Chapter Two Hundred And Twelve

Chapter Two Hundred And Twelve
Camille’s POV

Morning light spilled across my room in my grandfather’s house like a quiet blessing. The old curtains caught the sunlight and softened it, turning everything warm and calm. For a long moment, I just sat on the edge of the bed, my palms resting on my knees, breathing slowly.

My wedding dress hung near the window, glowing softly under the sun, untouched and perfect. I rose to my feet and walked toward it, gently brushing my fingers along the satin. The fabric felt cool, steady, like a promise waiting to be fulfilled.

This was happening.

After everything the world did to break me… I was here.

A small ache rose in my chest. I swallowed and whispered toward the empty air, “Mom… Dad… I wish you were here. I wish you could see your daughter today, how she turned out after all of it.”

My voice shook a little, but I held myself steady.
“They would be proud,” I murmured. “I know they would.”

A soft knock came, and before I could answer, my bridesmaids burst into the room with laughter, perfume, and half-zipped dresses. The suite became warm and alive in seconds, makeup kits opening, hair tools heating, girls teasing each other about who would cry first.

Then Lena walked in last, carrying a small velvet box. Our eyes met, and something inside me softened.

“There you are,” I whispered.

She smiled and hugged me so tight that I almost lost my breath. “You’re glowing,” she said. “Like someone finally lit the fire inside you the right way.”

I laughed weakly. “Sit. I don’t want to cry yet.”

She sat me down in front of the mirror and opened the velvet box. Inside lay a delicate necklace, thin chain and a small moonstone heart.

“For protection,” she said softly. “To guard the heart that refused to stay broken.”

My eyes burned instantly. I turned so she could clasp it around my neck. Her hands trembled just a little.

“Thank you,” I whispered. “For coming back into my life when I needed you.”

“You were never alone,” she said gently. “You just forgot how bright you shine.”

Stylists moved around me quickly, brushing my hair, fixing pins, blending soft makeup over my skin. My reflection transformed slowly, eyes glowing, lips soft, cheeks warm. Not a woman running from pain. Not a woman drowning in shame.

A woman ready to be a bride.

I stared at myself for a long moment. “Mom… Dad… if you can see me, I hope I make you proud.”

The door opened again. My grandfather stepped inside, dressed in a dark suit, shoulders strong. But his eyes… they softened the moment he saw me.

He stopped walking. His breath hitched.

“You look… just like her,” he whispered.

My chest tightened. “Like Mom?”

He nodded slowly. “The same strength. The same light. But more fierce.” He reached for my hand. “When your mother died, I thought my life was done. I thought I had nothing left to live for. Then you came back to me, hurt, but standing. You gave me hope again, Camille.”

“Grandpa…” My voice cracked.

He held my cheek gently. “I’m proud of the woman you became. And today… I’m honored to walk you into the next chapter of your life.”

We hugged quietly, breathing in each other’s steadiness.

The bridesmaids fixed my veil, straightened my dress, and handed me the bouquet. Lena tucked a curl behind my ear.

“You’re ready,” she whispered. “More than ready.”

We began walking together toward the exit. The hallway was filled with the soft scent of flowers and candles. Every step felt meaningful, like the world was watching me take back everything I lost.

But halfway through the hall, a sudden coldness slid down my spine.
I paused.

The air felt… thick. Heavy. Like someone was watching.

I turned slowly, eyes searching the corridor.

Nothing. Just light, shadows, and silence.

“Camille?” Lena asked. “What’s wrong?”

I shook my head lightly. “Nothing. Nerves.”

But it wasn’t nerves. It was instinct.
Something out there was moving.
Something dark.

I pushed the feeling aside and kept walking. Today was mine. I refused to let old ghosts take it.

Outside, the limousine waited. Ethan stood beside it with two guards, expressions alert but calm.

“Route is secured,” he said. “We checked every corner twice.”

“Thank you,” I said softly.

My grandfather kissed my forehead. “I’ll meet you at the venue, sweetheart.”

The bridesmaids lifted my dress as I stepped into the limo. The interior smelled of roses and vanilla. Soft music hummed through hidden speakers. I settled into the seat and rested my hands on the bouquet.

The door closed gently.

For a moment, everything felt peaceful.

I exhaled, touching the moonstone heart at my neck. “I’m ready,” I whispered.

Ethan glanced at me through the open door, his voice steady and reassuring.

“You’re safe, Lady Camille,” he said. “We’ll get you to your king.”

His tone carried a promise, not dramatic, not loud, just firm enough to settle something inside me.

I nodded, trusting him completely.

I leaned back against the seat, eyes soft, calm, hopeful.

Today was my wedding day. Today, I walked toward a life I built with blood and courage. Today, danger was already closer than I knew.

But in that moment… I only felt happiness.

Ready for Theo.
Ready for the future I fought for, with the king who held my heart when everyone else turned away and whatever darkness Miles is preparing… I know one truth.
He will fail. Because love made me stronger.