Chapter 7
~In the evening.
As Cressida emerged from the room, her heels clicked against the floor, drawing attention to her stunning appearance. The floor-length black gown hugged her hourglass curves perfectly, complemented by a delicate diamond necklace that sparkled against her radiant skin.
A light dusting of powder enhanced her natural complexion, while wine lipstick added a touch of elegance to her soft lips. Her blonde hair was styled in a classic bun, secured with a dainty silver hairpin that added a subtle touch of sophistication.
Amabel, resplendent in her knee-length gown, waited eagerly in the parlor. She had deliberately stayed out of the room since Alaric was inside, and as soon as Cressida appeared, she hurried over, her eyes widening in admiration. “Wow!” she exclaimed, taking in Cressida's entire ensemble.
“You look stunning in this. Felix certainly knows how to pick out a dress. The fit is perfect!”
“The dress is from Felix?” Cressida asked, her voice tinged with gratitude.
Amabel nodded, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Yes, Felix auctioned it off. It’s quite expensive, but he believed you were worth every penny.”
Just then, Felix himself walked into the room, his eyes locking onto Cressida with a warm appreciation. “Wow,” he breathed, taking in her stunning appearance. He strode over to her, his gaze sweeping over her before meeting hers.
“You look incredible in this.” He said, his voice filled with sincerity.
Cressida’s cheeks flushed as she looked down, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “Mother told me you got me the dress. This has to be the best gift I’ve ever received. Amazingly, it comes from you.”
Felix’s face lit up with a pleased smile. “I’m glad you love it,” he said, his voice filled with warmth. “You’re a queen and shall be treated like one. I’ll make sure you’re treated exactly how you deserve.”
Amabel stepped in, taking Cressida’s hands in hers. “Dear, if you ever need anything and Alaric can’t provide it, just let Felix know. He’ll take care of you, okay?”
Cressida nodded, a smile still on her face. “Okay.”
Felix nodded in agreement, his lips curving into an assuring smile. “Mom’s right. I’ll get you whatever you need. You’re Alaric’s wife, but you’ll always be a priority to me.”
Cressida’s smile grew wider. “Thank you, Felix. You’re kind and caring, exactly what a lady looks for in a man. Your wife will be incredibly lucky to have you.” She complimented.
Amabel glanced toward Alaric’s room. “I told Alaric about the party, but—”
Cressida cut her off, her expression turning dismissive. “Do we need him? He’s such a downer. Let’s just do this without him.”
Felix shrugged. “If that’s what you want, then so be it,” he said. He offered Cressida his arm, his eyes sparkling with warmth. “Shall I escort you out, queen?”
Cressida’s face lit up with a smile as she placed her hand on his. Together, they walked out of the mansion, side by side, with Amabel following closely behind, a smile on her face.
The backyard had transformed into a lively celebration, with a long table laden with wines and snacks. Amabel had organized the party to welcome Cressida into the family, surrounded by the maids and guards, showcasing Felix’s love and generosity.
After nearly an hour, Rowan led two maids into the venue, carrying jewelry boxes that they placed in front of Amabel on the table. Amabel stood up, her eyes shining with warmth, and pushed the boxes toward Cressida. “These are for you, daughter.” She informed, her voice filled with affection.
Cressida’s eyes widened in surprise as she covered her mouth with her hands. “Wow…” she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper. She bowed her head, her gratitude clear. “Thank you, Mother.”
Amabel smiled, her face radiating love. “This is nothing,” she said. “Just a small token of what you’ll enjoy as a member of this family.”
Cressida’s face lit up with joy. “Thank you.” She said, her voice sincere.
Rowan walked to the end of the table, holding a paper, and unfolded it. Facing Cressida, she began to read Amabel’s heartfelt message, “as you start this new chapter with my family, remember that you’re not just marrying my son; you’re becoming an integral part of our family,
As your mother, I promise to always support you, protect you, and guide you through life’s challenges. You’re loved, valued, and cherished, Cressida. I’m honored to have you as a daughter-in-law.”
Tears of joy welled up in Cressida’s eyes as she moved to Amabel and wrapped her arms around her. “Thank you, Ma,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Cressida stepped away from Amabel and turned to Felix, her brow furrowed in curiosity. “No words for me?” She asked, a hint of teasing in her voice.
Felix chuckled and set his wineglass down. “Of course there is,” he replied with a smile. He stood up and walked to the end of the table, standing beside Rowan.
“The difference is,” Felix began, his eyes locked on Cressida. “Every word is coming straight from my heart.”
Rowan beamed with approval. “That’s lovely, sir.”
Felix cleared his throat and continued, “to the queen of Palmer, the lady with a pure heart, welcome,” he bowed his head slightly, his gaze never leaving Cressida’s.
As he raised his head, his voice filled with sincerity. “From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I knew you’re special. You’re a treasure, and I truly believe your presence in our family marks the beginning of a new era.”
He paused, pulling his hands out of his pockets, and picked up a glass. Without a word, Rowan swiftly filled it with wine. He raised the glass, his eyes shining with warmth. “To the queen of Palmer, welcome to the family! May this be the start of a life filled with fulfillment and joy,”
He raised his glass higher. “Cheers!”
