Chapter 2

LILY's POV

"I've arranged a beauty bath for you, my dear. Astor deserves nothing but the most exquisite bride, and we must ensure you look the part."

A groan escaped my lips before I could stop it. "But, Mother, I don't want to—"

She cut me off, her tone firm. "No arguments, Lily. It's for your own good. You'll thank me later."

I bit back a retort, realizing it would be futile. Resigned to my fate, I trudged towards my bathroom, where my mother had transformed the space into a whimsical sanctuary. The air was heavy with the scent of lavender and rose, delicate petals floating lazily in a tub filled with warm, fragrant water.

She had initially taken me to hers to use her special glowing soap and water on my face before coming here.

My mother beamed with satisfaction, holding up an array of colorful bottles. "I've gathered the finest perfumes and oils for you. We'll make you irresistible!"

The annoyance within me grew, but I remained silent. I reluctantly stripped off my clothes and sank into the water, the fragrant oils enveloping me in their intoxicating embrace. My mother hovered nearby, eagerly applying creams and potions, her hands working with the precision of an artist.

Once the beauty bathe was complete, she turned her attention to my face, brandishing brushes and powders. She coated my skin with layers of makeup, transforming my features until I hardly recognized myself in the mirror. The sight only fueled my irritation, a reminder of the mask I was being forced to wear.

Finally, she unveiled the dress she had chosen for me. It was a creation of lace and silk, a delicate confection in shades of pale pink and ivory. I eyed it warily, knowing full well that it would restrict my movements, confining me to the confines of a proper lady.

As she helped me slip into the dress, my mother's eyes brimmed with excitement. "Oh, Lily, you look absolutely stunning! Astor won't be able to take his eyes off you."

I grimaced, my fingers tracing the edges of the suffocating garment. "That's precisely what I'm afraid of."

Her laughter tinkled through the room, but I couldn't find it in me to share her amusement. In that moment, I yearned for the freedom to be myself, to choose my own destiny. But for now, I would have to play the part of the dutiful daughter, the obedient bride-to-be.

With a sigh, I resigned myself to the day ahead, the weight of expectations heavy upon my shoulders. The beauty bathe had transformed me into someone unrecognizable, a stranger hidden beneath layers of fragrances and deception. As I prepared to meet Astor once again, I couldn't help but wonder if he would ever see the real Lily beneath the carefully constructed facade.

"I'm sure he would recognize you," Miky giggled.

"You might have changed physically but your mouth hasn't changed."

I scoffed, grabbing my dress as I walked out of the room.

"You're so sweet," I said, sarcasm dripping in my words.

"Oh, my God! Who the hell is this?" Dad stared at me mortified, behind him stood Stella who equally looked surprised.

"I think I look stupid," I groaned inwardly.

"I think you look angelic," Miky complimented.

"I'm sure they are just shocked to see you in a dress. This would be the first time you'll be arrayed in a dress and not a male's wear. All your curves and edges are out and for once you look like a lady," Miky added praising me.

"If that was to make me feel better then you're doing a very bad job at it."

"I can't believe this is Lily," Stella stared at me gobsmacked as I made my way down the stairs.

Mom grinned so happily as though she won a lottery. She probably did, I was her trophy anyways. Her trophy for having influence in this pack.

"She can't stay here any longer, she needs to leave. The Alpha and the entire royal house will be waiting for her arrival," Dad turned around, going to get something.

"Your dad is right, you need to get ready to move. We can't risk provoking the royal family and keeping you from your mate," mom hurried me to the couch and handed a pair of heels to me.

"I'm not wearing that," I stared at the shoes in horror.

Stella scoffed and made her way to me, grabbing the shoes from mom.

"You have to, you can't go in boots with this type of dress."

"Says who?" I glared at her challengingly.

"Me," she deadpanned and I felt like gorging her cat eyes out. I was going through torture while and get to sit back and watch me suffer.

"Enough girls, no fighting," mom yelled, shutting us both up but we still glared at each other.

Apart from my parents always comparing me to Stella, I didn't really hate her like I hated my parents. Though we fight a lot and are never in agreement on anything, we both understood each other perfectly and showed ourselves love in a way we alone understood.

"Now Lily, allow Stella to put on your shoes. I'll get the maid to drag your bags down,' mom instructed and I nodded stiffly, having no say in the matter.

Stella wore my shoes without saying a word to me. Dad also returned with something folded in his hands.

"I wanted to give you this," he wore a bracelet on my hands, smiling.

"My grandma gifted it to me and I thought it would look good on you," he stroked the bracelet, smiling.

"Thank you?" I replied unsure of what to say.

Mom pushed me out and I met a carriage waiting for me. Dad pushed my things inside the carriage and Mom pushed me inside hastily as the carriage began to move.

"Make us proud, Lily," mom yelled and I sighed, closing my eyes. Finally free from them at last.

The carriage man rode the carriage quietly and I reveled in the silence loving every bit of it. I wish it wouldn't end.

We got to the royal house and I alighted, staring at my surroundings in awe. I stepped into the house leaving my load to the carriage man to handle.

"It's beautiful," I gushed, staring at the house in awe.

"I know right," Miky agreed.

I made to step into the chamber but the guards crossed their spear, refusing me access and I frowned.

"Clear the road for me this instant," I ordered but they didn't budge. The maids around began to murmur but I paid them no attention.

"I am the future Luna and I demand to see Astor, my mate."

The guards eventually moved. They both shared a look and then broke into a mocking laughter.

"What the fuck was happening?"