Kieran’s POV
I wriggled in my seat as the brush swept around my cheeks. The up down movement of the brush sent tickles spreading throughout my face, but I fought the urge to laugh out loud. If I did, I was sure I was going to ruin all of the artists’ entire three hours of work, and if that happened, there was no way she was going to be pleased with it.
Of course, she wouldn’t dare voice it out, because she was there under the command of Xander, her King. But still, there was no way I would feel good after ruining it all, even if it was a little smudge. That and the fact that if I shifted too much, she was going to have to start all over again and I definitely didn’t have the patience to sit here for three more hours.
I wrung my fingers together, trying desperately to ignore the knots tying and unfurling in the pit of my stomach. No matter what I did or how many breathing exercises I did, it did nothing to help. Instead, the more I tried, the more my anxiety levels went up the roof.
It wasn’t even about ruining this, it was more about the night that waited for me.
“Please, stay put ma’am.” The artist’s voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to earth. I reflexively jerked in my seat, and a small gasp filled my ears. After some seconds I realized it had in fact come from the woman standing in front of me, with my face in her hands.
“My apologies ma’am, it’ll be over soon. Just give me some minutes and we’ll be done.” she encouraged as she fussed about, trying to find something.
Like the weight of what was happening today wasn’t already almost too much for me to bear, a small part of me couldn’t help but feel weird about the makeup being done on my face.
Was I going to look pretty? Pretty enough for all of them? Even if I did a good job, what were the odds that I was going to make a good physical impression on everyone? There was a saying that you could take the man out of the city, but you could never take the city out of him.
What if that was my case at the moment? Was I going to show to them that even though I looked like them, I could never actually belong. Was I going to look as weak as I was?
I gulped, hoping it wasn’t too loud. To say I wasn’t scared or nervous had to be the biggest understatement of the year. Sweat lined my palms and I tried to relax.
“All done.” She finally announced. Contrary to what I had expected, I peeled my eyes open to see her smiling and I took that as a good sign. Usually, people always looked proud of their creations, especially when it was up to par, but was that really the case with her? What if she was just smiling just to make me feel better?
“Would you like to see yourself, ma’am?.” she asked and I nodded softly, holding my breath unconsciously.
I allowed her to spin the chair, just to face the mirror behind me. She had advised I turn my back to the mirror, just so I wouldn’t be able to see a thing she was doing on my face. I had expected the worst because I had no idea why it or what was going on, but my long and worried face quickly transformed into a huge beam when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.
I blinked in shock. I looked beautiful. No, scratch that, breathtaking.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure the word used to describe how pretty I looked had been invented yet. And yes, maybe that sounds a little too much but I really never thought I could see myself look this good. Ever.
Alongside my makeup, she had done my hair too, and added a few touches to it. A huge chunk of my hair was intricately held back by a huge claw clip that apparently held the seal of the pack’s insignia, with the rest flowing on my back. Some intentional stray strands dangled and framed my cheeks.
Everything looked so classy.
Diamond stones adorned my ears and neck, and they caught the light every now and then. They were a gift from Xander, and I hadn’t stopped staring at them since I wore them. I admired my new look in the mirror and I was very impressed.
The girl helped me put my dress on and I turned back to the mirror almost immediately. I took a solid step back. Oh goddess.
Up until now, I never knew how good red looked on me. The dress had a flattering neckline that exposed just the right amount of cleavage. It clung to me like a second skin, accentuating every curve as it flowed down to the floor. As expected, the dresses had gone through Xander’s scrutiny and apparently, this one was his favorite.
The mere thought of it made my cheeks burn, and for a moment I was briefly reminded of the fact that there was no way I would be here if it wasn’t for him. After I had told him my dilemma back at the diner, he had made sure that I had taken three days off, both from the saloon and the diner too. It wasn’t too hard. I had worked my ass off ever since I started and I never asked for a day off.
From the moment I stepped in here, it had been one preparation to the other.
He made sure I had a spa session to help me relax, and my nails were taken care of. Every single thing he thought was necessary.
