Chapter 514
The Past 8:
Throughout the evening, a frosty silence reigned between Amelie and Anaya. Amelie’s thoughts were consumed by Gabriel’s earlier caution and the startling malice in Anaya’s eyes. She wondered if keeping Ophelia and her dangerous daughter under the same roof could be considered safe any longer.
As she finished brushing her long hair and prepared to settle into bed, a gentle, almost hesitant knock sounded on the door. Amelie slowly lowered the brush and moved to open it.
Standing in the hallway was Ophelia, holding a small tray upon which rested a steaming glass.
“I brought saffron milk for you, dear,” Ophelia replied, offering a small smile.
“I appreciate the thought, Aunt, but I don’t wish to drink anything right now. I’ve already brushed my teeth,” Amelie refused politely but firmly. For some reason, the earlier bond of trust she held for the witches had snapped. After Anaya’s unsettling confession, Amelie felt a powerful instinct to remain cautious.
“Oh, why?” Ophelia’s smile flickered. “Your mother prepared this milk especially for you. I merely fetched it for you, dear.” She lowered the tray carefully onto a nearby side table and continued with apology, “I know you are upset because of Anaya’s foolish words today. Please, forgive my daughter.” She joined her hands together in a gesture of humble appeal.
“Aunt Ophelia, you don’t need to apologize for what Anaya did,” Amelie stated, keeping her tone respectful and humble.
“Dear,” Ophelia murmured, immediately grasping Amelie’s hands and squeezing them gently. “Anaya has grown up without a father’s love. He passed away ten years ago, and because of that, we had to undergo a great deal of hardship. Anaya merely wants to get close to her brother-in-law in good faith, nothing else.” Tears welled in Ophelia’s eyes, lending sincerity to her plea. “Still, I am truly sorry that she brought up buying a gift for Prince Gabriel. For my sake, please forgive her, will you p>
Seeing how desperately Ophelia was pleading, her head slightly bowed, Amelie felt a pang of pity override her caution. “I will. Please don’t apologize further, Aunt.” Pulling her hands gently back, Amelie added, “I am very tired now and truly wish to go to bed p>
“Of course. Goodnight, Amelie,” Ophelia replied with a humble, grateful smile. She stepped back and walked out, carefully pulling the door shut behind her.
Amelie immediately secured the bolt, locking the door from the inside. She switched off the main lights, leaving only a dim bedside lamp glowing before she finally slid under the thick blanket. She shut her eyes, but sleep refused to come. A certain worrying feeling filled her chest. She never felt like this before in her life.
“Shall I ask Father to send them away? Why do I feel Anaya will do something? That gaze with which she speaks is strange,” she murmured while contemplating the reason for her anxiety.
The next morning, Amelie woke up late, exhausted by the previous night’s restlessness. The sun was already high in the sky, casting bright, warm light across her room.
She walked onto her small balcony and looked down at the familiar sight of the garden. Below, she saw Anaya. Her sister was standing near a bed of deep red roses, staring intently at one velvety bloom before abruptly plucking it and clutching it tightly in her hand.
That sight made Amelie flinch. At that exact moment, as if sensing the scrutiny, Anaya turned her head and looked straight up at the balcony. Their eyes met.
Anaya offered a wide, unsettlingly cheerful smile, holding the bruised rose up slightly as if in greeting. The gesture, combined with her actions from the day before, only heightened the feeling of cold discomfort settling over Amelie.
Amelie quickly retreated from the balcony, closing the glass door behind her, trying to shake off the unsettling image of Anaya and the rose.
A moment later, a frantic voice called her name from the hallway. “Amelie! Amelie!” It was her mother, Irene.
Amelie swiftly unlocked the door and let Irene bustle into the room.
“The Alpha King and Prince Gabriel will be here in less than an hour!” Irene informed her.
“What?” Amelie exclaimed in shock. She glanced down at her casual clothes; she hadn’t even had a chance to properly freshen up.
Irene thrust a garment bag toward her. “Prince Gabriel’s beta personally delivered this dress for you. You have to wear this. Hurry now and take a bath! I will send two of the best maids up immediately to help you get ready.” Irene threw her hands up in exasperation. “Is this how you intend to be after marriage? You simply must learn to wake up early! The Luna Queen cannot be sleeping past mid-morning p>
“Mother, why are you calling me the Luna Queen?” Amelie asked, shaking her head in a mixture of disbelief and a slight, giddy smile.
“Because you will become exactly that one day, child! Now, this is not the time to argue semantics. Go to the washroom! I need to go downstairs and check the final preparation details,” Irene stated firmly, already turning toward the door.
“Why didn’t Gabriel inform me about their arrival today?” Amelie mumbled to herself, still perplexed by the suddenness, as she hurried toward the washroom.
She did not take much time bathing, rushing through the process. As she entered the room, she saw that two maids were already present, waiting patiently. Amelie quickly dried her hair vigorously with a towel before tossing it onto the chair.
“Miss, please, sit here. Let me dry your hair properly and quickly first,” the first maid said kindly, gently guiding Amelie to sit down on the vanity chair.
The first maid, skilled with hair, took over immediately. She used a heated brush over Amelie’s damp hair, infusing it with scented oil as she worked. She carefully dried and smoothed the long tresses, then gathered two sections near the temples and secured them in subtle braids at the back of her head with small, glittering pins. To finish the elegant style, she affixed a large, ornate flower pin near the braids.
Once the hair was done, the second maid held up the pale blue silk dress, and Amelie slipped into it carefully. The gown settled perfectly, its square neck and basque-waist bodice fitted precisely, contrasting with the flow of the long sleeves and wide cuffs.
Amelie then fastened the thin silver chain, bearing the small crescent moon pendant, around her neck to complete the look. It was given to her by Gabriel, saying it was the token of his love. She rose gracefully to her feet, ready to face the Alpha King and Prince Gabriel.
Below is the image attached of Amelie.