chapter 10

The morning of the wedding began with an air of excitement, the kind that seemed to pulse through the very stones of Ashbourne Palace. The grand halls shimmered with gold and emerald accents, and flowers spilled from ornate vases in elaborate arrangements. Every detail had been tended to, every corner polished to perfection.

The guests, a mix of nobles, dignitaries, and allies from both kingdoms, had already begun filling the ceremonial hall. The sound of muted conversation and soft music wove through the air, but the heart of the day lay behind closed doors, where two princes prepared for the most significant moment of their lives.

In one wing, Alex stood before a tall mirror, his sapphire robes glinting in the light that poured in from the windows. The intricate embroidery across the fabric matched the silver circlet resting on his head, a mark of his royal lineage. His cosine sister stood behind him, her hands gently adjusting the folds of his robe.

“You’re breathtaking,” she whispered, her voice full of pride and affection.

Alex smiled, though his nerves were palpable. “I hope I look the part,” he said softly. “I’ve never been the center of attention like this before.”

His sister’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “You’ll be fine. Besides, Max won’t even notice the crowd. He’ll only have eyes for you.”

On the other side of the palace, Max was receiving his final touches. His emerald-green attire, accented with gold, perfectly complemented his stature. His brother leaned casually against the doorframe, watching the process with a faint smirk.

“You’re holding your breath again,” his brother remarked.

Max exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “I’m trying not to panic.”

His brother crossed the room and clapped a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “You’re marrying the person who loves you. Everything else is just noise.”

The hour arrived, and the ceremonial hall grew silent as the procession began. Alex entered first, his presence commanding and graceful. He walked with steady steps, the weight of tradition balanced by the lightness in his heart.

The crowd’s whispers of awe gave way to complete silence when Max followed moments later. His movements were equally poised, though his gaze flickered briefly to Alex before a soft smile spread across his face.

The officiant stood between them, clad in neutral tones that emphasized the sacredness of their role. Their voice resonated through the hall as they began.

“Today, we gather to witness the union of two hearts, two lives, and two kingdoms. This is not just a ceremony; it is a promise—a commitment built on love, equality, and partnership.”

Alex was the first to speak his vows, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “Max, from the moment we met, I knew you were my equal. You’ve shown me what it means to trust, to hope, and to love. Today, I vow to stand by you—not above or below you, but beside you. Together, we’ll face every joy, every challenge, and every unknown.”

Max followed, his words heartfelt and sincere. “Alex, you are my light in the darkest moments, my strength when I falter, and my reason to dream. I promise to honor you, cherish you, and walk this path with you, hand in hand. Today and every day, I choose you.”

The rings exchanged were more than mere symbols; they were intricately crafted bands representing their unity, forged from the metals of both kingdoms.

With a voice that rang clear, the officiant concluded, “By the power vested in me, I pronounce you bound in love and partnership. May your union be a beacon of hope for all.”

The hall erupted into applause as Alex and Max shared their first kiss as spouses. The moment was perfect—timeless, even.

In the royal seating, Alex’s uncle observed the ceremony with a warm smile. “He’s found someone worthy of him,” he murmured.

His aunt, however, sat stiffly. Her thoughts betrayed her stoic expression. Let’s see how long this lasts before it becomes another disaster.

On Max’s side, his mother had tears streaming down her face. “He’s finally happy,” she whispered to herself. His brother leaned over to her, offering a handkerchief with a smile of approval.

Not far away, Max’s sister-in-law folded her arms tightly. I hope Max never forgets how lucky he is. Let’s see if he can live happily after that.

But the couple, oblivious to the scattered tensions, basked in the joy of their union. The ceremony marked not just the beginning of their life together but also a new chapter for their kingdoms—one built on love, respect, and equality.

Back in Vireli:-

Max sat at the edge of the bed, the faint scent of lavender lingering in the air. His fingers toyed with the hem of his shirt as he watched Alex disappear into the adjoining washroom, his words, “I’ll just freshen up,” still echoing softly in the room. The door clicked shut, leaving Max alone with the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him.

He sighed, his gaze wandering around the spacious room. The decor was strikingly familiar—too familiar. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he noticed small, deliberate details that reminded him of his room back in Ashbourne. The shelves were lined with books he loved, their spines gleaming in the warm glow of the fireplace. Titles on art, history, and fantasy peeked out, each one seemingly handpicked.

The paintings on the walls caught his eye next. They were not the grand, ostentatious kind that one might expect in a royal chamber. Instead, they were serene landscapes, much like the ones he often admired back home—rolling hills, quiet rivers, and soft, golden sunsets. Max stood and moved closer to one, his fingertips brushing the gilded frame.

His eyes roved further, landing on small, intricate showpieces placed carefully on a nearby table. A carved wooden stag, its antlers raised majestically, sat next to a glass paperweight that held a swirl of blue and gold, reminiscent of a calm ocean. These weren’t mere decorations; they were fragments of his own tastes, his own preferences.

Max’s chest tightened. Did Alex… do all this for me?

The thought warmed him, but it also made his nerves spike. He wasn’t used to this—this level of care, this attention to detail. It wasn’t just the room; it was the sentiment behind it. Alex had thought of him in a way no one else ever had.

He sank back onto the bed, the soft sheets yielding beneath him. His mind raced with the implications of the night ahead. Their first night as husbands. The thought alone was enough to send a nervous shiver down his spine. It wasn’t just the intimacy that loomed on the horizon—it was the closeness, the vulnerability, the unspoken promise of a life they were now bound to share.

