Had to add two pictures today (yeah that's Versailles's but as someone who's seen it in person, this really is how I would imagine the castle. I'll post more aesthetic pictures of the castle if you guys want :) )

Aiden

"You look handsome, Your Majesty." Ezra says as he steps into my room. I look up into my vanity to see him standing idly by the door. He's holding my mantle in his arms, a small smile etched on his lips.

I return his smile with my own, looking back down at the collection of jewelry that was left to me from my jeweler. Every day, I wake up with a new selection. He handpicks them, bringing them from our vault before coming back to retrieve the one's I haven't chosen.

He knows I have a few pieces I won't ever take off. First, my wolf ring. That always stays on my forefinger. A constant reminder that I have friends in this world. Secondly, my medallion. All King's of the past have worn it. It's symbolic and magical.

Rumored to have been gifted to the first Alpha King. It becomes a part of us. You'd think it'd have gotten lost at some point, or someone would try taking it away, but it has magical elements around it that even I'll never comprehend. Secrets lost with time.

I choose a set of rings, some cuff links, a pin. All glistening with riches and jewels that I'm sure the jeweler could give me historical lessons over. When I'm done, I shift my gaze at the chosen crowns for the evening. They always give me an array to pick from. It's not as vast as the actual collection and I have a selection of favorite crowns that are permanently sanctioned in my dressing room.

These are all very ceremonial. Large and glistening with gold, diamonds, blue sapphires, and red rubies. They're incredibly decorated. Beautiful and powerful. Ready to demand respect to anyone who sees them. Heavy.

Ezra walks slowly towards me until he's standing beside me. He glances at my choices, his gaze falling on the golden crown with obsidian jewels. It looks like meteorite dust was used to make it shimmer. It goes well with my royal attire for the night—something else that I was asked to select.

I look up at him with a grin, "That one?"

He simply nods. I take the Crown, standing in front of the mirror and carefully placing it on my head. Turning towards Ezra, he simply smiles in approval.

"May I?" Ezra asks politely as he holds up the mantle. I nod and he unfolds the royal gear. Stepping up to me, he places it over my shoulders. His fingers going to the straps that lay across my collar as he slowly buttons it securely.

"You're nervous." Ezra says with a level voice.

I nod, my jaw clenching. I've been suppressing my aura all day. Not wanting anyone to feel it. Ezra is close though and no matter how much I suppress it, it'll always radiate off of me. Even without the aura, Ezra knows me enough to understand when I'm unsettled.

When he's done with my mantle, he looks up at me. Running his hands on my shoulders. His movements delicate. Brotherly.

I take a breath, walking over to the bench at the foot of my bed. Taking a seat, I clutch my hands in front of me. I can't even look at him right now. My voice low, "What if she doesn't come, Ezra?"

He's quiet for a moment. Ezra has always been very calculating. Analytical. Romance was the furthest thing from his mind until he met Joanna.

He moves towards me. I watch with curiosity as he squats down in front of me. His hand grabbing the back of my neck, so my eyes meet his. "Then we will keep looking, Your Majesty." He tells me confidently. "I will personally help you. I'll make sure to shine a light in every corner of this world and leave no stones unturned."

My wolf howls. My hand reaching up to place it on Ezra's shoulder. He's the closest thing I've ever had to a brother. Always a guiding light to me.

I swallow a gulp. A bigger fear suddenly blazing in the pit of my stomach, "What if she does come? The Crown is heavy...she might not want this."

The corner of Ezra's lip raises ever so slightly. "You'll always have me to help you carry it, Aiden."

Ezra stands first, he extends his hand for me to take. My hand grasping his forearm as he pulls me to my feet. Ezra reaches up, realigning my crown. My spirits lifted from his comfort.

"Let's keep in mind," Ezra adds. "Your friends are coming tonight. You grab me if you'd like to excuse yourself from the party to have a good time with them."

"You better be dancing." I tell him seriously, "Or Joanna is going to be pissed."

"Joanna—"

"No," I smile earnestly. My eyes playful "As your King, I command you to dance at least three songs with your Mate and children."

Ezra chuckles, "Very well. Your Majesty."

