Page 130 of The Hunter's Empire

Inside the suite, controlled chaos greets me. Hair stylists move from one side of the room to the other while makeup artists put the finishing touches on the bridal party. Garment bags hang neatly against the walls, bouquets rest on polished tables waiting to be carried down the aisle, and someone is frantically searching for a missing pair of earrings.

Aurelia, somehow, sits perfectly still in the middle of it all.

She catches my reflection in the mirror before I even say a word.

"Don't look at me like that." She says with a nervous laugh. "You're making me think something's wrong."

I smile as I walk behind her, gently lifting the delicate veil before fastening it into place.

"Nothing's wrong." I reply. "I'm just trying to figure out when exactly you turned into the woman sitting in front of me."

She watches me through the mirror. "What does that mean?"

"It means..." I pause, smoothing the veil over her shoulders before stepping back. "...you look genuinely happy."

For a moment, neither of us says anything.

Her smile softens. "I am."

She glances down at the engagement ring on her finger before looking back at me. "I've imagined this day so many times that part of me keeps expecting to wake up."

"You won't." I reach forward and straighten a loose strand of hair beside her face. "This one's real."

Aurelia's eyes glisten for a brief second. "I swear, if you make me cry before the ceremony..."

"I'll fix your makeup."

"You'll fix it?"

"I'll threaten everyone else until they fix it."

She laughs. "I missed you."

"I'm right here."

"I know." She reaches for my hand and squeezes it. "And I'm really glad you are."

Before either of us can become too emotional, the suite door flies open. Theo marches inside carrying a silver tray filled with champagne flutes.

"My beautiful girls!" He announces dramatically. "Emergency mimosas have arrived because apparently weddings are emotionally exhausting before they've even started."

Several people laugh.

Theo freezes the moment he sees Aurelia. His expression changes almost instantly. "Oh..."

For a second, even the room seems to fall quiet.

The gown is breathtaking. Layers of soft ivory fabric fall effortlessly to the floor, the fitted bodice giving way to a sweeping skirt that moves with every step. Delicate lace traces the neckline and sleeves, catching the morning light without stealing attention from the woman wearing it.

Theo slowly lowers the tray onto a nearby table. "Aurelia."

She raises an eyebrow. "What?"

He presses a hand dramatically against his chest. "Babe... Maison Delacroix absolutely outdid himself."

Aurelia laughs. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"It is the highest compliment I am capable of giving." He shakes his head in disbelief. "Keith is absolutely doomed."