The Past 8:
Throughout the evening, a frosty silence reigned between Alie and Anaya. Alie’s thoughts were consud by Gabriel’s earlier caution and the startling malice in Anaya’s eyes. She wondered if keeping Ophelia and her dangerous daughter under the sa roof could be considered safe any longer.
As she finished brushing her long hair and prepared to settle into bed, a gentle, almost hesitant knock sounded on the door. Alie slowly lowered the brush and moved to open it.
Standing in the hallway was Ophelia, holding a small tray upon which rested a steaming glass.
"I brought saffron milk for you, dear," Ophelia replied, offering a small smile.
"I appreciate the thought, Aunt, but I don’t wish to drink anything right now. I’ve already brushed my teeth," Alie refused politely but firmly. For so reason, the earlier bond of trust she held for the witches had snapped. After Anaya’s unsettling confession, Alie felt a powerful instinct to remain cautious.
"Oh, why?" Ophelia’s smile flickered. "Your mother prepared this milk especially for you. I rely fetched it for you, dear." She lowered the tray carefully onto a nearby side table and continued with apology, "I know you are upset because of Anaya’s foolish words today. Please, forgive my daughter." She joined her hands together in a gesture of humble appeal.
"Aunt Ophelia, you don’t need to apologize for what Anaya did," Alie stated, keeping her tone respectful and humble.
"Dear," Ophelia murmured, imdiately grasping Alie’s hands and squeezing them gently. "Anaya has grown up without a father’s love. He passed away ten years ago, and because of that, we had to undergo a great deal of hardship. Anaya rely wants to get close to her brother-in-law in good faith, nothing else." Tears welled in Ophelia’s eyes, lending sincerity to her plea. "Still, I am truly sorry that she brought up buying a gift for Prince Gabriel. For my sake, please forgive her, will you?"
Seeing how desperately Ophelia was pleading, her head slightly bowed, Alie felt a pang of pity override her caution. "I will. Please don’t apologize further, Aunt." Pulling her hands gently back, Alie added, "I am very tired now and truly wish to go to bed."
"Of course. Goodnight, Alie," Ophelia replied with a humble, grateful smile. She stepped back and walked out, carefully pulling the door shut behind her.
Alie imdiately secured the bolt, locking the door from the inside. She switched off the main lights, leaving only a dim bedside lamp glowing before she finally slid under the thick blanket. She shut her eyes, but sleep refused to co. A certain worrying feeling filled her chest. She never felt like this before in her life.
"Shall I ask Father to send them away? Why do I feel Anaya will do sothing? That gaze with which she speaks is strange," she murmured while contemplating the reason for her anxiety.
~~~~
The next morning, Alie woke up late, exhausted by the previous night’s restlessness. The sun was already high in the sky, casting bright, warm light across her room.
She walked onto her small balcony and looked down at the familiar sight of the garden. Below, she saw Anaya. Her sister was standing near a bed of deep red roses, staring intently at one velvety bloom before abruptly plucking it and clutching it tightly in her hand.
That sight made Alie flinch. At that exact mont, as if sensing the scrutiny, Anaya turned her head and looked straight up at the balcony. Their eyes t.
Anaya offered a wide, unsettlingly cheerful smile, holding the bruised rose up slightly as if in greeting. The gesture, combined with her actions from the day before, only heightened the feeling of cold discomfort settling over Alie.
Alie quickly retreated from the balcony, closing the glass door behind her, trying to shake off the unsettling image of Anaya and the rose.
A mont later, a frantic voice called her na from the hallway. "Alie! Alie!" It was her mother, Irene.
Alie swiftly unlocked the door and let Irene bustle into the room.
"The Alpha King and Prince Gabriel will be here in less than an hour!" Irene inford her.
"What?" Alie exclaid in shock. She glanced down at her casual clothes; she hadn’t even had a chance to properly freshen up.
Irene thrust a garnt bag toward her. "Prince Gabriel’s beta personally delivered this dress for you. You have to wear this. Hurry now and take a bath! I will send two of the best maids up imdiately to help you get ready." Irene threw her hands up in exasperation. "Is this how you intend to be after marriage? You simply must learn to wake up early! The Luna Queen cannot be sleeping past mid-morning!"
"Mother, why are you calling the Luna Queen?" Alie asked, shaking her head in a mixture of disbelief and a slight, giddy smile.
"Because you will beco exactly that one day, child! Now, this is not the ti to argue semantics. Go to the washroom! I need to go downstairs and check the final preparation details," Irene stated firmly, already turning toward the door.
"Why didn’t Gabriel inform about their arrival today?" Alie mumbled to herself, still perplexed by the suddenness, as she hurried toward the washroom.
She did not take much ti bathing, rushing through the process. As she entered the room, she saw that two maids were already present, waiting patiently. Alie quickly dried her hair vigorously with a towel before tossing it onto the chair.
"Miss, please, sit here. Let dry your hair properly and quickly first," the first maid said kindly, gently guiding Alie to sit down on the vanity chair.
The first maid, skilled with hair, took over imdiately. She used a heated brush over Alie’s damp hair, infusing it with scented oil as she worked. She carefully dried and smoothed the long tresses, then gathered two sections near the temples and secured them in subtle braids at the back of her head with small, glittering pins. To finish the elegant style, she affixed a large, ornate flower pin near the braids.
Once the hair was done, the second maid held up the pale blue silk dress, and Alie slipped into it carefully. The gown settled perfectly, its square neck and basque-waist bodice fitted precisely, contrasting with the flow of the long sleeves and wide cuffs.
Alie then fastened the thin silver chain, bearing the small crescent moon pendant, around her neck to complete the look. It was given to her by Gabriel, saying it was the token of his love. She rose gracefully to her feet, ready to face the Alpha King and Prince Gabriel.
~~~~
Below is the image attached of Alie.
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