Page 21 of Mated to the Crown

I follow Lyra to our room in the lower level of the palace.

She is right, we need to wear something that will fit in, not us in our servant clothes.

Most of my clothes I had brought with me to the cottage so we looked through her belongings.

A red dress, too tight for a wedding. A black fluffy dress, long sleeved and better suited for winter.

We continue digging until Josh interrupts us by holding out a blue dress.

“It’s beautiful.” I whisper, taking the soft fabric in my hands. It was tulle, soft blue hues all combined together to make a fluffy dress that sits just above my calves. I look up at Josh as he holds it out to me.

“Quick, we gotta go!” He urges.

I nod and head into the closet to change into the dress.

Once on I let out a little gasp, looking at my reflection in the mirror.

This was the first time I felt like a Princess, like Malik always called me.

The blue dress seemed to mirror my eyes and compliment my light brown hair.

I smooth the dress with my hands, giving myself one last look before heading out to meet with the others.

“Okay, here is the plan. We know they are going to be at the chapel. You and Josh are going to go there, Kacie and I are going to try and find out some more info from Jeffries. He knows us, I don’t think he would willingly do anything against Prince Malik.

You and Josh will pretend you are attending the wedding.

Just sneak in and wait until things calm down and then do what you gotta do. ”

I hug Lyra tight, giving her a silent promise I will be back for her before taking Josh’s arm and heading to the chapel.

We make our way to the chapel. My stomach is full of butterflies and rocks.

I am excited to see Malik. I am nervous something worse has happened to him than Nicholas told me.

I don’t even know where Nicholas is. I look around but don’t see him and hope nothing happened to him either.

Josh holds my arm tighter in his, straightening his posture as he walks to look more regal.

The chapel comes into view. It is an older style that has been on the property as long as the castle. It has large stained glass windows, white siding and a double door that is closing.

“No!” I whimper, watching as the lock clicks shut. Josh stops, holding me still. He turns toward me, putting his hands on my shoulders.

“Wait like a minute and then we bust in. Let me go see if I can see in the windows to let you know where to go.” His gaze meets mine and I can tell he sees the shock on my face. “It will be okay, Celeste. We will get through this.”

“Thank you.” I whisper and watch as he jogs over to the chapel.

What do I even say when I go in? Hi there.

That’s my husband, but we aren’t married yet.

Yeah, that sounds fucking amazing. I scrub my hands over my face and walk toward the chapel.

I can hear the music inside as it changes to the wedding march.

My stomach clenches, wishing it was me in there.

Josh waves at me and holds up 2 fingers, telling me to wait.

I take a few steps toward the door, waiting until he gives me the signal. I focus all my strength, all my anger and all my determination. I will get Malik back. I will tell them all about the bond and I will not let this happen, no matter who Sandra thinks she is.

I hear a whistle and look over to Josh who gives me the thumbs up.

I push the doors open with all my might, slightly surprised it wasn’t locked like I originally thought.

They bang against the walls of the chapel, echoing around the open space.

Faces all turn toward me including Malik and the bride.

My gaze moves to their hands and rage fills me.

Did he want this? Did he lie to me about wanting to step away from all of this?

Fuck him. If he doesn’t want this anymore then he can tell me in front of everyone.

“I object.” I shout, my voice bouncing off the space.

“Do you, now? And what makes you say that?” The priest looks at me and I take a few steps forward. What did I have to prove to them? They wouldn’t just listen to me.

“Because I am his mate, and I don’t give a fuck if you care that I am Royal or not.

The Goddess chose me.” I look down at the dress covering my arm and rip at the fabric.

I continue pulling the sleeve until it falls on the floor next to me.

The audience starts whispering but all I can see is Malik’s big form leaving the altar and striding to me.

I watch as he stalks toward me, his black jacket hugging his body.

The silver buttons and bars of embroidery contrast, making the gold flecks in his eyes shine.

His jaw is set, his gaze heating me up and I reach out for him.

To slap him or hold him, I don’t know but when he grabs my hand and kisses my palm I feel it all melt away.

I watch with wide eyes as he slowly takes off his jacket.

It’s okay.

