Chapter 235
1870words
After I had composed myself and pushed all the worries for later, I looked at the clock and saw that it was time for me to prepare for the night’s party as well.
Leaving my office, I went to one of the guest rooms, which had been specifically made to be the preparatory room for today.
As soon as I opened the door, I was left stunned to see what was before me. The room was filled with various dresses.
Several dress forms were aligned across the room, with all kinds of dresses. In front of the mirror, a make-up artist and a hairstylist were, while a designer was standing on the side of the dress with a tape measure hanging on her neck and a wrist pincushion.
On the other corner was a bunch of jewellry set all flamboyant in its own unique designs.
But what’s in the middle of the room was what took my attention more. Rather, it’s who’s in there.
Albert had his arms wide open as if to present everything in the room, eyes filled with expectancy.
Staring into his eyes, filled with expectation toward me, and seeing how happy he was just to be there right by my side touched my heart in more ways than one could express.
Seeing that glint in his eyes and the smile on his lips, it seemed that the world momentarily stopped, and all I could see was him.
It’s him. He’s the man I should be paying attention to and not some bastard who broke my heart into pieces.
With that in mind, I nodded and told myself, “Forget him, Della. Forget Kylian, a man of your past. Albert is your fated mate. He’s your best choice, your present, and your future.”
After repeating those words a couple of times, I made up my mind fully, and a huge smile formed on my lips.
Looking at Albert with a whole new determination and peace of heart, I approached him warmly. “This is amazing! You did all this?”
I asked, placing my hand on his nape and giving him a soft kiss. His arm immediately wrapped around my waist.
Pulling away a bit, I looked deeply into his eyes, saying, “Thank you.”
“Anything for you,” he said, giving me a swift kiss as well.
By this time, we could hear the excitement from the bystanders that we almost forgot we had, making us pull away from each other and laugh a bit.
“What?” I asked when I felt him staring deeply at me.
His brows furrowed, but his smile only widened that it was earlier. “Why are you so chirpy today?”
I motioned at the entire room with delight before I seriously replied, “You are really good at pampering women.”
Walking around, I slid my hands on the soft fabrics of dresses while keeping my eyes on him, “There will be many guests tonight. With all these beautiful dresses and robes… With all your help, I’ll surely be getting everyone’s attention at the party.”
He let out a small laugh before coming at me and holding my hand. “You’re beautiful with whatever and will effortlessly take everyone’s eyes the second you come to that room.”
I jokingly slapped his chest with my free hand. “You’re a sweet talker!”
Though we joke about it, it’s never indeed the clothes or the accessories that were more important to me, and it's not even the attention I could get either. Instead, what I wanted was to establish an image in front of all the guests and make each of them believe that I’m not just not a mere omega who stomped so low for a man as rumored at it.”
I wasn’t sure how many Krendell had managed to be brainwashed with his words, but I ought to prove everyone wrong and change their minds about me.
He nodded his head and motioned to the dresses. “Take your time and choose what you want to wear.”
Taking a step back as if to leave, he halted halfway and looked back at me, “Are you sure you don’t need me to be with you?”
I smiled at him and seriously replied, “Albert, I’m the leader of Wakeland. If you always stay beside me, people will think I only rely on men.”
Saying that I couldn’t hide my frustration anymore. My brows scrunched up, and I sighed. “I already have a bad reputation in here. I want, and I need to use this opportunity to change it and establish a better and more respectful image.”
“But…” he tried to speak, looking thoroughly worried about me.
I intently looked at him and smiled with determination. “Don’t worry, Albert. I have Sapphire to accompany me with.”
He laughed to ease the atmosphere and went on to joke, “The beta who was locked up for hacking and violence?”
The smile on my face instantly vanished, and the glint in my eyes dimmed. All seriousness radiated from me as I authoritatively told myself, “Please respect my choice of beta, Albert. As far as the current situation is concerned, Sapphire is the most suitable beta for me, and that’s final.”
After a moment of silence, he nodded and gave me a respectful smile. “I’ll wait for you here with Aaden at the end of the party.”
I turned a couple of times to look around at the dresses until I finally chose one that caught my eye.
It’s a gold, yellow, and white gown. The top was made of light steel-like material akin to a warrior’s clothing. It had a heart-shaped neckline that ended up to the waistline before joining the fabric. Dots of gold run on its hem. The underskirt of the gown was colored gold with textures of the royal family, while the upper skirt was plain white on each side.
