“I know it will be!” I tell him and I turn to the pantry to check for the ingredients I’ll need. I look around and then move to the fridge and verify that everything I need is on hand. I turn and walk out the door and head down the hall to my suite. I’ve worn two dresses today and neither of them were really my choice. It’s been a long day and I decide to change into something that I’d like to wear for the rest of it.
I walk in and go straight to my closet, looking around. I find a dress that I love and while it’s probably a little bit too formal, I decide to go with it anyway. I head to my bathroom and pull my hair back so that it’s off my shoulders finally. I put on a little more makeup to darken my eyes just a tad more and switch from a nude to a red lip. The dress is an off the shoulder black satin dress in a mermaid cut. It’s basic, but classy and it feels so much more like how I would usually look. I pull out some black strappy heels and look at myself in the mirror. I realize I need to put on a necklace and put on one that was handed down from my mom, that was her mom’s. It’s a silver necklace that’s just a whole lot of diamonds, but it dresses up the dress that’s so plain.
I look in the mirror and it’s perfect. I look and feel like myself, and my parents will still be pleased. But then the thought comes that I wonder what Seth will think. With a sigh, I stop just a moment to think about everything that has happened today. I really, never actually thought I’d have a mate but if I did, I was sure they would reject me on the spot. Instead, I have a mate who is a prince and had said, and not given any indication, that he plans to reject me. He hasn’t thought things through though, and he has a wolf, so what he’s feeling from our bond is probably stronger than what I’m able to- and it’s a lot. I don’t have a wolf, and I can’t shift. The only wolf I can mindlink is my dad, and it’s probably only because he’s the Alpha, or was. I’m not built like a wolf. What if I can’t get pregnant with the heir to the kingdom or worse, what if I can’t carry a wolf pregnancy? The entire wolf kingdom will surely not accept me, and probably wouldn’t accept Seth as King for keeping a broken wolf as a mate.
He does seem kind though. I’m not sure what he was told about me before I made it to dad’s office earlier, but he’s friends with Robbie so he has to know a lot. He’s reassured me a few times today that he’s not going to reject me. He called me “his” earlier and it made my heart flutter with hope. And the way he was pressed against me in the hall was more than I could have hoped for.
I sigh. There’s not much I can do at this point and I need to not worry about it so much. I am who I am and while he’s given me some hope, I don’t want to have my heart crushed in the end when he realizes I’m no good. I’m just going to have to go with it and see what happens. It’s out of my hands.
And with that decision I decide to head upstairs and find my family. And maybe my mate. I still don’t want the whole kingdom to know, but I really do enjoy being near him.
I reach the door to the dining room and can hear that everyone is already inside. I crack the door and slowly slip in, hoping to go unnoticed, which I didn’t need to worry about since everyone was walking about mingling and hadn’t been seated yet. I see my mom across the room and head towards her. I haven’t been able to spend any time with her since meeting Seth and I just really need her hugs.
“Hi Mom,” I say as I approach.
“Oh, Molly. You changed clothes. You look lovely!” she tells me, and she’s genuine in her compliment.
“You look absolutely stunning” I hear from my side and see Queen Audrey as she approaches me. “That lip color suits you.” she continues and I can’t help but glow a little as not only the queen, but my mate’s mother complimented me so generously.
I remember myself and bow. “Thank you, Your Highness. I feel more myself with the red.” and I should have stopped there, but I never know when to quit talking until it’s too late. “Truthfully, I don’t wear much makeup.”
“Oh, really dear? Because you wear it so well.”
“I appreciate that.” I tell her. “I don’t wear it often, but my mom taught me well.” I tell her and mom smiles at me.
“How are you doing, dear? I know it’s been a pretty exciting day for you.” Queen Audrey asks me.
“I’m ok, ma’am. I’m looking forward to some time alone tonight to think about everything while you all go for the run, though.” I tell her honestly.
My mom realizes that I’m not quite sure I’m ok and comes to my side to hold me in a hug. “I’m sure it’s been a bit overwhelming, finding your mate and realizing he’s so damn attractive.” and that’s just what I needed to calm me some. I start giggling and with the stress of today I just can’t stop.
I smell him, and then feel his hand on my lower back and he comes to stand on my other side and pulls me to his side. “What’s so funny?” Seth asks me.
“Just some girl talk” Queen Audrey says to him, probably to be sure I wouldn’t tell him my mom was drooling over him. Again.
Seth releases me and I suddenly feel a bit sad, but he steps forward and hugs his mother and kisses her cheek. He releases her and turns back to me, grabbing my hand. “Take a walk with me?” he asks and I nod. He leads me outside to the balcony where it’s not nearly as crowded. It’s a little bit chilly out, but it feels like a perfect fall night.
“You look absolutely stunning” He says to me when we reach the railing and stop.
“Thanks” I respond. “It’s the first dress I got to pick for myself all day.”
“It’s perfect, Molly.You’re perfect.” he says as he places his arm behind me and pulls me to his chest. “The Goddess blessed me when she made you.” He murmurs into the top of my head and I let myself sigh and just be content for a moment. This moment feels so perfect and if he rejects me, at least I had this precious moment.
“I honestly wasn’t sure you’d be back upstairs” he tells me. “I take it everything was ok in the kitchen?” he asks.
“Yeah, all was well. Dinner was going well and Dad’s cake was still good.” I say and realize I let the surprise slip.
“Don’t you mean your Brother’s cake?” He inquires, looking down at me.
“I mean, I didn’t check on that one. I assumed they could handle it. But there’s a surprise for my dad, too.” I tell him, placing my finger on my lips, indicating it’s a secret, and he smiles at me.
“I’m going to skip the run tonight. My parents will be there, that will be enough for the people.” He tells me and I realize that he’s worried about me being alone.
“Umm, I actually have plans tonight now.” and he raises an eyebrow at me. I can tell he’s not happy about me telling him I don’t want him to be with me, so I explain. “Sorry, it’s nothing exciting. I’m going to lock myself into my suite and bake. It helps me relax and think clearly.” I tell him, hoping it won’t offend him.
“I’m just worried about you being alone.” He tells me.
“I know. Being around someone with a broken wolf is new for you, but it’s been my whole life. Do you really think my dad would leave me here alone if he didn’t think I was completely safe?” I ask him and I can tell he’s considering it. “Please don’t miss out on something that would make you happy just for me. I’ll feel terrible if you do.”
“But what if something happens to you while we’re all out?” he asks and I realize there are things he doesn’t know about my situation.
“I can mindlink my dad, and maybe my brother now that he’s Alpha. I promise, I’ll reach out if anything happens.” and I can see that this knowledge relaxes him.
“OK, but make sure your dad knows I’ll be near him at all times.” He says and honestly, the thought that he cares so much, but is still respecting my decision warms my heart.
“I will. And thank you.” I tell him and pull him down towards me and place a kiss on his cheek. I hear a low growl come from him and he places his forehead on mine.
“Aren’t you worried someone will see?” He asks me with a teasing tone, but I can tell he’s serious with his inquiry.
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