The Alien’s Unwanted Bride (Alien Brides #4)

Chapter 24

TWENTY-FOUR

S everal days had passed since the liberation of Xuevis. Dravek stood on the balcony of the Grand Hall, his eyes sweeping over the capital city. The early morning sun bathed the landscape in a soft, golden light, highlighting the signs of renewal that had sprouted across the metropolis.

Scaffolding embraced damaged buildings while freshly planted gardens dotted the spaces between structures—a testament to the resilience and hope of the Xuevisian people.

Dravek took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of the flowers that cascaded along the balustrade. The aroma mingled with the crisp morning air, invigorating his senses. For a moment, he allowed himself to close his eyes, savoring the peace that had been so hard-won.

The events of the past week replayed in his mind: the fierce battle in the Grand Hall, Zora’s injury, the tense hours of waiting as she received medical treatment. His heart clenched at the memory of her pale face, her usual vibrancy dimmed by pain and exhaustion. But true to her nature, Zora had rallied, her recovery progressing with remarkable speed.

Now, days later, she was back on her feet, throwing herself into the restoration efforts with characteristic enthusiasm. The thought of her brought a warmth to Dravek’s chest, a sensation he was still getting used to. He opened his eyes, scanning the awakening city for a glimpse of her auburn hair.

“There you are,” a familiar voice called out. Dravek turned to see his brother, Vexor, striding onto the balcony. “I should have known I’d find you brooding dramatically at sunrise.”

Dravek raised a brow. “I don’t brood.”

Vexor snorted. “Right. And I’m a Xuevisian butterfly. Come on, little brother. The others are waiting, and I hear Zora’s family has some surprises planned for breakfast.”

As they made their way through the palace corridors, Dravek couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly things had changed. The arrival of Zora’s family—complete with their Tharvisian spouses—had transformed the somber atmosphere of reconstruction into something warmer and more hopeful.

They entered the grand dining hall to find it buzzing with activity. Zora stood at the center of a whirlwind of affection, her sisters—Raelee, Venus, and Mila—taking turns hugging her and fussing over her recent injury. Dravek’s brothers—Vexor, Azlun, and Roqron—stood nearby, engaged in animated conversation with Jack and Melanie Arison.

Zora’s eyes met Dravek’s across the room, and her face lit up with a smile that made his heart skip a beat. He started toward her, only to be intercepted by Raelee.

“Well, well,” she said, a mischievous glint in her eye. “If it isn’t Prince Serious himself. Tell me, Dravek, how long did it take you to realize my little sister was the best thing that ever happened to you?”

Dravek felt heat rise to his cheeks. “She’s?—”

“Oh, leave him alone, Rae,” Venus chimed in, linking her arm through Azlun’s. “Can’t you see you’re making him malfunction? I don’t think the prince’s programming included a ‘dealing with teasing in-laws’ subroutine.”

The group burst into laughter, and Dravek found himself chuckling along, the tension in his shoulders easing. This was family—boisterous, teasing, and utterly overwhelming in the best possible way.

Zora managed to extract herself from her sisters and made her way to Dravek’s side. “Don’t let them scare you off,” she murmured, her eyes dancing with happiness. “I promise they’re mostly harmless.”

“Mostly?” Dravek raised an eyebrow, earning another laugh from Zora.

“All right, everyone,” Jack Arison’s voice boomed across the room. “Let’s give these two a break and focus on what’s really important—food!”

As they settled around the table, Dravek seated himself between Zora and Mila. The spread before them was an impressive blend of Earth, Tharvisian, and Xuevisian cuisines—a fitting metaphor for the alliance they were all working to build.

“So, Dravek,” Mila began, a sly smile on her face. “Zora tells us you’ve been quite the hero. Rushing into danger, making dramatic rescues... it’s all very fairytale-esque, isn’t it?”

Dravek nearly choked on his drink. “I wouldn’t say that,” he managed, shooting a glance at Zora, who was suddenly very interested in her plate. “We worked together. Zora’s the real hero here.”

“Aww,” Venus cooed from across the table. “Look at that, Zo. Your Prince Charming is blushing.”

“More like Prince Grumpy,” Roqron chimed in, grinning. “Though I have to say, brother, you’ve loosened up considerably since I last saw you. Love looks good on you.”

“It’s—” Dravek began, at the same time Zora said, “You guys?—”

Their simultaneous protest only served to increase the laughter around the table. Even Jack and Melanie were chuckling, exchanging knowing glances.

“All right, all right,” Vexor intervened. “Let’s give the lovebirds a break. We have more pressing matters to discuss—like how we’re going to turn this ragtag group of royals into a competent reconstruction team.”

The conversation shifted to more practical matters—plans for rebuilding, strategies for integrating Earth and Tharvisian aid with Xuevisian needs, and ideas for fostering long-term cooperation between the three worlds. Dravek relaxed into the discussion, impressed by the insights and enthusiasm of his extended family.

As the meal wound down, Zora leaned closer to him, her voice low. “I’m sorry about all the teasing,” she murmured. “They mean well, but I know it can be a lot.”

Dravek turned to her, struck once again by the warmth in her eyes. “Don’t apologize,” he said softly. “It’s... nice. Different from what I’m used to, but nice.”

Zora’s smile widened, and for a moment, the rest of the room vanished—but, of course, Sprig popped up to project a holographic montage of their recent adventures—including several embarrassing moments Dravek would have preferred to forget.

“Oh, stars,” Zora groaned, burying her face in her hands as the room erupted in fresh laughter.

“Now that,” Azlun declared, wiping tears from his eyes, “is blackmail material for the ages.”

As the day progressed, filled with a mix of serious planning sessions and lighthearted family moments, Dravek felt more at ease than he had in years. The weight of duty he’d carried for so long felt lighter, balanced by the warmth of connection and the promise of a future brighter than he’d ever dared to imagine.

That evening, as the group gathered on a terrace overlooking the city, Dravek found a quiet moment with Zora. The setting sun painted the sky in breathtaking hues, casting a warm glow over her features.

“Thank you,” he said softly.

Zora tilted her head, curious. “For what?”

“For this,” Dravek gestured to the scene around them—their family laughing and chatting, the city below coming alive with hope. “For showing me what it means to be part of something... more.”

Zora’s eyes softened, and she reached out to take his hand. “We did this together,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “And whatever comes next, we’ll face it the same way.”

As they stood there, hand in hand, watching the sun set on a new era for Xuevis, Tharvis, and Earth, Dravek felt a sense of peace settle over him. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with challenges and responsibilities. But for the first time in his life, he wasn’t facing it alone.

And that, he realized, made all the difference.

Sixteen

The Xuevisian capital glittered beneath a sky painted with swirling auroras, its restored grandeur a testament to the resilience of its people. Zora Arison stood on a balcony overlooking the city, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns carved into the railing. The cool evening breeze carried the scent of blooming night flowers, reminding her of the lush gardens that had captivated her upon first arriving on this world that was now a part of her heritage.

Dravek’s steady presence beside her grounded her amidst the whirlwind of emotions churning within. His hand rested lightly on the small of her back, a gesture that had become familiar and comforting over their shared journey.