It’s perfect. With its majestic design, it is a very appropriate gown for the party, and yet its color and top material highlight a strength that would show my power and dominance.
It wasn’t just a gown. It had character.
“I want that,” I said with determination while pointing at the gown.
“Great choice, Princess,” the designer said before she approached me and helped me to change.
The hairstylist and makeup artist was in the middle of doing my hair and makeup when a knock suddenly came at the door, momentarily making us stop.
As the door opened, Sapphire entered with a bit awkward expression. She’s wearing a plain blue A-line gown with a square neckline.
“Princess,” she greeted.
But loud footsteps then followed behind her, and Diana emerged with frustration evident in her face.
Panting a bit, she paused before saying in distress, “Princess, Beta Sapphire here chose the simplest one! No matter how much I persuade her and tell her this is not so good-looking dress, she won’t listen!”
“How is this not good? It’s comfortable and not too flashy. It’s perfect,” Sapphire rebutted.
“Perfect? It’s so simple and dull! Who goes to a party in such a state? There's more–”
Sapphire interrupted Diana’s words again, “I’m not the center of the party. I don’t need to be flashy!”
Diana let out an exasperated sigh. “Even so–”
“Diana,” Sapphire called out. “I am the beta and not some female companion of a man. This is fine.”
I laughed. They’re bickering like siblings.
“It’s fine Diana, you can let her choice.”
Diana let out a sigh of defeat while Sapphire gave me a thankful smile.
I knew she wouldn’t want to take much attention from the guest like me before, so I understood her. In fact, if it weren’t for the fact that I’m the main guest of this party, I probably would be wearing something akin to her choice as well.
Looking at the clock, there’s only half an hour left.
I stood up after my makeup and hair were done and looked at Sapphire. “It’s time to leave.”
We walked side by side in the corridor leading to the banquet hall. On the wall hung pictures of the kingdom's previous leaders. The gigantic door of the venue opened up, and a blinding light greeted us.
The hall was luxuriously decorated with crystal chandeliers, fresh flowers, and tall tables covered in gold and black tablecloth.
In the middle of the room was a huge table with a glass tower filled with wine. There were also cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, canape,crudite, salads, soup & consommé, and chips & dips.
Right before we entered, Sapphire and I looked at each other before we put on our masks, which covered half of our faces.
Nodding, we both stepped inside, but we were left frozen when we saw an empty hall. Aside from the servants walking around with trays in their hands to help out and the reporters on the corners, there weren’t any guests.
“Princess…” Sapphire whispered in concern.
I was completely stunned, and my breathing hitched. Trembling, I momentarily thought that I had read the time wrong, so I looked around and found an antique clock at the end wall of the hall.
It’s ten minutes before the start of the party, and yet… there’s still no one in there.
Usually, guests would arrive a quarter earlier than the start but it’s obviously deserted.
Looking at my side, I saw Sapphire looking as shocked as I was. “Princess, I’ve confirmed everything about the party, and I was positive that Mr. K’s invitation alongside with the others were sent, and we received their affirmation replied right after.”
“What happened then…” I said in confusion.
Suddenly, a middle-aged servant in a waiter’s clothes came to greet me and bowed. “Princess, I… My ancestors and I had lived in this land our whole lives. I was selected to work here in the manor a few days ago, and I just want to remind you that everything was probably planned by Sir Krendell. His family managed the Wakeland for many years, and many nobles came from their family, including the director of Wakeland Times.”
Hearing that, I shifted my gaze to the corner where the reporters were and saw a camera set up not too far from us.
I narrowed my eyes, realizing that this was a trap set by Krendell.
If no one came tonight, I’d be the headline of tomorrow’s news and would be the laughingstock of the entire Wakeland, which would only worsen my already tarnished name here.
What’s worse, that news would likely reach the kingdom and every pack under our jurisdiction. It wouldn’t only ruin my name but also the credibility of the entire royal family.
“Do you want me to temporarily cancel the party?” Sapphire asked, realizing what was happening after seeing the Wakeland Times logo.
I sighed and shook my head. “We can’t do that. Even if we get away with it today, we won’t escape it tomorrow. Sooner or later, we’ll have to face this same problem, for which we need a solution.”
Five minutes before the party started, a middle-aged man in a black tuxedo and a black mask with a silver lining walked in with a dominating stance.
Judging by his appearance, I could roughly guess that he’s…
