Bound By Fate & A Mate

Choices, Choices, Choices

Asterea woke slowly, a sense of deep contentment settling over her. She hadn't slept so soundly in years. The air was thick with Renley's scent, a warm, comforting presence that enveloped her like a soft blanket. She realized she was wrapped in his arms, his body pressed close to hers. A blush warmed her cheeks as she wondered if he had stayed the entire night. Last night, she had barely made it to the bed before sleep claimed her, vaguely aware of him lying down beside her, but not fully comprehending he wouldn't leave.

Carefully, she shifted, making sure not to wake him, and looked up at his face. His features were relaxed in sleep, and the harsh lines of his usual expression softened.

“He’s so sexy,” Jupiter purred in her mind. “I’m ready to jump his bones.”

“Shush,” Asterea replied, a smile playing on her lips. She traced the line of his jaw with her fingertip, then ran her hand through his dark hair, her touch feather-light. She traced the curve of his lips, a silent appreciation for his beauty.

Renley smiled in his sleep, his eyes still closed, and captured her hand, kissing her knuckles softly. He then wrapped his arm more tightly around her, pulling her closer. “Did you sleep well?” he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

“Like a dream,” she replied, her voice soft. “I haven’t slept this well in years.” She paused, a playful glint in her eyes. “Grandma would have a heart attack if she knew.”

He chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. “She already knows,” he said. “And she’ll be fine. Nothing… untoward happened. She understands how difficult it is to sleep apart once you’ve found your mate.”

Asterea glanced at the clock, her eyes widening. It was well past midday, late even for vampires. She remembered her schedule for the day. “We need to get up,” she said, her voice laced with urgency. “I have to choose my ladies-in-waiting and other staff today.”

She went into the dressing room, selecting an emerald green dress with gold stitching and long trumpet sleeves. She paired it with emerald green satin heels and applied a touch of mascara, eyeliner, and a dark garnet red lipstick. She braided her hair into a double Dutch crown.

When she emerged, Renley was fully dressed. She looked at him quizzically. “How did you…?”

He smiled. “I mind-linked my butler. He brought me something suitable.” He took her hand, his eyes filled with admiration. “You look breathtaking.” He kissed her delicately, a touch that made her heart flutter.

They made their way to the dining room, just in time for dinner. Her grandparents stood as they entered, a gesture of respect for their new king and queen. The other vampires bowed.

Lilith introduced Asterea to Renley’s parents, Carmine and Marsiella. “I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for you all to get to know each other, since the wedding is in a few weeks.”

Asterea noticed Renley’s tense posture, his eyes fixed on his father. When he looked at his mother, however, his expression softened, and he relaxed slightly.

"Grandma, in a few weeks? I know we have to get married soon but, two weeks isn't enough time for everything to be decided." Asterea looked at her.

Lilith waved her hand in dismissal. "Dear, a wedding is nothing compared to your coronation. The staff will handle everything, including decorations, catering, and the cake, and we have a personal florist. There is nothing you will need to worry about, my darling."

"I guess you're right. Renley and I are the crowned queen and king. We should have been married prior to having my coronation, but the plan was to take a husband, not find my mate," Asterea almost whispered.

"Exactly, you will have plenty of time to get to know one another more and let the bond form a connection between the two of you. Right now, the wedding is most important," Renleys' father spoke up.

Asterea felt Renley tense fully and looked up at him. She needed to figure out what the deal was between the two.

"It's not for you to choose Father," Renley sneered.

Asterea cleared her throat before his father could say anything else to upset him. She looked at the nervous woman next to his father and offered a soft smile. "You must be Renleys mom, I have heard so much about you in the short time I've known Renley, but I've been so excited to meet you," Asterea spoke up.

Renley straightened himself up and cleared his throat, a soft smile appearing as he looked at his mother. He led Asterea to Marsiella, who embraced her warmly. “You are even more beautiful than Renley described,” Marsiella said, her voice filled with warmth.

Carmine interrupted, his voice sharp. “We should sit and discuss the preparations.”

Renley’s jaw tightened. “There’s no need. Asterea, Lilith, and Asterea’s mother will handle everything.”

Asterea saw the flash of hurt in Marsiella’s eyes, quickly masked. “I would love for you to join us, Marsiella,” she said, her voice sincere.

Marsiella’s face lit up. “I would be delighted.”

Dinner was served, and conversation flowed between their families. Asterea noticed Renley’s continued tension. “Are you alright?” she asked, her voice soft.

