Page 137 of Alpha's Impostor Bride

“So, in comparison, I would be…” Cedric growls, his mouth settling against the mating mark on my neck. He bites it, and I moan, sharp desire piercing me.

“Comparison? What comparison?” I groan. “He was terrible.” I turn around in my mate’s arms, my own going around his neck. “You, on the other hand, are not terrible.”

“That’s not exactly a compliment,” Cedric complains.

I make a thoughtful sound. “Maybe you should remind me why I should compliment you, then.”

He picks me up and throws me over his shoulder, making me laugh. His hand smacks my ass, and I know I’m going to have a hard time walking for the rest of the day.

The guests are placed in the west wing of the palace, while Erik and my family are all in the south wing. Even though Erik is certain there won’t be a problem, I don’t let Finn go outside.

“Just one more day,” I comfort my son as Harriet helps me into my dress behind a screen. “Then, it will all be over. Don’t pull that out!”

From over the top of the screen, I can see him trying to take off his ascot, and he winces. “I don’t like it. Why do I have to wear these clothes?”

“Because I have to,” Cedric informs him as he enters the room. “Are you ready?”

I suck in a breath and look at Harriet, who nods and says, “We’ll be right there. As soon as Finn is introduced, the blood test will be conducted to prove his legitimacy, and we will take him back to his room. Nobody will be able to get to him.”

I give her an unsteady smile. “Okay, yeah.”

She fixes the bottom of the dress and then helps me off the stool. “It’s time.”

My stomach in knots, I walk around the screen, and the first thing I see is Cedric, dressed in his royal uniform: a fitted, deep blue waistcoat lined with silver panels, a white shirt, and blue pants. The royal cape is carefully fitted on his shoulders. His dark boots are ankle high, and his hair is slicked back.

My mouth turns dry. He looks incredibly handsome. Is this really my mate who wanders around in casual, loose-fitted tunics and black pants, his hair always unkempt?

Cedric sees me watching him, and when his gaze settles on mine, there is heat in it. I glance at myself in the mirror. My hair, which I’ve begun to let grow, is slightly past my shoulders, and Harriet has styled it so that the edges are dipped in some sort of dark, glittery substance. My eyes are lightly done up, as is my face. She has only used a little bit of makeup on me, but I look good.

“I never use makeup,” I murmur, touching my face. “I look so different.”

“You look like you, Mom. Just prettier,” Finn says bluntly. “Dad looks weird.”

Cedric smacks him gently on the back of his head. “She looks beautiful.”

“I just said that!” Finn grumbles, rubbing that spot. “She looks like Mom. Mom’s always pretty.”

I beam at him. “I raised you right.” Leaning down, I kiss him on the cheek. “Ready?”

He nods.

“You remember what we told you?”

“Don’t speak and don’t listen to anyone.”

“Harriet will bring you back upstairs to your room, and you’re not to leave under any circumstances,” Cedric warns him.

“I know.” Finn makes a face. “I’m not a baby. You don’t have to keep telling me!”

“Okay, then.” I give Cedric one final look. “Everything is ready, right?”

He nods. “Stop worrying. It will be fine.”

I believe him, but this lump of anxiety sitting in my throat isn’t going anywhere. Nevertheless, it’s time to get the show on the road. With Finn by our side, we make our way to the ballroom.

Erik’s staff has done a marvelous job of decorating the entire palace. While we stand by, waiting to be announced, I watch in awe as the lights glitter on the marble floor, causing it to sparkle. There is one large chandelier in the center of the ballroom casting a beautiful, warm glow over the entire room. I recognize most of the people in attendance, which is not surprising considering I’ve spent time in the East, the North, and the human world. From the corner where we are standing, my eyes search for Vivian, and I see her next to Xavier. His arm is around her waist, and the way the two of them are huddled so close together makes me wonder what’s really going on between them.

Royal families are always announced, and they are to formally greet the royal family of the hosting kingdom. Erik walks past us and gives us a nod. My hands tighten on Finn’s shoulders, and I whisper to Cedric, “It feels like I’m readying myself for battle.”

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