Chapter 47
(Lily’s POV)
Warm lips brushed my cheek, followed by arms wrapping tightly around me.
I blinked awake, groggy and confused, only to find Zelda’s wide grin inches from my face. “Happy birthday to me!” she sang, eyes sparkling.
I groaned and flopped back against the pillow. “Zelda… I was supposed to wake you up.”
She giggled, completely unbothered. “Well, you’re not a morning person,” she said.
I sat up slowly, brushing sleep from my eyes. “Still, I had a whole plan to sneak into your room but you’ve ruined it.”
Zelda only laughed harder and launched a pillow straight at my face. It bounced off my head and I gasped dramatically, grabbing one and hurling it right back at her. She shrieked and ducked, the pillow sailing over her head and hitting the wall.
“You’re going to regret that!” she cried, lunging toward me.
I scrambled backward across the bed, giggling uncontrollably as we tackled each other, rolling and swinging pillows in a flurry of laughter. Feathers puffed out of one slightly torn seam, and Zelda grabbed a handful and tossed them into the air like fake snow.
“This is war!” she declared, breathless.
We finally collapsed onto the bed, grinning and laughing, our cheeks flushed with joy and our limbs tangled in white feathers.
Once we caught our breath, I slipped off the bed and walked to my dresser. “Since you’re already here…” I pulled out a small velvet box from the drawer and turned to face her.
Her brows lifted. “What’s this?”
I handed it to her. “Your birthday gift. I was going to wait till later, but now is the better time…”
Zelda opened the box with curious fingers. Inside was a delicate neckpiece made of thin silver cords braided together, with a small moonstone hanging in the center.
“I know it’s not much,” I said, suddenly shy, “but I made it myself. It’s from my heart…”
She squealed and hugged me. “It’s perfect, I love it so much. Thank you, Lily,” she whispered. “I’m so happy you’re here for my big day.”
I hugged her tighter. “I’m happy too. I love you, Zel.”
***
By evening, Zelda was dressing up in her room. The maids fluttered around her like butterflies, adjusting ribbons, smoothing her gown, pinning her curls.
I was already dressed in a deep sapphire gown, my hair swept over one shoulder in gentle waves. From the window, I could
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Chapter 47
hear the guests arriving; carriages rolling in, engines humming, and voices echoing through the palace walls.
“I feel so nervous…” Zelda stood in front of her mirror, fidgeting with her golden bangles “Everyone will be watching and I know I’m the princess, but I can’t help but feel this way.”
“It’s okay to feel nervous, but know that we’re all here to celebrate you. There’ll be no party without you,” I said, helping her fix a pin in her hair.
She gave a wobbly smile. “Easy for you to say. You’re calm as ever.”
I smiled. “Only on the outside.”
Just then, the Queen stepped into the room, dressed in a regal ruby gown that shimmered as she moved.
“Lily!” she exclaimed, her eyes widening. “You look absolutely breathtaking!”
She swept over to me, examining the folds of my dress, then turned to Zelda. “And you, my birthday girl, look like the princess that you are. You are gorgeous.”
The Queen stepped closer and held both our hands, her eyes glassy. “I’m so proud of you girls, you make me so happy.”
Zelda and I giggled happily, while the maids looked on with warm amusement. Afterwards, the Queen kissed our foreheads and left to welcome the guests.
When it was time, I held Zelda’s hand and we walked toward the staircase with palace escorts on both sides. Golden petals were scattered along the crimson carpet as floating orbs glowed above our heads, casting a warm festive light down the corridor.
As we got closer, Zelda’s grip on my hand tightened. “What if I trip?” she whispered.
“Then you’ll trip like a queen,” I replied with a wink. “But you won’t. You’ve got this.”
She let out a breath and nodded. The announcer stood at the top of the stairs.
“Let’s welcome Her Royal Highness, Princess Zelda of the Supernatural Wolves and Hybrids.”
The ballroom exploded with cheers.
Zelda walked down slowly, poised and radiant. Her smile lit up the entire room, and my heart clenched with pride.
She wasn’t just my little sister anymore… she was blossoming into a graceful young woman.
My gaze drifted to the throne seats where the King, Queen, and Zion were seated in their regal outfits. Zion, on the other hand, looked charmingly sinful.
His dark hair was slicked back, his stubble gone, and no more tired eyes. He wore a fitted black tunic lined with soft gold embroidery. A dark cloak trimmed with gold rested on his shoulders, fastened with a moon–shaped brooch. He looked every bit the prince- sharp and polished as his piercing blue eyes locked into mine.
My chest tightened, and I looked away, turning to leave through the route and join the crowd.
But a voice stopped me. It was Zion’s.
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Chapter 47
“Lily, come sit with us,” he said with his arms outstretched.
I froze.
Me? At the royal seats?
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