He kissed her forehead. “It’s nothing to worry about,” he murmured.

After dinner, Lilith announced that Asterea’s parents would be arriving any moment, and the women would be going to choose wedding dresses.

A portal shimmered into existence, and out stepped Asterea's parents, Ronan and Seraphina. Asterea rushed forward, her face lighting up with joy, and embraced them both tightly. They returned her hug with equal fervor, fawning over her for a moment, their eyes filled with love and pride.

Asterea, her heart swelling with happiness, turned to Renley. "Mom, Dad, this is Renley."

As they took their seats, Renley introduced Ronan and Seraphina to his parents, Carmine and Marsiella. A pleasant surprise lit up Sera's face as she recognized Marsiella. "Marsiella! It's been too long!"

"Sera! My dear friend! Its good to have you back in the Kingdom. I miss you dearly friend" Marsiella exclaimed, and the two women embraced, catching up quickly.

Sera turned to Asterea, her eyes sparkling. "It's wonderful that our children have found each other. Remember all those years ago, when we talked about the future? I was supposed to be queen, and you were going to marry, and we talked about my son marrying your daughter. It looks like it is the exact opposite!"

Asterea smiled warmly, the connection between their mothers adding another layer of comfort to the situation. At that moment, she looked at her grandmother.

"Grandmother, I was wondering… would it be possible to bring one or two girls from the Falling Moon Pack to the vampire court, to be among my ladies-in-waiting?"

Lilith considered her request. "It shouldn't be a problem, Asterea. But you also need to choose a couple of vampire ladies, as well, so as not to insult the vampire community."

Asterea nodded, understanding the importance of balance. "I've already decided on Vivian's daughter, Violet, and a young girl I met at the ball, Elvina."

Lilith nodded in agreement. "That sounds excellent. We'll send out the notices to appear in court. And I'll need the names of the girls from the Falling Moon Pack, so we can send them notices as well."

"That won't be necessary, Grandmother," Asterea said. "I've already discussed it with them over the phone. Kensley and Vera will be here tomorrow. Mom is helping to transport them through the portal."

Lilith, though slightly surprised, simply said, "Very well. That's settled then." She then announced, "It's time for the ladies to leave, so Asterea can try on wedding dresses."

Renley stood with them, walking Asterea outside. He took her hands, his eyes filled with warmth. "I'll see you when you get back," he said, giving her a quick, chaste kiss that left her cheeks flushed.

Her mother and his mother gushed over the moment, making it a "big deal" in a playful way. A sleek limo pulled up to take them to the village, to the dressmaker's shop.

When they arrived, the shop owner, a woman with a kind smile, changed the "Open for Business" sign to "Closed," ensuring their privacy. Lilith introduced everyone to Constance, the owner of the shop, and the best dressmaker in the village. "Constance, today we are only focusing on Asterea's wedding dress. Once that's decided, we'll send over the designs we want for the bridesmaids' dresses."

Constance got right to work, hanging up dresses in the dressing room for Asterea to try on. One of Constance's apprentices offered them lavender honey tea, which they all accepted.

As Asterea was in the dressing room, her mother asked, "Have you decided on any bridesmaids or a maid of honor?"

Asterea replied, "I was thinking we could keep it kind of small. Lyria could be my maid of honor and maybe one or two bridesmaids."

At this, Lilith interrupted her voice firm. "Absolutely not. There is no way we can keep it small. Asterea, you are the queen of the vampires. Every noble family will be invited."

Asterea sighed. "I understand that, Grandmother, but that doesn't mean I have to have a huge bridal party."

The women continued their chat as Asterea tried on dress after dress. She didn't want to try on anymore white. She kept thinking that while white symbolizes the bride's virginity, she wanted to make a different kind of statement. She is the vampire queen, and while she wanted to look beautiful, she also wanted to look like the true queen she was. She called Constance back to the dressing room, handing her the white dresses back, telling her to bring anything she has in dark colors such as black, dark red, emerald green, or even sapphire.

"Are...are you sure my queen?" Constance stuttered out, shocked by Astereas' request.

"Yes. I will NOT be wearing white in any shade or form. I'm the queen, and I want to display that I'm there, queen," Asterea said proudly.

Constance nodded her head and left, closing the curtain behind her. Moments later, she returned with two dresses, one black and the other emerald green. "I have another dress downstairs that I think would look amazing on you and make the statement you want. If you want to try

it on," she asked?

Asterea nodded her head, signaling that she would want to, and with that, Constance left her to try on the dresses.