"Amelie, are you ready?" Gabriel’s voice came from behind the door, followed by a gentle knock. Before she could answer, the door creaked open slightly.
"I’m coming in," he announced, stepping inside.
"Yes, I’m ready," Amelie replied, turning around to face him.
Gabriel froze as his eyes took in the sight before him. Amelie looked breathtaking, beyond anything he had imagined.
The deep sapphire gown hugged her figure like it had been tailored just for her, sculpting to every curve with a sensual grace. Intricate beadwork glimmered like stardust across the bodice.
The sheer sleeves slipped off her shoulders, delicate and ethereal, while a daring slit traced up her left thigh, revealing the soft skin beneath.
Below the knee, the dress flowed into airy layers of tulle.
A single violet pendant rested at the base of her throat, glinting softly against her skin. It clashed beautifully with the blue of her gown, but she wore it. It was a gift from Gabriel, which she swore she’d never remove.
Noticing his silence, Amelie lowered her eyes. ’Did he not like it?’ she doubted as she began to fidget with her fingers.
Then, in a flash, Gabriel crossed the room.
"You look gorgeous, kitten," he murmured, clearing all her doubts. The endearment, coupled with the heat in his gaze, made her heart skip a beat.
"Thank you," she whispered, lifting her eyes to meet his. His stare was intense, full of desire, admiration and even possession.
Only then did she notice his attire. An all-white suit that gleamed in the lights. A golden brooch, shaped like his family crest, gleamed on his chest.
"White suits you," she said softly, a smile playing on her lips. "You look... incredibly handsome."
Her smile did something to him, which was hard to tell. His desire to take her right there deepened. His hand moved to the crane of her neck and the smile slowly faded from her lips as if she knew his intentions.
"Amelie, may I kiss you?" Gabriel asked. There was a rare gentleness in his tone. Even with the desire simmering in his eyes, he sought her permission.
She gave a small nod.
In the next instant, his lips claimed hers, fierce yet reverent. One hand cradled her face, while the other slid around her waist, drawing her close until there was no space left between them. The warmth of his body pressed against hers, igniting a fire beneath her skin.
The kiss stole her breath. It was slow, deep, but charged with passion. Gabriel felt it too, the pull to lose himself completely. But he reined it in, letting the kiss linger just enough to leave them both wanting more. When he finally pulled back, Amelie noticed the way he inhaled sharply.
"I won’t stop after the gala ends," he murmured, his thumb grazing her bottom lip with a featherlight touch. The gesture sent a shiver down her spine.
"Your lips... got the lipstick," she whispered.
Gabriel glanced at the mirror and smirked. "Wipe it off, then," he said, lowering his gaze to meet hers, a spark of mischief lighting up his eyes.
Amelie reached up and wiped his lips gently, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. Then she stepped back, smoothing down her dress and checking her reflection while trying to calm her racing heart.
That’s when she felt a soft kiss pressed to the top of her shoulder.
Gabriel stood behind her, his gaze locked on her in the mirror. There was a hunger in his eyes. But he was restraining himself from claiming her right there.
"Amelie, you are the only one whom I ever brought to the gala. Enjoy it as much as you can tonight. Let the world know I belong to you," Gabriel said, his nose brushing the crook of her neck, making butterflies dance in her stomach.
"Sure," Amelie replied in a determined tone. Now, she had chosen a path for herself, where she wanted to walk with her second chance mate, she didn’t wish to look back and stay in the memories of her past.
As Gabriel gave her a space to turn around, he held her hand and together they headed to the grand ballroom of the main palace, where guests had begun arriving.
The moment, they both entered all eyes fell upon them, especially Amelie, who had become the center of attention unknowingly. Gabriel had attended the gala after such a long time and that too, with a partner.
Flora, who had been standing with Alex, widened her eyes in shock, seeing Amelie there. Meanwhile, Alex averted his gaze from them.
’What is she doing with Prince Gabriel?’ Flora thought.
"She’s beautiful," Zilia murmured near Casaio’s ear. "Your brother finally found someone in his league," she added, her lips curving into a knowing smile.
Casaio’s gaze followed Gabriel and Amelie across the room. "Yeah," he said.
"She is an omega, isn’t she?" Zilia questioned. "I wonder if the Queen let her enter into your family?"
"Gabriel doesn’t need her approval. He will do what he wants," Casaio murmured.
As they walked further into the grand ballroom, the once-lively chatter dulled into hushed murmurs.
"Why is everyone so silent?" Amelie whispered.
"Because you’ve silenced them with your beauty," Gabriel replied, flashing a soft smile that sent warmth coursing through her.
At the far end of the ballroom, King Raidan watched the couple approach. He stole a glance at Queen Mabel beside him, whose expression showed clear displeasure.
As Amelie and Gabriel stopped before them, Amelie lowered her gaze respectfully and greeted the King and Queen with grace.
From the sea of murmurs, she could make out fragments of whispered conversations.
’Is she his mate?’
’Who is she?’
’She’s stunning...’
Then, her eyes caught Flora standing stiffly beside Alex. The memories came rushing back: Flora’s cruel words on the day of her rejection.
"I’ve an important announcement to make before the official ball begins," Gabriel announced as he turned to look at the guests present there.