Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 294

Chapter 294: The King of Kings

The great ballroom of Dravengard Palace was filled up. Kings from all four regions, Alphas from every pack, their Lunas in their house colours and werewolf delegations from the Southern and Western territories, seated among the Lycans rather than behind them, which had never once happened before.

Conversation hummed through the hall until the main doors opened.

Derek entered with Kira at his side. The moment the couple appeared, the entire gathering rose to its feet and broke into sustained applause.

The applause started from the front and spread until it filled every corner of the room. Connor came in behind them with the rest of Derek’s men, and Nana walked in on Kai’s arm, and still the clapping went on.

Word had already spread. The Kings and Alphas had voted. Championed by the Northern King, they had chosen Derek and Kira Wolfe to stand as King and Queen of Kings — the highest authority among them all.

As they made their way up the length of the hall towards the platform, the Northern King’s Beta leaned close to his Alpha and spoke in a low voice.

"Are you truly surrendering to him?"

The Northern King kept his eyes on Derek and Kira. "Even I know when to bow," he answered quietly.

"What does that mean?"

"I’ve fought too many wars, and would like want to spend the rest of my days in peace." He glanced sideways. "So would my people, if anyone thought to ask them."

The Beta nodded and said nothing more.

Derek and Kira stepped onto the platform. An elder came forward carrying two simple but finely worked crowns. With formal words he placed one upon Derek’s head and the other upon Kira’s. One by one the Kings, Alphas, and werewolf leaders stepped forward and pledged their alliance to the new King and Queen of Kings.

When the last pledge had been given, Derek raised a hand for silence.

"One more thing before we all merry."

Laughter went round the room.

"I’ve had a Beta’s chair standing empty since the departure of my brother and friend, Declan." He let that sit for a moment. "I’m not filling it. No one can Declan’s place. But the work still needs doing, and there’s only one man I’d hand it to."

He turned and everyone turned with him.

"Connor."

Connor’s head came up.

"You’ve stood behind me since before I was worth standing behind. You’ve put your life on the line for my queen, way too many times to count." Derek’s voice carried. "If I could trust one man to be at my side for the rest of my life, it’s you. Take the chair."

For a moment Connor did not move at all. He stared at Derek dumbfounded. Derek gave him a subtle nod and a smile.

Then Connor came up the steps, and the hall erupted. He bowed his head in acceptance as Derek wore a medal around his neck.

Kira caught Derek’s eye across the platform, and they smiled at each other.

***

Later, the formalities gave way to music and celebration. Couples moved onto the floor while others stood in groups talking and laughing.

Braxton finally found Derek alone near the window and walked up to him.

"Your Grace."

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