Chapter 93: Mating day
The day of the mating ceremony had arrived, and the castle buzzed with lively activity. Belle sat in her chamber, reflecting on the explanation Hezekiah had given the previous afternoon upon his return. She was uncertain whether to feel sympathy for him or anger. His reasoning held merit, yet it did not erase her frustrations. It only seemed to deepen her worry and bring more doubts into her heart.
She needed to release the lingering emotions tethering her heart to the past, and the only way to do so was by giving herself to another. Since she was not yet ready to love, Hezekiah believed mating would seal the distance between them. The Moon Goddess granted mates so that none would endure loneliness, so that everyone would find the one meant for them—a soul to connect with on a profound level, someone to lean on, to confide in, to entrust one’s very being to. Mating had always been the most effective means of forging such a bond, particularly for fated pairs, though even without destiny’s mark, the ritual could still serve its purpose.
Would she truly feel connected to Hezekiah after this? If he was right, then it was worth trying. It would happen regardless, Quinn’s return had only delayed the inevitable.
"Mother, watch over me." Gazing into the mirror, she steeled herself, choosing to surrender to fate. She had signed an agreement with Hezekiah, there was no turning back now.
A glance out the window revealed the moon sinking lower in the sky. She took a deep breath. The time was drawing near. The moment she had envisioned for so long was now upon her.
—
"Are the preparations complete?" Hezekiah asked his mother, watching as she directed the servants. He had been restless since dawn, tending even to minor details to ensure everything proceeded without flaw. With war looming, now was the perfect moment to see this through.
Chuckling, Maddie lightly smacked his arm and teased, "One would think she was trying to escape from you." The servants, overhearing, smiled at the remark.
"Sometimes, I believe she might," he admitted. Though spoken in jest, Maddie did not take it as such. Dismissing the servants, she took hold of his wrist and led him away.