Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby-Chapter 120: All Rise!

While the council members were quietly thinking about how they could showcase their clans’ capabilities during the mourning period, Prince Erevan Brontes Lychos was thinking of how to end the meeting as quickly as possible and go inform his mother.

Though, as High Luna of the werewolves, she had every right to know about her husband’s death before anyone else, Erevan feared she might not be able to control herself. If she broke down, the news would likely spread through the palace staff and leak to the public before the council officially concluded their session.

In werewolf society, the wife of the King is given the title of High Luna, while the husband of a Queen is known as the High Alpha. In the absence of a monarch, the High Luna or High Alpha is allowed to temporarily act as regent until a new king or queen is officially appointed by the council. However, if there is already a named heir apparent, the High Luna or High Alpha retains their royal status and stipend but does not hold ruling authority.

The silence was broke as the Matron, Dalisay Mayari Cordillera, rose from her seat. Her voice was firm but respectful as she addressed the council, "I must remind everyone that, during the official mourning period, all forms of marriage ceremonies and festive celebrations are strictly prohibited. Only sacred rituals may be conducted during this time. I suggest we send a formal notification of this tradition to every clan to prevent any misunderstandings."

Prince Erevan nodded. "Agreed. I will issue a formal directive outlining the rules of conduct during the mourning period. Matron Dalisay and Lorekeeper Baatar, I’d like both of you to assist my secretary in preparing this message."

"Understood," they both replied in unison.

Ambassador Fiona Elizabeth Raynor spoke next. "Should we send a message to the werewolves currently living in the other world to inform them of the king’s passing?"

The prince answered, "Yes, I believe we should. Many of my father’s allies and friends are still in the other world, having chosen to extend their lives there. They deserve to know of his death."

Fiona gave a small nod. "Very well. I’ll handle the arrangements to make sure the message reaches them all."

As she sat down, the Arbiter, Matthias Halden Graventhal, stood and addressed the room. "Do we have any laws concerning duels or criminal punishments during the mourning period? For instance, what if a duel results in death, or someone is sentenced to execution?"

The Judicator, Ren Tsuki Kuroda, responded with his usual calm precision. "There are no restrictions on delivering justice or resolving disputes through duels. However, all death sentences must be deferred. If a duel leads to death... even by accident... the killer will be sentenced the same, but the execution will be postponed until the end of the mourning period. Likewise, those judged guilty of capital crimes will have their sentences delayed. Beyond that, any event resembling a celebration... birthdays, New Year’s parties, full moon gatherings... are prohibited."

A quiet murmur of agreement rippled through the council. Just as silence was settling again, the Priest, Sarika Somavati Harivamsa, stood, her expression solemn.

"Council members, we have a constitutional concern that must be addressed." Her tone was reverent yet direct.

"Though we have worked under the leadership of His Highness the Prince for the past thirty years, it is important to remember that he held the title of Heir Apparent. Now that His Majesty the King has passed, the prince is no longer an heir... but not yet a king either."

She let her words sink in before continuing. "Due to the mourning period, we cannot hold a coronation ceremony for an entire year. However, the kingdom cannot remain without a monarch for that long. It would leave us vulnerable and unbalanced. Therefore, I propose a temporary solution: let us formally recognize His Highness Erevan Brontes Lychos as the interim king of the werewolves until the official coronation can be held."

She paused once more, then raised her voice. "I hereby nominate Erevan Brontes Lychos, son of Damon Brontes Lychos, to serve as King of the Werewolves until the next coronation ceremony."

The room fell into stunned silence.

Though everyone in the room had long expected Erevan to take the throne, the suddenness of the proposal... and the circumstances surrounding it... left them momentarily speechless. This was not the grand moment they had imagined for his rise, but it was necessary, and perhaps even poetic in its gravity.

Ambassador Fiona remembered her mother’s advice: "Follow the Priest’s will. In the end, she decides based on her vision."

She stood without hesitation, walked to the foot of the throne, and dropped to one knee. Placing her hand over her heart, she bowed her head and declared, "Your Majesty, Clan Raynor pledges its eternal loyalty to you during your reign."

The priest narrowed her eyes slightly and scoffed inwardly. "That cheeky girl. A simple verbal agreement would have been enough... but she went ahead and made it ceremonial. Now the others will be pressured to follow suit. Still... it works in Erevan’s favor." free𝑤ebnovel.com

Before her thoughts could wander further, Lucien Marceau Valemont, the Treasurer, stepped forward and kneeled beside Fiona. "Your Majesty, the Valemont Clan will follow your command without question."

Next came the Warlord, Stellan Ragnar Fenroth. With his usual gravitas, he knelt and said, "My Fenroth Clan shall be the sword and shield for your Majesty."

The matron, Dalisay Mayari Cordillera, followed suit. "The Cordillera Clan stands with you, Your Majesty, in life and in death."

One by one, the other council members joined them. Lorekeeper Baatar Erdene Altanshagai, Scholar Amir Anpukhet Ahmose, Arbiter Matthias Halden Graventhal, Watcher Yara Arara Neblina, and Judicator Ren Tsuki Kuroda all stood before the throne, dropped to one knee, and pledged their loyalty.

Finally, with a soft smile, Sarika Somavati Harivamsa, the Priest of the werewolves, stepped forward. Kneeling before the prince, she said, "We, the council of werewolves, offer our allegiance, service, and trust to Your Majesty, King Erevan Brontes Lychos. May the Moon Goddess watch over your reign. Rule us with wisdom and sincerity."

A heavy, reverent silence settled over the chamber.

Erevan stood from the throne for the first time since the meeting began. His voice was calm, but firm. "I accept. All rise."

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