Chapter 374: Like a bridal gown
After breakfast, Gabriel left Amelie in Flora’s care while he went out to check on the wedding arrangements.
"Flora, I didn’t come to see you last night. It was terrible of them," Amelie said softly. "You don’t have to take their words to heart because their words don’t define you."
"Amelie, I was hurt in that moment," Flora admitted. "But Zilia came to see me last night, and after talking to her, I realized my past doesn’t define my present. So don’t worry for me anymore." She hooked her arm around Amelie’s, walking with her in a lighthearted mood.
They stopped when they saw palace maids carrying fresh flower bouquets for the decorations.
"Amelie, why didn’t you choose to have your wedding here? It would have been grander," Flora remarked.
"Because Gabriel’s most precious memories are tied to San Ravendale," Amelie explained with a fond smile. "Our love bloomed there, that’s why. But honestly, I loved everything about my wedding. It was such a beautiful day."
Flora’s expression shifted thoughtfully. "I feel Juniper isn’t entirely what she shows to us. I shouldn’t be saying this, but unlike Zilia, June never really understood me. And the more I think about it, the stranger it feels."
"Well, every person is different," Amelie replied calmly.
"You’re right," Flora agreed. "But something about her feels... off. You know, I can sense bad people quickly because I was once bad myself."
Amelie smiled faintly at her sister’s words. "You’re thinking too much." She placed her hands on her belly, feeling Noa’s little kicks.
"By the way, Zander is coming today to see me. Are you two still in contact?" Amelie tilted her head curiously.
"Yes, we still talk," Flora answered. "But why would he want to see you?"
"I don’t know," Amelie admitted. "I didn’t ask him."
"Oh," Flora mused. "He must want to ask about me."
"What do you mean?" Amelie looked at her in confusion. "Ask about you? Like... if you’re well or not?"
"No," Flora said after a pause. "Zander likes me. He wants me to become his Luna."
"That’s surprising!" Amelie exclaimed, her face brightening with joy. "Did you refuse him? You know, Zander has always been upright. Even when he was Alex’s beta, he guided him toward the right path. He even warned me, but I couldn’t grasp his words at the time. In the end, he chose what was right instead of standing blindly with his best friend."
"I agree with you," Flora said, her voice tinged with regret. "He even advised me back then. But I was foolish and too arrogant to listen." She sighed, then hesitated before continuing. "But Amelie... I don’t think I’m suitable for him. He deserves a woman as good as he is. And returning to the Red River Pack won’t be easy for me. People there hate me. They’ll never accept me as their Luna. They might even take out their anger on Zander. I don’t want his name to be tarnished because of me."
Amelie squeezed her sister’s hand gently. "That’s a far-fetched thought, Flora. For now, you should think about the present."
~~~~
"Casaio, why did you ask me to wear this dress? I’m not the bride tomorrow," Zilia said as she adjusted the gown he had personally asked the designer to create for her.
"I thought it would suit you," Casaio replied with a small smile. "Besides, the designer said it’s perfect for the wedding."
"But it looks like a bridal gown," Zilia murmured, running her hands over the fabric. "It’s too beautiful... Thank you." She glanced at him through the mirror, her reflection glowing with admiration.
"Anything for you, Zilia," Casaio murmured as he walked over to her. Wrapping his arms around her from behind, he drew her close, resting his head against the curve of her neck and breathing in her scent.
"Casaio... are you no longer upset with me?" she asked softly.
"No," he answered without hesitation. "I’ve put it all behind me. That time was difficult for both of us, a Chapter filled with nothing but suffering."
"Hmm." Zilia’s gaze softened as she recalled the morning. "Idris looked so happy during breakfast. Your parents acknowledged him as part of the family. Thank you, Casaio, for everything you’ve done for us." Her eyes misted with emotion.
Casaio pressed a brief kiss against her shoulder before replying. "My mother and my brother have finally put an end to their long-standing conflict. That’s why her heart has softened, and the reason why Idris has been welcomed into this family at last. My mother’s views were always rigid, as you know."
He slowly released her and stepped back, and Zilia turned to face him.
"Yes, I was going to ask you the same," Zilia said. "Gabriel and your mother looked so comfortable today. I remember when Gabriel could barely speak to the Queen without tension in his voice. When did all of that change?"
"Last night," Casaio replied with a small smile. "I don’t know the full details, but Gabriel told me he finally saw something he had always longed for. Mother allowing her emotions to show instead of keeping them locked away. He realized just how vulnerable she has been all these years."
"That’s wonderful," Zilia said, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "I think Amelie may be the reason behind their reconciliation. She truly feels like a lucky charm for this family."
Casaio’s gaze softened as he looked at her. "You are also a lucky charm, Zilia," he said. "So many good things have happened since you came into my life." His hands slid to her lower back, drawing her closer into his embrace.
"I brought troubles," Zilia said.
"Yeah but we ended the enmity with Blood Dominion at good note. They were troubling us for a long time. Everyone got to meet your brother too. So, yeah, many good things came with you as well," he pronounced with a prideful gaze. Then, closing the gap between their lips, he kissed her.