Chapter 31
Rowan
T he executive dining suite is warm and polished, all dark wood and soft lighting, with panoramic views of the skyline and a table long enough to seat a delegation. Anaya and I made a quick detour to grab Sébastien, who immediately lit up when I told him I wanted him involved.
I’ve got my iPad open, stylus in hand, taking notes as quickly as my fingers will move. Beside me, Sébastien nurses a cup of something fragrant and floral, quietly observing while I take the lead. He hasn’t said much since we sat down, but his stillness is comforting. I can feel his attention locked on everything: Anaya’s tone, her body language, the subtle shifts in her scent when she mentions certain names or memories.
“This is already my favorite part of the trip,” she says, removing her designer blazer and folding it neatly over the back of her chair. “I never thought I’d get to meet you, let alone work with you.”
My cheeks flush. “I feel the same. Honestly, I still can’t believe this is happening.” I glance over at Sébastien, who offers a soft smile. “And since we’re dreaming big, I’d love for Sébastien to create a custom scent for the bonding ceremony. Something signature: unisex, layered, completely unique to you and your pack.”
Anaya gasps. “Oh! Yes. That would be incredible.”
She leans forward, and I do too, flipping open my iPad. “Tell me everything,” I say. “Your pack, how did you meet them? What’s the dynamic like? Scent preferences, favorite colors, fabrics that make you feel safe, confident, calm. I want to build this from the inside out.”
She doesn’t hesitate.
“There are four of them. Alphas. All completely different. My father didn’t love the idea at first, but once he met them... let’s just say they’re very persuasive.” She grins.
She holds up a finger. “First, there’s Riyan. He’s quiet, but deeply protective. He doesn’t say much in a crowd, but his presence is like a shield. He smells like white tea and bergamot.”
Another finger goes up. “Then there’s Kavi. He’s bold, always teasing me, but never careless. Confident without being cocky. His scent is smoky cedar and clove.”
She presses her hand to her chest. “Neel is my soft one. So sweet, kind of shy, even around my father at first. But he has the biggest heart. He smells like almond blossom and honey.”
Her smile softens as she says the last name. “And then there’s Devraj. He’s the anchor. The one who grounds us all when we’re spinning. He’s the most intense, dark chocolate and oud. A little sharp around the edges, but it melts in the warmth.”
Oud. My fingers stills for a second as I process that. Oud isn’t just any scent. It’s luxury bottled in resin, rare and intoxicating. Earthy, smoky, and somehow ancient. The kind of scent that lingers on silk, on skin, in memory. It makes sense for her anchor. It makes sense for a royal.
I jot it down, underlining it twice. My mind’s already spinning with textures and tones, deep woods, soft velvet, raw silk with just enough shimmer to mimic that scent’s complexity.
Sébastien hums low beside me, tapping his pen thoughtfully against his notebook. “That combination...” he says, his voice rich and soft with his French accent, “white tea and bergamot... smoky cedar, almond blossom, oud... it’s like a symphony waiting to be composed. Each note is distinct, but together? Mmm. I could build something truly timeless for you, Princess.”
Anaya beams, her eyes lighting up. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
I smile at the exchange, then turn another page in my planner. “We’ve got scent and tone,” I say. “Now let’s talk about visual language. I’d love to incorporate gemstones into the design,” I say, flipping to a fresh page in my planner. “Not just semi-precious ones, but real jewels too. Think layers of meaning woven into every part of the nest. We can embed stones into the fabrics, nest cushions, and throws, maybe even have some set into the bonding space itself.”
Anaya leans forward, eyes wide with excitement, so I keep going.
“Diamonds for strength and clarity. Emeralds for devotion and rebirth. Rubies for passion, sapphires for wisdom. Moonstone, rose quartz, garnet, citrine; each chosen for what it brings to the ceremony. Everything tactile. Everything intentional. You won’t just be surrounded by beauty; you’ll be grounded in it.”
Sébastien makes a quiet sound of appreciation beside me. “We could even layer scent into some of the materials,” he says. “Soft, lasting notes that activate with touch. She’ll feel cocooned in all the ways that matter.”
Anaya clasps her hands. “I’ve dreamed of something like this since I was a child.”
I smile gently. “Then we’ll make it everything you’ve imagined. And more.”
Anaya lets out an excited squeal and throws her arms around me without warning, nearly knocking over my planner in the process.
“Oh my gods, Rowan!” she gushes, hugging me tightly. “You have to come to the ceremony. Both of you.” She glances at Sébastien with that same uncontainable glee. “I’m not taking no for an answer. You’re designing the heart of it. How could you not be there?”
I blink, a little overwhelmed but smiling through it. Her joy is radiant. Infectious. I can’t help but laugh, hugging her back.
“I mean... I’d be honored,” I say, stunned but touched.
Sébastien chuckles softly, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “It would be our pleasure.”
Anaya beams, settling back into her chair like she’s just secured the final piece of her dream. “I’m so glad I came today. This is already more perfect than I imagined.”