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

Chapter 29

TWENTY-NINE

T he 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.”

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 true strength 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.”