His voice fills my head and I just want to hug him.

Instead I watch as he slowly undoes each button.

Waiting for a few seconds between each one, his gaze never leaving mine.

The jacket falls to the floor and he moves the white undershirt to the side, revealing the matching tattoo.

The audience erupts, whispers and murmurs turn into shouting.

“There you are, my Queen.” His voice cuts through all the chatter, his hand wrapping around my waist and pulling me tight.

His lips are on mine and I cling to him, wrapping my arms around his neck.

His body against me, his arm holding me tight and the feel of his mouth on mine calms all the anxiety I was holding the past few days.

He kisses down my jawline before whispering into my ear. “I fucking missed you.”

I bury my face into his chest and let him hold me. The scent of him washes over me and I finally relax against him. A loud noise behind me has Malik holding me tighter against him.

“What is going on? You can’t possibly mate with this servant!” I hear the shrill voice of his Mother and clutch him tighter. “You need to keep the Royal bloodline strong! She will surely taint it.”

“Like you do?” This time it is Nicholas whose voice cuts through.

Everyone turns to see him standing in the doorway of the Chapel. I peek my head out from Malik’s strong chest and watch as Nicholas strides in.

“You have tainted the bloodline. You disapprove of your son’s mate?

You disapprove of his shifting abilities.

You have plans to poison Isla to overtake the throne.

And you think you can just get away with it all?

” He stands in front of Sandra, looming over her with his stance.

Malik tries to pull away from me but I hold him tight.

“Let him take care of this.” I whisper.

He turns me in his grip, pressing my back against his front. His arm wraps around my waist, holding me tight and I want him all over again. I can’t wait until we are out of here so I can show him just how much I missed him.

“You dare call me out? At my own son’s wedding?” Her voice sounds like daggers, the way it slices through the air.

“This is a wedding he doesn’t even want.

He has his mate. He doesn’t need you. Isla doesn’t need to get poisoned because you want the throne.

Don’t you think there is a reason you don’t have the throne?

Where is your husband by the way?” He crosses his arms, a smug look on his face as Sandra looks around.

“Yeah, where is Father?” Malik rumbles behind me and I place my hand on his.

“What a shame. Where is Isla? Does she know that you are conducting this marriage? That you are marrying off someone and combining family lines without her approval? She is still the reigning Queen, yes?” Nicholas smirks.

More chatter surrounds the audience and a few members stand up, disgusted looks on their face as they walk out.

“Oh, she doesn’t know. Someone better get her.” Nicholas taunts, looking to the door. He counts down. “Three, two.. Ah hello sister.”

I lean forward to see Queen Isla storming through the chapel doors.

The crown sits atop her head, her dark hair swirling around it in a low bun.

Her dress is long and black with elegant red stitches throughout.

She looks pissed. I lean back into Malik more and his arms tighten around me. He leans down and whispers in my ear.

“I supposed we can escape now. Looks like Nicholas has this covered.” His low voice sends a shiver through me and I nod.

“Are you sure?” I whisper, turning in his arms and looking up at him. “I was so worried.”

“I was too, Princess, but I knew you were safe with Nicholas.” The background noise of the screaming and yelling subsides until it feels like it is just Malik and I. I reach up, gently caressing his cheek. He leans forward, pressing his lips to mine before spinning me again. “Let’s go.” He growls.

He takes my hand in his and pulls me to the side aisle. I look back, Sandra, Nicholas and Isla are in a yelling match. Guards are surrounding them and cuffing Sandra. Nicholas turns for a half a second, giving us a nod before turning back to the situation.

My heart is racing, the adrenaline of everything crashing down on me as Malik pulls me out the side door and into the cool air.

I follow after him, feeling the anxiety and stress melt away as we make our way to the stables.

Nobody is inside as we enter and I am thankful for the quiet.

There is so much I want to say, to tell him.

I want to tell him I accept the mate bond.

That I accept him. I want to hear that he still feels the same.

Before I can speak he pulls me up into the hay loft where I was just mere hours ago.

I climb up the ladder, fumbling slightly over the puffy dress.

He pulls me up and immediately into his arms.