Page 55 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

Raelee took a deep breath, meeting her own gaze in the mirror. She thought of the journey that had brought her here - from reluctant bride-to-be to a woman in love, ready to take on the responsibilities of a queen. “I’m ready,” she said, and she meant it with every fiber of her being.

The ceremony itself was a grand affair, blending Earth and Tharvisian traditions in a way that symbolized the union of their two worlds. As Raelee walked down the aisle, her eyes locked with Vex’s. The love and adoration she saw there nearly took her breath away. He looked resplendent in his formal Tharvisian attire, but it was the warmth in his eyes, the slight quirk of his lips that only she could see, that truly captivated her.

They exchanged vows in both English and Tharvisian, their words a promise not just to each other but to the peoplethey would lead together. When the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, Vex pulled Raelee into a kiss that toed the line between propriety and passion, eliciting cheers and a few good-natured whistles from the crowd.

The reception that followed was a joyous celebration, filled with music, dance, and laughter. Raelee found herself swept up in the festivities, dancing with Vex, her father, and each of Vex’s brothers in turn. She caught glimpses of her sisters throughout the night - Zora deep in conversation with a Tharvisian botanist, Mila examining some piece of alien technology with fascination, Venus engaged in what looked like a spirited debate with Azlun.

As the night wore on, Vex gently took Raelee’s hand, leading her away from the bustling reception. The newlyweds slipped out onto a moonlit balcony overlooking the bioluminescent gardens where Vex had proposed.

“Happy?” Vex asked softly, his arms encircling her waist.

Raelee leaned back against him, a contented sigh escaping her. “Deliriously,” she murmured. “Though I think my feet might fall off if I have to dance to one more Tharvisian waltz.”

Vex chuckled, the sound rumbling pleasantly against her back. “I’ll carry you if they do,” he promised, pressing a kiss to the curve of her neck.

Raelee turned in his arms, looping her arms around his neck. “My hero,” she teased, before pulling him down for a proper kiss.

When they parted, both slightly breathless, Raelee couldn’t help but laugh. “You know,” she said, “when I first came to Tharvis, I never imagined I’d end up actually enjoying all this pomp and ceremony.”

“And I never imagined I’d be so captivated by an Earth woman,” Vex replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Life is full of surprises.”

They stayed on the balcony a while longer, talking softly about their hopes and plans for the future. They discussedpotential projects to further the alliance between Earth and Tharvis, ideas for cultural exchange programs, and gentle strategies to give their siblings the space and opportunity to get to know each other without pressure.

As the first hints of dawn began to color the Tharvisian sky, Vexand Raelee finally made their way back to the reception. They re-entered the ballroom hand in hand, ready to bid farewell to their guests and embark on their honeymoon - and the next chapter of their lives together.

The celebration was winding down, but a cheer went up as the newlyweds appeared. Raelee caught sight of her sisters, grouped together near one of the grand windows. Venus gave her a knowing wink while her twin offered a thumbs up. Zora wiped a tear from her eye and blew Raelee a kiss.

Vex’s brothers were nearby, each watching the Arison sisters with varying degrees of intrigue.

As they made their rounds, saying good-bye to friends and family from both planets, Raelee felt a surge of optimism. The path ahead wouldn’t be easy - merging two worlds never was. But looking at the mingling crowds, the laughter and conversation flowing freely between humans and Tharvisians, she knew it was possible.

Finally, as the twin suns of Tharvis began to rise, casting a golden glow across the city, Vex and Raelee slipped away from the last of the festivities. They made their way to the landing pad where a sleek Tharvisian spacecraft awaited, ready to whisk them away on their honeymoon.

Before boarding, they paused for one last look at the palace - their home, the seat of their shared future. Vexsqueezed Raelee’s hand, a gesture full of love and promise.

“Ready for our next adventure, My Queen?” he asked, his voice low and full of warmth.

Raelee’s answering smile was radiant. “Absolutely.”

EPILOGUE

Garek strode through the gleaming corridors of the Tharvisian palace, his normally impassive face creased with worry. The data pad in his hand felt unnaturally heavy, its contents weighing on him like a physical burden. He’d read the report three times now, hoping against hope that he’d misunderstood, but the words remained unchanged.

Lady Venus Arison. Missing. Possible abduction. He’d just sent Vex and Raelee off on their honeymoon and this popped up. He wasn’t looking forward to telling her intended about it.

His footsteps echoed off the polished floors as he quickened his pace. The palace staff, sensing his urgency, scrambled to get out of his way. Garek barely noticed them. His mind raced, considering and discarding plans of action with dizzying speed.

As he approached Azlun’s quarters, Garek forced himself to take a deep breath. He needed to be calm, collected. It wouldn’t do to panic the Crown Prince’s brother, especially not Azlun. The man was a powder keg at the best of times.

Garek raised his hand to knock, but before his knuckles could make contact, the door slid open. Azlun stood there, his imposing frame filling the doorway.

“Garek,” Azlun’s deep voice rumbled, his black eyes narrowing. “What’s happened?”

Garek blinked, momentarily thrown off balance. Sometimes he forgot how perceptive Azlun could be. “My lord,” he began, his voice carefully neutral. “I’m afraid I have some... concerning news.”

Azlun’s jaw tightened. He stepped back, wordlessly inviting Garek into his chambers. The room was furnished with items from cultures across the galaxy. Proof of his diplomatic prowess with all species and races across the universe. The man could speak twenty languages and understood thirty more.

“Well?” Azlun prompted.

---