The space erupted in a chorus of agreement as everyone, including Cressida and Amabel, stood up, raised their cups, and took a sip of the wine.
“Cheers!” They echoed in unison.
As Cressida entered the room, Alaric couldn’t resist a jab. “The queen of Palmer has arrived.” He said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Cressida brushed him off, her attention focused on the two maids who had escorted her in, carrying jewelry boxes. “Just leave them there, please,” she instructed, her voice calm and collected. The maids set the boxes down, curtsied, and quickly exited the room.
Cressida closed the door and headed toward the bathroom, removing her necklace as she walked. She let out a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day. “It’s been a long day.” She murmured, more to herself than Alaric.
Alaric’s smirk grew wider. “Of course it has,” he said, his voice laced with amusement, making Cressida pause mid-step. “How was the party?”
Cressida turned to face him, her hands dropping from the necklace. Alaric asked, his eyes glinting with curiosity. “It was fun, especially since you weren’t there.” Cressida replied, a sly smile playing on her lips, clearly aimed at provoking him.
Alaric’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing. “What’s that supposed to mean?” He demanded.
Cressida didn’t hesitate. “You’re boring,” she said bluntly, before turning on her heel and disappearing into the bathroom.
Alaric’s eyes widened in a mix of shock and surprise, his anger simmering just below the surface. He stood frozen, his mind reeling with Cressida’s bold statement.
‘Did she just talk to me like that?’
The question echoed in his head as he struggled to process the unexpected turn of events.
---
Cressida emerged from the bathroom, wearing one of Alaric’s shirts she’d picked from the laundry basket. “I’ll be wearing this until tomorrow,” she said, “since there’s no nightwear, and I’ll have to wait until then to get some.”
Alaric brushed off her comment, steering the conversation in a different direction. “You need to be careful around Felix,” he warned, his tone serious. “He’s not—”
Cressida cut him off, a knowing glint in her eye. “I know,” she said, her lips curving into a sly smile as she winked at him. “But Alaric, is this because you care about me, or you’re jealous?”
“Jealous?” He repeated, raising an eyebrow. “Why’d I be jealous?”
“Because I was around him.” She replied, a smile still playing on her lips.
Alaric’s expression turned stern as he slowly shook his head. “I. Am. Not. Jealous. Of. Him.” He enunciated, spacing out each word for emphasis.
Cressida’s teasing didn’t let up. She scoffed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Are you sure?”
Alaric’s patience snapped, and he slammed his fist on the bed. “I said I’m not jealous of him!” He protested, his voice rising. He took a deep breath, his jaw clenched, and stared intensely into her eyes.
Cressida nodded thoughtfully. “Okay, you’re not jealous of Felix. You just don’t want me around him.”
Alaric’s eyes darted away for a moment before returning to hers, his expression tense. “Yes,” he confirmed, his voice firm. He locked eyes with hers, his gaze intense. “And stop mentioning his name. I hate it.”
Cressida pressed her lips together, nodding in understanding. “Okay, got it,” she said, though a hint of mischief danced in her eyes. She furrowed her brow, asking, “what should I be calling him then?”
Alaric’s response was indifferent. “Whatever. I don’t even care.”
Cressida’s smile grew wider. “Okay, I’ll be calling him by his name then… Felix.” She paused, enjoying the frustration she saw building in Alaric’s face.
His eyes half-closed, and he let out a soft exhale. “Gosh,” he whispered, shaking his head. “You’re fucking annoying.”
Her grin only grew bigger. “I know,” she said. “I made it clear from the beginning, didn’t I?”
The air thickened with tension as he gave her a dangerous stare, and without another word, he turned around and lay down.
Cressida scoffed, satisfied at how frustrated he was. She reached for the light switch, but Alaric quickly sat up, his hand shooting out to stop her. “Why did you turn it off?” He demanded.
“Because I don’t sleep with the light on.” She replied, trying to pull her hand free.
His grip tightened. “Don’t!” He commanded.
She wrenched her hand free, her expression annoyed. “Why?”
“Because I can’t sleep in the dark.” His response was immediate.
She rolled her eyes. “And I can't sleep with the light on,” she retorted, turning the light back on.
Alaric’s face twisted in frustration. “Turn on the light!” He yelled, his patience wearing thin. He panted heavily for a few seconds before reaching out to turn on the lamp himself. “I cannot sleep in the dark. Is that too hard to understand?”
Cressida sighed, rolling her eyes. “Stop being petty,” she said. She thought he’d been like that because of what she said to him. She lay down and covered herself with the duvet. “Fine, we’ll sleep with the light on.” s
Alaric inhaled softly but said nothing, instead lying down and covering himself. “Make sure your body doesn’t touch mine throughout the night.” He instructed, his voice cold.
Cressida scoffed, a mischievous glint in her eye. “I’m annoying, don’t you know that?” She teased, moving closer to him. Before he could react, she pressed her body against his, making contact.
Alaric sat up, grabbing a pillow to place between them. “Don’t cross your lane, woman.” He warned.
“I will, always.”