***

The ball itself is absolute splendor. There's a makeshift throne at the end of the ballroom where I'm spending most of my time. Wolves from across the world are stepping up to kneel, acknowledge me in greetings, before retreating to the party. If they begin to talk about politics, Ezra excuses them curtly. Tonight is not meant to be political—it's meant to be enjoyed.

There are servants with food, drinks, and all kinds of additions as they maneuver skillfully around the mingling wolves. More importantly, there's laughter in the air that's perfectly in tune with the live music.

As much as I wish I could be having fun on the dance floor, there's just something off. I keep turning to the guards, making sure they're paying attention. Everyone is on high alert but thus far, the night has been going smoothly. Ezra told me to relax—to forget about the Rebellion for the weekend. It's hard to do that.

Enjoy yourself, Aiden. My wolf tells me. I shake him off. He wants me to let loose. We're always so tightly wired. I appreciate his concern, but my eyes are scanning through the entire crowd, searching for a set of gray eyes.

"Uncle Majesty," I hear a familiar voice coming from the left. I smile softly as Ezra's oldest son—Julius runs up to me. He's nine now and wearing a miniature version of Ezra's royal attire.

Since he started speaking, Julius has always called me Uncle Majesty. For the longest time he thought Your Majesty was my actual name because it's all his father calls me.

Julius looks just like Ezra. Dark hair and features. His face etched just like his father. He's more energetic than his father and I like to tell my Beta that it's because of Joanna.

I lower myself just ever slightly as Julius runs up to me. Picking him up, I smile brightly while Julius grins, "I haven't seen you in a while Uncle."

"I'm sorry kiddo," I tell him honestly.

"Julius." Ezra scowls from the other side of my throne. His eyes narrowing at his son who cringes back slightly.

It's okay, I quickly link Ezra before turning my attention to Julius. I walk him over to the makeshift throne. I wouldn't do this with my actual Throne because it's too magical, but this is just a normal chair that's been ornately decorated. I place Julius' feet on the arm rest so that he's taller than me—keeping my arm around him securely.

"How has your training been going Julius?" I ask him kindly.

He stares intently at my crown. His eyes glittering with the obsidian gems. Looking down at me he smiles, "Good. My instructor says that I'm learning very fast. She says I'm good at school."

"Just like his father." Joanna appears with a small chuckle. My gaze meeting hers as she walks towards us. She's holding onto Gabriel's hand—Ezra's younger boy who's five years old.

Joanna has fiery auburn hair that has transferred into Gabriel. She's wearing a beautiful green gown. Looking over my shoulder I glance at Ezra, his eyes glistening with adoration as he tries not to stare at his Mate. His eyes focused into the ballroom but from the corner he keeps glancing at Joanna up and down. It makes me smile—hardly do I see Ezra without words. Unless Joanna is around.

She's one of the many instructors we have here in the castle. I wanted to find her a job that she would like when she decided to transfer her entire life here. Anything she wanted she was going to get—the nepotism strong—but oh well. She spends most of her time in the library. Sometimes switching from instructor to librarian.

Joanna stops a few feet in front of me, kneeling subtly and bowing her head. "Your Majesty," She says softly.

I hate it when she and Ezra kneel for me. They're more like family than anything else but there are too many wolves here for there to be no respect. I am the Crown after all. I smile softly to Joanna as she rises, her hand reaching over to Julius. I lift him off the chair, a childish giggle overcoming him, before he walks over to his mother.

"We just wanted to stop by," Joanna tells me softly. Her eyes shifting to her Mate, "To wish you both luck. And to implore you both to have just a little bit of fun."

"Thank you, Joanna." I say to her kindly. I glance at the boys, Gabriel is smiling brightly. His little hand reaching up at me like he's trying to grasp my Crown.

I wink at him, letting my eyes blaze a darker gold. He giggles at the action, hiding behind his mother's leg like he's suddenly become shy. The action makes me smile.

"We'll wait for you, Ezra." Joanna smiles at her Mate before turning the boys and moving down the ballroom.

I turn to face Ezra, my eyebrow raising at him. He takes a breath and rolls his eyes, "I'll go dance in a bit, Your Majesty. I'm waiting for your friends to arrive. I don't want to leave you here alone having to fend off the vultures."

I can't help it and chuckle softly. This entire night, I've been approached by so many wolves—it's hard to keep track of—but that's my job. And when I can't remember, Ezra reminds me. He's like a walking encyclopedia. I don't know what I would do without him in these scenarios.

