Catherine nodded. "Naturally. You just have his money now too."
"That's not what I meant," she argued.
"Let's shelve it for now. After a few days, you'll see what I mean. Now, let's see what he chose for you," Catherine clasped her hands together excitedly.
"He didn't really…"
Catherine nodded. "Of course, he chose it himself. You'll find that Lionhart men, more than almost any other lion shifter are extremely dominant and possessive, but in a good way."
Brie didn't see any buttons or zippers.
"Up over your head dear." Catherine pointed out, turning back around.
Brie lifted the material and let it fall over her naked body. Seconds later, the dress began to move and tighten around her. She yelped, causing Catherine to giggle.
When Brie looked in the mirror, she gasped. Her hair, make-up, and jewelry all complemented the dark green material.
"Are these real?" she whispered, pointing to the emeralds.
Catherine nodded. "It's the upgraded version of dress robes. Ari has always had impeccable tastes."
"Wait right here, darling, I'm going to go change my robes, and we can go down together."
She just nodded absently as Catherine went to change. She turned this way and that in the mirror. She had never looked so pretty.
Just a few short minutes later, Catherine poked her head through the door. "Ready?"
Slowly, they made their way down the stairs. When they reached the bottom, the men rose from the lounge chairs where they had been waiting.
"Catherine, you steal my breath away every time I see you," Jedrek said, kissing his mate's hand.
"Brie, honey, you look amazing." Her father leaned down and kissed her cheek.
Ari simply stared. When she walked up to him, he wordlessly held out a small velvet box. "I had it commissioned when I heard we may be getting mates."
As she took it from his hands, she noticed that they trembled slightly. She squeezed his hand before opening the box. She stared down at the intricate broach. She tilted her head. "This almost looks like a military medal."
Ari grinned. "It's a platinum replication of my unit warrior tattoo, except, because you are my mate, I had it inset into a knot work heart to represent our mating. The tattoo shows my unit, city, and family name. I know it's not the most romantic thing, but I wanted you to have something of mine."
"I love it!" And she did. It was simple, but represented so much. She looked down, frowning. She didn't want to poke holes in her new robe.
Ari rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, I thought of that at the last moment." He held up a long piece of material. "This sash is made from the Lionhart tartan, you can attach the broach to this." He pointed to where a familiar bit of metal gleamed. "I added your badge as well, since it's also important."
He not only added her badge to his, but considered it just as important as his own achievements. Without thinking, she threw her arms around his neck and leaned forward to capture his lips. His arms tightened around her as they thoroughly enjoyed their kiss.
A throat cleared behind them. "Good work, son, but we really do need to get going," Jedrek said, grinning from ear to ear.
Ari stepped back and took a deep breath. "Allow me?"
She nodded, and he draped the sash across her chest and tied it at her waist. "Let's go," he said, taking her hand.
Chapter Five
Brie walked thro
ugh the palace gates with Ari at her side. She moved a bit closer to him as they moved past the unblinking guards. Everywhere she looked surfaces gleamed and sparkled in golden hues. When they came to a large wooden door, Jedrek rapped on it twice, and they waited. Moments later, a handsome fae with dark blond hair opened the door.
"Welcome. Everyone has assembled in the queen's outer chambers before dinner." He stepped back, allowing them to enter before closing the door behind them. He looked first at Catherine, then at her. "Ladies, what can we get you to drink?" He indicated a long side table with trays of poured drinks. "We have red, white, and rosé wines, and of course, Forbidden Fruit whiskey."