Chapter Twenty-Two

Gwyneth had been strongly opposed to the idea of the party at first, but tonight felt different. A little excitement lingered within her as she got ready. Yet she couldn’t appear in her usual attire of pants, a shirt, and a big jacket. Tonight, she had to dress like a queen or lady. The servants had adorned her in a long, exquisite dark blue dress with golden accents and symbols intricately sewn into the fabric, giving it an air of opulence.

Gwyneth gazed at her reflection in the mirror once they were done preparing her. She had never looked so… feminine? It was likely as close as she could get to it, and surprisingly, she didn’t hate it. She hadn’t expected herself to look this good, and she smiled as the servants stepped back, allowing her to admire herself. She moved closer to the mirror, nodding in approval and thanking the servants.

She rarely allowed them to assist her in getting dressed, but this dress had multiple layers, and their help was appreciated. Would Kiran appreciate it as well? As the thought of him sprung to her mind, her smile disappeared.

They hadn’t spoken much since the previous night. A lot had been said, but true reconciliation had not been reached, and it bothered her. She wasn’t even sure anymore why she was sacrificing so much when she might gain… nothing.

“Shit,” she sighed, rubbing her eyes. Was she making the right choice?

“Gwyn?”

Gwyneth turned around and saw Kiran approaching, dressed in the same dark blue and golden colors as her. They matched, and the sight brought a smile to her face. He wrapped an arm around her and looked down at her with tender eyes.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“No, can I escape out the window?”

Kiran chuckled and leaned in to kiss her cheek. “You can try, but I will pull you back in. You aren’t abandoning me to those people.”

“I thought you were the one who wanted this party.”

“Yes, but I want a party with my mate,” he said, his voice soft. “Not with a lot of people trying to tell me why their daughter would be perfect for me.”

“Is that how your parties usually go?”

“Yes, and those who seek power will not even let a bond stop them.”

“So, am I your lady shield?”

Her comment made him laugh, and the sound of it brought a smile to Gwyneth’s lips. “Lady shield, I will remember that,” he said.

She chuckled as well, and he drew her closer, holding her tightly. “I want to enjoy the night with you.”

“Are you still mad about last night?”

“Not mad. Disappointed that you still won’t stay.”

“I told you it’s bigger than me.”

“And yet you begged for someone else to take your place.”

“I’m aware.”

“Can’t you hear it yourself?” he asked softly. “The need to get out?”

“I hear it.”

“But it is still demanding your attention—your duty.”

“If I don’t, no one will.”

“I hate how correct that is, but again, you don’t know if anyone will,” he said. “Nothing is certain except what we have right here.”

“How is that even certain?”

“Mates who want each other have no desire to cheat or abandon their partner.”

“What if you died?” she asked.

Kiran pondered her question for a moment, then nodded. “All right, you are correct. Nothing is certain. I could die. So could you. But right now, what we have is certain. That isn’t going away.”

“I’m not a wolf.”

“But you have told me you’re surprised by how fast this has happened between us. Gwyn, you do feel something. You are pulled toward me as well. I’m not the only one feeling this powerful bond,” he reminded her.

“Maybe.”

“No, I’m certain of it, and you should be too.”

“I have fears.”

“I know. I have mine as well. But maybe for tonight, we should forget them?”

Gwyneth smiled. “I like that idea.”

“Then let us enjoy tonight. You and me going out as king and queen. There are no duties, except for this one tonight. Except for the one we have for each other.”

“We have a duty toward each other?”

“Yes, let’s make sure the other doesn’t trip or make a fool of themselves,” he teased, making her laugh.

“Okay, I will make you that promise. But if you trip, I will bear that humiliation with you.”

Kiran laughed too and pressed his forehead against hers.

“You aren’t putting it away, are you?” she asked, aware of the turmoil within him because she was experiencing the same thing.

“I am, for the moment. But right now, I just want to feel you.”

Gwyneth allowed them to stand like that for a while. She needed the closeness as well, to feel his warmth and strength as a source of stability. It was incredible how much it affected her when they disagreed. Was that normal, or was it the bond of mates that intensified everything? She had quarreled with boyfriends before, but it had never shaken her.

But this felt different. Here, she wanted to sacrifice everything. She wanted to give it all up for Kiran, and yet she couldn’t. Why was she so dedicated?

“Are you ready?” he suddenly whispered.

“Are you?”

He pulled back and nodded. “I am.”

“Then I am too.”

Kiran held out his arm, and she took it. Once again, he felt like the rock beside her as they left their room and walked down long hallways until they reached the ballroom, where people had gathered. They all fell silent and turned toward them as they entered, causing Gwyneth’s heart to jump in her throat. She feared she might trip and make a fool of herself, but she managed to walk gracefully. They reached the other end of the ballroom, where Kiran turned to face the assembled nobles.

“Everyone, I am thrilled to see so many of you here tonight,” he declared. “It is a special night as we welcome my new queen, Gwyneth. I have waited a long time for her, and now she is here. Let’s celebrate that and have a great night.”

A servant approached Gwyneth and Kiran with filled cups, and they raised them. The nobles followed suit, welcoming her with smiles and polite nods. After the toast, the music started, and people moved closer to Gwyneth and Kiran, eager to get on the new queen’s good side.

Gwyneth felt overwhelmed as they flocked around her, and she was grateful when Kiran took charge of the conversations. She struggled to find words and often zoned out, unable to keep up. Luckily, Kiran noticed her overwhelmed state and excused them, claiming he wanted to dance with his queen. Somehow, Gwyneth found it easier to breathe on the dance floor, and as she stood close to Kiran, she leaned in.

“You’re doing well,” he reassured her.

“I can barely breathe.”

“Relax. They already adore you.”

“They are like vultures.”

Kiran chuckled, and they gracefully moved away from each other before spinning around the dance floor. “You just have to learn to navigate through it all.”

“Are there many more parties to come?” she teased.

“If you stay.”

They moved gracefully, dancing with the other couples on the floor. Gwyneth wasn’t overthinking her steps this time, and she moved with ease.

“Can we spend the rest of the night on the dance floor?” she teased.

“If that’s what you want, I can make it happen.”

“Really?”

“I am the king,” he said with a hint of pride, earning a laugh from Gwyneth.

They danced until the music ended, and then Gwyneth and Kiran were once again surrounded by people eager to get to get closer to them. The conversations seemed endless, and Gwyneth felt the need for some fresh air. She excused herself, and though Kiran wanted to follow, he had to keep up appearances. Gwyneth grabbed a cup of wine on her way out of the ballroom and headed for the nearest balcony. She stepped outside and took deep breaths before savoring the wine.

“I’m not made for this,” she whispered to herself.

She could play the role of queen and assist Kiran with his duties, but Gwyneth was not cut out for these grand parties. She had never been comfortable with them, and she wondered how Kiran managed so effortlessly. He had mentioned that he might not enjoy them as much, but he certainly knew how to blend in.

Perhaps he was an excellent actor, or he genuinely liked the conversations and attention. It was a mystery she would have to ponder later. For now, she knew she couldn’t stay outside. As she turned to reenter the ballroom, a piercing scream cut through the air. Everything went eerily silent for a moment before a figure appeared at the end of the hallway.

“That can’t be…”