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Aubrey.
She steps into the courtyard, and it’s as if the air shifts around her, bending to her presence. She’s radiant, breathtaking in a way that defies description. Her gown is elegant and timeless, a cascade of ivory silk that flows around her. Delicate lace frames her shoulders and arms, and the intricate beadwork catches the light with every step she takes, glimmering like stars woven into the fabric.
Her hair is swept up, a few violet loose strands framing her face, and her veil trails behind her like a whisper of clouds. My mother nearly pitched a fit when Aubrey came out with her rainbow hair, but it was the first thing I noticed about her that day she brought Max home, so when I saw the boxes of dye in the bathroom, to change it back to her natural color, I tossed them and got a hairdresser in. Wanting her as I know her, not who she was before me.
It’s her eyes that capture me—bright, wide, and shimmering with unshed tears. They lock onto mine, and in that instant, everything else fades away. Every problem, every nuance. It’s just me and her.
My chest tightens as I take her in, and I realize that this moment—this woman—has changed me in ways I never thought possible.
I’ve loved before. I’ve known what it’s like to be consumed by the intensity of a mate bond, to feel the unbreakable pull that ties two souls together. Jacinta was my mate, my heart, and her death shattered me in ways I didn’t think I could survive. I thought I’d spend the rest of my life carrying that broken heart, that void she left behind.
But Aubrey…
Aubrey didn’t just fill that void. She pieced me back together, one shard at a time. What we have is something deeper, something built on choice, trust, and an unshakable connection that goes beyond instinct.
Jacinta will always have a part of me. She was my first love, and I will carry her memory with me for the rest of my life. But Aubrey is the woman who made me want to live again, who made my heart beat frantically when for so long I wished it would stop.
I was always going to marry her.
My throat tightens as she gets closer, her steps slow and measured, her hand resting lightly on her father’s arm.
As she reaches the altar and her father steps away, leaving her to stand before me, a wave of emotion so powerful it nearly brings me to my knees hits me.
I take her hands in mine, and the warmth of her touch grounds me, steadying the storm of feelings swirling in my chest. Her hands tremble slightly, and I squeeze them gently, silently telling her I’m here, that I always will be.
“You’re beautiful,” I whisper, my voice rough with emotion.
A soft blush rises to her cheeks, and she smiles. “You don’t look so bad yourself, Your Majesty.”
I chuckle, the sound low and filled with affection. I lift her hand to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to her fingers.
The officiant begins to speak, but the words blur in my mind. All I can focus on is her—her face, her smile, the way her eyes never leave mine. When it’s time for our vows, I take a deep breath, letting the weight of the moment settle over me.
“I never thought I’d get to feel this again,” I say, my voice steady despite the emotions threatening to overwhelm me. “From the moment I met you, you turned my world upside down. You challenged me, pushed me, and made me see the world in ways I never had before. You’ve given me more than I ever thought I deserved, Aubrey. You’ve shown me love isn’t just about bonds or destiny—it’s about choice. And I choose you. Today, tomorrow, and every day after that.” Max offers the pillow and I slip the ring on her finger.
Her lips tremble as tears spill over, but she doesn’t look away. When she speaks her vows, her voice is soft but steady, each word wrapping around my heart.
There’s a moment of silence as the weight of our vows settles over us and Aubrey’s hands shake as she puts the ring on mine. Then, the officiant speaks again.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife—”
As the officiant declares us husband and wife, I don’t wait for permission. I pull her into my arms, capturing her lips in a kiss that speaks every word I don’t say aloud. She is mine.
The guests erupt into cheers and applause, but all I hear is the steady beat of her heart, the soft sigh that escapes her as she melts against me.
As we pull apart, I rest my forehead against hers, my hands cradling her face. “You’re my forever,” I whisper, and she smiles, her tears mingling with mine.
For the first time in what feels like forever, I’ve found my home. Only it was never here in the castle, it isn’t a place. Home is her.
The reception is in full swing, laughter and music filling the air. Candle lit chandeliers sway gently overhead, casting a warm golden glow over the festivities. Aubrey is standing across the room, radiant in her wedding gown, surrounded by people. Her smile brightens the entire hall, and for a brief moment, I allow myself to relax and take it all in.
But only for a moment.
Because even as the celebration continues around me, my attention remains locked on King Alaric. He stands near the edge of the room, surrounded by his entourage guards, his every move watched by my own, his eyes sharp as he scans the crowd. He looks the part of a respected king—dressed impeccably in a dark suit, exuding an air of calm authority. But beneath that polished exterior, I can sense the unease simmering beneath his skin. He’s hiding something, and soon, he’s going to find out that his secrets are no longer safe.
I don’t take my eyes off him. This isn’t just a wedding for me—it’s a trap, and Alaric has walked right into it.
Minutes pass, and then I see it—the subtle change in his demeanor. One of his men approaches, leaning in close to whisper something in his ear. Alaric’s smug expression falters, his brows drawing together in a brief flicker of concern before he schools his features back into neutrality.
