Page 41 of The Alien's Unwanted Bride

Dravek’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, his usual composure cracking to reveal the depth of his emotion. When he spoke, his voice was husky with feeling.

“Zora Arison,” he said, the words carrying the weight of a solemn vow. “You entered my life like a whirlwind, challenging everything I thought I knew about duty, love, and myself. You’ve shown me the depths of my own heart, teaching me that truestrength lies not just in discipline, but in vulnerability and compassion. I pledge to stand by you, to honor and cherish you, as we forge our path together. You are my guiding star, my heart’s true home.”

They exchanged rings, each one a blend of Earth gold, Tharvisian silver, and Xuevisian crystal—a tangible representation of their united worlds. As the rings slipped onto their fingers, a cheer rose from the gathered crowd, a joyous sound that seemed to reverberate through the very air.

The reception that followed was a vibrant celebration of unity. Tables groaned under the weight of dishes that fused flavors from all three planets—Earth’s diverse cuisines melding with Tharvisian delicacies and exotic Xuevisian fare. The air filled with laughter and conversation in a dozen different languages, creating a symphony of shared joy.

Zora found herself swept up in a whirlwind of congratulations and well-wishes. She greeted each guest with genuine warmth, her heart swelling with gratitude for the tapestry of connections that had led to this moment.

A familiar whirring sound caught her attention, and she turned to see Sprig hovering nearby, his optical sensors glowing with excitement.

“Sprig!” she exclaimed. “I hope you’re not planning any mischief.”

The little robot beeped indignantly. “Mischief? Me? I am merely preserving precious memories for posterity, Creator Zora!”

Before she could respond, Sprig projected a holographic image above the dance floor. Guests gasped and then burst into laughter as they watched a scene unfold—Zora and Dravek’s first meeting, complete with Zora’s initial exasperation and Dravek’s bewildered attempts to understand Earth idioms.

“Sprig!” Zora half-scolded, half-laughed. “I can’t believe you kept that!”

Dravek appeared at her side, chuckling. “I think it’s rather charming,” he said, pulling her close. “It shows how far we’ve come.”

THIRTY

As the night wore on, Zora found herself craving a moment of quiet. She caught Dravek’s eye, and with a silent understanding, they slipped away from the festivities. Hand in hand, they made their way to a secluded part of the gardens where the sounds of celebration faded to a gentle murmur.

They stood together beneath a canopy of stars, the gentle glow of bioluminescent flowers casting a soft light around them. Zora leaned into Dravek’s embrace, savoring the peace of the moment.

“Can you believe how far we’ve come?” she mused, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dravek’s arms tightened around her. “Our journey has been extraordinary,” he agreed. “But I believe it’s only the beginning.”

Zora turned in his arms to face him, struck once again by the depth of emotion in his eyes. “We’ve faced so much,” she said. “Malgor’s threats, cultural misunderstandings, the weight of three worlds’ expectations...”

“And we’ve overcome it all,” Dravek finished. “Together.”

“Together,” Zora echoed, the word filled with promise. Emotion welled up in Zora’s chest. “You are my rock, my joy,” she said. “Together, there’s nothing we cannot achieve.”

Their lips met in a tender kiss, the universe seeming to hold its breath around them. When they parted, Zora’s mind was already racing with possibilities.

“Think of all we can do now,” she said excitedly. “Educational exchanges between our worlds, environmental projects to protect the unique ecosystems of each planet...”

Dravek nodded, his eyes shining with shared enthusiasm. “Cultural festivals to celebrate our diversity,” he added. “And who knows what new territories we might explore together?”

“Both literal and metaphorical,” Zora agreed with a grin. Then, more softly, “And maybe... someday... a family of our own?”

Dravek’s breath caught, his expression softening with tenderness. “Nothing would make me happier,” he said. “A family that bridges worlds, just like us.”

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of their shared dreams settling around them like a warm blanket. Finally, Dravek straightened, offering Zora his arm with a playful formality.

“Shall we return to our guests, my prince?” she asked. “I believe we have a celebration to finish.”

Dravek pulled her close. “In a while. First, we have some unfinished business,” he said and picked her up in his arms.

She gasped and immediately curled her arms around his neck. “Dravek, where are we going? The hall is the other way. What are you doing?”

“My brothers are taking care of the guests for the rest of the celebration. You’re mine for the rest of the night.”

Dravek carried her across the threshold into his bedroom, the door clicking shut behind them. He set her on her feet, hishands lingering on her waist. Their eyes locked, shining with love and longing.

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