The next day, Philippa was fitted for her gown and picked out the materials she would like, as well as a veil and a pair of shoes that would be warm enough but wouldn't look out of place with the rest of her outfit. The wedding ceremony would be in a nearby chapel where the citizens of Ciza would be able to fit into the pews and watch. The reception would be in the Castle ball room, and there, she would dance with her new husband all night.
After her fitting, Lynn showed her to the kitchens where she proceeded in introducing Chef Roberts. He had an accent she couldn't pinpoint but was pleased to see his enthusiasm in his work. He had already set out several types of cake she might like and gave his preference as to his favorite. She clapped her hands when she found his favorite was the same as hers: chocolate! They worked hard on mixing batter and baking cakes until they were perfect, then letting them cool so they could begin the process of decorating the next day.
Bardulf continuously went by occasionally and was happy to see his soon-to-be wife and Queen happily baking away. He chuckled when she tasted batter and closed her eyes, savoring the taste, then at a question from Roberts, nods and jumps up and down. Satisfied with his findings, Bardulf left them to it and went to do work of his own.
That evening, just before mealtime, he gathered his men and made orders about how he wanted her guarded during the wedding day if he wasn't beside her. "I want two, maybe three men with her at all times. Flik, Seth, and Varg, you'll do that since she's comfortable with you. Leon, Ernest, and Hugo, you'll be back up if one of them is unavailable. Until then, keep an eye from afar. Never lose sight of her." He turned to Jared, Kobe, Brian, and Stephan. "You four. Before anyone enters the chapel or the castle, you identify them first. If no one can prove he or she lives in Ciza or is on the guest list, they are not to be let in. Remember their face and their name and report back to me the next morning. Elliot, Levi, and Christian, you'll guard me. All of you, have fun. This is a day of celebration, not one to be too solemn, but guard your Luna well."
"Don't have to ask us twice," Elliot said. "Anyone tries anything, we'll have them down and taken away while everyone else is distracted."
"Are you inviting anyone from that one village?" Flik asked.
"Otsoko and his family. No one else."
His friend nodded and they all confirmed their duties before heading to the dining hall.
As soon as Bardulf entered the room, Philippa ran up to him with a huge smile, encircling him in her arms in a large embrace. He chuckled caught her, then looked down. "Miss me?"
She nodded.
He kissed her head then asked, "Did you enjoy yourself today?"
She nodded again and began to describe her day as he led her to the table. He helped her into her seat and sat down before chuckling at her delight. The others sat with them and were intent on watching their Luna, some understanding a little of what she was trying to say while few were still trying to grasp at the gestures and symbols she made.
She finally finished when the meal was brought out and sighed in fatigue. Bardulf smiled. "I'm glad you got all the cakes done and that you like Roberts. He's a good friend of mine and owns that kitchen." She smiled and nodded. "As soon as you're finished eating though, you are going to bathe."
She scowled but Flik chuckled and explained, "You have cake all over you!"
Philippa looked down at herself and widened her eyes. Flik was right! Bardulf was right! Embarrassed, she blushed. Bardulf chuckled. "Not that we mind, but most of the men here like chocolate."
There were several grunts of agreements and she blushed harder. But when Flik began to make jokes about his childhood of how he got cake all over the house, she relaxed and began to eat, listening to him and then the others tell of their childhood experiences.
After supper, Bardulf led Philippa upstairs and into the bath chambers where he began running hot water. She stood, watching him, exhaustion pulling her eyelids closed, making her use all her strength to pry them open again.
"You're falling asleep," Bardulf whispered. She nodded, leaning on him when he pulled her into him. "I told you to rest when you felt tired."
Philippa shrugged, having no strength to explain that she hadn't wanted to quit. She was having too much fun.
"Sit," she heard and gingerly began to sit. Her butt met the cool tile of the tub and she opened her eyes to see Bardulf squat in front of her to help her take her dress off. She pushed his hands away and shook her head. He scowled. "I'm not going to let you fall over from exhaustion."
She smiled and told him to get Lynn.
"I don't want you drowning," he argued.
She sighed then told him to let Lynn help her get into the tub, then he can come keep her awake.
Bardulf considered, then rang the bell. "Fine. But you do not let yourself sleep until I'm in here and can keep you from going under, understand?"
She smiled and nodded right as a knock sounded.
"Come in, Lynn."
The girl walked in and smiled at her Luna, then bowed to the King. "Majesty."
"Will you help Philippa undress and into the tub? Make sure she doesn't fall over from exhaustion in the process and call me when she's in the water so I may watch her?"
