Married To The Billionaire Alpha King-Chapter 85

85

~Elara’s POV

My father walked in not long after, his footsteps firm but light, like he was holding back a smile. The moment I saw his face, I knew something good was coming.

"Elara," he said warmly. "My daughter."

I turned to him at once. "Father."

He came closer and placed his hands on my shoulders, looking at me with pride so clear it almost made me shy. "I am proud of you," he said. "Very proud."

My chest swelled. "Thank you, Father."

He glanced at my mother, who was already smiling, her eyes bright. "I have told the town crier," he continued. "The news has been spread across the pack. Our princess is getting married."

I gasped softly. "Already?"

He chuckled. "Yes. And Alpha Darlon will arrive tomorrow with his council. They will sit with us and choose a date for your wedding."

My hands flew to my chest. "Tomorrow?" I asked, barely able to contain my excitement.

My mother laughed gently. "Look at her. She can hardly breathe from happiness."

I smiled, my face warm. "I am just... very happy."

"And you have every right to be," my father said. "You will be a strong Luna."

I nodded, my throat tight. "I hope so."

"You will," my mother said firmly. "I know it."

After a moment, I bowed slightly to them both. "May I return to my room now?" I asked. "I feel tired, but... happy tired."

My father nodded. "Go and rest, my child."

My mother kissed my forehead. "Sleep well."

"I will," I said softly.

I walked back to my room feeling like my feet barely touched the floor. My heart was light. My thoughts were full of tomorrow. Of Alpha Darlon. Of a future I could almost see but not yet touch.

When I reached my bed, I lay down still smiling.

And I slept.

"Your Highness."

A soft voice pulled me from my sleep.

"Your Highness, please wake up."

I groaned quietly and turned my face into the pillow. "Just a little longer," I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep. My body felt warm and heavy, wrapped in soft sheets, and for a second, I wanted to forget everything and drift back into my dreams.

The maid laughed softly, the sound light and kind. "Princess, it is morning. Alpha Darlon and his council have arrived. They are already in the hall with Alpha Rowan and the council members."

My eyes flew open.

"What?" I sat up at once, my heart jumping into my throat. "Already?"

"Yes, Princess," she said with a gentle smile. "You need to get ready."

My heart began to race, fast and uneven. My hands pressed into the bed as excitement rushed through me, chasing away every trace of sleep. "Alright," I said quickly. "I am awake."

She clapped her hands lightly, and almost at once, other maids entered the room. The curtains were pulled open, and sunlight poured in, warm and bright, touching the stone walls and the floor. The day felt new. Important. It carried something special in its breath.

"Careful," one maid said softly as they helped me out of bed. "The floor is cool."

I nodded, letting them guide me. My thoughts were already far away, racing ahead to the hall, to Alpha Darlon, to the life waiting just beyond these walls.

They led me into the bathing room, and I stopped for a moment, taking it all in.

The tub was already filled. Warm water shimmered gently, rose petals floating across the surface. The air smelled sweet and calming, like a garden after rain. Steam curled upward, soft against my skin.

"It is beautiful," I whispered.

"You deserve nothing less, Princess," one of the maids replied.

I stepped into the tub slowly, letting the warmth wrap around me. The water soothed my muscles, easing away the last of my sleep. I closed my eyes for a moment, breathing in deeply, trying to steady my racing heart.

One maid moved behind me and began washing my hair carefully, her hands gentle and practiced. Another cleaned my arms and shoulders, warm cloth gliding over my skin. They spoke quietly to each other, respectful, careful not to break the calm.

"You look radiant today, Princess," one said softly.

I felt my cheeks warm at her words. "Do I?" I asked, opening my eyes slightly.

"Yes," she replied with a smile I could hear in her voice. "Anyone would see it. You are glowing."

I smiled. "Thank you."

After the bath, they dried me and wrapped me in a clean cloth. Then came the gown.

It was beautiful. Soft fabric. Light colors. Elegant but not too heavy.

They placed jewelry around my neck. Bracelets on my wrists. Rings on my fingers. My hair was brushed and styled neatly.

Another maid applied light makeup. Just enough to highlight my eyes and lips.

When they were done, one of them stepped back and said softly, "You are ready."

I took a deep breath.

Then they led me out.

The doors to the main hall opened slowly.

Every voice fell silent.

I stepped inside.

I bowed first to my father and mother. "Father. Mother."

They smiled at me with pride.

Then I turned to Alpha Darlon.

He was standing tall, dressed in fine clothes, his eyes fixed on me. When our eyes met, his face softened. A smile spread across his lips, warm and full.

I bowed. "Alpha Darlon."

"Elara," he said gently.

My father cleared his throat. "Alpha Darlon has chosen a date," he said. "The next full moon."

My heart skipped.

He looked at me. "Is that acceptable to you, my daughter?"

I nodded at once. "Yes, Father."

Everyone smiled. Murmurs of approval filled the hall.

Then Alpha Darlon gestured, and servants brought forward a large gift box. It was wrapped beautifully.

"This is for you," he said. "You are its owner."

I blinked in surprise. "For me?"

"Yes," he said, smiling. "Open it later."

I bowed slightly. "Thank you."

Then he hesitated, just a little, before speaking again. "May I take a walk with my bride-to-be?"

My father smiled. "You may."

My mother nodded. "Go."

Alpha Darlon slowed his steps as we walked out, as if he did not want the moment to end too quickly. His hand was warm around mine, steady and sure, and I felt safe in a way I had never felt before.

"You are very beautiful," he said again, this time softer, almost like he was afraid the words might break if he spoke too loudly.

I looked down for a second, my smile small but real. "Thank you," I said. "You are kind."

He stopped walking and turned to face me fully. The garden around us was quiet, the sound of water from a distant fountain filling the space between us. "Elara," he said, saying my name slowly, like it meant something sacred. "I have waited for this. For you."

My heart skipped. "I know," I replied, my voice gentle. "I feel it too."

He lifted my hand slightly, not quite bringing it to his lips, but close enough that I felt his breath against my skin. "When you stand beside me as my Luna," he said, "my pack will know peace. They will know strength. And I will never make you feel alone."

My chest tightened. "That is all I want," I said honestly. "To stand with you. To belong."