Page 54 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

Raelee caught her mother’s hand, squeezing it gently. “Believe me, Mom, no one’s more surprised than I am.”

Venus smirked from her perch on the bed. “Oh, I don’t know. I think the entire diplomatic corps back on Earth might give you a run for your money in the surprise department.”

“Venus,” Zora chided gently.

Mila, ever the practical one, spoke up. “Are you sure about this, Rae? I mean, really sure? This is a big step, and it’s not just about you and Vex. There’s a lot riding on this union.”

Raelee took a deep breath, looking at the faces of the women who meant the most to her. She saw concern, love, and a desire to protect her in their eyes. It was time for some honesty.

“You know, when Dad first told me about this arranged marriage, I was ready to run to the farthest corner of the galaxy,” she began, a wry smile on her face. “The idea of marrying someone I’d never met, all for the sake of an alliance? It felt like a cage.”

She moved to the window, looking out at the alien landscape of Tharvis. “But then I met Vex. Not as a prince, not as my arranged fiancé, but as a person. And everything changed.”

Turning back to her family, Raelee’s eyes shone with emotion. “I’m not marrying Vex out of duty or obligation. I’m marrying him because I love him. Because he sees me for who I am, not just as a political pawn or the President’s daughter. He challenges me, supports me, makes me laugh even when I want to strangle him.”

She laughed softly, shaking her head. “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m grateful for this arranged marriage. It led me to the kind of love I never knew I was looking for.”

Melanie stood, crossing the room to embrace her daughter. “Oh, sweetheart. That’s all we ever wanted for you. Love, true partnership, and happiness.”

Zora wiped a tear from her eye. “It’s like something out of a fairy tale. An interplanetary fairy tale, but still.”

“With significantly more advanced technology and political intrigue,” Mila added, but she was smiling too.

Venus stood, joining the group hug that was forming. “Well, if you had to go and fall in love with an alien prince, at least you picked a hot one.”

“Venus!” Raelee exclaimed, but she was laughing too hard to be truly scandalized.

As the laughter died down, Melanie cupped Raelee’s face in her hands. “We’re so proud of you, sweetheart. You’ve taken an impossible situation and turned it into something beautiful. Your father and I couldn’t be happier for you.”

Surrounded by the love and support of her family, Raelee felt a sense of peace settle over her. Tomorrow, she would marry the man she loved, bridging two worlds and starting a new chapter in her life. And she couldn’t wait.

Later that night, Raelee found herself unable to sleep. She slipped out of her chambers and made her way to the palace gardens, hoping the night air would calm her nerves. To her surprise, she found Vex there, looking as restless as she felt.

“Couldn’t sleep either?” she asked, moving to stand beside him.

Vex turned, his eyes softening as they landed on her. “Too excited,” he admitted, pulling her into his arms. “Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.”

Raelee nestled against his chest, inhaling the now-familiar scent of him. “Nervous?” she teased lightly.

“Terrified,” Vex replied with a chuckle. “But in the best possible way.”

They stood there in silence for a while, enjoying the quiet moment amid the chaos of wedding preparations. Raelee tilted her head up, studying Vex’s profile in the moonlight. “Any regrets?” she asked softly.

Vex looked down at her, his gaze intense. “Only that I didn’t meet you sooner,” he murmured before capturing her lips in a kiss that left her breathless and weak-kneed.

When they parted, Raelee playfully swatted his chest. “Save some of that for tomorrow, Your Highness. We have a wedding to get through first.”

Vex grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. “As you wish, My Queen.”

The next morning, it was finally their wedding day. Raelee stood before a mirror in her chambers, hardly recognizing the woman who looked back at her. Her gown was a stunning blend of Earth and Tharvisian styles, flowing and ethereal yet with the structured elegance of royal attire. Her sisters fluttered around her, making last-minute adjustments and offering words of encouragement.

“You look beautiful, Rae,” Zora said softly, adjusting a lock of Raelee’s hair.

“Are you ready for this?” Mila asked, her usual scientific detachment softened by sisterly concern.

“Ready to trip over this dress and make a fool of myself in front of two planets? Absolutely,” Raelee quipped, but her smile was genuine.

Venus rolled her eyes. “Please. You could fall flat on your face and still look more graceful than half the court. Just don’t forget to breathe.”

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