Once they were out of earshot, the queen resumed the interrupted conversation."The wedding will be held tomorrow, and I want Mr. Aron and Theo to take care of the wedding preparations," the queen commanded with authority, her voice cutting through the room."But we have so much to do! We need to get her dress, arrange her makeup, set up the theme, and send out invitations," Jasmin exclaimed, her frustration evident as she spoke over the murmurs of the ministers who were already in discussion.The room fell silent for a moment after Jasmin's outburst. Her expression shifted from frustration to a look of realisation, as if she had been caught red-handed. The tension broke when the queen burst into laughter, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she looked at Jasmin's innocent face. The ministers soon joined in, and even I couldn't help but smile at the unexpected turn of events. Even Stanley, standing beside me, had a playful grin on his face."Child, the wedding was meant to be a surprise for Kristen, and we've been planning it for over a month. Unfortunately, recent circumstances forced me to reveal our plans to the council," the queen explained, her laughter subsiding into a warm smile. "All you need to focus on now is getting Kristen ready for her big day."I exchanged a puzzled glance with Amrin, who looked just as confused as I felt. The queen's ability to effortlessly turn a tense moment into a light-hearted one was both surprising and reassuring.As I made my way down the corridor towards my room, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling about Sophia. Despite my initial urge to ignore her, curiosity got the better of me. Why was she so insistent on attending my wedding? I knew she still had feelings for Stanley, and Sophia wasn't the type to let things go easily. There had to be more to her visit here—perhaps someone was influencing her, or she had a hidden agenda.I paused outside Sophia's door, steeling myself before knocking. To my surprise, she opened it almost immediately, wearing that familiar fake smile that never quite reached her eyes."Is there anything I can help you with, princess?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm, but I brushed it off and entered her room gracefully, ignoring her confusion."You're here to stop the wedding, aren't you?" I confronted her directly, refusing to circle around the issue. Sophia's reaction was immediate; her head whipped around to face me, her usually impeccable white hair slightly tousled with surprise.Before she could respond, I cut her off. "Don't deny it," I insisted firmly, staring her down.Sophia hesitated, clearly taken aback by my directness. "Well, you're mistaken, princess. I mean no harm," she protested weakly, attempting to feign innocence once more."Oh, really? Don't play dumb with me, Sophia," I retorted, feeling a surge of frustration. I knew there was more to her presence here than met the eye."Did William send you? He must be losing his mind right now, plotting ways to stop the wedding. And you're the sacrificial lamb they've sent," I speculated, a touch of bitterness creeping into my voice. I wanted to provoke a reaction from her, knowing Sophia wouldn't speak freely unless challenged or insulted—and I had chosen the latter.Sophia's expression hardened, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something in her eyes—between anger and hatred. I held her gaze firmly, waiting for her next move, knowing this confrontation could reveal more than I was prepared for."You don't deserve to be the queen, and you definitely don't deserve to receive love from both brothers," she spat out venomously, her words cutting through the air like shards of glass. "You played with Prince William's feelings and broke his heart, and now you're marrying his brother. Don't you see? You're the reason behind everything, and because of you, history is repeating itself. You're just like Queen Amanda, letting power consume you. You must feel superior, wielding powers inherited from dead witches, right?"Her accusations stung, and I felt a surge of shock and anger rising within me. But I maintained my composure, forcing a calm smile despite the rage inside. "I think it's you who's consumed by power," I said sarcastically."Let's wait and see who belongs to whom."Sophia turned sharply on her heel, leaving behind a lingering look and no further criticism. I stood alone in her room, the weight of her words seeping in. Her implications of my powers being taken away stayed in my mind. Was Sophia plotting against me, trying to weaken my position and seize my powers?I paced the room, thoughts racing as I thought about Sophia's motives. Despite my outer confidence, her words had hit a nerve.The next day, I stood in front of the mirror, my heart racing with nervous excitement. The ivory gown hugged my shape elegantly, with the off-shoulder style emphasising the collarbones. The beautiful veil cascaded down my back, passing on an air of mystical elegance. My friends, Terra and Lyn, flew around me like busy butterflies, all adding greatly to my transition from bride-to-be to bride.Terra's skilled hands brushed my cheeks with soft, natural makeup colours, enhancing my features without dominating my natural beauty. I