Alie struggled to fasten the hooks of her dress behind her neck and sighed in frustration when it slipped from her fingers again. She glanced toward the door, silently hoping Gabriel would return soon.
As if on cue, the doors opened and Gabriel stepped inside.
"Please," she murmured, "help with the hook."
Without a word, Gabriel crossed the room and stood behind her. He gently swept her hair over one shoulder, his fingers brushing against her skin, before fastening the hooks at the nape of her neck. When their eyes t in the mirror, his arms slipped naturally around her waist, pulling her into the warmth of his embrace.
"The gown isn’t too heavy, is it?" he asked softly, his chin almost grazing her temple.
Alie shook her head, a small smile curving her lips. "No. Surprisingly, it feels lighter than most gowns I’ve worn in the past."
Gabriel pressed a lingering kiss to her bare shoulder, his hands instinctively coming to rest on the gentle curve of her rounded belly.
"That’s because I asked the designer to keep everything in mind," he murmured, tilting his head so he could admire her side profile in the mirror. "Every detail was chosen for your comfort."
She smiled warmly and turned to face him, her fingers carefully adjusting the brooch on his blazer. In a soft whisper, Alie said, "You look too handso tonight. It suddenly reminds of our wedding."
Gabriel’s lips curved into a teasing smirk. "Shall we marry once more?"
Alie let out a soft laugh, shaking her head, but her amusent stilled when she felt his hand gently covering hers.
"If you feel tired at any point, tell ," Gabriel said in a tender tone. "We’ll return to the room. Your comfort matters the most."
"I know," Alie replied, her smile lingering. "But I plan to enjoy the whole night until it’s over." A playful gleam entered her eyes. "By the way, have you prepared your speech?"
Gabriel exhaled a small chuckle. "I’ll say whatever cos to my mind in that mont."
"You should’ve practiced at least once," she teased, tilting her head at him.
"I believe in imdiate actions," he affird with quiet confidence. Then, his gaze lowered, pausing at her neckline. A faint frown tugged at his brow. "Your neck looks empty..."
"I was going to wear the necklace your mother sent," Alie said.
Gabriel’s eyes promptly shifted to the vanity table. "I’ll help you with it." He carefully picked up the necklace and draped it around her neck.
Alie turned toward the mirror, her fingertips brushing lightly over the diamonds. "Beautiful," she murmured, her eyes shimring with admiration.
"Well, you’re beautiful," Gabriel whispered. He leaned closer, pressing a tender kiss just below her ear, then pulled back with a hushed breath. "I’d better stop here," he muttered to himself, forcing a step away.
Alie turned toward him, her smile gentle as she held out her hand. "Let’s go."
Hand in hand, they made their way toward the grand hall of the palace, where the wedding celebration was already underway. Guests had begun filling the room, and almost everyone who passed them stopped to greet the couple, offering warm wishes for Alie’s safe delivery.
"Why is everyone suddenly so kind to ?" Alie whispered, still in awe.
"Because in their eyes, you’re a warrior," Gabriel replied softly. "Despite the danger from your ex-mate, you fought to protect your unborn pup. They admire you for that."
"Are you sure? Because I think they’re doing it more out of respect," she said thoughtfully.
"You two certainly took your ti arriving," ca Mabel’s voice before Gabriel could speak. She reached for Alie’s arm with motherly affection. "You look beautiful. But don’t tire yourself out, alright?"
"Yes, Mother," Alie answered sweetly.
"Gabriel, go check on your brothers," Mabel instructed, her gaze sweeping the hall. "I’m sure Nick is still getting ready, but where has Casaio disappeared to?"
"Go check on your brother," Alie urged Gabriel gently.
"He’ll be here soon," Gabriel replied with calm certainty.
"No, you should go check on him," Mabel insisted. "We’re here for Alie. Don’t worry about her."
Just then, Katelyn swept into the hall, twirling in her gown. "Alie, oh my god, you look gorgeous! But what about ?" she asked, striking a playful pose.
"Exceptionally elegant," Alie complinted with a smile.
Gabriel gave a knowing glance, realizing Katelyn, with her lively energy, would keep Alie company alongside Mabel, and slipped away quietly to find his brothers.
"Did you design it yourself?" Alie asked, her eyes drawn to the delicate lace butterflies stitched across Katelyn’s dress.
"Yes, I did," Katelyn answered proudly, smoothing her gown as she sat beside Alie.
Mabel excused herself just then, gliding across the hall to join her husband in conversation.
Left alone together, Katelyn leaned a little closer, her cheerful deanor softening. "Alie, you know... I made a mistake."
"What do you an?" Alie asked, confusion flickering in her eyes.
"You were right..." Katelyn lowered her gaze, her voice trembling. "I—I misunderstood Sage. I thought the woman I t was his real mother, but she’s not... she’s his stepmother. And now I realize I did sothing awful. I threw away his mother’s amulet, the one that actually belonged to his real mother. I can’t believe I did that. I need to make it right tonight."
Alie’s brows knitted. "Why would you throw the amulet away? That’s... disrespectful, Katelyn."
"I didn’t know!" Katelyn burst out, regret clear in her tone. "His stepmother was the one who pressed it into my hands. She wanted Sage to give the gift she’d chosen, but she must have known how I would react. When he told I could throw it away if I didn’t need it, I did. Gods, Alie, my head hasn’t stopped spinning since Father told the truth about Sage’s mother."
Alie reached for her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "Calm down. If you speak to him honestly, Sage will forgive you. He’s not the kind of man to hold onto bitterness if your apology is genuine."
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