Everyone fell silent, the mood turning solemn.
“I’m sorry,” Mitch said finally. “I know he was your brother. Even though he was in the wrong, I will never celebrate his death. Just as I have never celebrated any of the lives I’ve had to take in the course of my duties. I will pray to the Lady for his spirit.”
Frederick met his gaze. “You are wise beyond your years, Mitch Gustavson. I have lost a brother, but I’m proud to have gained you as my son-in-law.” He raised his glass and everyone followed suit in a silent toast to family both lost and found.
“Which reminds me…” Candis said after the toast had been completed. “Have you given any thought to a formal mating ceremony? It’s traditional among the royal families to have some kind of ceremony and reception to acknowledge the union publicly.”
Mitch wasn’t sure what to think. The expense of a big party wasn’t something he wanted to contemplate after looking at the Clan’s books. He might be able to pay for it out of his own pocket, but he wasn’t a rich man. He’d put aside part of his salary over the years and invested wisely, but his bank account wasn’t that of a king’s just yet.
“It doesn’t have to be anything lavish,” Candis went on as if reading his mind. Or maybe she was just reading his expression. “In fact, anything too fancy or expensive would be foolhardy in the current situation. But a formal mating ceremony, witnessed by as many of the Clan and shifter dignitaries who wish to come, plus an informal get-together after would be a nice thing to do. With help from the ladies in the village, I bet we could put something together that would satisfy the dignity of the occasion and the need for our people to celebrate life once again. It would be a good gesture to begin your reign.”
Mitch knew the former queen had several valid points. He couldn’t argue with anything she’d said and an idea was beginning to form for the ceremony that wouldn’t cost the Clan anything but might go a long way toward demonstrating his true power to those he would invite to attend. Now that he’d accepted he was going to be Tig’Ra, he had to cement his position. He wouldn’t let any perceived weakness on his part reflect poorly on the Clan.
The other shifters had to understand he was much more than a jumped-up Guard. He was Tig’Ra by right of challenge and forbearance of the Lady. He’d proven the first part by defeating Gisli. Proving the Goddess’s blessing was harder, but he had an idea of how to demonstrate it beyond the shadow of a doubt.
“Gina?” Mitch turned to his mate. He loved her so much, it was a special moment each time he looked at her and realized she truly was his mate. “I’m up for it if you are. What do you think?”
She smiled at him and stole his breath. “I think it’s a good idea. Mom and I can plan the party. Do you want to handle the ceremony?”
How did she know what he had in mind? He tilted his head and smiled at her. His woman never stopped surprising him. She gave him an answering grin and held his hand through the chorus of approvals coming from around the table. It seemed everybody liked the idea of a party.
Chapter Fourteen
They set a date a little over a month away so they would have time to invite dignitaries from the other big-cat shifter Clans. Matings among royals were few and far between. It was customary to at least invite the other big-cat shifter royalty to bear witness to a royal match. In this particular case, it would also give Mitch and Gina a chance to get to know the other monarchs. They were new to their roles as Tig’Ra and Tig’Ren. The other monarchs didn’t know them and needed to understand that things in the tiger Clan were going to change radically from here on out.
The phrase about two birds, one stone fit, Gina thought. She’d get to meet the other monarchs—if they came to the wedding—and take their measure. At the same time, the guests would get to see Mitch and Gina in action. They’d soon learn that Gisli’s corrupt management style was over.
Mitch spent his mornings over the next week working out with the Guard—Old and new—making sure they were integrating and learning from each other while he kept himself in shape. Gina joined them, since keeping fit was important to her. She had to be sure she could help defend herself if it became necessary. Monarchs were natural targets for enemies who wanted to destabilize the Clans.
And the tiger Clan was already in chaos from Gisli’s poor handling of everything. After lunch, Mitch and Gina would spend hours going over the books with her parents’ help. The long-standing investments in the biotech conglomerate called Phelix Corporation was of particular concern. Phelix had multiple smaller companies under its corporate umbrella such as Phelix Genomix, Phelix Scientifix, Phelix Pharmex and a slew of similarly named hi-tech companies.