Chapter 104 Chapter 104

Chapter 104 Chapter 104
Aira.

"Yay! I'm so happy for you!!" I squealed, hugging her now. She returned it as well, a light giggle on her lips. "I'm happy for you too," Helen responded as she pulled away from the hug. Clearing her throat, her gaze turned serious. "Now, it's time to eat," she announced, and I gasped, my stomach choosing the moment to growl.

"We'll be heading to the dining area, Your Majesty. The chef has been cooking up a storm since dawn. I'm sure you'll enjoy the dishes he has prepared," Helen informed me as she led me out of the chambers. "I can't wait," I said as she closed the door behind me, trailing several steps behind me.

The week flew past in a blur, filled with tons of activities as Helen took it upon herself to prepare me for the mating ritual. I also saw less and less of Kael, as he had become involved in his duties, except at night when he cuddled me to sleep, and most times, I was too exhausted to speak with him. He would apologize in the morning, just before he left for court, and I would inform him it was alright.

He had neglected them for a while now; so it's only natural there would be a ton of things waiting for him to address. I didn't want him to worry about me instead. Yet, I couldn't deny I missed having him around me all the time. Missed his undivided attention. Helen did inform me that having the mate bond could potentially make things easier for us, as we would be able to hear each other's thoughts and emotions and know when we needed each other.

Also, there was the added advantage of me being able to call on him whenever through the mate bond, and he would answer. So that night, when Kael retired to bed, I purposely waited up for him, banishing sleep from my eyes. Allowing him to pull me closer to himself, scenting my neck, I muttered the words I had always wanted to say all week.

"Kael, let's go for the mating ritual."

Kael stared at me in disbelief, his eyes slowly widening as he held my gaze, a brow slightly furrowing. I managed a small smile, feeling my heart pound in my chest, my fingertips tingling. "You... You really mean that?" he stuttered, his deep voice shaking ever so slightly.

I giggled, nodding my head vigorously. "Yes, Kael. I want to be bonded with you. I think I've had more than enough time to think about it, and I'm sure now," I whispered, searching his eyes.

He let out a huff, a chuckle hidden somewhere in it, before sitting up, a huge grin on his face. Suddenly, he slipped out of the bed and pulled me along, placing me into a bone-crushing hug as he twirled me around. Laughter bubbled from my lips.

"I thought I would have to wait forever for you to say that," he said as he lowered me to my feet, pressing his forehead against mine. I let out a sheepish smile at that.

He held my cheeks, his gaze transforming to something tender, almost reverent. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear that," he growled, and my entire body warmed, love filling the deepest crevices of my heart.

I placed my hands on his chest, gazing into his eyes. "Well now, I've said it. What do we do now?" He gave me a lopsided grin and pulled away slightly.

"Guards!" he bellowed out, his deep voice reverberating through the chambers. Moments later, the door burst open, and two soldiers walked in, bowing their heads slightly.

"Get the priest and have him in the palace as soon as possible. We'll be having a mating ceremony right now. Inform the villagers as well. And as for you, call on Helen to get my mate ready for the ceremony," he instructed, and the soldiers bowed swiftly, turning immediately to deliver the messages.

I gazed at Kael in shock. "We're doing it right now?" I asked in surprise. "Yes," he answered without missing a beat. "We have not a second to lose."

I laughed, lost for words. Things were happening quickly, beyond my wildest imaginations. He turned to hold my cheeks again. "I'll leave you to get dressed, okay? The guards will be here to bring you to the cathedral. I'll be waiting for you there," he said, and I nodded, feeling my heart race with excitement.

"Okay, I'll see you there," I answered, and he placed a soft, quick kiss on my lips before leaving the chambers.

Almost instantly, Helen arrived with a throng of maids, each of them carrying the things they would need, a knowing smile on their faces. I chuckled, feeling my cheeks warm with embarrassment.

"I just told him now, and all of this is happening," I said. "Well, what did I tell you?" Helen said as she walked to me. I smiled, fiddling with her fingers.

"Let's get you dressed; we have not a minute to lose," she announced, clapping her hands, and everyone swooped into action.

In a matter of moments, I was transformed from my flimsy nightdress to the most pristine white dress I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. The fabric was soft against my skin, flowing at the ends with a trail behind me. My hair was adorned with several glittering accessories, my hair intricately braided with a few tendrils flying free and framing my face.

Speaking of my face, whoever did my makeup must have the hands of a goddess. All of my subtle features were highlighted, so much so that I could scarcely recognize myself when I stood in front of the mirror, twirling my dress and checking my appearance. I looked like a sprite.

A huge grin broke on my face, and I had to blink back the tears in my eyes so I wouldn't smear my makeup. I looked so beautiful, so graceful, so elegant.