Page 16 of Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf

She’s still a Bridezilla, but she’s a Bridezilla in love.

“Very well. The honorific place cards are… acceptable.” Silverine yields with a glacial tone. “See that they're properly executed.”

Her gaze slides to me. "I trust you can manage that without making it a gaudy display, Ms. Schroeder?"

"Of course, Mrs. Draak." I nod respectfully. "Would you like to review the design before production?"

"That won't be necessary." Silverine rises with fluid grace, her movements so elegant they seem choreographed. "Seraphina knows what's appropriate for our family." She pauses, then adds pointedly, "And what isn't."

With a rustle of silk, she sweeps from the room, pausing just before exiting the room.

"Remember, child, every decision you make reflects on the Draak legacy."

Then the Draak matriarch is gone and the temperature in the room goes back to its springtime warmth.

After her grandmother's departure, Seraphina's posture relaxes visibly. She turns to give me the faintest smile, barely a twitch of her lips but genuine nonetheless.

"Thank you for your intervention," she says quietly, then follows in her grandmother's footsteps, though with decidedly less dramatic flair.

When they're both gone, Courtney exhales loudly. "Holy crap, that was intense."

"Welcome to dragon politics," I mutter, flipping open my binder to make notes about the place card design. "How's the RSVP count looking? Any changes?"

"Four more acceptances came in this morning, but they’re friends of the family and business partners, so it won’t change the main seating chart," Courtney reports as we walk toward the ballroom exit. "And the delivery company for the linen called. The shipment will arrive tomorrow."

"Thank God," I breathe, feeling one knot of tension in my chest loosen slightly. "What about the champagne?"

We continue our professional discussion as we walk through Windfall Manor's corridors in the direction of Silverine’s office, the late afternoon sun slanting through arched windows and casting long shadows across the wood-paneled halls. The manor is quiet and I soak in the peace as much as I can, because I know the next nine days will give me precious little downtime.

As we round a corner just before reaching my suite, we nearly collide with a tall golden-colored dragon male.

I frown, backing up a few steps as I look up to see Kraxon Ashbane blinking at me. Unlike his twin brother Percy's sandy-blond coloring, Kraxon's dark-brown hair is neatly combed back from his forehead, emphasizing the sharp angles of his face. His golden eyes seem to glow in the shadowed hallway, and his pale-gold skin has a metallic sheen that catches the dying light. Tall and lean, he carries himself with the polished demeanor of someone accustomed to high society meetings.

"Ms. Schroeder, I trust the planning is going well?" he greets me with a slight inclination of his head, his tone formal but pleasant.

"As well as can be expected," I reply neutrally, my professional smile firmly in place. "I was actually hoping to catch you."

"How fortunate," he responds with practiced diplomacy. His voice carries the measured cadence of a man who weighs his words carefully before speaking. I recall reading about the scandal involving his law firm, Ashbane & Vexley, in the local paper, something about a conflict of interest with an elven royal client. The headlines had been merciless for weeks.

Beside me, Courtney shifts her weight, leaning slightly forward.

"We haven't been properly introduced. I'm Courtney, Julia's assistant," she offers with a smile that's several degrees warmer than necessary for professional interaction.

Kraxon acknowledges her with a polite nod. "A pleasure, Courtney."

"It's about Percy's bachelor party tonight," I redirect, keeping us on topic. "I hope you've planned something that won't leave the groom incapacitated tomorrow. We have the rehearsal walk-through at eleven."

"I have everything in hand, Ms. Schroeder." Kraxon's mouth curves into a smile that's equal parts confidence and weariness.

Despite his assurances, I can't help but notice the tension around his eyes. The scandal has clearly taken its toll. Yet even under pressure, he maintains the demeanor of someone who's spent years negotiating delicate situations.

"Just ensuring our schedule stays on track."

"Of course." He sighs slightly. "Percy and I have a clear understanding. It won't get out of hand, I assure you."

"Oh, I'm sure it will be amazing," Courtney interjects, her cheeks flushed red. "I read about that case you won last year, the one with the mermaid property dispute? So impressive how you untangled all those underwater boundary laws. I've never believed anything else those journalists said about you and your firm."

I glance at Courtney, surprised by her knowledge of Kraxon's career. She's practically beaming at him, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.