The Alpha King's Mind Reading Maid (Cecilia) novel Chapter 253

Chapter 253

cilia’s POV

I could practically hear a piti drop; it was that quiet.

I felt the piercing gaze of almost everybody in the ballroom as the doors opened and my name was announced. There was a slave at the entrance who handed me a bouquet of white flowers, an alternative to the red irises, much to my relief.

Without those flowers, Warren should be able to stay in control for the rest of the evening, unless something else triggered him.

The ballroom was decorated for a wedding ceremony; as it always was during an event, it was transformed practically overnight.

Massive crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, their countless prisms scattering warm golden light across the room like falling stars. Every pillar had been wrapped in white silk and climbing ivy, while thousands of fresh flowers cascaded from the elaborate arrangements positioned throughout the garden.

None of the flowers was a red iris, like they had been the other night. They must have been removed, knowing that for whatever reason, those flowers triggered the King’s wolf.

White roses now dominated the decorations, their soft petals woven together with silver ribbons and delicate strands of pearls. Garlands draped from the balcony railings above, creating the illusion of a blooming garden suspended in the air.

Long banquet tables stretched across the polished marble floor, covered in ivory linens embroidered with silver thread. Crystal glassware sparkled beneath the candlelight, while ornate silver place settings reflected the glow of hundreds of flickering candles positioned throughout the room.

At the far end of the ballroom stood a raised platform where the future King and Queen would eventually sit. The dais had been decorated more lavishly than the rest of the hall, framed by towering floral arches and shimmering curtains of white silk that fell from the ceiling like waterfalls.

Musicians occupied one of the corners of the room, their soft melodies floating through the air and blending with the murmur of guests constantly arriving through the doors leading into the courtyard. In contrast, the guests already there remained silent, staring at me as I entered.

My cheeks were burning as I lifted the skirt of my dress, trying my hardest not to trip over it.

The other concubines had yet to arrive, and I wondered if I would feel better if they were here. At least I would have someone to stand by if my actual friends were around.

Everything was beautiful… elegant… perfect.

And yet I couldn’t help but hate it.

Because none of this was for me… it would never be. It was for Leopold and Sophia.

Soon enough, the other concubines were filling the room, and I was relieved to see Jasmine, Claira, and Cora entering as well. When they saw me, they smiled and went directly towards me.

“You snuck right past us. We didn’t know you were here already,” Jasmine said, taking me in. “You look gorgeous.”

“Thanks,” I said, my cheeks warming. “You missed the announcement. This place was dead silent when I

1/2

+15 Bonus

arrived.”

The girls chuckled.

“I’m sure it was,” Jasmine said.

My eyes trailed over the room; a few were staring in my direction, sizing me up. Their eyes portrayed nothing but. judgment, as if they already knew everything, they could about me.

Then my eyes spotted my father and Diana across the room. They were seated at one of the long banquet tables, wine glasses in hand and chuckling at something one of the nobles had said. The tables were set up for the guests’ meals.

The royals and those attending the dinner afterward weren’t expected to eat because they would be too busy mingling and enjoying the rest of the ceremony.

This ceremony was meant to take place after the actual wedding ceremony, which the King and future Queen rehearsed in private with only a select few who would be attending the ritual.

“May I have your attention once more,” Landon announced, causing most to turn their attention to him and begin to silence again. “As you know, this is only a rehearsal ceremony; at this point, I will announce the King and his future Queen, King Leopold and his mate, Queen Sophia.”

He raised his arm towards one of the balconies, where every head turned. Leopold stood, towering over everybody, his presence strong and a stark reminder that he was the Alpha King.

His face was expressionless, and his eyes were dark as he scoured the room, his gaze landing on me for a brief

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify