nicki minaj ft. rihanna, fly.

My day had finally arrived, today I would be crowned Queen of the wolves.

Me.

Queen of Werewolves.

My goddess, I can't believe it — it feels so surreal. A makeup artist continues to beat my face to the gods whilst I scroll away on my phone, trying to calm my nerves. I haven't seen Raheem as much as I would've liked since we got back.

We've both been running around learning the ropes and trying to make sure we knew enough to take over. We knew we didn't have to know everything as other things would come with the job but we needed to know the fundamentals and Kenneth felt that we did.

I thought he'd despise me and probably Raheem too but he's been quite the leader. I wouldn't go so far as to say he appreciates my presence as much as his remaining offspring but he tolerates me well enough.

The door behind me opens my eyes meeting with those of the intruder, well, she's hardly and intruder but you get the point.

A smile breaks out across my face and I hear the makeup artist hiss as she wasn't expecting me to move. My mouth drops instantly as my eyes apologise for my lips now that I'm too afraid to even open my mouth.

She gives me a half smile before backing away, "It's fine, I suppose I'm done anyway." She turns to start packing her equipment.

"I can't believe this is my child." She laughs lightly, as she struggles not to ruin her own makeup, "Nkos'yam, I almost thought this would never happen Lerato. I was so scared for you when you left, I was afraid umtwanam' would never get the love of a mate, would never take her place as the Moon had deemed."

She lost the fight against her tear ducts as a few run down her cheeks now, "I'm so proud of you, you've always been such a strong young woman. I know exactly what the Moon saw in you to choose you for this role, for this journey. Not many she-wolves would've come out the other side as strong and bravely as you have. You handled yourself with pride and you never lost sight of your worth. I'm so proud of you my Rato."

The makeup artist quickly places tissues as lightly as possible below my eyelids and I can't help but laugh which only makes the tissues catch the tears that would have ruined her work.

"Oh, ma," My voice quivers, "Thank you, it's all your teachings, your practices. I would have never even become half the woman I am today if it weren't for you. You made me who I am —"

"No, Lerato, I wish — your father wishes he could take credit for who you have become but we can't. One household can raise completely different children. The child decides who they want to be, who they want to influence them and you my child? You chose the perfect path, a path that has now been blessed by the Moon."

"Thank you." I say to the makeup artist who is still making sure my face stays dry.

She laughs lightly as I step towards my mother with my tears completely railed in, "Oh, it's my pleasure. I'm so sorry for intruding on such a special moment."

My mother and I share an embrace, "Thank you, Ma. I'm so happy I could make you as proud as you are."

I meant it, it's always something that shocks me when I hear it but love it when I do. All I want is to make my family proud, to honour my family. Hearing that I have accomplished this, feels myself with great pride.

My mother takes ahold of my hand as we make our way out the room. I'm in a white skin tight dress that accentuates my curves, jewels scattered in elegant swirls all along the front with feathers at the very bottom and top.

My braids had to be taken out and now my natural hair is in neat cornrows underneath my blonde wig.

She and I walk through the halls taking the one and only path that we've now memorised. Once we reach the stairs Raheem is standing right at the bottom awaiting my arrival. The click of our heels must have drawn his attention as he turns his head to glance up at me.

A smile immediately appearing on his gorgeously tanned skin. His trimmed beard unable to hide his sharp jawline, his jet black hair gelled back besides one loop that dangles right in the middle of his forehead.

A white tuxedo with cream lapels and bow tie perfectly fitted on his well sculpted body. He walks up to the final step and holds out his hand, "Hey gorgeous," he all 'bout hums.

"Hey handsome," I greet.

We walk hand-in-hand towards and out the back doors, I had the gates opened today — letting anyone who chose to enter the Royal City feel free to. An invitation was sent to every werewolf just as the paper is distributed. I wanted to actually send emails but apparently no one in this palace knows how that works.

I noted that my first work order would be to obtain everyone's email address. I didn't even bother asking how they communicated with Alpha's, besides at this point how would they know. Their son dealt with that.

I shut my eyes a little longer than necessary trying not to drift too deep into thoughts of Micah. Goddess, no, I can't appear unhappy or saddened.

Take the thoughts back, take the thoughts back.

He'd be happy for me, right?

I let out a breath as I squeeze Raheem's hand and he squeezes mine back. He glances down at me, "Well, are you ready Queen?"

Finally escaping my thoughts, good and bad, I glance out toward the Ceremony setup and I'm gobsmacked. If I didn't know any better I would assume this was a human wedding ceremony. There was a space right down the middle whilst chairs were neatly spaced and placed on each side.

The forrest surrounding us, Raheem and I still walking on a cobblestone path leading us towards the clearing. I did not expect so many people to attend. The chairs were completely filled up some people even had to stand.

As soon as they saw us approaching the guests cheered and hollered. Whistles and ululating were all we could hear, my tears deciding to reappear hearing all this joy from my people, my wolves.

Once the crowning has been completed, I make my way to the podium to address my wolves for the very first time.

I smile as the unshed tears shine in my eyes, "Hi, I'm Lerato Zamo, I know you know my name but I just..." I let out a shaky breath, "I had to say that." Everyone cheers and claps not a single face looking vengeful or upset.

"Thank you for accepting me as beautifully as you have, thank you to the Mbatha's for welcoming me and training me to become the best Queen I can become. I opened the gates to everyone today not only to quench curiosity that I know many have probably had surrounding the Royal City and the Palace but as my first act as Queen.

"There will no longer be a Royal City, the gates boarding this City will cease to exist. The only gates that will remain are these surrounding the palace. However, your King and I will not reside here. The new Royal Palace is being built in Dubai. My time here in Durban is over, I was born and raised here but it's time for me to start a new chapter.

"It's time for us all to start a new chapter, so, let's turn the next page together."

Once the initial congratulations are over Raheem takes my hand as I hear the soft sound of a familiar guitar filtering through the speakers, "Can I have this dance?"

'Woke up in paradise,

Found myself in your eyes.

Baby, I think were made it.

We made it.'

The soothing voice of Alayna reaches my ears and I gently place my head on Raheem's shoulder. I melt into him as the words to one of my favourite love songs moves us.