stole glances at my reflection, amazed at how the light blush and lip colour highlighted the warmth in my complexion.Meanwhile, Lyn delicately prepared the bouquet, which included fragrant white roses and exquisite baby's breath. Each bloom seemed to express congratulations and love as she arranged them with a careful touch, making sure every petal was perfectly placed.As the final touches came together, I turned to face my friends, whose eyes widened in awe. Terra placed a hand over her heart, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy. "Kristen, you look absolutely stunning," she whispered, her voice filled with genuine admiration.Lyn, her cheeks flushed with emotion, nodded in agreement, unable to find words as she handed Kristen the bouquet. "You're radiant," she managed to say, her voice catching with happiness.I took a deep breath. My heart is full of gratitude for my friends' support and affection. Standing there in my gown, with the veil carefully framing my face, I felt a rush of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and, most importantly, immense happiness. I couldn't wait to walk down the aisle and look at Stanley's expression.I walked down the corridors with my friends. The hallway looked empty as everyone was settled in the garden. I tried to make rushed steps, but Terra caught my hand and laughed loudly. "Are you going to run down the hall to your husband?" She asked, and everyone around me laughed. Well, I couldn't suppress my excitement."Calm down. Everything is planned perfectly." Jasmin said as we made our way to the garden. I stole a few glances at the arrangements. It was something a human would have never experienced in their life. The garden looked magical just the way I imagined it to be. Flowers were flowing down from the sky as if the gods were rooting for me. It was evening, and the garden was lit up with fireflies. Flowers were arranged on either side of the railings and the entire palace was decorated elegantly with chandeliers and flowers. My eyes welled up. If only my parents were here and my aunt and my human friends. I missed them so much. I lightly tapped on my eyes and took a breath."What's wrong, Kristen?" Lyn asked."Nothing; I just wish my family to be here, my human friends. I miss them." Terra stepped forward, lifted my face with her forefinger, and smiled. "Do you think we never thought about that?" She winked and moved out of the way.My heart almost stopped when Aunt Anna walked up to me. "My dear." She said and stretched her hands, and I ran straight into it and gave her a tight hug."Anna, how are you? I missed you so much." I cried in happiness. She laughed and made me stand at arm's length. Tears fell from her eyes. "You look beautiful." She said and fanned her face to calm herself down."How are you here?" I asked her and looked at Terra."Well, your prince brought me here. He visited me last night and practically kidnapped me here. At first, I was surprised, but I knew who he was." She said it with a smile."I don't understand." I looked at her with confusion."Your mother gave me this ring when she brought you to us. She said it's a magical ring and would help me identify your people when the time comes.""So you knew about everything?" I asked her, surprised.She nodded. "Your parents went to great lengths to protect you, my dear, and I am sure they will be so proud of you. I dreamt about this day for a very long time, and finally, my child is here in front of me in a wedding dress." She said and chuckled with tears."How are my adopted parents? Are they okay?" Even though they are not my real parents, they took care of me like their own, and I will never forget them."They are well, Kristen. But it was safe for them to forget about you. Stanley made sure of it.""You did find a real prince after all." She said looking his way.I followed her eyes, and he was facing the opposite side, talking to my grandpa. I smiled."Well, there is a surprise for you," Anna said she pulled out her phone and gave it to me."Are you serious?" A voice screamed from the other side of the phone."Hey," I said and laughed."Are you really getting married?" Emma asked with a shocked expression."Have you really forgotten us? I am seriously mad at you right now." Lucy screamed, and I pulled the phone away from my face."I don't believe this. You look stunning. Who designed that gown?" Lucy asked, and I laughed along with my friends."How are you guys? Where is Jacob?" I asked."Here." He said and Emma turned the phone towards him. He was rushing inside the room to join the others."You look gorgeous." He said looking surprised. I blushed."I miss you guys," I said with tears."We miss you too, Kristen. I wish so badly to be there with you, but the prince said it was not safe, and he promised to bring you back after the wedding." She said happily."He did?" I asked curiously."He called us last night and informed us about your wedding. We practically begged him to let us be there, but then he promised to bring you back." I smiled again."He really loves you, Kristen. We are sure of that, and we are very happy for you." Lucy said."I'll see you soon, guys." I said and waved them bye."Bye. Be happy." They said in unison.A loud howl resonated against the solid walls.