It was a lot but I wasn’t complaining, if anything, I was really grateful. It’s not the real me but I was definitely desperate to make a good impression. And he was helping me in that regard.
Xander’s earlier plans had involved taking me to the mansion, but thanks to his mum and Sabrina being there, we had opted for the palace instead. Even at that, he told me not to step out because his mother came to the palace quite a lot.
In his words, “I promise I’m not going to let anyone or anything make you uncomfortable. You’re my Luna, and you deserve the very best.”
I blushed like crazy when he said that.
I would be lying if I said he wasn’t living up to his promise. Sometimes, a little part of me felt like he was going over and beyond, and it had another wave of heat rushing up my cheeks.
With a small nod, the makeup artist excused herself, leaving just me in the room. I knew what was coming next, and if I said I wasn’t terrified, then that had to be the biggest lie of the century.
I was terrified. I had only gone back to staring at myself in the mirror, when something interrupted me. I heard the door creak open, and I just knew who it was.
“Woah…” Xander trailed off, his mouth hung open in shock the moment he laid his eyes on me. My heart raced uncontrollably as I watched an unreadable expression flicker across his face.
Shock? Amazement?
No, it was darker, more intense…
Like, desire…
Yes, that was it. He looked hungry, like he wanted to devour me then and there.
One look at him and I found myself feeling the same way. He looked absolutely dashing in his tuxedo and everything just made him look even more hot than he already did. My eyes glanced upwards and settled on the shiny crown on his head. Sometimes, I forget he is the actual King. Phew, how did that manage to make him all the more hot.
I wanted every bit of him.
I swallowed as I processed the thoughts that ran through my head.
My eyes blinked rapidly as I looked away.
Oh goddess.
“Xander?” My voice came out more hoarse than I had intended.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“No.” His response shook me to the bones. The longest time passed before he shook his head slowly, and before he spoke, I swear I saw the crack of a smile break on his lips.
“How could everything be okay, when you look so drop dead gorgeous?” he said.
It was my turn to be stunned, but it didn’t stop there. My smile multiplied by a million times and I stretched out a hand to him. With my palm in his, he raised our hands, before placing a kiss on my skin.
“Kieran, I…” He trailed off. He was stuttering, and his eyes raked over my body. I could easily make out the many emotions swirling in his orbs.
Pride, admiration and a whole lot of want.
“You look so beautiful. You’re absolutely breathtaking.” He said and I smiled.
“I could say the same, my King. You look amazing” I said with a smile, my eyes raking his body yet again.
He suddenly groaned.
“Can we just skip the ball? I would very much rather be in this room with you for the rest of the night” he said and he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer.
I gasped lightly.
“No way” I said and we both laughed.
I basked in his compliments for a little while, and he let me. After a couple more minutes, I looped my arm in Xander’s and he led me out of the room. His guards were standing outside, waiting for us.
I knew exactly where we were headed, and knowing that didn’t help at all. I wanted nothing more than for the ground to open up and swallow me whole, that way, I wouldn’t have to face what laid in front of me.
“Breathe, my love.” Xander’s words filtered into my mind. I watched him flash me a small smile from the corner of my eyes, and it made me feel a little bit better.
“You’ll be fine. There’s nothing to worry about.” he added, his voice soothing.
I tried to calm down after that as we walked. After what felt like forever, we finally arrived in front of the hall. The huge double doors were pressed shut, but I knew it was an entirely different world that waited for us behind the intricate golden doors. Guards lined the entrance to the place, each one of them bowing to me and Xander. They were bowing to their Alpha and Luna, even though they didn’t know it yet.
I still couldn’t believe it. A part of me still felt so weirded out about the whole thing.
“Welcoming, the man of the hour, our beloved king and ruler….” The herald’s voice echoed from inside. That was all the indication I needed to know that this was all real. It was really happening. “The Alpha and his Luna!”
I gulped visibly.
Okay Kieran. Back straight, neck high. You can do this.
The doors swung open. Gasps filled the hall at the announcement and the moment my eyes fell on the many people in the hall, I couldn’t help the goosebumps that erupted on my skin.
Dear goddess.