I take a seat at the throne, my eyes scanning over everyone. I control my wolf enough to heighten our scent and hearing. Most wolves don't have the power of being able to rein back their super hearing or smell. It's something that we just assume is given. I've learned how to control it—how to tailor it to conversations.

My ears focus in on a few women who are talking about how beautiful the ballroom looks. Then a few men who are discussing the possibility of meeting their mates tonight. The conversations are all trivial and harmless.

I've been letting my aura pulsate through the room this entire time. Making sure that my presence is known. I'm controlling it to be comforting, open. I don't want people to be afraid, but I certainly need them to be aware of my being here.

There they are, my wolf purrs in the back of my mind.

On cue, the scent of ocean and pine hits my nostrils from the very end of the ballroom. My eyes zeroing in as blood orange and plum hits me just as hard. If not harder. I sit up on my throne, a smile I can't avoid taking over my lips.

I watch as Wayan and Kole Hurley, the Alpha and Luna of the Port start making their way down the ballroom towards the throne. Wayan is wearing Royal Attire—the first time I've ever seen him in it. I appreciate the effort and it suits him entirely despite it not being in line with his personality.

On his arm is Kole. Her luxurious blonde hair curled as it bounces elegantly on her shoulders. I can't help but roll my eyes at what she's wearing. A white silk dress that leaves so very little to the imagination. Even from the distance I can tell she isn't wearing anything underneath. Around her shoulders, a small fur wrap. She looks like a modern rendition of Marilyn Monroe. With the sexual charisma included. Eyes instantly drawn to her—jaws dropping quite expressively.

Typical Kole. My wolf chuckles in my head. I couldn't agree more. She's always been vivacious and...suggestive. We always thought that Wayan would want her to calm down, but ever since becoming Mates, I think they enjoy it even more. Wayan loves showing off his Mate just as much as Kole loves showing him off.

I stand up when they're only a few feet away. I want nothing more to give them a hug, but they know the protocol.

"Your Majesty," Wayan grins brightly. He kneels quickly and Kole does a small curtsey. Kole has only knelt for me once and she very much refuses to ever do it again.

Golden Boy, her voice radiates in my head. Before she says out loud, "Your Majesty."

I nod my head at them, my smile infectious. "I'm so glad you made it."

Hugs might not be allowed, but I step down, taking Wayan's hand in mine—giving it a firm shake. I can tell it's taking every ounce of him not to jump me in a hug. He is a quite physical man. Glancing at Kole, I take her hand, giving it a small kiss.

Kole chuckles, throwing her curled blonde hair over her shoulder. Her blue eyes blazing, "What a tease."

"Shut up." I tell her trying to suppress a laugh. They both look...disheveled. I raise my eyebrow at them as soon as I pick up on their scents. "Really? At my ball?"

"Well," Wayan scratches the back of his head. A mischievous glint in his eyes, "You really shouldn't leave the library open at these hours."

"It's really easy to slip in a quickie," Kole adds with a wink.

I can't help it, I let out a small laugh. Glancing at Ezra who looks mortified as he rolls his eyes. "I'll make sure to disinfect the entire library."

"No need," Kole grins. "Just row sixty-nine."

"Kole thought it was erotic." Wayan adds under his breath to me with a wink.

"Of course, she did." I smirk.

"You're just jealous." Kole chuckles, her gaze looking me up and down. "So, you think you'll meet 'the one' at this event?"

"A man can dream." I tell her honestly.

"I'll make sure to give her the sisterly talk when you meet her," Kole's eyes are glistening with mischief. "Make sure that she doesn't hurt you."

I bite my lip to stop myself from laughing, "Or else?"

"Or else I'm going to kick her ass." Kole says matter-of-factly.

I let out a laugh—it draws some attention. I don't think I laugh that often in public. A few wide eyes as they stare at us. While I subdue myself, I get a glimpse of a pair of piercing green eyes that are just over Wayan's shoulder.

Matthew Vale—the Alpha of the Valley—our bands guitarist, is walking towards us with a warm smile. Wayan and Kole turn around as Matthew pulls his Mate Mia towards us. Mia's belly is rounded with their baby. Her hand instinctively on it as I smile brightly at them.

