You Look Gorgeous Princess

You Look Gorgeous Princess
Chapter 53
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Elena

The day came faster than I expected.

It was still dark outside when I woke, the faint glow of the moon seeping through the curtains. My heart was already racing, even before I remembered what day it was.

I sat up slowly, letting the cool air wrap around me. This was it. The mating ceremony. The moment Kael and I would stand in front of the pack and bind ourselves together in a way that couldn’t be undone.

It wasn’t like I hadn’t been thinking about it. But somehow, the weight of it only really hit me now.

I padded to the mirror, rubbing sleep from my eyes. My hair was wild, my face bare. The kind of sight that would have made me hide months ago. Now… I didn’t care as much. Kael had seen me at my worst and still looked at me like I was worth it.

A knock came at the door.

When I opened it, my best friend, Rhea,  stood there, a soft smile on her face and a bundle of fabric in her arms.

“Morning,” she whispered, stepping inside. “Your dress is ready.”

She laid it out on the bed, the pale fabric catching the light like water. It was a simple black ball gown dress with pearls scattered across it. It was flowing and soft — exactly what I wanted.

“It’s beautiful,” I said quietly, my throat tightening.

She smoothed the fabric with her hand. “It suits you. Now, hurry. We’ve got work to do.”

The hours passed in a blur of movement… hair being brushed, pins being set, soft touches of powder and color on my face. The steady hum of voices around me only made the knot in my chest grow tighter.

One moment, Kael was knocking on my door asking about how I was doing. The next, I was staring at myself in the mirror, wearing a dress that felt too elegant for me, wondering if my hands would ever stop shaking.

There was a soft knock at the door.

"Elena?" It was Nicole, peeking in with a smile. "It’s time."

I nodded, more to myself than her, and followed her out.

The ceremony wasn’t huge — Kael kept his word. But even with just the main pack and a few close allies, the room felt full. Faces turned as I stepped in, the low murmur of conversation fading into a kind of hushed attention.

And then I saw him.

Kael stood at the center, dressed in deep black with the faintest silver embroidery on his jacket. His curls were neat but still slightly unruly, like he’d tried to tame them and given up halfway. His eyes found mine instantly, softening in a way that made the whole room blur around us.

I didn’t even realize I’d been holding my breath until it rushed out of me.

I walked toward him slowly, the sound of my steps almost too loud in the quiet space. Every few feet, I caught sight of someone watching … curious eyes, jealous eyes,  judging eyes, kind eyes, but I kept my gaze on him.

When I reached him, Kael’s hand came out, steady and warm, pulling me closer until I could feel the heat of him.

"You look..." His voice dipped low, like he didn’t want anyone else to hear. "...like you’re about to run."

I smiled faintly. "Why would I?"

His fingers tightened around mine. "Good. I wouldn’t let you anyway.” “You look gorgeous princess.” 

A blush crept on my face. “Thank you.” 

He nodded slightly and kept on smiling at me.

The ceremony began. The elder spoke words about unity, loyalty, and the bond between mates — even though ours wasn’t the fated kind, the words still settled heavy in my chest.

When it was time, Kael stepped closer, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips. "Guess you’re stuck with me now," he murmured.

I rolled my eyes, but the warmth in his voice made my stomach flip.

The binding was simple. We placed our hands together, palms flush, and the elder wrapped a silver ribbon around them, knotting it gently.

Kael’s thumb brushed over my hand as we repeated the vows. His eyes didn’t leave mine, not once.

When the elder declared it done, the room clapped softly, and Kael leaned in, close enough for only me to hear.

"You’re mine now."

It wasn’t a demand. It wasn’t even a claim. It was... a promise.

And then he kissed me.

Not rushed, not for the crowd, but slow and steady, his hand cupping my cheek like I was the only thing that mattered in that moment. My chest felt too tight, my fingers curling in the fabric of his jacket.

When he pulled back, I felt lightheaded.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a haze of congratulations, warm handshakes, and well-meaning smiles. Kael never left my side. His hand stayed at the small of my back, grounding me, or sometimes just brushing my fingers, reminding me he was there.

At some point, the two of us slipped out, leaving the noise behind.

We found ourselves in the small garden behind the hall. The air was cooler here, the sky dimming into soft shades of pink and gold.

Kael stood beside me, his jacket unbuttoned now, looking more relaxed than he had all day.

"You okay?" he asked.

I nodded, looking at him instead of the view. "Better than okay."

His mouth curved. "Yeah, me too."

We stood there for a while, not saying much. Just breathing the same air, our shoulders brushing.

And somewhere in that quiet, I felt it.

That knot in my chest I’d been carrying for weeks… the one filled with fear, secrets, and uncertainty  loosened.

I turned to him fully. "Kael?"

"Mm?"

My fingers twisted in the ribbon still around my wrist.

"I think..." I took a breath, steadying myself. "...I’m ready to tell you."

His eyes locked on mine, calm but sharp with interest.

"Tell me what?"

I swallowed. "Everything."