Chapter 36 Blessing
Amara POV
This morning feels heavy with anticipation. The sunlight streamed through the chamber's balcony door and windows, casting soft, golden beams across the marble floor. Today is a big day. Lola’s Luna ceremony, or should I say, wedding.
Ugh. Could this dress be any tighter? Could this day be any worse? Lola is going to have a major ego after this ceremony
The gown looked like nothing I’d ever worn before. It was midnight violet, the color of twilight skies before the stars claimed the heavens. The fabric clung to my body, cinching my waist and pressing up my brests to nearly my chin.
Of course he’d make sure to find a way to show off my chest.
The dress dipped low on my back, just above my bottom.. revealing more of my skin than I’m used to. It’s very bold.. Yet, I felt a wave of grace every time I moved in it.
“It makes the gold in your eyes shine like the sun, my Queen,” Estra said as she finished the last knot on the skirts and tucked it in.
I stared at myself in the mirror, unrecognizing the woman I’m looking at. Not too long ago, I would have never been seen in anything like this.
A soft cough from behind me broke the silence, and I turned to see Estra and Mary standing behind me holding extra fabrics in their arms.
“You’re beautiful, Your grace,” Mary said with a soft smile. With the bright look in her eyes, I could tell she was proud.
“Thank you,” I said quietly, trying to hide the lump that had risen in my throat. I wanted to respond.. to say more, but the words escaped me. A huge part of me was dreading today.
“Beautiful?” Estra raised an eyebrow and smirked, her hands resting on her hips. “She looks like she’s ready to take over the world, dummy.
I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound a little more nervous than I intended. “That would be the goal, wouldn’t it?”
Mary, who had started adjusting a bit of lace at the waist of my gown, grinned and chimed in, “Well, I don’t see why you should be nervous. It’s not your wedding, and you don’t even have to talk.”
Estra nodded, ” Yes, no talking. Just smile and be yourself. Then you’ll give them your blessing by raising your right hand, or objection with your left.. and that’s it!”
“Okay.. I can do this.”
“So.. I was wondering.. we’ve all heard the rumors.. is Dark King like.. a god in bed?” Mary raised an eyebrow with a devious smirk.
I choked out a cough.
Estra snorted, clearly trying to hold in a laugh. “Don’t worry, we won’t tell. But we all heard-“
“Enough, Estra! My Goddess!” I choked out a nervous laugh as they did their best attempts to thrust their hips in the air.
After a few moments more of dealing with them joking and making incredibly dirty noises, they left me to gather myself.
I sighed, catching my reflection in the mirror again. I can do this.
I took a deep breath and straightened, closing my eyes and placing my hand on my chest. I felt an absence there, but I knew I couldn’t think of it. Not today.
••••••••••••••••••••
The room was alive with soft murmurs, alphas and lunas, werewolves and lycans of all titles sat impatiently waiting for the ceremony to begin.
The ballroom had been transformed for the occasion, draped in silver, gold, and pink. Candles flickered in every corner, creating little soft lights that reminded me of fireflies.
Music played softly on the stage, creating an almost romantic feeling. It nearly calmed my nerves. A good shot of liquor could do that too..
I stood beside Sebastian, his presence at my side both grounding and overwhelming. He wore black from head to toe, which made him look even more terrifying than what he already is.
I tried to catch his eye, but all he could do was survey the room. Almost as if on edge. I could tell by the tick in his clenched jaw and the darkness that surrounded him, he is definitely on high alert.
“Sebastian?” I asked in a whisper.
His hand clenched tighter around mine.
“Everything alright?” I questioned him again.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then when he looked at me, his eyes were softer.
“Everything is fine.. It’s just. I don’t know. We just need to get through this ceremony. A lot of these Alphas want Braden’s head. An attack could happen at any moment if this falls through.” He opened up.. just a little.
“It’ll go as planned. I know it.” I said, giving him a reassuring smile.
He sighed, his eyes falling on my lips. “It would be a shame if I just took you right here and everyone heard it..”
He sucked in his bottom lip causing chills to spread across my skin.
Where did that come from? Why all of a sudden does he want me?
Before I could speak, a cough broke him from his trance.
“They’re ready, my king.” Some random guard spoke.
Sebastian nodded and straightened his shoulders before placing his hand on the small of my back.
“Let’s do this.”
••••••••••••••••••
The room grew louder with shouts and whistles as Sebastian and I stepped onto the royal balcony stand. The long aisle below us was lined with gold and silver, leading to the ornate altar where Lola and Braden would exchange their pack vows.
Sebastian reached out and took my hand again, his grip firm, warm. His touch felt like a silent reassurance, but I’m not really sure who he’s trying to reassure here. Him or me.
“Ready?” he asked in a voice low enough only for me to hear.
I nodded, though my throat felt tight. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Sebastian raised a hand, signaling for the room to quiet.
The murmurs faded, leaving only the sound of the wind gently rustling through the windows. Sebastian's eyes swept over the gathered faces, his expression unreadable.
“My people,” he began, his voice deep and resonant, carrying across the room. “Today marks the joining of two families, two packs. But it is more than just a political alliance. It is a recognition of power, of strength, and unity.“
He paused, and I couldn’t help but notice how his gaze flickered to me, even as he spoke to the crowd. His eyes softened for just a moment, and I could feel the weight of his unspoken thoughts.
“I pray to the Moon Goddess that the Lady Luna Lola and Alpha Braden may live a happy and peaceful life, and rule their pack with dignity and honor. And for that, I give my blessing.”
He looked back towards the crowd and raised his right hand. I did the same, letting go of his hand and raising my right hand.
His gaze turned back to me, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away. “You did well.”
“I did nothing.” I chuckled as we both dropped our hands.
Sebastian turned to the elder standing at the altar below us and nodded, signaling that the ceremony could now begin.