My wolf purring in my head at the sight of them. Matthew looks so happy. A joy we haven't seen in him in years. His Mate Mia is one of the few people I can talk to about certain things. The only person I was able to bring into the Foretell with me. Just months ago, we had visions together.

I try not to think of what we saw. Some of it was...too horrific. I still wake up in the middle of the night with the visions. The words Aiden the Alone ringing in my head like a gong. Several nights I couldn't sleep—afraid it would become a reality.

"Your Majesty," Matthew kneels.

"Not you Helen," I tell Mia as she tries to do the same. My little nickname for her making her smile.

"I'm pregnant," Mia counters with a small eyeroll. "Not useless."

Instead of kneeling, she does a small curtsey. Wayan and Kole step to the side as I approach my second set of friends. Taking Matthew's hand as he grips it tightly and pressing a small kiss on Mia's head.

She smiles gently at me as my head tilts down to glance at the baby. I silently ask her with my eyes and Mia nods, placing my hand on her stomach. Her eyes sparkling with happiness.

I take a deep breath—feeling the pure power of her child course through her. Matthew and Mia have no idea how special their baby is. They've already asked me to be the Godfather—I'm thrilled. Ecstatic. One day I'll explain it to them. It's what I felt in the Foretell and it's what I feel now. I can't wait to meet little baby Juliet in person.

I look up at Matthew, who's arm is snaked around his Mate. His eyes glistening at Mia. I almost separated them. I didn't want to. I would do anything for Matthew but my trip to the Foretell when I was eleven is downright unsettling. It scared me enough to hurt one of my best friends. To pull him away from the pure love he has now.

It's okay, my wolf reassures me. You didn't make that choice Aiden.

I push the thought away, turning to the four of my friends. We move to the side of the ballroom. I nod at Ezra who keeps his gaze out towards the crowd. A server coming by to hand us drinks. Kole swipes Mia's from her hand, both the girls giggling. From my understanding, they've become friends.

"How is the pregnancy?" I ask Mia quietly. She looks like she's glowing. I know that some women have a terrible time in pregnancy, and it's very likely that Mia has had that same experience. But it really suits her. She looks radiant.

Her hand runs down her swell, "Up and down. Matthew helps me every chance he gets. The entire Valley has been incredibly involved."

"I'm glad," I smile softly. "You know, whenever you and Matthew need a break. Don't forget I'm happy to babysit for you."

"We're going to hold you to that." Matthew says seriously. He looks around the ballroom, "This is beautiful by the way."

"I remember when we played hockey here." Wayan chuckles.

"You mean when you decapitated the cherub?" I ask with a smirk. The three of us turning to the corner of the room. Where there used to be a beautiful statue cherub, it now doesn't have a head. I remember that day clearly.

Alexander loves hockey which somehow resulted in us playing here in the ballroom on a rainy day. Wayan decided to grease over the marble floor so we would slide easily. Two-against-two. Until Wayan got a hold of the puck, he aimed it at Matthew. Hitting it with all his might. It went flying, ricocheted off the goal post, Alexander hitting the floor like a shot was fired, and suddenly the puck decapitated the cherub statue.

I remember rolling on the ground, laughing hysterically alongside Alexander and Matthew while Wayan tried to glue the head to the statue. It didn't work and since then, I haven't fixed it. Why would I?

Matthew laughs under his breath, taking a small sip of his champagne as he eyes over the statue. He turns to Mia, "This is why we never played hockey again."

I let us all fall into conversation. The warmth spreading through my body is incredibly comforting. Hearing their voices, feeling their presence. It teleports me to simpler times. Even with Mia, who I've only known for a short time. The respect I have for her growing by the day.

I wish I had met her earlier. She's rather wise for someone so young. Very kind-hearted as well. I completely understand why she and Matthew are so suited for one another. Some days, she'll call me over the phone to tell me about the baby. Wanting me to be involved and I honestly love it. I'll call her as well, whenever I send her and Matthew baby gifts.

I glance at Kole, who's conversing with Mia. I'm glad to see Kole making friends with other girls. She's only really had Wayan and us. I love it when she comes to visit but even then, she hangs out with Killian when my schedule doesn't permit me to be with her.

