Page 40 of The Alien's Unwanted Bride

“Zora Arison,” he said, his tone softening as he addressed her directly. “Your courage, wisdom, and unwavering spirit have not only transformed worlds but also touched my heart in ways I never thought possible.”

Gasps and whispers erupted from the assembled dignitaries. Zora’s eyes widened, a mix of surprise and something deeper—something that gave Dravek the courage to continue.

“You have shown me the beauty of vulnerability and the strength that comes from embracing one’s true self. Through our shared trials and triumphs, you have opened my eyes to a universe far richer and more complex than I ever imagined.” He took a step forward, his gaze never leaving hers. “Today, before the representatives of three worlds, I wish to honor you not just as a leader and ally, but as the person who has given me hope for a future filled with love and possibility.”

The hall fell silent, the tension palpable as all eyes darted between Dravek and Zora.

“Zora Arison,” Dravek said, his voice resonating with emotion, “with humility and sincerity, I declare my love for you. You have become not just my partner in our shared mission,but the other half of my heart. Whatever challenges the future may hold, I wish to face them by your side—not just as allies or friends, but as two souls joined in love and purpose.”

For a moment, the silence in the hall was absolute. Then, like a wave crashing against the shore, a mixture of gasps, applause, and excited chatter erupted. Dravek stood tall, his heart pounding but his resolve unwavering.

Zora rose from her seat, her cheeks flushed but her eyes shining. She made her way to the podium, the crowd parting before her. When she reached Dravek, she took his hands in hers, a smile brighter than any star illuminating her face.

“Prince Dravek Tharvis,” she began, her voice clear and strong despite the emotion evident in her eyes. “Your words honor me deeply. Our journey has indeed been one of shared challenges and triumphs, and through it all, I’ve found in you a kindred spirit—someone who understands the call of duty but also the importance of following one’s heart.”

She squeezed his hands gently, her touch sending a warmth through him that rivaled the heat of Tharvis’s twin suns. “I, too, have come to cherish you beyond measure. Your strength, your compassion, and your willingness to grow have inspired me in ways I never expected. The love I feel for you has become as much a part of me as my love for the worlds we serve.”

A cheer went up from the audience, the joy in the room palpable. Dravek felt as though his heart might burst from happiness. He pulled Zora close, their foreheads touching in a gesture of intimacy that spoke volumes.

“What happens now?” Zora asked, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. “We’ve upended quite a few traditions today.”

Dravek turned to face her, cupping her cheek gently. “Now, we forge our own path.”

TWENTY-NINE

The Tharvisian royal gardens stretched before Zora, transformed into a breathtaking wonderland. Blooming flowers from Earth, Tharvis, and Xuevis filled the air with a symphony of fragrances, their petals a kaleidoscope of colors dancing in the gentle breeze. Cascading waterfalls fed into shimmering ponds, their crystalline surfaces reflecting the twinkling stars and gentle auroras that painted the heavens with hues of violet and gold.

Zora’s heart raced as she took in the sight. Arches adorned with symbols from all three cultures lined the pathway, each one a testament to the journey that had brought her to this moment. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. The scent of home—Earth’s rich soil, Tharvis’s exotic blooms, and the ethereal essence of Xuevis—mingled in the air, grounding her in the present.

“Are you ready?” Jack Arison’s voice, warm and filled with pride, pulled Zora from her reverie.

She turned to face her father, a lump forming in her throat at the sight of his misty eyes. “I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life,” she replied, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

Jack offered his arm, and Zora took it, drawing strength from his presence. As they began their walk down the aisle, the gathered crowd rose to their feet. Faces beamed at her from all sides—dignitaries from Earth, nobles from Tharvis, rebels-turned-allies from Xuevis. But Zora’s gaze was fixed ahead where Dravek stood waiting.

Her breath caught at the sight of him. Dravek’s usual stoic demeanor had softened, replaced by a look of awe and adoration that made her heart skip. His attire, like hers, was a fusion of their worlds—a tailored suit that spoke of Earth’s elegance, embellished with Tharvisian military accents, and shimmering with threads of Xuevisian crystal.

As they reached the altar, Jack placed Zora’s hand in Dravek’s, the gesture symbolizing not just an Earth tradition, but the bridging of worlds. Dravek’s fingers intertwined with hers, warm and reassuring.

“You look radiant,” he whispered, his deep voice carrying a hint of wonder.

Zora’s reply was cut short as King Brakus Tharvis stepped forward to begin the ceremony. The king’s imposing figure was softened by the genuine smile he wore, his voice carrying across the gathering as he welcomed all to witness the union.

Following Tharvisian custom, Dravek released Zora’s hand and moved to the center of a circular platform. The crowd hushed in anticipation. With graceful precision, Dravek began the Dance of the Twin Suns—a ceremonial performance symbolizing devotion and the balance of strength and compassion.

Zora watched, mesmerized, as Dravek moved. His usual military rigidity melted away, replaced by fluid motions that spoke of both power and tenderness. Each step, each turn, seemed to tell the story of their journey—from strangers bound by duty to partners united by love.

As the dance concluded, Dravek returned to Zora’s side, a faint sheen of perspiration on his brow the only sign of exertion. His eyes met hers, filled with emotion that needed no words.

Meline Tan’er stepped forward next, her presence commanding attention. In the ancient Xuevisian tongue, she began to chant, her melodic voice invoking blessings of harmony and prosperity. As she spoke, Zora and Dravek each took hold of a glowing necklace crafted from Xuevisian crystals.

“May these lights guide you through both darkness and joy,” Meline said, switching to the common tongue. “Let them be a reminder of the path you’ve walked and the future you’ll forge together.”

With reverence, Zora and Dravek exchanged necklaces, the cool weight settling against their skin, a tangible symbol of their bond.

The time came for their vows. Zora took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving Dravek’s as she spoke.

“Dravek Tharvis,” she began, her voice clear and strong. “When I first came to Tharvis, I was searching for my place in the universe. I never imagined I’d find it by your side. You’ve been my partner in adventure, my confidant, and my love. With you, I’ve discovered strengths I never knew I possessed and dreams I never dared to imagine. As we stand here surrounded by the worlds that have shaped us, I pledge to stand by you through whatever challenges and triumphs await. With you, I embrace all that the future holds.”

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