached her. She held her skirts, signet ring heavy on her left hand. The gold armor over her right hand glittered. She paused and released her claws and canines.

Then the drums pounded harder. The beat sounded a melody that called to the wolf inside – the drums grew louder as she walked down that long aisle toward Ian, a celebration of sound. Adelina kept her chin up and shoulders back, hands clasped at waist height as Raena used to do.

Then she stopped before Asher and the drums ceased.

“Adelina, do you accept the responsibility given to the Draga family all those millennia ago?” Asher asked, repeating the words she’d spoken to Giselle what seemed like a lifetime ago.

“I accept,” Adelina answered. Her voice was strong and clear – echoed by all the displays around the palace, the city, the system—the galaxy.

“Then rise and take your oath.”

Adelina took the three steps onto the dais and Asher took the ceremonial knife from Ian. He slid it across his thumb quick and hard. The scent of royal blood filled the room and Asher drew over the gold mark across her brow in his blood. “With royal blood I mark you as the ruler of our people. Swear you will rule only to protect and not to harm.”

Adelina looked up at her brother and the Hand of the Queen. How far they’d come to be here, now – swearing this oath again. But this time in her own kingdom, her own palace, and before everyone.

“I swear on my life that I will rule with the people in my heart and mind,” Adelina promised. Her words rang like a bell through the throne room. “The Three-faced Goddess, witness my oath to protect the people and serve the Crown.”

The knife went back to Ian. William stepped forward with the crown and held it up for all to see. There were some gasps as they saw it was no regal piece but a golden headdress that would spike towards the night sky and glitter under the moonlight.

William then passed it to Asher who took the heavy gold headdress crown with a rueful smile as though to say ‘of course you would pick something so ostentatious.’

Adelina couldn’t help but smile back and nod. After everything, of course she would.

“With this crown I name you Queen Adelina of Draga,” Asher declared.

With those words she knelt before Asher and he settled the glorious piece on her head.

“I, Queen Adelina, accept this responsibility, and the responsibility to our people.”

“Rise, my queen.”

Adelina rose and turned to face the people. The drums beat only once when they all knelt before her. All of them including her brothers and mates kneeled and every citizen followed their lead. They all knelt and placed a fist over their heart. “Long live the queen.”

Adelina took them all in. Her people, and those who were not. To them it didn’t seem to matter. They all knelt before her. Her heart swelled and Adelina felt something in that moment – she wasn’t sure what it was, but it was a whisper of change.

But rather than fill her with dread as the last two had – this one filled her with hope.

“You may rise,” Adelina said. Her voice was strong and clear.

She smiled at them as they stood and before she could say anything someone stepped forward. “Chancellor of Brogna,” she said.

“My queen, may I?” the male asked, taking another step forward.

He stopped at the bottom of the dais and she smiled down at him. “I recognize the Chancellor of Brogna. Speak.”

But he didn’t speak. He went down to one knee and placed his hand over his heart. “Brogna has made mistakes in the past. We were angry and thought we had been forgotten until we received your letter begging for our assistance. It was my greatest honor to answer your call. And I am here to swear our allegiance to you once more. Brogna bows before Draga.”

Adelina’s heart pounded as she realized what he meant. “I accept the responsibility of Brogna,” she said softly, but the recorders amplified her words for all to hear. “And I promise to do better than my forefathers.”

The chancellor stood with a nod and went back to his seat, but then another took his place.

Princess Dejah.

The sight of the Neprijat princess silenced everyone. One could hear the owls singing their night song in that absolute silence as they all stared at her and wondered – wondered as did Adelina what she wanted, what she might say.

Adelina couldn’t help but admire the female. She was truly fearless and despite the fear at the sight of that grey skin, Adelina had to admit she was gorgeous. Tall, strong—a warrior. And her jet-black dress glittered. There were bits of it cut out, displaying the curves yet still hiding so much.

The pure white hair and full lips…Dejah was a beauty – terrifying but mesmerizing.

