Chapter 84
84
~Elara’s POV
I stayed in my shield, watching them through the walls of the palace. Ronan’s voice carried, low and rough with anger. “I can’t… I can’t lose her without putting up a fight,” he said, and I could feel the tension, even through the distance.
Lira scoffed beside him. “Do you really love her that much? Enough to go against someone like Alpha Darlon?” Her voice was sharp, dripping with both doubt and challenge.
“I do,” he snapped. “I love her more than anything. I can’t let her go to him without trying p>
“You’re so stupid,” Lira said, her tone almost a hiss. “You know how dangerous that is. Going against Alpha Darlon is like planning your own death. You think you can win p>
“I have to try,” Ronan said, frustration and pain mixed in his words. “Tell me what to do. Tell me how to make her see that I’m the one she should be with p>
Lira shook her head slowly, curling her lips in a thin line. “I’ll think. I’ll get back to you. But don’t waste too much time. You’re already walking on thin ice p>
“Make it snappy,” he growled. Then he turned sharply and left, slamming the door behind him, leaving the air tense and heavy.
I watched my past self giggling inside her room. The sound was light, happy, untroubled. It hit me like a blade because I knew what was coming, knew how complicated everything would become, and yet here she was, innocent, unaware.
I followed her as she slipped from the room to her mother’s chambers. My chest tightened when my mother looked up, surprise spreading across her face. “Have your friends gone?” she asked gently.
I nodded, still observing quietly. My past self spoke quickly, almost breathless with excitement. “I want the best wedding gown in the history of the kingdom,” she said. Her eyes shone bright. “The most beautiful, the most expensive, the one everyone will remember p>
My mother smiled, eyes soft, almost teary. “That’s exactly what I was thinking too,” she said. Then she clapped her hands lightly. “Let’s make it perfect p>
A maid hurried forward at once.
“Get me the royal tailor,” my mother asked.
A few minutes later, the tailor appeared, bowing low and swiftly. “At your service, Your Majesty and Your Highness,” she said, his voice respectful.
“I want you to make the most exquisite dress anyone has ever seen,” Elara said, eyes sparkling with excitement. “The finest silks, the richest embroidery, the brightest gems. I’m getting married p>
“Congratulations, Your Highness and Your Majesty,” everyone bowed, including the royal tailor.
“Thank you. You can all rise,” My mother said.
The tailor straightened up, brushing his hands together. “Princess,” he said politely, “before I begin, do you have a design in mind? Any idea of how you want your gown to look p>
My eyes lit up. “Yes! I want something grand, elegant… something everyone will remember.” I clasped my hands together, my excitement barely contained.
My mother smiled warmly. “Yes, we were thinking of something inspired by the gowns of our ancestors. Long flowing skirts, fitted bodice, delicate embroidery… something that shows both grace and strength p>
The tailor’s eyes brightened, and he reached for her paper. “I see. Tell me everything, the colors, the patterns, the fabrics, even the small details. I will take careful note p>
I stepped forward, my cheeks flushed with enthusiasm. “The bodice should be fitted, with embroidery along the edges, maybe silver and gold thread, not too heavy but enough to shine. The sleeves… long, flowing, with a slight puff at the shoulders, like the royal gowns in the old portraits p>
My mother added quickly, “And the skirt should be full, layered, with soft fabrics that move gracefully when she walks. Perhaps some lace along the hem, something delicate but royal p>
I nodded eagerly. “Yes, and the neckline… not too high, but elegant. Something that shows my neck and shoulders just enough. And maybe tiny gemstones along the trim, like stars in the night sky p>
The tailor scribbled furiously, her hand moving quickly over the paper. “I understand. Silver, gold, delicate embroidery, lace trims, subtle gemstones. Long flowing sleeves, fitted bodice, full skirt… very good. Anything else, Princess p>
I tilted my head, thinking, my eyes sparkling. “Maybe… a train? Not too long, but elegant. Something that will flow behind me as I walk through the palace halls p>
My mother nodded. “Yes, a train. It should move with you, make your presence known, but not be cumbersome. You should feel like a queen, but still yourself p>
The tailor paused, looked up at both of us, and smiled. “I will make sketches based on what you have told me. Every detail, every suggestion, will be captured. Your gown will be unique, a true reflection of the Princess herself p>
I clapped my hands softly. “Oh, I can’t wait to see it!” I laughed, my happiness bubbling over. “I just know it will be perfect p>
My mother laughed too, smoothing a strand of hair from my face. “It will be, my darling. We will make sure of it p>
The tailor bowed slightly. “Then I will begin immediately. I will bring you sketches tomorrow, and we can adjust anything you wish p>
I turned to my mother immediately and wrapped her in a tight hug, feeling the warmth of her arms around me. “I’m so happy,” I whispered, my voice catching a little. “I can’t believe this is happening p>
My mother held me close, pressing her cheek against mine, her eyes glimmering with tears of joy. “Are you really that happy to be getting married, my darling?” she asked softly, her hand stroking my hair.
I pulled back slightly, still holding her hands, and nodded, a small smile lighting my face. “Yes, Mother… I am. But I will miss you too,” I admitted honestly. The thought of leaving her side, of stepping into this new life, made my chest tighten.
She cupped my face in her hands, her eyes full of love. “Oh, my sweet child,” she murmured, “you will always be my daughter. No matter where life takes you, you carry my heart with you. I will always be here, and I will always love you p>
“I am sure Alpha Darlon will care for you, protect you, and love you as you deserve p>
I felt a warmth spread through my chest at her words, a mix of pride and comfort. “I… I hope so, Mother,” I said, my voice quiet.
She smiled, her thumb brushing across the back of my hand, and then her tone shifted just a little, gentle but firm. “And remember your duty, my daughter. Your role as his mate is important. You must give Alpha Darlon his heir, to continue your line, to strengthen the pack p>
I blinked, a sudden blush rising to my cheeks. Her words were direct, full of meaning, and I felt both embarrassed and excited at the thought. My lips pressed together, and I nodded quickly, trying to hide the heat creeping up my neck.
“I… I understand, Mother,” I whispered, my hands tightening slightly around hers. “I’ll do my best p>
She chuckled softly, a warm, proud sound that made me want to laugh too. “I know you will, Elara. You are strong, clever, and kind. Alpha Darlon will see your heart and your spirit. And when the time comes, you will give him the heir that will carry on your legacy p>
I felt my chest tighten again, a fluttering mix of nerves and anticipation. “I’ll make you proud,” I said, a small smile forming despite my embarrassment.