Page 44 of The Alien's Captive Bride

The sisters shared another laugh, the sound filled with genuine joy and affection. Venus felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. Despite all the changes in her life, her sisters were still her anchors, her best friends.

A comfortable silence fell over the room as Mila and Zora made their final preparations, adjusting their own bridesmaid dresses - elegant creations in shades of deep blue that shimmered like the night sky. Venus watched her sisters in the mirror, a thought suddenly occurring to her.

“Hey, Mila,” she said, turning to face her sister, “how are things going with Roqron? I haven’t seen you two together much. I thought after Raelee’s wedding, you might have... I don’t know, connected or something.”

Mila’s expression clouded slightly, her usually confident demeanor faltering for a moment. “Honestly? I’ve barely seen him since Raelee’s wedding. Even then, he hardly said two words to me. It was all ‘pass the salt’ and ‘excuse me’ like I was invisible or something.”

Venus frowned, concern etching her features. “Really? That doesn’t sound like him at all. I mean, he’s quiet, sure, but not usually that standoffish. Did something happen?”

Mila shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant but not quite succeeding. “Who knows? It’s fine, really. I mean, he’s good-looking and all - in that tall, dark, and brooding alien way - but I wasn’t exactly planning on marrying anyone, alien or not. Besides, I’m not going to chase after any man.”

Venus nodded, but she could see the hint of disappointment in her sister’s eyes. Before she could probe further, she turned to Zora. “What about you, Zo? How are things with Dravek? Last I saw, you two seemed to be hitting it off at the engagement party.”

Zora sighed, a hint of frustration in her voice. “Not great, to be honest. I’ve tried talking to him, but he always seems to find an excuse to leave. It’s like he’s deliberately keeping me at arm’s length. The other day, I tried to ask him about Tharvisian botany - you know, common ground and all that - and he looked at me like I’d suggested we go skinny dipping in lava.”

Venus felt a pang of concern for her sisters. “That’s so strange. You’re both beautiful, intelligent, and talented. I can’t imagine why they’d be acting this way. Maybe it’s a Tharvisian thing? Some weird alien mating ritual we don’t know about?”

Mila snorted. “If it is, I think we’ll be off the hook for this wedding thing. Two out of four ain’t bad.”

Before Venus could ponder it further, there was a knock at the door. It was time.

The wedding ceremony was a blur of color, light, and emotion. Venus felt as though she were floating down the aisle, her eyes locked on Azlun. He stood tall and regal in his formal Tharvisian attire, but it was the love and adoration in his gaze that took her breath away. His silver skin seemed to glow, his royal tattoos pulsing in time with the patterns on her dress.

As they exchanged vows, their hands clasped tightly together, Venus marveled at how far they’d come. From a political arrangement to this - a union of true love and partnership. Azlun’s voice, usually so composed, trembled slightly as he promised to love and cherish her across galaxies and lifetimes.

“I, Azlun Tharvis, take you, Venus Arison, to be my wife, my partner in all things,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers. “Ipromise to love you in this world and any other we may discover together, to support your dreams whether they take us to the stars or keep us grounded on Earth or Tharvis. You are my home, Venus, wherever we may be.”

Tears welled in her eyes as she responded, her own voice thick with emotion. “I, Venus Arison, take you, Azlun Tharvis, to be my husband, my co-adventurer in this cosmic journey. I promise to love you through intergalactic crises and day-to-day challenges, to always have your back whether we’re facing alien warlords or just figuring out how to work the Tharvisian dishwasher. You’re my person, Azlun, my prince among the stars.”

As they sealed their vows with a kiss, the assembled guests - a mix of humans and Tharvisians - erupted in cheers. Venus could have sworn she heard Mila wolf-whistle, but she was too lost in Azlun’s embrace to care.

The reception wasin full swing, the grand hall transformed into a breathtaking blend of Earth and Tharvisian aesthetics. Floating lights reminiscent of fireflies danced through the air while holographic displays showed scenes from both planets. The music was an eclectic mix of Earth pop and Tharvisian melodies, creating a unique soundtrack for the interplanetary celebration.

Venus, taking a moment to catch her breath after a particularly energetic dance - trying to teach Tharvisian dignitaries the Macarena was no easy feat - scanned the room.

Hurrying toward her was Zhera, the younger sister to the woman who would remain nameless at this wedding reception. Venus scooped her into a big hug.

“I’m so glad you came,” Venus said to the girl.

“Thank you for inviting me,” Zhera replied with a huge smile. “Your home is beautiful.”

Huh, Zhera was right. This was her home now. There was nowhere else she wanted to be.

“I don’t want to take up too much of your time, but my sister wanted me to tell you congratulations on the union.”

Venus held back rolling her eyes and bit her tongue for the girl’s sake. But apparently, she couldn’t hide her expression.

“No, really,” Zhera said. “Nyrea is ‘in love’ or so she says.”

“Come again?” Venus said, not sure what was going on.

“My sister is engaged to some king in the Hefar galaxy.”

Of course, Venus had no idea where that was. But she didn’t care as long as it was far, far away.

“Is that a good thing?” Venus asked.

Zhera shrugged. “She’s moved off the planet and I’m free to do what you taught me—be myself.” Tears welled in her young eyes. “I can’t thank you enough.”

---