Chapter 244
Aubrey
Sunlight filters through the massive windows of the castle, casting golden beams onto the marble floors. There’s a palpable excitement in the air, a buzz of anticipation as the castle’s staff scurries around with last–minute preparations. Today is the day. My wedding day
I stand in the middle of my room, looking out over the castle grounds. From up here, I can see the massive tent set up in the courtyard, with rows of elegantly decorated chairs and tables, floral arrangements in soft hues of gold and ivory adorning every surface. Beyond that, cameras flash incessantly as paparazzi gather outside the gates, eager to catch a glimpse of the royal wedding of the year.
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My heart beats wildly in my chest, but it’s not just nerves–it’s a mix of emotions. Excitement, anxiety, joy, and. disbelief. After everything we’ve been through–after Rhett, Bianca, Clyde, and the secrets that nearly tore everything apart–we’re finally here. We’ve fought, we’ve bled, and we’ve won.
A soft knock on the door pulls me out of my thoughts. “Come in,” I call, my voice slightly breathless.
The door opens, and Maribel enters, carrying a delicate bouquet of white roses and lilies. She grins at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You look like a Queen, Aubrey.”
I glance down at my gown, all lace and silk that flows around
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me like water, its train trailing behind me in soft, shimmering folds. The bodice is fitted, embroidered with tiny crystals that catch the light with every movement. A veil, edged in the same delicate lace, drapes over my shoulders.
“I feel like I can barely breathe,” I admit with a nervous laugh.
“That’s normal,” Maribel says cheerfully, setting the bouquet on a nearby table. “Every bride feels that way. But don’t worry, you’ve got this.”
She fusses with my veil, smoothing it out before stepping back to admire her handiwork. “Perfect” she declares. “Now, are you ready?”
take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I tell her, stepping out into the corridor only when I do, I nearly break down at the sight of my father.
“Dad?” I stutter, wondering if I am seeing a ghost that he has died, and decided to haunt me on my wedding day.
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My father steps forward, his pale blue eyes twinkling, the kind smile that I’ve missed so much etched on his face. “Aubrey,” he breathes, reaching out to touch my cheek. His hand is solid, warm. No ghost.
“But… how?” I breathe out, stepping into his familiar embrace. It is real. He smells of old books and coffee grounds like he always did.
“I couldn’t miss my princess’s big day,” he chuckles. His laughter vibrates through me, a sound so familiar yet so foreign. Tears threaten to spill from my eyes as cling to him tighter:
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“Thank you,” I answer quietly. “For being here.”
His hand brushes away another tear rolling down my cheek. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He gives me a reassuring smile, wrapping an arm around my shoulders as we begin to walk towards the grand staircase together.
“I’m sorry, I should have listened to you.” I tell him as he loops his arm through mine.
“I’m glad you didn’t,” he tells me and I glance at him.
“Had you, you wouldn’t be about to marry a King, one who adores you, by the way.” I pretend to feign shock.
“Wait, you approve?” I chuckle.
“I tried to get you back, you know, even cut a deal with Rhett. I was going to give up the ports for you. I thought you’d see sense, come home, and when you didn’t I went looking for you, but you were already gone.”
I feel a sob bubble up within me, grievances of the past threatening to cloud the joy of my present. But today was not a day for holding on to the past; it was about embracing the future.
“So, are you ready,” he asks as we reach the bottom and the double doors leading outside open.