“I am Princess Dejah of the Neprijat,” she declared. “You allowed me to keep my title. You allowed those who would surrender to bow before you and swear a blood oath. You showed mercy to my people. I will never forget the risk you took believing there was good in us – that not all of us are monsters.”

The words were ones she hadn’t been prepared to hear. Adelina had thought it would be a simple coronation and then a ball where everyone would hopefully drink too much to get into any fights as mixed as the company was.

But this…Adelina blinked, her eyes burning.

Then Dejah got to her knees as the chancellor had. “It was my honor to fight with you, my queen. I swear my loyalty and allegiance to you, Queen Adelina of Draga.” Dejah ripped open her hand with her teeth and let that black blood spill. “The Neprijat of Jatan bows before Draga.”

The princess stayed on her knees, eyes to the floor as her hand bled and Adelina had to take a moment to breathe.

“I accept the responsibility of the Neprijat of Jatan. Thank you for fighting with us,” she finally said. “Without you and your people we surely would have perished.”

Murmurs as the princess stood and then bowed with her hand fisted over her heart. She returned to her seat and Adelina looked to her mates. All three of them were grinning and she wanted to wring their necks.

The drums started beating and Adelina stepped down, but then two Drakesthai females and three males came forward. Adelina froze as she recognized most of the council, but the drums kept beating. What was happening?

“I am Princess Serilda of the Drakesthai – the unofficial ruler of Hai. This is Princess Kalene, my unofficial heir,” Serilda stated for those who didn’t know. Both females bowed before Adelina and then straightened. “The three princes behind me are a part of our council. Without this stubborn female before us – my people would be extinct in a hundred cycles.”

The old dragon grinned up at Adelina and her heart fluttered – wondering what the crafty crone was up to.

Serilda flapped her hand and the Master Sealer—her mate stepped forward, giving her his hand. Then together, all five of the Drakesthai got to their knees. “Hai bows before Draga.”

The Unchanged came forward before she could say a word and got to their knees before her as well. “Kuan-Yin and Imaldi bow before Draga.”

Adelina could no longer hold her composure. Tears spilled down her cheeks and she looked to Varan. His eyes were full of tears as well and she could see the pride in them. He nodded once.

“I accept the responsibility of Hai and the Unchanged,” Adelina stated, her voice wavering only slightly. “You honor me.”

Then Kaita swept before them all until she was only one step below Adelina. They stared into each other’s eyes. Two queens. The female even wore the crown Adelina had gifted her with.

Kaita took her hands and then knelt before her. “Khara bows before Draga.”

Queen of queens.

The court she’d formed over the last few months with strangers across the galaxy…it wouldn’t be broken after all – only spread across four systems.

Utter silence as they all waited with bated breath.

“Are you sure?” Adelina whispered, leaning down slightly so only Kaita could hear her.

The female looked up at her with those sparkling rose eyes and grinned. “I’m sure there will be a lot of paperwork and I didn’t want to do it all myself.”

Adelina couldn’t help but laugh, tears still falling as her heart swelled until she thought it might burst from her chest. Then she said loud and clear for all to hear, “I accept the responsibility of Khara.”

Kaita stood and wrapped her up in a hug, both of them laughing.

Adelina looked to her mates who leapt to their feet and started cheering until soon everyone joined in. She released Kaita and glanced back at Asher who looked dumbstruck. Ian and William both smiled and gave her quiet nods.

Kaita stepped aside and Adelina stepped down from the dais, leading the way to the ballroom. No one escorted her. They all followed behind and as she stepped out of the palace she looked up to the sky at the two heavy moons.

And Adelina thanked Mala, her patron goddess, for looking over her through the hard times. She thanked all the gods and goddess Draga’s fate had not been to fall, but to rise. They had hope and a future.

Adelina was a queen of queens. And she would lead them through this time of change. She would remember how far they had come, and pay homage to everything they’d been willing to give up.

Adelina had been willing to sacrifice everything.

And she had come out the other side with so much more than she could have ever dreamed of.