Lynn glanced at Philippa's exhausted face and nodded. "Of course. It shouldn't take long."
"Thank you, Lynn." Bardulf gave Philippa a warning look that made her smile and give a silent laugh, then stepped out.
Lynn helped Philippa undress and then, into the tub. Philippa smiled at Lynn gratefully as the girl turned towards the door. Philippa leaned her head back, waiting for Bardulf to walk in and keep her company. She heard the door click as if being locked but didn't think much of it until she felt the chill.
Her eyes snapped open and she glanced around. Lynn was still inside the bathroom, a malicious smile on her face as if she had just won a game. Philippa shook her head, her heart thundering. She stood, uncaring about her nudity.
Lynn laughed harshly. "You honestly think you can win, Luna?"
Philippa shrugged and stepped out of the tub, wide awake. She saw a sparkle from behind Lynn and swallowed her fear. She knew Bardulf was right outside the door, waiting. She knew she had to do something to gain his attention since she couldn't scream.
Grabbing a glass bottle of soap, she aimed to throw it at Lynn. The girl swung out of the way just in time and the bottle knocked on the door instead with a crash. "You missed!" Lynn said triumphantly.
Bardulf was waiting patiently on the bed when he heard the crash. Standing, he went over to the bath chamber door and listened with his ear against the door. There was nothing and he was about to move away when something smashed against the door. Shocked and rubbing his ear from the loud noise, he pushed on the door, but it held fast.
His eyes narrowed into slits. "Philippa!"
"She's fine, my King! We're just getting into the—" SMASH! "Damn it! Stop throwing things you stupid girl!"
Bardulf began to throw himself against the door. "Philippa!" Another smash as if in answer.
He backed away slowly, calculating how much force he'd need to smash the door, then lunged at it, shifting midway.
Philippa was in the far corner, huddled in the tub. Lynn was above her, finally having got close enough. Scared, Philippa hugged her knees to her chest, protecting herself in any way she could.
Lynn leaned down and was reaching for her when the door to the room smashed inwards. Philippa turned and put her arms above her head as wood went everywhere. Lynn screamed in outrage and turned towards the smashed door where a large black wolf stood, glaring at her. "You!"
Philippa chanced a look to see Bardulf stepping over the rubble to come closer. She felt relieved he was here. He glanced at her, scowling, which made her frown. She was confused as to why he would glare at her.
Not so sure anymore that he wasn't mad at her, she didn't move except to look away from his hard gaze.
Bardulf glared at Lynn, knowing something was wrong with her and yet, wanting to rip her apart all the same. He gave a low growl at the girl, a warning for the thing possessing her to leave.
Lynn laughed. "Come get me, King."
Bardulf hesitated, and it cost him. Lynn turned and went straight for Philippa. Reaching for her, Lynn pushed her down into the water. Bardulf shifted and ran over, throwing Lynn away and hurriedly pulling Philippa out of the water. She spluttered and coughed, shaking violently. He pulled her close and turned, seeing Lynn crumpled on the ground near the door, unconscious.
"Damn it!" he hissed, keeping his hold on Philippa tight. He looked down to his mate and saw her face hidden in his tunic, her hands balled up in the fabric. She was dripping wet and shivering.
Quickly, he grabbed a towel and wrapped her in it, then carried her to the bed and set her upon it. He gently pried her fingers from his tunic and went back into the bathing chambers to pick up Lynn and proceeded to carry her out of his chambers and to her own room. Bardulf wiped away the blood at the back of her head and sighed. Once he was sure she was safely tucked away in her own bed, he wrote a note to her then went back to Philippa.
He found her curled up on the bed, still shivering, and tears slipping down her cheeks. He knelt beside her and pushed hair from her face. "Philippa?"
To his shock and disappointment, she turned away from him. This set his mood farther down and his beast angry.
"Philippa, what's wrong? I can't help you if you don't explain."
Gently, he rolled her back towards him so he could see her face. Her hands began to move angrily.
Bardulf shook his head. "No! I wasn't angry at you!" She made a few more movements. He sighed. "I'm sorry. I scowled because I knew you were throwing things before, I came in, and the next thing I know, you're balled up in a corner. It wasn't a glare for you. I'm not mad at you."
Fresh tears poured from her eyes and she couldn't control herself anymore. Philippa hid her face behind her hands and sobbed. Bardulf lifted her up and climbed in bed, getting under the warmth of the covers, and pulling her in with him, then, he held her.
"Hush, it's alright. It's over now," he whispered gently, and stroked her wet hair until she fell asleep.