The Tiger Prince's Witch
Chapter 76 - New King and Queen

The clean-up after the battle was relatively fast after everything that had happened. Anna couldn't believe how quickly everyone chipped in to get things back to normal. She knew part of it was because Randal had made it clear after the fight

that they would have the crowning in two days. Today was that day.

Anna didn't care about having the title but also understood what a big deal it was to have the honor of being queen. Gary's pack, Jarek, and the other werecats decided to stay for the crowning. People kept thanking her for bringing everyone together, but she didn't feel like she did anything special.

She was in the bedroom getting ready when there was a knock on the door. After making sure she was covered, Anna went over to see who was there. She threw the door open with a smile when she saw her mom, Maura, Jaz, Lynn, Shila, Marcella, Elsie, and Melita.

Over the last two days, she'd spent time with both Elsie and Melita, who had begged for forgiveness. Anna understood that they were under the influence of Astaroth, so she held no hard feelings, but it was difficult not to be cautious around them. They both had still tried to take her mate in the past. She watched them carefully when Kamryn was around, but they showed no overt interest in him, so she assumed everything was fine.

"What are you all doing here?" Anna hugged each of them as they came into the room.

"We're here to help you get ready. I know you said you didn't need it, but you're preparing to become queen. Let us pamper you as a queen should be." Lynn said, holding Anna tightly to her. She loved both her sons' mates as though they were her daughters.

"Alright, if you must." They quickly got to work. Elsie and Melita worked on her make-up while Jaz and Shila did her hair. Lynn, Maura, and Carpice got her clothes ready. Within minutes they had done what it would have taken her at least an hour to accomplish.

Anna's make-up was light, with smokey eyes making her grey eyes pop. Her hair had been put into a twist, with long curls falling all around her shoulders. They made sure to leave enough room for the crown that would be placed on her head. It was now time for the gown.

When Jeana showed it to her, she knew she'd never seen anything more beautiful. She'd been working on it for months in preparation for when she would become queen. The fabric was incredibly silky and gold. Sparkly gold threads were running all through it, making it shine. The bodice was made of beads that looked like diamonds that completely covered her chest all the way to her waist. With the gold underneath, the sparkle was incredible. It had long sheer sleeves and several slits in the skirt so she could move easily.

With the help of the others, she stepped into the gown. They wouldn't let her look at herself until she had on her heels that were also gold. As her mother turned her around, she gasped. Anna didn't recognize herself. She looked like a queen. "You're stunning," Lynn whispered, patting the tears welling up in her eyes.

"You really are, Anna. You look like a goddess." Melita stared at the beautiful woman with nothing but happiness. She was so thankful to be alive and knew she owed it all to Anna. "Thank you all. I don't even feel real." She was trying really hard not to let her tears fall so they wouldn't mess up her make-up.

"Are you ready? I know Kamryn is anxiously waiting for you." Jaz put her arm around her friend. After everything they'd been through together, she considered her more of a sister now. "Yep. Let's get this show on the road." The women all left to go wait in the throne room for the crowning. Lynn was the only one who stayed behind. She took Anna's hands in hers.

"My dear, you don't know how happy I am to have you take the throne. When the agreement with your parents came about, I never dreamt you would be so remarkable. You're going to be the best queen this kingdom has ever seen. I want you to know that if you ever feel overwhelmed or uncertain about anything, you can always come to me. Even though you and Kamryn will have the official titles, we'll still be here to help you in any way we can."

Anna appreciated what Lynn said. She knew they had been watching her and Kamryn this whole time to see how they would be as leaders. Apparently, they passed the test, but it was nice to have them to lean on when needed.

"Thank you." They hugged one final time before heading out of the room. Kamryn was waiting for Anna at the top of the stairs. When he saw her, his eyes widened. She'd never looked so beautiful. Lynn left them alone as she headed to the throne room.

"Wow," was all he could say as he stared at her. She smiled as she looked him over. He had on his royal suit. It was black with different medals and cords all over it. She had no idea what they meant. "Wow, yourself there, handsome." Kamryn took her hands and kissed them

"I want nothing more than to kiss you, but I know the other women will be upset if I mess up your make-up. Are you ready, my queen?" He asked as she put her hand on his arm so he could lead her down the steps. "As ready as I'll ever by my king."

When they got to the throne room, it was packed to bursting. Not everyone at the palace could fit, so those who couldn't see the crowning waited in the dining hall for the celebration afterward. They stopped so their arrival could be announced.

"Please welcome Prince Kamryn and Princess Annabella."

As they walked down the aisle, everyone clapped and cheered for them. Neither could wipe the smiles off their faces. Liana was being held by Caprice, with her little eyes following her parents as they walked by. When they reached the steps in front of the thrones, Randal and Lynn were waiting for them. Kamryn and Anna bowed as they came to a stop.

"Thank you all for coming to this special crowning ceremony. Today we will be crowning the next king and queen so they can take their rightful positions on these thrones. My son Kamryn and his mate Anna have proven time and time again that they were born leaders. I think everyone here can agree that they showed their leadership abilities during the battle and showed respect and compassion to each person they came into contact with. This speaks to how they will be as monarchs. It's not about telling people what to do and making demands or rules. It's about how you treat people and work with them as a team."

Randal took a deep breath before continuing. He hadn't expected to be so emotional. He wasn't upset about no longer being in power. He was overwhelmed by how right this was to hand over the reins to Kamryn and Anna. He knew they would do great things and couldn't wait to see them succeed.

"Kamryn, please kneel before me." Kamryn took the three steps up to his father and knelt, bowing his head slightly. He felt the heavy weight of the king's crown being placed on his head.

"With this crown, I now declare you king. You will lead with strength and humility. You shall wear this crown with pride. Please stand, King Kamryn." He shook his dad's hand before turning to stand before the throne. "Annabella, please kneel before me." Anna walked to Lynn and bowed slightly as she knelt so the queen's crown could be placed on her head.

"With this crown, I now declare you queen. You will lead with strength and humility. You shall wear this crown with pride. Please stand, Queen Annabella." Lynn hugged her, and then Anna walked the few steps to stand in front of the thrones. Kamryn took her hand as they smiled at each other.

"Introducing King Kamryn and Queen Annabella."

Anna looked up at Kamryn as he stared down at her. The love they have for each other makes them feel giddy. They would face challenges but overcome them because they had each other. Family can be by blood or by choice. They already had incredible families, but their relationships with people who chose to stand by them spoke volumes of what family is meant to be. No longer are they only the king and queen of the werecats. They're the king and queen of all shifters. Whoever wants to challenge them they have one thing to tell them. Bring it on.