The White Wolf Chapter 103: My Surprise

Alexia was sitting in her office when news came of the prince’s approaching arrival. Her tasks were finished but she still had time before she would need to get ready.

Staring at the ceiling time seemed to drag on. Her leg bounced as she became anxious. She needed to do something. Anything. Maybe she should have greeted the prince?

As the minutes ticked by, she must have asked Harley the same series of questions ten times with each time Harley reassured her that all the tasks were completed.

Enzo had kept her company for a while. They spent some time telling stories, mostly to entertain the queen filling most of them containing the young king till he was called away to inspect the security at the palace. While she had stressed over napkins and flowers, Caspian had been consumed by protecting and making sure the palace was safe. Thus Enzo was enlisted to inspect the grounds.

Finally, Harley announced that she needed to begin getting ready and she almost sprinted to her chambers due to too much energy and a mixture of too much caffeine.

Throwing open the door, she went straight for the shower. In and out in no time, she did not bother to wash her hair. When she emerged she wrapped herself in a robe after she dried her body. The fresh linen smell enveloped her like a warm hug.

Emerging from the bathroom she found Harley directing the various stylists. A beauty chair had been set up in front of a mirror. Pausing their work, they greeted the queen who responded with a smile and nod.

Taking her seat, she began discussing how she would prefer her hair and make-up styled. The group discussed what would look best and be best for the evening's activities.

First, her hair was immediately put into rollers. while the rollers sat, her makeup was applied. While the stylists worked, Harley gave updates, or more accurately, Gabe’s grievances. Mostly fearing the prince was planning to move into the palace with the amount of luggage he brought.

All of the guests had arrived who were not accompanying the prince. Morgan had been giddy, sending Alexia pictures of her outfits making her smile.

As the queen’s family, they had their stylists helping her mother, sister, and sister-in-law ready themselves. She regretted not having them here with her getting ready as she became lonely even though she was surrounded by people.

On top of that Tabatha and Hazel would not be able to attend and had remained at home. She needed more friends at the palace. Perhaps she could befriend Gabe’s mate and Enzo’s, whenever he found her. It would make sense since they were her mate’s closest advisors.

Wanting to make sure she was not ravenous at the reception, Alexia took small bites. Harley had stationed a plate of fruits, crackers, and various meats next to her chair. However, she turned down the offer of wine as she wanted a clear head.

Her makeup was done and the rollers were removed. The stylist began work on her hair when the door opened to reveal the king.

Ignoring the bows from the others in the room, Caspian walked straight to his mate. When he pursed his lips and leaned in to kiss her, he abruptly stopped as a finger made contact with his lips. “If you mess up my makeup, I will be quite cross you.”

Caspian laughed as he pulled back. “We would not want that now would we?”

She studied him through narrow eyes. His eyes looked tired and weary. She wondered what his day had consisted of, from what she had learned from Enzo, The king inspected the borders personally this morning.

The borders cause him to lose sleep. Multiple times she had awoken in the middle of the night to find him staring out the window. There was a threat that he knew was there but could not defeat. It occupied his mind. Her heart ached to see him in such a way.

“You cut your hair.” She took in the smooth skin at his neck that faded out to the top. His hair was always nice but this cut was fresh.

“I did. I had it done during lunch. Do you approve?”

“I do” she beamed.

“Good, now I need to get ready.” He said picking up her hand and placing a kiss on the top before letting it drop.

Turning to Harley Alexia asked, “How are we time?”

“Right on schedule. His majesty’s tux has been placed in the washroom.” She responded happily.

“Then I shall not make us late,” Caspian said before turning to enter the bathroom and closing the door behind him.

It was not long before the faint sound of water running could be heard. Alexia noticed the faint blush left on the cheeks of the stylists from her mate’s presence even though he had ignored them. Her hands circled into fists in irritation.

Doing her best she relaxed her hands. Oblivious to her discomfort, focused on making sure every single hair was placed correctly.

Once they were done, she did not dally and dismissed them. Leaving only Harley to assist her into her dress.

It was almost time for them to leave when she heard the water shut off. Knowing her mate would not take long to dress, she did not worry.

Harley updated the Queen “I have received word that your family has just arrived at the reception and the Queen Mother is en route.”

“And the prince?” She asked.

“He has not left his chambers.” The palace was filled with eyes watching the prince and his entourage.

Alexia nodded. She would wait if she had to but would not allow herself to arrive before the prince. This was her palace so the guests would wait for her and Caspian of course.

Giving herself one last check in the mirror, she was interrupted when there was a knock at the door. Before she could say anything, Caspian emerged from the bathroom fully dressed as he worked on firing his bow tie. “About time.”

He was dashing in his black tux and his hair perfectly styled. Alexia felt herself begin to drool over him and quickly remembered he had spoken.

“About time for what?” She questioned confused.

“My surprise.”