Over the years, Kole has grown and changed in certain aspects. She's still so wild and free but that's always been a part of her. The part that makes me appreciate her so much anyways. I love that she always comes to me when she needs something.

Not in an "abusing of power" way, but more when she needs comfort. She's incredibly involved with the Royal Orphanage—it's where she was left as a child. Or she'll come to me when she and Wayan argue over stupid things. It makes me feel less like a King and more like...me.

Matthew and Wayan are discussing a few elements of their packs. Comparing notes before falling into a conversation over their favorite bands. There's a festival they're dying to attend but they're waiting for the Rebellion to simmer down before spending a whole weekend away from their packs. It's already difficult for them to be here for the night. Everyone is on high alert.

I'm just about to join their conversation when I feel my wolf pull me. I don't know how to explain it. The band likes to call it my 'wolfy-sense.' It's incredible but sometimes when I'm focused on something else entirely, my wolf is attentive to my surroundings. He growls softly in the back of my mind, redirecting my hearing to a group of men.

At first, a spiral of concern courses through me. Thinking that he's detected rebels. Instead, we eavesdrop into the conversation. The hair on the back of my neck standing as I turn my head to listen closely.

"Did you see what she was wearing?" One of the wolves ask. I close my eyes, realizing it's one of the Alpha's. His scent mixed with another Alpha and two Betas. The four men conversing quietly.

"I heard she spent quite a lot of time on her back before she met her Mate." Another smirks.

"I bet she still spends a lot of time on her back." One laughs under his breath.

My wolf growls loudly in my head and I push him away to keep listening. My eyes starting to blaze gold.

"I don't think Alpha Wayan would mind if I borrowed her," The original Alpha says. The four of them laughing under their breaths. "I'm sure Luna Kole would gladly let me fuck her once she see's—"

My aura pushes forward. I turn around, my eyes snapping at the group of wolves who are standing at the very end of the ballroom. I can feel my wolf and I settling into their minds. This isn't Mind Warping, this is just...pure Royal power. Their submission to their King—forced.

Their voices are cut short as they realize my wolf and I have invaded their minds through the mind link. I use my power to cut their voices short, my eyes blazing gold as I stare at them. They're staring back at me, fear coursing through them as they realize I was listening to their conversation.

I can't help but feel angry. Not only because of who they were talking about—but because Wayan and Kole are Alpha and Luna. The titles demand respect, authority. Speaking of someone's Luna—of someone's mate—of a woman that way. My wolf growls deep in my chest and I let my aura pulsate it.

"Your Majesty," Ezra says from a few feet away. I hold my hand up at him. My friends have gone silent, most of the ballroom has gone silent. My energy altering from being upbeat only seconds ago.

Eyes shifting to me as I slowly walk to the throne. I hold onto the four men, my gaze making them shake in their shoes. I can see their wolves. That's something that I don't think anyone can see. When my eyes dilate, I can visually see their wolves in their minds. It's an odd feeling and sensation. The human and wolf face shifts like a mirage. Almost like I'm wearing an old pair of 3D glasses that are blue and red. One moment they're human and the next they're a wolf.

"Wayan," I say without moving my gaze from the men. "Kole. Join me."

They're both surprised, nervous. Wayan grabs Kole's hand, pulling her his side as they join me by the throne. I take a seat in my chair, letting them stand to my left.

Come, my eyes flare at the men. My voice laced with echoes. They're instantly compelled. Moving through the crowd until they're standing in front of me. I might as well be a magnet and they're nothing but scrap metal.

My eyes blaze at them, narrowing slightly. Kneel.

They drop to their knees without hesitation. "Your Majesty—" Wayan tries to ask what's wrong, but I hold my hand up at him. I've noticed that the music has stopped. Wolves cringing back as they try not to let my aura affect them.

Ezra takes my left, his head tilting in curiosity. He knows I'm demanding respect. He knows I heard something that clearly has upset me. He doesn't question me. Just waits for an order.

You spoke crudely of a Luna. Disrespecting her Mate, I tell the men through the mind link. At least I'm courteous enough to do that. I'm not completely evil. What say you?

One man whimpers softly—my aura choking him. My wolf asks me to push forward but I don't let him. I eye the men carefully.

