When they both emerged, dressed for the evening, the transformation was striking.
Mirabelle's dress—a flowing, elegant gown in deep emerald green—perfectly complemented her soft features and brought out the warmth in her eyes.
Her hair was styled loosely, framing her face in delicate waves. She looked breathtaking.
Caspian, clad in a tailored black suit with subtle silver accents, radiated an aura of power and dominance.
His crimson eyes lingered on her as she descended the stairs.
"You look lovely, my Bunny," he said with a smirk, his gaze trailing over her appreciatively.
Mirabelle felt her cheeks heat under his scrutiny. "You don't look too bad yourself," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably.
He extended his arm, and she hesitated before taking it. "Ready?" he asked, his voice low and warm.
"As I'll ever be," she murmured.
Being picked by one of the alpha prince was something every girl has readied their minds for so it was easy for Mirabelle to be happy about this outcome.
The introduction hall was a marvel to behold. Grand chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm golden glow across the room.
The space was vast, with polished floors that reflected the light and long, intricately adorned tables set with crystal glasses and fine china.
The walls were lined with towering windows, offering a view of the moonlit gardens outside.
As they entered, the murmurs of conversation hushed, and all eyes turned to them. The room was filled with members of the Howlcrest family, as well as other distinguished guests.
Caspian's brothers were already present, dressed in their finest, their expressions ranging from curious to amused as they watched their eldest brother and his mate make their entrance.
Mirabelle tightened her grip on Caspian's arm, her nerves evident in the slight tremble of her hand.
Caspian leaned closer, his voice a reassuring murmur. "Relax, Bunny. You're with me."
They walked further into the hall, and Caspian's mother, Lady Cressida Howlcrest, rose from her seat at the head of the table.
She was regal and commanding, her silver-streaked hair pulled back into an elegant chignon, her sharp eyes assessing Mirabelle with an intensity that made her swallow hard.
"Welcome, Mirabelle," Lady Cressida said, her tone cool but not unkind. "I trust my son has treated you well since you came?"
Mirabelle nodded, unsure of what to say under the weight of her gaze.
Caspian, sensing her discomfort, stepped in. "She's perfect, Mother. And she's mine. Let's not overwhelm her tonight."
Lady Cressida's lips twitched, a hint of a smile breaking her composed exterior. "Very well. Let's begin."
The evening unfolded with formal introductions and light conversation. Mirabelle struggled to shake the feeling of being out of place, but Caspian remained close introducing her to every Howlcrest, his presence a constant source of comfort.
When the time came for her to speak, she did so cautiously, her words measured but sincere.
By the end of the night, the room seemed warmer, the atmosphere less intimidating. Mirabelle's quiet charm had begun to win over even the most skeptical members of the family.
Caspian, watching her interact, felt a swell of pride.
As they left the hall together, he leaned down to whisper, "You did well, Bunny."
She glanced up at him, her nerves finally settling. "Thanks to you," she admitted softly.
Caspian smiled, placing a protective hand on the small of her back. "Get used to it. You're mine now."
————
The grand halls of the Howlcrest Estate buzzed with activity. A month had passed since the world learned of the second Alpha Prince's mate, and today, the anticipation had reached its peak.
The day of the royal wedding was here, and the estate shimmered with celebration.
"It's my wedding," Mirabelle mumbled to herself.
She sat in her room, surrounded by a flurry of maids tending to her every need. Her wedding dress, a masterpiece of white silk and intricate lace, fit her like a dream.
The gown's delicate embroidery glistened in the light, and the veil cascaded down her back like a river of moonlight.
She couldn't help but smile as the maids adjusted her hair and makeup, their excitement contagious.
She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and felt her heart swell. She looked beautiful, radiant even, but there was a pang of longing in her chest.
Today, she would marry Caspian—the man who had been nothing but kind and loving to her in the past month.
He had shown her a side of himself that was tender, protective, and sweet. She adored him, truly, and yet…
A wistful sigh escaped her lips. I wish my mother were here.
Her mind wandered to the family she left behind. Despite their schemes and the trouble they had caused, they were still her family.
Her aunt, uncle, and cousin had been forgiven—thanks to her insistence—but she knew the Howlcrest family would never allow them near today's ceremony.
While she understood, it didn't make the absence any easier to bear.
"Lady Mirabelle," one of the maids said gently, drawing her from her thoughts. "It's time."
Mirabelle stood, the weight of the moment settling over her. Her heart raced with excitement and nerves.
This was her wedding day—a day she never imagined would come, let alone to someone like Caspian.
The ceremony was held in the Howlcrest Estate's grand garden, a sprawling expanse adorned with lush flowers and glowing lanterns.
The entire space seemed to shimmer under the soft sunlight, a perfect blend of elegance and magic.
Guests from all over had gathered, their eyes fixed on the aisle as the music swelled.
Caspian stood at the altar, dressed in a sleek black suit with silver accents, his crimson eyes scanning the crowd impatiently until they settled on Mirabelle as she appeared.
Gasps echoed among the attendees as she stepped forward, escorted by one of Caspian's brothers, Dorian.
Mirabelle's heart fluttered when her eyes met Caspian's. The intensity of his gaze, filled with pride and love, made her forget everything else.
Caspian couldn't take his eyes off her. She looked like a dream, her beauty unparalleled, her steps graceful yet hesitant.
His chest swelled with emotion, and for a moment, the world around him disappeared.
When she reached him, he took her hand, his grip firm yet gentle. "You're breathtaking," he whispered, his voice low enough for only her to hear.
Mirabelle blushed, her cheeks tinged with a soft pink. "You look like a gentleman," she replied, her voice trembling with nervous excitement.
"I'm anything you need,"