From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 91

Chapter 91

The forest clearing had been transformed into something from a fairy tale. White silk ribbons wound around oak trees, their trunks decorated with cascading arrangements of white roses and baby’s breath. Strands of lights twinkled overhead like captured stars, casting everything in a warm, golden glow.

Beyond the ceremonial space, I could see the dark shimmer of the lake and the dramatic cliff face rising into the night sky.

Dad appeared at my side, resplendent in his formal black suit. When he offered his arm, I noticed his hands shaking slightly.

“Ready? His voice was gentle.

I glanced around at the assembled guests – both our families, pack members, and friends all gathered in a semi-circle around the ceremonial space. Marcus and Katherine stood near the front, beaming with pride. I could see Edward positioned strategically with other warriors around the perimeter, their watchful eyes scanning for any threats.

Caclan told me Edward brought twelve warriors for external security, plus six Gammas positioned throughout the venue. He wasn’t taking any chances with our safety tonight.

Daisy skipped ahead of us, tossing white rose petals from a wicker basket with more enthusiasm than accuracy. Some landed on the ground, others on confused guests, but her pure joy was infectious.

“Now remember,” she called over her shoulder, ‘no kissing until I say it’s okay!”

Gentle laughter rippled through the crowd as she continued her flower-girl duties with unwavering determination.

When Caelan took my hands, his fingers were steady and warm. The moonlight caught the planes of his face, highlighting the strong jaw and those impossibly blue eyes that held mine with an intensity that stole my breath.

“With this ring,” he began, his voice carrying clearly in the still night air, “I pledge my heart, my protection, and my eternal devotion.”

He lifted the engagement ring – that stunning blue moonstone surrounded by diamonds that he’d had custom-made. As he slid it onto my finger, his thumb brushed across my knuckles in a caress so gentle it made my eyes water.

I was reaching for his ring when a figure stepped out of the treeline.

The entire gathering went silent as Blair emerged from the shadows, her black dress a stark contrast to the white and ivory of our celebration. Edward hurried behind her, his expression apologetic and frustrated.

“Your Majesty,” Edward said quickly, approaching Caelan with visible distress. ‘I tried to stop her, but she insisted on entering. She says she has something urgent to discuss.”

Carlan’s jaw tightened, but he maintained his composure. With a subtle gesture, he signaled Edward to step back.

Every eye in the clearing turned toward Blair as she walked closer to our ceremonial space. Her blonde hair was disheveled, and her violet eyes held a wild, desperate gleam that made my stomach clench with unease.

How had she returned? Why was she here now, at this moment?

Katherine gasped, pressing her hand to her chest. Blair? What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be in the western territories receiving treatment.”

Blass shut me a glare before turning her gase to Carlan

‘Carlan, I need to talk to you Please

1 felt Carlan’s hand tighten around mine, bis body going rigid with barely strolled anger

“Blair. His voice was ice cold. This is neither the time nor the place

But she was already moving closer, her eyes fixed on him with an intensity that bordered on obsession. Just ten minutes. I have something important to tell you – something you need to know before you make this mistake

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11:33 Fri, 22 Aug

Chapter 91

Gasps rose from the crowd. Several pack members shifted uncomfortably, whcertain how to respond to such a dramatic interruption.

“Mistake? I heard myself say

Blair’s gare flicked to me briefly before returning to Crelan Plesse. I’m begging you

Then, to my abenlute harren, she dropped to her knees right there in front of everyone.

Tm asking for ten minutes of your time tust ten minutes to explain everything” Tears began streaming down her face. This might be my last chance to tell

you the truth

The sight of Rtair kneeling in her black dress, surrounded by our white and ivory celebration, created an image so stark and disturbing that several guests audibly gasped

Marcus stepped forward, his expression torn between concern and authority. “Blair, you need to-

Let her speak. Katherine interrupted softly, though her voice carried pain. If she has something important to say…”

1 felt trapped between competing loyalties and emotions. Part of me wanted to demand she leave immediately. But another part – the part that remembered ber as Ceelan’s adopted sister – couldn’t bear to see her humiliated further.

Carian looked down at me. I could see the war raging behind his controlled expression. As a Lycan King, he couldn’t afford to appear weak or indecisive. But as the man who’d grown up with Blair as family, he clearly struggled with causing her more pain.

“Sabi? His voice was barely a whisper. “What do you think?”

I looked around at our guests – Scarlett caught my eye and frantically shook her head, making a subtle cutting gesture across her throat as if to say don’t Go it. But I could also see Peter and Leon’s obvious concern, Dad s protective stance beside me. Everyone was waiting to see how we’d handle this crisis.

Despite my own discomfort, I found myself nodding. “Go ahead. Get this resolved so we can move forward.”

Scarlett’s face immediately twisted into an expression of pure exasperation, her eyes rolling skyward as if she couldn’t believe I’d just made such a terrible

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Carsen leaned down and pressed a quick, firm kiss to my hips. Tll be right back, he murmured against my mouth.

be Carter and Blau walked toward the cliffs edge, I caught sight of the cliff’s edge beyond the trees. Something about the location made my skin pricke with us, though I couldn’t say why

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