“Do you understand what you have to do, Allie?”

“Yes, Robert. I can handle it.”

“There’s still some time. Are you sure you don’t want me to get someone from town hall in here?”

“No. It’s not that I don’t want to marry Levi, but I want to do it my way. I also refuse to deprive my mother of her right to be part of it. It’s going to be hard enough to explain to her that her future grandchildren are going to have wings.”

Helen laughed. I really was lucking out in the mother-in-law department.

Robert made complete eye contact. For once, it didn’t intimidate me. “You are already bonded with Levi as his mate, but generally the queen is already married to the king.”

“I want a summer wedding. I think after everything you can respect that wish.”

Robert actually smiled. “I think I can. I also respect that you take your mother’s feelings into consideration.”

“My dad’s too.” I may not have said it, but I needed him there too.

“I promise I’ll make her an honest woman this summer, Dad. We can’t wait any longer for the coronation though.” The wedding formality was for the human world, but it was important to the Laurent family too. More important than I expected.

“No, we can’t wait. It’s time for you to become king.” Robert beamed at his son, and Levi looked equally happy. He may have downplayed it lately, but becoming King of The Society was huge to him.

“Have you two figured out what your retirement plans are?” I asked. Robert had been grilling me enough, it was his turn.

Helen smiled. “We’re traveling. We haven’t traveled on unofficial business for years.”

Robert put an arm around Helen. He was so much more relaxed than usual. “This city is too small for us to stay around. It’s Levi’s turn to rule.”

“Both of ours. Allie and I are doing this together.” Levi squeezed my hand.

A knock on the door let us know that it was time.

“Let’s do this,” Levi whispered in my ear before he led me out on his arm.

The chambers were as cold as always, but I didn’t mind it with Levi right next to me. We walked in behind Robert and Helen, and I held my head up high. I was about to become queen, it wasn’t the time to get nervous. I looked around the room, grinning when I caught sight of Tiffany and Anne sitting in a middle row of stone seats. I smiled back when Toby gave me a thumbs up sign, and Cade winked. I looked all over for Hailey, and finally found her with Jared and Owen off to the side. I sighed with relief. Levi had listened to my one request.

Levi and I stood to the right of Robert and waited for him to begin.

“Welcome to this most important of occasions. After forty years, I am ready to hand over my crown to my son, Leviathan. He is ready to become your new king. His rule will only be enhanced by his queen, Allison. I assure you that I am leaving The Society in the finest of hands.” Robert turned and took one of my hands, and one of Levi’s.

Levi nodded and his father stepped back behind him. Helen kissed my cheek and did the same to Levi. I followed Levi’s lead and kneeled. Robert placed his crown on Levi’s head, and Helen removed my tiara and gave me her crown instead. The new headpiece was even heavier, but I didn’t care. The reality of the situation hit me as Levi took my hand, and we stood up. I was a queen. I was the queen of a supernatural society.

Levi easily commanded the attention of the room. “Thank you all for being here today. We’re glad you could witness this momentous occasion. Now, as is tradition, I will select my head of security and chief advisor.”

“There’s no one better prepared to assure to the security of the Laurent family and The Society than Jared Florence.”

Jared shook Levi’s hand before kissing me on the cheek and giving me a hug. “Glad we’ll still get to spend time together, Allie.”

I returned the hug, positive Levi had made the right decision. “I guess this means you can’t call me princess anymore?”

“Officially, no, but I might slip accidently.”

“That’s all right. I might slip and call you a goon.”

Levi leaned in to whisper. “If you two are done, I have another position to announce.”

Jared grinned and faced forward.

Levi continued. “And Owen Kaye is the only one I’d trust as my advisor.”

Owen and Levi shook hands before he hugged me. “Glad you guys worked everything out.”

“Me too. Congratulations.”

I looked out into the audience and found his parents. They looked like they might burst with excitement. This was big for them—huge.

Loud applause drowned out the conversation Levi had with his friends. I waited for the signal from Levi.

He took my hand before continuing. “Although tradition is important, sometimes it is just as important to embrace change—and create new traditions. Your queen has decided to take on an advisor of her own.”

“I couldn’t take on the position as queen without a trusted friend and advisor by my side. Hailey Kaye, will you accept the position?” Hailey meant more to me than I knew how to express in words. I needed to have her by my side as I moved into my new role.

“Yes!” She ran over and hugged me, eliciting laughter from the crowd. When we broke the hug, I saw Hailey’s dad holding her mom. The pride on her face brought tears to my eyes.

Levi whispered in my ear. “All right, my queen, are you ready?”

“Of course. This is the easy part.” He squeezed my hand before we left the room and headed upstairs to the reception.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Levi removed his hands from my eyes. “You can look now.”

“The flamingo? You got me the flamingo?” I took two steps forward and ran my hand over the beautiful wood. He’d anchored it into the wall.

“Is it the right one?”

I felt the tears, and I didn’t fight them. “Yes.”

“Good.” He put his arms around my waist, giving me just enough space that I could look at him.

“How’d you find it?”

“There weren’t too many amusement parks that were selling off rides when you were seven.”

“I can’t believe you did this. It’s unreal.” I put a hand on his shoulder.

“It’s very real. It’s also sturdy. You can ride it if you want.”

I laughed. “The only bird I’m riding is you.”