The sound of running water stopped, jolting Max from his thoughts. He straightened up, smoothing his hands over his trousers. A moment later, the door creaked open, and Alex stepped out, his damp hair curling slightly at the edges. He looked as nervous as Max felt, his eyes darting toward the bed before settling on Max.

“Uh…” Alex began, his voice softer than usual. “The bathroom’s free if you want to freshen up too.”

Max nodded, his throat suddenly dry. “Thanks.” He rose to his feet, their eyes meeting briefly before Max looked away, the tension in the air thick enough to cut.

As Max walked toward the washroom, he paused for a moment and glanced back. Alex was standing by the window now, his arms crossed as he stared out into the night. The glow of the moonlight softened his features, making him look more vulnerable than Max had ever seen him.

For a fleeting moment, Max felt a surge of courage. He wanted to say something—anything—to ease the tension between them. But the words escaped him, and he continued into the washroom, closing the door behind him with a quiet click.

Inside, as he splashed cool water on his face, he took a moment to steady himself. This is Alex. My Alex. There’s no need to be scared.

When he stepped out, he found Alex sitting at the edge of the bed, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. Alex looked up, their gazes locking, and for the first time that evening, Alex smiled—a soft, shy smile that sent Max’s heart racing.

“Max…” Alex started, his voice barely above a whisper. “I, um… I hope you like the room. I—”

“I love it,” Max interrupted, his voice firm but warm. He took a step closer, his own nerves melting away as he saw the relief flicker across Alex’s face. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

Alex’s cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, and he ducked his head, fiddling with his fingers. “I just… I wanted you to feel at home here.”

Max’s heart swelled, and before he could stop himself, he reached out, his hand gently resting on Alex’s. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble, but… it means a lot to me. Truly.”

For a moment, they sat there in silence, the weight of the day and their new reality settling over them. But in that quiet, there was also comfort. They didn’t need to say everything right now. They had time—a lifetime, in fact—to figure it all out.

And for the first time that night, Max felt a sense of calm.

The tension in the room shifted as Alex approached Max, his eyes filled with something unspoken but unmistakably tender. Standing in front of Max, he hesitated for a moment, then leaned down, capturing Max’s lips in a soft, tentative kiss.

It was their second kiss, and though it carried the same gentleness as the first, there was a new layer of urgency, a deeper connection between them. Max found himself leaning into it, his hands tentatively brushing Alex’s arms before sliding up to his shoulders.

One kiss turned into another, and before Max realized it, they were lost in the moment. Alex’s hands moved to the hem of Max’s shirt, tugging it up with care, silently asking for permission. Max didn’t protest. Instead, he mirrored the action, his hands finding the buttons of Alex’s shirt.

Clothes began to fall away piece by piece, and Max felt his heart racing as Alex’s lips trailed down his jawline, to his neck, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. It wasn’t rushed or forceful—it was delicate, like Alex was savoring every second.

When Alex gently pushed Max back onto the bed, a soft gasp escaped Max’s lips. Alex climbed over him, his hands bracing on either side of Max as he leaned down, pressing his lips to the curve of Max’s neck. The sensation sent a shiver down Max’s spine, and for a moment, he let himself get lost in the closeness, the intimacy of it all.

But then, like a wave crashing over him, reality set in. His breath hitched, and a flood of nerves surged through him. Max sat up abruptly, startling Alex, who immediately pulled back, concern flashing in his eyes.

“Alex…” Max’s voice was shaky, his hands trembling slightly as he placed them on Alex’s shoulders to steady himself. “I… I think I need some time. Just… just a little time.”

Alex studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod, his lips curving into a reassuring smile. “It’s okay, Max,” he said softly, his voice steady and calm. “I understand. Really.”

Max’s cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. “I’m sorry,” he murmured, averting his gaze.

“Don’t be,” Alex replied firmly, his hand gently tilting Max’s chin so their eyes met. “We don’t have to rush anything. We’ll go at your pace, okay? Tonight doesn’t have to be about… that. We can just be together.”

“But… maybe you want to…” Max began, his voice faltering.

Alex shook his head, his smile widening. “Even if I do, it doesn’t matter if you’re not ready. What matters is how we both feel. I’m here for you, Max, no matter what.”

Max felt a lump rise in his throat, but it wasn’t from anxiety this time. It was from the overwhelming comfort Alex’s words brought. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Alex shifted back slightly, giving Max some space. “How about this?” he asked gently. “We’ll just lie down and rest. No pressure. No expectations. I’ll even stay on my side if that makes you feel better.”

Max shook his head quickly, his expression softening. “No… you can stay close.”

Alex’s brows lifted, a flicker of hope in his eyes. “May I… may I cuddle you?” he asked, his tone careful, almost hesitant. “Only if you’re comfortable. Just say the word, and I won’t—”

“You can,” Max interrupted, his voice quiet but firm. “I’d like that.”

The relief on Alex’s face was immediate. He moved to lie beside Max, pulling the covers over them. Carefully, he wrapped an arm around Max’s waist, his hold gentle and non-intrusive. Max leaned into him, resting his head against Alex’s chest, the steady rhythm of Alex’s heartbeat soothing his own.

They lay there in the quiet, the warmth of their bodies and the unspoken understanding between them creating a cocoon of safety. For the first time that night, Max felt a sense of peace.

“Goodnight, Max,” Alex whispered, his voice laced with affection.

“Goodnight, Alex,” Max replied, closing his eyes. And as sleep claimed them, they found comfort not in passion, but in the simple act of being close to one another.

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Hey guys,

Here’s the chapter featuring the wedding! I hope you’re content with how it turned out.

Another chapter is on its way, so stay tuned! Don’t forget to vote and comment—your support means the world to me.