From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 90

Chapter 90

Sable’s POV

Today was the day. My engagement day.

Dad had insisted I return to Crawford Manor for the pre-engagement preparations, claiming it was pack tradition for a daughter to ready herself in her family home before such an important ceremony.

I’d been awake since dawn, my stomach a tangle of nerves and excitement that made eating breakfast impossible. The ceremony was set for tonight in the forest clearing on Blackwood territory – a sacred space near the lake where generations of Lycan royalty had exchanged vows under the moonlight.

I’d spent the whole day at Crawford Manor getting ready, with Elena Milano’s team arriving early to help me prepare. Daisy had been bouncing around my room all day, too excited to contain herself, chattering nonstop about flower petals and pretty dresses.

Dad. Victoria and Mary had left an hour ago to oversee the final preparations at the ceremony site, leaving just Daisy and me in the quiet manor. Now, as evening shadows stretched across the grounds and the first stars appeared, Caelan had arrived to escort us to the ceremony. It was finally time.

“Sabi… you’re so beautiful I can barely breathe.”

Caelan’s voice came from the hallway as I stepped out of my bedroom. He stood waiting by the staircase, but the moment his eyes found mine, his entire body went rigid. His dark gaze swept from my face down to the custom ivory silk gown, lingering where the fitted bodice accentuated my curves before the fabric pooled around my feet.

I bit my lower lip, suddenly self-conscious under his intense stare. “Is it too much?”

“Too much?” His voice came out rough, gravelly. “Sabi, you’re going to kill me before we even make it through the ceremony.”

One long stride brought him close enough that I could smell his scent. His hands settled on my waist, pulling me against him until I could feel the rapid beat of his heart through his dress shirt.

“Is that so?” I teased, trailing my fingers up his chest. “And what would you rather be doing instead?”

His eyes darkened as he dipped his head, lips barely brushing the shell of my ear. “Skip all these elaborate formalities and take you straight back to my

room…”

I shivered as his breath tickled my skin.

“While you’re still wearing this gorgeous dress,” he murmured, “I want to slowly peel it off you and worship every inch of-

“Wait!”

A tiny voice cut through the charged atmosphere like a blade. We sprang apart just as Daisy came barreling toward us, clutching a small white daisy in het pudgy fist.

The little girl skidded to a stop between us, one small hand planted firmly on her hip in a gesture so adult it was almost comical.

“It’s not time for kissing yet! She waggled the flower at Caelan like a tiny weapon.

Caelan’s lips twitched as he fought back laughter. My apologies, Princess Daisy. I got a little… carried away.

“That’s better.” She nodded with all the gravity of a supreme court judge, then turned toward me. Caelan, remember, you have to wait until the official part before you can kiss my Sabelate!

I pressed my hand to my mouth to muffle a giggle.

Daisy stepped closer to Caelan, craning her neck back to meet his gaze.

“And another thing,” she announced. “Just because Sabelate is marrying you doesn’t mean she stops being MY sister!”

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11:33 Fri, 22 Aug M.

Chapter 90

“Of course not-

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“You have to be super duper nice to her! The words tumbled out in a rush. You can’t ever make her cry or be mean or forget her birthday or leave dirty socks on the floor!”

Caelan dropped to one knee, bringing himself to her eye level.

“I promise, little princess,” he said solemnly. ‘I’ll take better care of her than anyone in the whole world.”

Daisy’s eyes narrowed. “And if you don’t…”

She leaned closer, dropping her voice to what she probably thought was a threatening whisper. ‘I’ll tell Daddy to send his strongest warriors after you! They’ll put bugs in your bed and super spicy peppers in all your food!”

“Bugs in my bed?” Caelan’s eyebrows shot up.

“The really gross crawly ones!” Daisy nodded emphatically. “And I’ll make sure they put the spiciest, most terrible hot sauce in everything you eat so your tongue burns forever and ever!”

I couldn’t hold back my laughter anymore. The image of my sweet baby sister plotting Caelan’s downfall with insects and condiments was too much.

“Daisy, you little terror,” I giggled, reaching out to smooth down her wild curls.

But she wasn’t finished. “And THEN,” she continued, building to her grand finale, “I’ll hide all your favorite things and only give them back if you apologize to her and promise to be good!”

Caelan looked appropriately chastened. “Those are some serious consequences. I better make sure I never disappoint your sister, then.”

Daisy’s threatening expression melted into a satisfied smile. “Good. As long as you understand.”

She turned toward me and held out the small daisy she’d been clutching. “This is for you, Sabelate! I picked it myself because it’s called a daisy just like

me!”

My throat tightened as I accepted the simple flower. Such a small gesture, but it meant everything. “Thank you, baby girl. It’s the most beautiful flower I’ve

ever seen.”

“Really? Her face lit up like Christmas morning.

“Really.” I tucked the daisy behind my ear, and she clapped her hands in delight.

“Now you look perfect for getting married!”

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11:33 Fri, 22 Aug

From Substitute To Queen