I apologize, Your Majesty. One says to me. It's quickly followed by three more apologies. They're scared. I dilate my eyes to look at their wolves. They're all bowing in submission—fully aware that they've disappointed their King.

"I am not the one you are meant to apologize to." My voice flat as my hand curls around the edge of the arm rest. "Stand and apologize to Alpha Wayan."

Wayan turns to me, confusion laced on his face. Kole also looks utterly baffled. The men all stand slowly, their gazes shifting to my friend. The original Alpha eyes over Wayan, "We apologize Alpha. For disrespecting you."

"You will never speak of a woman in such a manner, ever again. Much less a Luna." My eyes blaze gold as I force the order into their wolves. Knowing full well that if their human side ever says anything like that again, my wolf will report it to me. In a way, it's like adding a tracker into their minds and it'll ping to me if they disobey. "I will know if you do."

Wayan's arm snakes around Kole's waist, his hazel eyes darkening in black.

"Yes, Your Majesty," The four recite with a nod.

"Bow." I tell them. They instantly bow and I raise my hand to stop them. You don't bow to a King, you kneel. My eyes shift to Kole. "Not to me. Bow to her."

Kole's jaw is practically on the ground by the time I look at her. Her blue eyes widening but not as shocked as the four men. It's common to bow your head to Luna's but a full body bow is unheard of to a Luna. An Alpha only bows to his Luna—his equal. No one else's. And typically, only at their Ascension.

The four men look appalled. Horrified. Embarrassed. I raise my eyebrow at them, leaning forward in my throne. They're hesitating and unsure whether they should. I mind link them, Do not make me say it again.

They turn to Kole, the four of them bowing in her direction. The Betas muttering a small apology as well. Kole's eyes glitter, her eyes shifting to me as she smirks in dismay. Everyone in the throne room watching in disbelief as four men bow to a woman.

Ezra looks me over from the corner of my eye. I can feel how conflicted he is. On one end, I know he understands my intentions. Realizes that I don't appreciate any form of disrespect. But I also know this isn't exactly the right time or place to publicly humiliate two Alpha's and their Betas.

Your Majesty, Ezra links me. Was this wise?

How would you feel if they disrespected Joanna? I ask him quickly. His eyes glaze over in black as his nostrils flare at the thought.

"When you meet your Mates," I stand and step towards the men. My voice softer, kinder. "I hope no one speaks distastefully of them as you have tonight. You understand, do you not, why I did this?"

The main Alpha—his face pales. The mentioning of his Mate seems to have stricken a chord. He nods, "Yes, Your Majesty. I apologize for the disrespect."

My wolf and I are satisfied. I nod, flicking my head behind them. "Enjoy the rest of the ball."

I take a breath as they walk away. I eye the band in the ballroom, mind linking them to keep playing. The music starts up again. I retract my aura. Letting the atmosphere feel less...dense. I know what kind of affect my aura has. It chokes people, it feels like you can't breathe. I let it lift upwards. Trying to retain some of the joy that was felt earlier.

My wolf is content with me. He and I have always been aligned when it comes to Mates. It just so happens that Kole is also special to me. If Wayan found out what those men were saying, I'm sure he'd tell Kole. Just to watch her beat them up.

What did they say? Wayan asks me through the mind link. Even he looks angry now.

I step towards him, placing my hand on his shoulder. Don't worry about it, I tell him. I absorb his anger. His body calming gently as my powers take away his annoyance to let him relax. I grab a glass of champagne from a server and place it in his hand.

"I don't like it when other people fight my battles," Kole tells me with her arms crossed over her chest. An amused smile spreading on her lips, "But that was pretty fucking hot."

"Damn," Matthew adds. His hand locked with Mia's as they stare at me. "That was intense."

"Mood killer." Another voice says from behind me.

I turn around, my energy instantly uplifted at the sight of my final friend—Alexander. Alpha Alexander of the Sierra. His hair as white as snow, eyes a piercing blue like the ice in glaciers. His skin pale from the snowy mountains he lives in. He looks like the apparition of Jack Frost.

"Alex!" Wayan jumps towards our friend. Matthew joining him in a small group hug. Alexander chuckles, letting them embrace him.

I simply feel my chest swell. My appreciation for Alexander has only grown over the years. We're the only two left in the group that haven't found our Mates. It's nice to speak to him over the mind link. I'm surrounded by people who have Mates, who have families. We lean on each other when it comes to these group events.

