Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder

Chapter 1455 - 54 : Finishing Touches

*Saoirse*

My mother might have decided not to stay with me in the capital, but she was at least staying through the wedding. I wanted to make the most of our time together. If it were up to me, I would have just sat in my room with her, asking every question that had come to mind over the past few months of my life. However, there was still something else that took precedence...

Planning my wedding day.

The plans were in full swing now as the days crept up. I was pulled around in every direction to supervise or approve of certain things. Thank Goddess I had my mother with me. Otherwise, I didn’t know how I would have gotten it all done. She willingly followed me to every appointment without complaint.

The first day consisted of going around the castle and approving the locations of the wedding events, and the decorations that were beginning to be placed all around. I noticed the small wildflowers that accented the spaces, smiling that my request had been heard.

“These look just like the wildflowers around Hunters Glen,” my mother said in wonder as we stood in wonder at the large glittering ballroom.

The flowers were being placed along all the archways and valances. To me, they blended very well with the fancy stonework, bringing life and warmth to the cold and stoic castle rooms. And my mother was right. They were nearly identical to the ones in Hunters Glen, which was the whole reason I had requested them.

“Do you like them?” I asked. “The queen tried to make sure that I had a voice in the wedding as well, and they were one of my choices.”

“They are perfect,” my mother said with a smile. “They are very Saoirse. They give the room a more romantic air as well.”

I smiled. That was exactly what I was going for.

“Do you think Rhys will like them?” I asked. It was nice having a sounding board for all my internal worries.

“I think he’ll love anything that makes you happy,” my mother said, joining her arm through mine. “I haven’t been around him much, but it’s clear that he is crazy about you.”

I smiled at her assertion and turned back to the room. Once they were done getting my opinions on it and everything else in the castle, one of the decorators pulled me along to show me where the wedding ceremony would take place.

My mouth dropped. I stopped in my tracks as I saw the other request I had made reimagined.

There was a large tree with weeping branches filled with more wildflowers from outside and a simple arch made out of branches propped in front of it. I watched as they brought two simple wooden benches out and set them close to the arch.

It was better than I had ever imagined.

“It’s stunning,” I muttered to myself.

“It really is,” my mother said in agreement. “Is this where the ceremony will take place? It doesn’t seem quite large enough for a royal ceremony.”

“I asked the queen if I could have a more private ceremony where we could exchange more personal vows. I wanted it outside, under the moon and stars,” I explained, unable to take my eyes off the arch. Seeing it in person was suddenly making it all so much more real.

“And she agreed to that?” my mom asked, sounding surprised. “She must really like you as well.”

“She is a very kind woman. I like her a lot, and I hope she likes me just as much,” I said.

“I’m sure she does. People of virtue have always been drawn to you. It is out of pure jealousy and spit for those who don’t like you.”

I laughed a little. I knew she meant what she said, but it was such a motherly thing to say. It wasn’t as if anyone could truly be liked by all. Only a mother would believe that.

I didn’t want to leave that location. Before long, my mother and I were being dragged to another. The rest of the day consisted of much of the same, with only small breaks to eat.

The following day was all about the final fitting of my dazzling gown. My mother gushed over it just as much as I had. I loved how they added some fine beading to emphasize the lace pattern. I hadn’t thought the dress could look any better, but I was amazed to see how perfectly it fit me after the last of the alterations.

Seeing myself standing in the wedding dress, with a beautiful veil spread behind me, was just as shocking as seeing the arch had been. It was all happening now, and it was happening so soon. Despite how busy I was, I found my mind wandering back to what my mother had said.

Was I ready for this?

“Don’t worry, Saoirse, he’s going to love it,” my mother said, misreading my thoughts.

“It’s not that,” I said. “I’m just worrying about the future is all.”

“Saoirse...”

“No, Mom, I don’t want to talk about it. I want Rhys, and it’s as simple as that.” I gave her a strained smile. “Let’s just focus on the wedding. I can worry about the rest after it’s all done.”

“If you insist,” my mother said, accepting my wishes.

The next day, as we both waited to see where we were dragged off to, we were surprised when a note was delivered to my room. I thanked the delivery person before shutting the door on turning to open the letter. I read it to myself at first, just in case it had been a personal note.

I smiled as I read the note. “The queen has gifted us a day at the spa so we can relax before the wedding tomorrow.”

“Us?” my mother asked.

“Yes, she said it’s for you and me, and that she also looks forward to meeting you at the rehearsal later tonight,” I told her.

“How kind of her,” my mother said with a smile. “I have never been to a spa.”

“Me either,” I said. “I guess we will get to experience it together.”

