Doris felt like a new woman. Cordelia felt that Doris was ready to take hold of her power after what she did in the village. Even when her body became weak after the necklace was taken from her, it gave her a new sense of strength. One that made her realize she had it inside her all along and she was the one that blocked it. If only she had trusted herself sooner, she would have had the power all along.
"If you can handle that, I know you can handle anything. You're stronger than you think, Doris. Everyone knows that except you." Cordelia said gently. "I am so proud of what you have become and I am here with you every step of the way. Even when it gets unbearable."
Doris closed her eyes and let the words surround her. She had grown up with so many self doubts and people telling her she wasn't worthy. It put a block on her mind that was hard to get rid of, but now she finally believed it. Everyone around her looked at her with hope and amazement.
She wanted to be what they saw. She wanted to be the thing they believed in and the person they wanted to rule their kingdom with their king. Not just because she was a white wolf, but because she was worthy to them. For once, she believed she was. No longer was she part of the shadows. She was something to believe in.
She was a white wolf, an honor to be. One that wasn't easily given to just anyone. To be a white wolf was to be worthy before you were even born. It might have taken Doris a long time to see that, but now she did.
It was the morning of her wedding and all she wanted to do was sneak off and find William to somewhere they could be alone. She wanted to kiss him in the darkness and hear his deep voice against her ear. Only that could bring her comfort from the storm in her chest. He was her only comfort besides Alec-her perfect little family that would one day grow into something bigger.
Word came that the kingdom of Eldon was under attack by their own people. They called for aide but no one would come for them. They burned too many bridges and now had to deal with the consequences. William was sure that this would mean that their kingdom would want to be part of this one, but it was too soon to tell.
"Are you ready?" Beth popped her head into the bridal suite and smiled widely at Doris. "I can help you in your dress now."
Doris shook her head to clear her mind and gazed into the mirror. Her hair was set perfectly down her back in beautiful waves. Her makeup made her look like a doll with beautiful skin and liner. Every part of her looked perfect... all she needed was her dress.
Alec was ready in his little suit somewhere with William. She couldn't wait to see him, she couldn't wait to see both of them. The next time she would kiss William, it will be to announce their marriage.
"I... yes I'm ready." Doris breathed and stood. Beth came to take her in a warm hug that gave her a bit of courage.
"I always knew you would marry a Prince. Didn't I tell you?" She grinned at Doris.
Doris laughed and shook her head. "To be fair, William was always the one you thought would never marry anyone."
"I did think that until I noticed how he looked at you every day." Beth bumped her arm against Doris. "He looked at you as if you were his entire world."
Doris swallowed the small lump in her throat. "Do you think I'm meant to be queen? Do you think this is... this is what my life should be?"
"Are you joking? This kingdom is lucky to have you as their queen! They haven't had a proper queen in decades and now they have one that they can believe in. Ever since you saved the village, everyone has been talking about how amazing you are and how they can't wait to see you be crowned!"
Beth bounced a little on her toes with a smile that could light up the sky. She looked beautiful in a golden gown that only a maid of honor can wear. It flowed to the floor beautifully and made Beth look like a princess on her own. Doris didn't need anyone else by her side, just Beth. And Enzo to walk her down the aisle.
"The dress is ginormous, have you seen it?" Doris said and quickly dabbed her eyes before it ruined her makeup. She didn't need a maid coming in to scold her about that.
"It's meant for a queen!" Beth said as she went to take off the protective plastic. Doris took a breath and dropped her robe to the floor and allowed Beth to help her into the dress.
Once it was all buttoned up, Doris stood in front of the mirror in shock. She didn't even recognise herself. She looked... beautiful. She looked like a queen.
Beth was wiping away her tears as she watched Doris. "You look so beautiful, Doris. You look how you were always meant to."
Doris smoothed out the big skirt and tried to walk. It was much easier than she thought. Her mind made her think it would be heavy and hard to walk in, but it moved with her like a dream.
A part of her heart ached. A part that she thought she had been over for months and months. She swore she didn't care what her family was up to now or if they were even still alive but... did they ever miss her?
She knew that they would try to crawl their way back in if they had the chance just for money and royalty, but she wished things were different. She wished they loved her enough to keep her when they had her. But now she supposed she was glad they didn't. If they kept her, she wouldn't be about to marry her mate. She wouldn't have Alec and-she didn't even want to imagine a life like that.
Doris took one more breath and nodded. "I'm ready."
"Wait." Beth took out a silver necklace from her pocket. "I was hoping you would want to wear this. My mother gave it to me before I came to the palace and I never had the courage to wear it myself, but I thought it would go wonderfully with your dress."
"Oh Beth... are you sure?" Doris looked down at the simple yet beautiful necklace. Beth smiled.
"Yes. You need something borrowed. When I get married, I hope you will do the same." Beth clasped the necklace on her and somehow she felt ready.
"Okay... I think I'm ready for this." Doris whispered.
"I know you are." Beth said as she squeezed her hand one last time.