Forbidden Flames

Chapter Nineteen

One month later

February arrived quickly, and with it, the anticipation of Colette and Damon's wedding just a week away. Today, however, was my birthday, and Alaric had meticulously planned a beautiful itinerary for us. I looked at the enormous ring on my finger, still in disbelief that I was engaged.

"I still can't believe you said yes," Cassian remarked as we sat in my room.

"And why is that?" I asked, irritation creeping into my voice. I knew he was about to launch into another long-winded monologue about why August and I were soulmates. For two weeks, he and Roland had been on a campaign, urging me not to give up on August. But how long could I wait for a man to return my feelings?

"It's just... now that I've met Alaric, he's boring. I never expected you to marry someone like that," Cassian confessed.

I shifted in my seat, rolling my eyes. "I like boring. Maybe having a partner who's more introverted is nice," I argued back.

"I'm not trying to argue, just stating an observation," he spat back.

A maid entered the room, "There's a gift for you downstairs, miss," she said.

I jumped up with glee, anticipation bubbling inside me. Cassian followed as I ran downstairs, eager to see the bouquet of flowers. My smile faltered when I saw the red roses.

"Faith, were there any pink lilies sent today?" I asked. She shook her head, confirming my disappointment.

"He really is gone," I muttered, feeling the weight of the realization.

"Sad you didn't get your favorite flowers this year?" Cassian mocked, trying to prove his point.

Fixing my expression, I turned to him with the roses in hand. "No, because these are from my fiancé," I said, flipping my hair and taking the flowers to the kitchen.

"Oh, what lovely flowers," my mother commented.

I nodded, placing them on the counter for her to arrange. I hated roses—they cut your fingers and were hard to tame. My mood dulled; I'd hoped for something from August.

The doorbell rang, and Alaric entered. I quickly fixed my face into a smile as he walked into the kitchen.

"Good day," he cheered, coming over to kiss my cheeks.

My mother beamed as Cassian rolled his eyes. "The roses were lovely, Alaric," my mother said before I could.

"Thank you. I know you like lilies, but I couldn't find any in season right now," he laughed.

"It's alright; they're perfect," I said, taking a rose out. Instantly, I pricked my finger on the stem, the sharp sting surprising me.

Alaric rushed over, checking the blood on my fingertip. "You have to be careful with these," he laughed, my mother joining in.

Cassian, sipping water, watched the scene with a judgmental look. I could tell what he was thinking, but I ignored it.

"I'm alright, everyone," I laughed. "We should get ready for my birthday brunch," I said, dragging Cassian back upstairs.

Once in my room, I lightly closed the door. "Just admit it, Lilith," he said again.

"Fine! I was hoping August would send me some lilies this morning. Are you happy? I'm stuck on a man who'll never love me while I have one downstairs yearning for my affection," I raged, feeling the urge to pull my hair out.

Cassian's face softened. "I'm not saying this to stress you out, but it's better to be honest with yourself," he said calmly.

"Let's just get through today and the wedding next week," I smiled, finishing up before heading over to the palace.

Cassian's aunt had insisted on hosting my birthday brunch at the castle. My mother didn't object, and they both were thrilled that their daughters were finally getting married.

Heading downstairs, I got into the carriage with Alaric while Cassian rode with my parents. Staring at the ring on my finger, I still couldn't believe it when Alaric had presented it to me.

"Are you still not feeling the design?" he asked, catching my attention.

"It's a beautiful ring but feels so dramatic," I laughed.

"Well, that's the point, Lilith," he laughed with me. "I think you'll learn to love it. My family is used to these kinds of things. Big and flashy," he smirked.

"Oh, how lucky I am," I mumbled to myself. The ride to the castle passed quickly, and soon we arrived.

Alaric helped me out as I saw Colette waiting at the door. I ran towards her, and we embraced in a tight hug.

"Hello, soon-to-be bride," I whispered, causing her to cheer.

"Oh, soon-to-be Lady O'Corner, don't jest with me," she joked as we walked inside.

Entering the dining room, I was amazed by the decorations and the food spread. Everything looked marvelous.

I ran to give Colette's mother a warm hug, grateful for the effort. "A little birdie reminded me how much you love my butterfly tea cup sets," she laughed.

I turned to Cassian and Colette, surprised they remembered that detail. Nonetheless, I was grateful. The table was piled high with gifts; it felt like they were celebrating my first birthday rather than my twenty-first.

"Let's all sit down and eat," my mother shouted, and we all took our seats.

Alaric sat beside me comfortably. I noticed a vacant seat next to Roland, usually August's spot, but I pushed the thought away.

"The food is amazing," I said, digging into my plate. Alaric placed a piece of bacon on my plate. I thanked him lightly, though I was trying to avoid pork.

"I don't like pork," I whispered, not wanting to make a scene.

"I swear last time we ate here, you enjoyed it," he whispered back, a cold edge to his voice.

"I don't recall," I coughed, trying to keep our voices down to avoid an argument.

"The day we had lunch here, August placed it on your plate, and you happily ate it," he said, triggering a vague memory.

"Ah, I was just being polite. Here, watch. I'll eat the bacon today too," I smiled, taking a piece and biting it.

Alaric nodded, ending the conversation. I let out a sigh, feeling like I dodged a bullet.

"I think it's beautiful that our Lilith was born on Valentine's Day. She always expresses true beauty and love," Colette's mother announced, making everyone clap and cheer.