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And as the person with the shortest ribbon, I was the one who got tied to the pole by everyone else’s ribbons, whichbeforetheir extra length of ribbon to tie me there, as was custom

As the first to run out of my ribbon, Fate had chosenrins on their faces Eventually, when they reached the ends of their ribbons, they pressed kisses onwould be the lastBut when he faced ri the person behind hi a ribbon end was now the May King

William stood soberly in front of ratulations When aze met his, I blushed to the roots of my hair as everyone around us clapped their hands in time to the music and chanted, "Kiss her! Kiss her!"

He srinned back at hi, he bent his head just as I tilted my head back, more than ready to meet his mouth

When at last he kissed ue was there, tasting h ently he tried to tug h, tied down as I was by the ribbons on the pole, I couldn’t go to him

"Huzzah!" called our baron, Lord de Bricasse "The Fates have now chosen our May Queen and King All hail! Let us open these Beltane festivities with their coronation!"

I was released by Caitlyn, who hugged ged the dance to work out the way it had by ensuring that I started with the shortest ribbon, and Williaave her a stern look, suddenly understanding their snickering and cheeky looks But then rin, which she quickly returned I thanked her, and in the next second, I had a crown of beautiful wildflowers placed ondown the back

I turned to watch as they crowned the May King, taking athe dance had hardly appeared to faze him William’s croas ether in a masculine style

At the crowd’s request--and ain as they sang and cheered I et dressed for the feast and dancing"

His hold only tightened and his ain, leaving o" I reluctantly pulled back fro I don’t want to do," he responded, kissing ain, even as the crowd started to dissipate in preparation for the evening celebration

Thrill surged through me and my eyes fluttered closed I’d wondered if he still wanted uess I had ht The only thing that could eous new dress you bought for me"

He froze and slowly, ever so slowly, pulled away "Even though I’ve pictured it clearly, I’d love to see you wearing it"

"Thank you You shouldn’t have done it"

"But I did And I’hed "You’re really loving that new title, aren’t you?"