Alexander shifts his eyes to me after receiving a warm embrace from Kole and Mia. He places his hand on his stomach, kneeling. "Your Majesty," His voice level.

"I'm glad you made it," I tell him honestly.

"Any excuse to come down." He smirks. His eyes are glancing around the ball room. Likely also searching for his Mate as I have been doing all night.

The music starts playing louder and my eyes shift to Joanna who's dancing with Julius and Gabriel. I turn over my shoulder, looking at Ezra. His gaze on his family. I smile at him, Join them, Ezra.

He meets my gaze, his head shaking softly. Your Majesty—

I order you to have fun. I tell him. My friends are here, go.

Ezra smiles softly, nodding his head once. He looks over at Alexander, an invisible conversation seemingly exchanged between them. Ezra disappears into the ball room. He picks up Gabriel, him and Joanna holding onto Julius' hands as they dance with the music. Spinning about in circles.

"Oh, I love this song," Kole smiles. She tugs onto Wayan's hand and suddenly they're on the dance floor as well. Unlike everyone who's dancing quite conservatively, I can't help but chuckle watching Kole press her back and butt into her Mate. Their hips moving together sensually.

"Go on." I tell Matthew and Mia. They too disappear to dance. Their love radiating between them as they slowly move with the melody.

Alexander chuckles, taking my side. I turn to Alex, handing him the rest of my drink. "I'll need something stronger," Alexander nearly laughs as he downs it. "Doesn't it feel like we're the two geeks who couldn't find dates for the Prom?"

I choke back a sad laugh. He's absolutely right. That's exactly how it feels. We're on the sidelines, watching our friends dance. Smile. Laugh. The mood in the ball room seemingly uplifted by the sounds of their laughter. Other's joining until everyone is dancing. Except Alexander and me.

"I have whiskey." I eye Alexander, "Is that strong enough?"

Alexander doesn't have to say anything, the small smile on his face is enough. I call over a servant, asking them to go get my bottle of whiskey from my office and two glasses. One song later, Alexander and I decide to slip out of the ballroom. We go to the terrace outside. The lights of the ball illuminating the terrace, but we lean against the stone railing.

I pour us two glasses of whiskey. Alexander takes a sip of the first glass, smiling. "The Macallan?"

I nod, showing him the bottle. "From 1926. My grandfather had a whole collection."

"No shit." Alexander pours more into his glass. Drinking it slowly as we enjoy it under the moonlight. Our gazes shifting from the ballroom to the ocean in front of us. The moon dancing on the waves.

"Alex..." My voice is soft, I can feel the pressure of having to showcase my power slowly disappearing. My shoulders relaxing as my wolf lets me feel more...human. I turn to face my friend, his eyes already trained on me.

"Do you ever feel..." I hesitate. Not because it's embarrassing but because it's difficult. "Do you ever feel lonely?"

Alexander let's out a humorless laugh, his eyes shifting down to his drink. "Always, Aiden. I live on a fucking mountain."

I can't help but return the humorless laugh, "And I on an island."

"You're surrounded by people." Alexander says.

"You have family." I counter. Alexander's jaw clenches. He has a brother and sister. His brother is his Beta. But Alex certainly doesn't have a mother or father. That's...a tragedy within itself. Something beyond horrific. Even worse than the death of my own parents.

"Do you long for her?" Alex changes the subject. I nod simply and he nods as well. Alexander has never been one to talk a lot. In fact, this conversation is very unlike him. I know he's only speaking to me like this now because we're close.

Under his breath he agrees, "Me too."

Alexander leans against the stone of the terrace. Holding his glass over the air as he swirls the whiskey hesitantly. "Aiden..." His voice is pained. "If I don't find her here...I'm going to give up."

"Alex—"

"I'm twenty-eight." Alexander interrupts. He's always been a bit older than us. The oldest in our group. "Nearing twenty-nine. I promised my brother that if by thirty I haven't found her, I'd consider settling."

"You may find her here," I encourage.

"I don't have high hopes." Alexander turns to face me, he pushes a smile. "Besides, this event is for you. You need to find the Queen."