Thankfully, the queen had left directions to the spa, so it wasn’t hard for us to find our way there after we had our breakfast. As soon as we walked in, we were handed towels and told to change. We were both surprised, but we had learned to go with the flow and do as we were told after the past couple of days.

We spent the entire day in the spa, going back and forth between massages, baths, and saunas. I had never felt so relaxed and rejuvenated in my entire life. The grime of my childhood seemed to wash away with the minerals.

I had never seen my mother so relaxed and pampered either. The life of a Luna was stressful, but the life of a Luna in Hunters Glen was even more so. Another pang passed through me as I imagined her going back to that life of hardship among the struggling dragon shifters.

If I thought it would make a difference, I would ask her to stay again, but I knew her mind was made up. Instead, I closed my eyes as I sat in the warm water and prayed to the Moon Goddess for help and guidance. There had to be a solution for my mother, the dragons, and Hunters Glen where everyone could live in peace once more.

Hopefully, the prayers would extend to the possible future of Lord Pyroth’s invasion too, but I couldn’t be too greedy.

Before I knew it, it was already time to head up and get changed for the rehearsal dinner that would be held that evening. My mother once again followed me, promising to help me with my hair and makeup. It still wasn’t something I was accustomed to, and she seemed much better at it than me.

I had been given another gown for the occasion. We were surprised to see a dress waiting for my mom as well when we returned to my room. We hurried to start our hair and makeup, waiting to put the dresses on until the last possible moment. Knowing my luck, I would rip it or drop makeup all over it. It was better not to risk it.

The time seemed to fly by in a blur. I was suddenly aware that I was walking down one of the large staircases to the grand banquet hall, where the rehearsal dinner would take place. Noise was already echoing around the area, guaranteeing that it was going to be a lively time. KNots were rolling around in my stomach, and my hands suddenly felt clammy.

My mother sensed my nerves and reached out, winding her arm through my own. I had to admit, it did help just the slightest bit, but I knew the only thing that would really help me.

A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I saw Rhys standing at the foot of the stairs, waiting for me. His face broke out into a huge grin as he saw me. I was sure my face mirrored his. My pace picked up, and I was practically dragging my mother down the stairs.

Disregarding any of the onlookers, I dropped my mother’s arm and jumped off the last step and into Rhys’ waiting arms. I hadn’t seen him all day. Just the warmth of his touch was enough to calm me and excite me all at the same time.

“You look beautiful,” he whispered into my ear as he hugged me in return, “as always.”

“You aren’t so bad yourself,” I said with a smile as he set me down. I took him in as well. He was wearing a handsome black top that complimented his hair and eyes beautifully.

His smile grew. He leaned down to give me a quick kiss before turning to my mother. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Luna Nora.”

“And you, Prince Rhys,” she responded with a small curtsy.

“Follow me, please, my parents have been dying to meet you,” Rhys said, intertwining his hand and mine.

My mother smiled warmly and followed us into the hall. It was easy to spot the king and queen in their royal attire. Rhys turned to head straight for them.

“There’s the happy couple,” the queen said with a warm smile as we approached.

“Hello, Mother and Father,” Rhys said, giving them each a small hug.

The queen instantly pulled me into a hug after she let go of Rhys, which made my cheeks warm. People had always warned me about mother-in-laws, and she was nothing like what I had heard.

“Your Majesties, I have the great pleasure of introducing you to my mother, Luna Nora Strider.” I smiled at her, though I had almost faltered at her title. Would she still be considered Luna with everything going on in Hunters Glen?

This wasn’t the time to figure that out.

“Nice to meet you, Luna Strider,” the king said, holding his hand out to shake my mother’s.

“The pleasure is all mine, Your Majesties,” my mom said, doing her small curtsy again out of respect.

“I have been looking forward to meeting you,” the queen told her, holding out her hand. “You have raised a remarkable young woman.”

My cheeks flushed even more. I felt Rhys squeeze my hand in agreement with his mother’s words.

“I’m afraid I can’t take all the credit,” my mother said. “Saoirse was born with a spirit that is impossible to break.”

“I believe that,” Rhys said, smiling down at me.

“You better believe it because it’s too late to get rid of me now,” I teased him back.

The parents all laughed, but the sound was interrupted by a larger commotion breaking up the activity in the hall. We all stopped talking to look around and find the source of the disturbance.

It was pretty clear to see that someone new had just walked into the hall. When I looked, it seemed to be a beautiful, young woman in a full ball gown and fancy jewelry. There was no doubt she was one of the capital socialites who made it their job to attend every party available.

It didn’t surprise me that the woman was at our rehearsal, but what surprised me was Rhys’ reaction.

“Alexa?” he exclaimed in disbelief from beside me. I felt my heart clench.

How did he know this beautiful woman? And why did I have a feeling that I didn’t want to know?