The Past 7:
"Your Highness, I’ve seen to the increased security asures surrounding Miss Alie," reported Gabriel’s beta, Soren. "However, what has prompted this sudden escalation? As far as my intelligence shows, there is no imdiate, looming threat to her safety."
Prince Gabriel slowly turned from the expansive palace window, his hands locked formally behind his back. "The witches, Soren," he stated. "They reside under the sa roof as my bride-to-be. I do not trust them, nor their proximity to sothing I value so dearly."
Soren gave a respectful nod. "Understood, Your Highness. Precaution is the better part of wisdom when dealing with such unpredictable beings."
A softer, contemplative look then crossed the Prince’s face. "You should have seen her, Soren. In that gown... the wedding dress," Gabriel confided, a soft smile touching his lips. "She was utterly magnificent. I find myself growing impatient to claim her, to finally call her mine."
He sighed, gesturing vaguely to the opulent hall. "Once she is here, I will no longer have to endure the silence of this imnse, empty palace alone."
Soren’s own smile broadened. "She will bring life and light to these halls, Your Highness. Now is the ti to finalize this. The high priest must consult the stars and find the most auspicious date for your union. You must speak with the Alpha King soon. It is past ti for the world to formally recognize Miss Alie not just as your fiancée, but as your destined mate."
"Hmm. I have already discussed the matter of Alie being my mate with my father, the King," Gabriel confird, finally turning fully away from the window to face his Beta. "Tomorrow, we will be going to Alie’s ho, with the appropriate retinue, to ask for her hand in marriage formally."
Soren’s deanor remained impeccable. "I shall instruct the elite reconnaissance team to maintain an exceptionally close watch on Miss Alie and the surrounding periter," he stated.
"Rest assured, Your Highness, every asure is in place. Everything will proceed smoothly." He executed a low, respectful bow and then retreated, leaving Gabriel in the heavy silence of the royal chamber.
Gabriel stood motionless for a mont, savoring the stillness before the impending events.
’Gabriel!’
’Alie,’ he responded with the sa mindlink.
’Do you miss ? What am I seeing around ? Such heavy security. Why?’ She was curious, thinking what he had in his mind.
’It is strictly for your safety,’ Gabriel affird.
’You worry too much for . Nothing is going to happen to . I am a formidable fighter,’ Alie proudly asserted, her thought-projection brimming with confidence.
’Your fighting skill is not in doubt, but caution is necessary when you are dealing with unknown elents,’ Gabriel countered firmly. ’Would you like to co to you now?’
’No. Do you not have responsibilities to attend to?’
’I do, but—’
’Finish your tasks, Gabriel. I am going to assist my mother with preparing lunch,’ Alie interjected with cheerful resolution. ’Thank you for the wonderful surprise today. I am truly excited to wear that gown on our wedding day, Gabriel.’
With that, Alie ended their mindlink and rose from the vanity chair. As she stepped out of her room, Anaya suddenly showed up herself.
"Alie, I want to buy a present for Prince Gabriel," Anaya said, smoothing the front of her skirt. "Will you co with to the market this afternoon?"
Alie paused, arching an eyebrow in clear surprise. "Why on earth would you buy a gift for the Prince?"
"He is going to be my brother-in-law, isn’t he? I must give him sothing to acknowledge this newly ford relationship. It’s only proper," Anaya answered, sounding perfectly reasonable.
Alie sighed. "I honestly don’t think the Prince will accept a gift from you, Anaya."
Anaya’s face imdiately fell into a frown. "Why not?"
"Because he simply doesn’t like it," Alie replied promptly.
Anaya let out a short, frustrating chuckle that held a sharp edge of offense. "You truly think I’m trying to steal Prince Gabriel from you, don’t you? That’s why you’re inventing this ridiculous reason!"
"No!" Alie refused vehently, taking a step back. "How could you jump to such an absurd conclusion? If you are truly so eager to present him with sothing, then you can try. Go find out his response for yourself. Just don’t co complaining to when you get a cold treatnt."
Alie gave her sister one last exasperated look and then turned, heading briskly down the stairs and toward the kitchen to fulfill her promise to her mother.
Their argunt, however, had not gone unnoticed. Ophelia, Alie’s aunt, who was standing nearby, had clearly overheard the last, loud exchange. She erged from the room, and moved straight to Anaya’s side.
"Anaya, what was that about? Why were you speaking about giving a gift to Alie’s mate?" Ophelia questioned with disapproval.
Anaya fully turned to face her mother, the earlier frustration replaced by a bold, dangerous declaration. "Mother, I like him," she stated.
"What? How can you possibly say that?" Ophelia’s eyes widened in horror, and she grabbed her daughter’s arm in a tight grip. "Don’t you know how fiercely possessive and aggressive Alpha wolves are about their mates? You are looking at your cousin’s bond!"
Anaya rely shrugged off her mother’s frantic warning as a dark glint entered her eyes. "Mother, it was love at first sight. What can I do?" Her lips curved into a slow, chilling smile. "Just imagine, your daughter becoming the next Queen!"
"No, I don’t want to imagine anything like that. Anaya, they have given us this house to live. You can’t possibly think with such evilness," said Ophelia. "And you are forgetting one thing. Witches can’t beco the Queen of a nation ruled by wolves."
"Mother, what if I use the potion on Gabriel? Then, he will be mine," said Anaya.
"Are you insane?" Ophelia raised her voice, looking around herself, making sure no one listened to them.
Anaya rolled her eyes and continued, "I-I want Gabriel to be mine, Mother. He’s the man I desire and I will have him by any ans."
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