Let Them Kneel (kaelani and Julian) novel Chapter 244

Chapter 244

Kaelani gathered a careful handful of her gown as she reached het chair. “If you’ll excuse me,” she said lightly, glancing at Julian, “I need to use the ladies‘ room.”

Julian’s brows lifted as he looked down at the layers of satin and diamonds. “Do you need help?” he asked, gesturing toward the sweep of her dress.

Before Kaelani could answer, Maddie rose from her seat with a grin. “I help her,” she said. “We can have some girl time.”

She shot Kaelani a playful wink, and Kaelani giggled softly before the two of them slipped away through the crowd.

Julian watched them go, a faint smile lingering on his face as he took the seat beside Jace.

“Those two have really hit it off,” he said.

Jace leaned back in his chair, watching the women weave through the hall. “Yeat,” he replied. “I think they understand each other more than they let on. Rough childhoods and all.”

Julian nodded once. “They’re both strong women.”

“Very independent women,” Jace added with a smirk. “Women who don’t need us.”

Julian huffed a quiet laugh and reached for his glass. “No,” he agreed. “They don’t.”

He took a slow sip before setting the glass down.

“But I’d still choose to stand beside her every single time.”

Jace lifted his glass with a grin. “I’ll drink to that.”

Their glasses met with a quiet clink before they both took a sip.

Julian reached for the bottle of wine and leaned over to refill Kaelani’s glass so it would be waiting for her when she returned. After topping it off, he glanced at the empty place beside Jace.

“Want to pour Maddie some while I’m at it?” he asked casually!

Jace shook his head. “Oh no, she’s fine with water.”

Julian paused mid–motion. “She doesn’t drink?”

“She does,” Jace replied smoothly. “She’s just having water tonight.”

Jace’s grin spread unapologetically across his face.

“Thanks, man,” Jace said, pride softening his voice. “We’re really happy.”

Jace glanced across the hall where his parents were talking amongst the other guests. “Not yet. We’re going to tell them when we get back to Blackthorn.”

Julian laughed under his breath. “Your mother is going to lose her mind. She’ll have the nursery decorated before the week is over.”

Jace shook his head with a fond smile. “Yeah. She’s been waiting for this moment for years.”

Just then, Lazarus and Sebastian approached the table through the swirl of music and celebration. Julian immediately rose to greet them.

“I didn’t see you after the ceremony,” he said, clasping Lazarus’s forearm warmly. “I thought you two had already headed home.”

Lazarus inclined his head slightly. “We did not wish to interrupt your moment with your family and pack,” he replied smoothly. “But we would not have left without offering our congratulations.”

Sebastian smiled beside him. “It was a beautiful ceremony.”

Julian nodded. “I owe you both a huge thanks. For everything you did for me and my mate.”

Lazarus waved the sentiment away with quiet grace. “Don’t mention it. I am simply glad—and relieved that you both survived to tell the tale.”

Julian gave a low chuckle. “The Goddess was certainly with us.”

Lazarus and Sebastian exchanged a knowing glance.

“She certainly was,” Sebastian agreed softly.

At that moment, Kaelani and Maddie returned to the table, laughter still lingering between them. Julian turned toward his mate.