Chapter 154 Storm Riders Pack
As soon as they finished breakfast, Gavriel didn’t waste any time. He used Uriel’s portal to travel to the Storm Riders Pack for the birthday celebration of the Minister of War.
\[You don’t need to worry. Uncle Marius is a good man, and his daughter Beatrice will help you with the gown you’ll wear later. Uncle Marius was a close friend of my father—he’s always been like family to me. He’s also my godfather,\] Gavriel’s voice came through the bond as they stepped out of the portal, which opened right in front of Ward Manor.
She bit her lip, stealing a glance at her hand clasped firmly in Gavriel’s. He still hadn’t let go, and she could feel the weight of the gazes fixed on them from across the manor’s courtyard.
From there, Althea also saw Alpha Marius, whom she had met once before at the Royal Palace during her trial with Ava’s father. Beside him stood a stunning woman with long, curly brunette hair.
Their eyes also flicked toward Gavriel’s hand, which was still holding hers. Althea swallowed hard and tried to pull away, feeling a wave of shyness but Gavriel held her hand firmly. She wasn’t still used to Gavriel showing affection in public like this. The only other time had been when he’d kissed her openly on the road while they were riding a horse.
‘Looks like the mighty Alpha King has truly fallen for his mate. It’s nice seeing him like this…’
Althea bit her inner lip, a small, timid smile forming on her face. Gavriel had been right, Alpha Marius seemed kind. Then her gaze shifted to the woman beside him.
‘She must be Beatrice,’ Althea thought as they both greeted Gavriel with a respectful bow.
“Welcome, Your Majesty,” they said in unison.
“Let me formally introduce Althea, my mate,” Gavriel said, and heat rushed to her cheeks. It was the first time he had ever introduced her formally while she was by his side. He was being so gentle, introducing her that way, and somehow it made her heart flutter with a thousand butterflies.
Alpha Marius turned to Althea with a kind smile. “It’s an honor to meet you again, Lady Althea,” he said before introducing his daughter. “And this is my daughter, Beatrice.”
Beatrice curtsied gracefully. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Althea. Please, allow me to assist you in preparing for the event tonight.”
“We’ll be in your care, Lady Beatrice,” she said softly.
“Of course,” Beatrice replied with a warm smile. “This way, please,” she said, gesturing for them to follow.
Althea turned to Gavriel, who gave her an approving nod. “Go ahead,” he said. “I need to discuss something important with Uncle Marius. I’ll see you later.” He finally let go of her hand.
She smiled, then followed Lady Beatrice, who was accompanied by her maidservant that she introduced as Sera.
Melva walked behind them with three warrior guards in tow. Together, they moved through the grand hallways of Ward Manor.
Beatrice led them up a wide staircase and stopped before a tall wooden door engraved with the Alpha King’s crest. “This is His Majesty’s chamber,” she said respectfully. “You’ll prepare here, My Lady.”
Melva carefully pushed the door open and guided Althea inside. The room was vast and regal, filled with warm light and the faint scent of pine and cedar.
Beatrice’s maidservant Sera moved ahead to open a large wardrobe, revealing several gowns in rich colors and luxurious fabrics—royal blues, silvers, whites, and deep maroons. “These were prepared for Lady Althea,” she said.
“Please, choose whichever one you like best,” Beatrice added.
Althea’s gaze lingered on the dresses, admiring the craftsmanship. “They’re all beautiful,” she murmured, touching the soft fabric of a silver-blue gown.
As she stood there, Althea caught a glimpse of Beatrice’s thoughts—open, bright, and sincere. ‘She’s even more graceful than I imagined,’ Beatrice was thinking. ‘I hope she’ll see me as a friend.’
A small smile curved on Althea’s lips. “I think I’ll wear this one,” she said, holding up the silver-blue gown.
“An excellent choice,” Beatrice said happily, her tone genuine as she helped Althea with the fabric.
Just then, the air shimmered faintly, followed by a knock at the door. “Lady Althea, it’s me, Uriel.”
Melva quickly opened the door. “Pardon my intrusion,” Uriel said in his calm voice. “I’ve been instructed by His Majesty to cast a protective barrier around the chamber.”
Althea nodded. “Go ahead, Lord Uriel.”
She wasn’t surprised by Gavriel’s overprotectiveness. Though in her heart, she truly believed that the man named Zander wouldn’t harm her at all.
He moved across the chamber, his hands glowing faintly as he murmured an incantation. Golden runes appeared along the walls, circling the space before fading into invisibility.
Beatrice and the Sera both watched in silent awe, but Althea noticed the subtle flush on Beatrice’s cheeks and the shy glances she kept stealing toward Uriel. When she brushed lightly against Beatrice’s thoughts again, she caught a flicker of admiration.
‘He’s so composed… and strong. I’ve never met anyone like him before.’
Uriel finished his work and turned to them. “It’s done. The chamber is secured.” His eyes softened briefly as he met Althea’s. “You’re safe now.”
“Thank you,” Althea said.
He nodded, then turned to leave. Beatrice’s gaze followed him for a moment longer before she quickly looked away, trying to compose herself. Althea pretended not to notice, though a small amused smile lingered on her face.
When Uriel was gone, Beatrice cleared her throat and said, “We’ll leave you now, Lady Althea, so you can rest for a while. Later, we’ll return to help you prepare.”
Althea quickly shook her head. “No, please, there’s no need for that. I have Melva with me, we can manage.”
Beatrice nodded with a polite smile before bidding farewell and leaving the room.
Althea let out a long, deep sigh as she sat on a chair, her eyes wandering toward the view from the balcony.
“Are you nervous, My Lady?” Melva asked softly.
Before Althea could even answer, the door suddenly swung open.