I don't have much of a choice in the matter really. I have to find her. I know she's out there. I wish I could tell Alexander that I saw him with his Mate. That she's also out there waiting for him. Mia and I saw it—we saw everyone with their Mates. Happy. Joyous. I want that to be our future.

I can't just take a Chosen Mate. The role of Queen is too...special. It's hand-picked by the Moon Goddess. No one could just take it over and I'm just so...desperate to find her. If she was picked for me that means she'll understand me. Know me. More than anyone else in this world.

"Don't give up, Alexander." I tell him.

"Is that an order?" He smirks.

"Would you like it to be?"

He chuckles, placing his arm around my shoulders. Being careful with my crown. He eyes my face—not my crown. And I appreciate it. "Always a hopeless romantic, Aiden." Alexander finishes the whiskey. "You'll never change."

I'm about to counter when we hear the terrace door open. Turning over our shoulders, Wayan and Matthew are standing by the door. Their eyes glittering with mischief and devilishness.

"We've been looking for you," Wayan smirks.

Matthew grins brightly, "Let's go up to the studio."

My wolf gets excited. My hands already itching for my drumsticks at the thought. The one sentence throwing me over with absolute happiness. But a part of me doesn't want to leave this ball. I still need to do one last round around the room. Make sure I've spoken and greeted everyone.

Let's just have fun, Aiden. My wolf argues. You deserve it.

I look at Alexander, he's waiting for my word. They all are. I'm always the one that holds back. This time, I smile brightly. "Fuck it," I say downing what's left of my whiskey. Only these guys can ever get me to be...Aiden.

I walk into the ball room, heading over to Ezra quickly. Whispering in his ear that I'll be in the studio. He nods, encouraging me to go. Promising me to tell the guests that I'm mingling. It looks like Joanna is already going to take the kids to their rooms. They're eyes are drooping with sleep, which leaves Ezra open to look over the ball room for me.

"Have a good time, Your Majesty." Ezra smiles softly at me. His eyes glancing behind me.

I turn, seeing my friends patiently waiting for me at the end of the ball room by the main entrance. Kole is jumping up and down, Wayan's arms around her shoulders. Matthew is kissing Mia's cheek, his hand on the baby. Alexander—his hands in his pockets. Eyeing me curiously like he's third wheeling. I bite my lip to stop from laughing.

I make my way to them, controlling myself to be regal as I pass by other wolves. Letting my aura part them out of my way. Once I reach my friends, we turn the corner. The halls are empty—dark. In an instant, I forget that I'm the King. That I have responsibilities and a duty to serve.

"Come on, Golden Boy." Kole grabs my hand. She's taken her heels off, holding them in one hand while pulling me along. Her bare feet skipping on the castle stone floors as pure contentment radiates off her.

"Let's go, Aiden." Wayan's voice laced with excitement.

We turn another corner, Wayan and Matthew throwing their jackets off and undoing their neckties. Matthew lifts Mia bridal style, carrying her the rest of the way. Her giggles echoing between the walls. It's the first time she'll experience the studio and she's quite excited.

I'm standing between Alexander and Wayan, I laugh, placing my arms around them. Their arms coming around my back as we step childishly together. Already starting to sing one of our favorite songs.

"One of us, one of us." We sing into the empty hallway. Even Mia picks up on the song quickly. "One of us!"

Kole has hopped onto one of the smaller stone walls that separates the courtyard to the hallway. She dances on the wall, singing along with us. The happiness and carefree spirit radiates off of me. All of them feeling it. Our auras full of ease and pleasure.

I know I live a lot in the past. It's hard to motivate myself in the present when it feels like nothing is going my way. But in this moment, living in the past isn't so bad. Remembering the incredible memories I've made with my band, with my friends. Being able to bring it to now.

We howl into the night as we walk through the corridors. The six of us howling, singing, and playing together in the studio. The crown on my head feeling lighter and lighter until a part of me forgets it's even there. 

***

A/N: Maybe this felt like a filler. It's not...I really wanted to emphasize these friendships, Aiden's power, and for anyone who might read this book without having read Two Rejects or The Alpha's Best Friend--I think it's important to showcase Aiden's perspective on his friends.

Anyways, I'm so so pumped for next chapter ;) Our protagonists will finally get their meet-and-greet!!!!! Stoked to write it hahaha