Chapter 19: The royal tradition

"Look at him, proudly announcing that he’s married," said the eldest Alpha Prince, Aldrick Kensington, who stood behind his parents with his two brothers. "Ilias, why didn’t you tell us about this?" he asked.

"I had no idea," Ilias replied. "Until yesterday, she was still recovering and looked quite sick."

"Mother is going to annul their marriage," Julian Kensington, the Third Alpha Prince and Nina’s twin brother, stated.

"Everyone should leave," Alpha King Davian ordered.

"No one is leaving without having my wedding feast," Andrew declared.

His eyes suddenly glowed a rare shade of pink as his wolf’s power began to surface.

"Don’t you dare defy the Alpha King’s command!" the Luna Queen bellowed.

That was enough to make the guests immediately rise from their chairs and begin clearing the area.

Andrew’s expression darkened.

"Whoever leaves this ground without my permission will face death by this evening," he challenged. Then he looked toward his family who had not been invited to the ceremony. "Those who weren’t invited, please leave while I’m asking nicely."

Caroline caught Andrew’s hand when he turned to look at her. "They are the supreme authority in the country. You can’t defy their orders," she whispered, concern evident in her voice.

"I can because this place belongs to me," Andrew stated firmly, keeping his gaze fixed on his mother.

"Since the marriage has already taken place, there is nothing we can do now," Davian stated. Then, lowering his voice, he added to his wife, "Besides, the media is here. Let’s not create a scene."

Seraphina Kensington turned on her heels and walked toward the mansion, with Alpha King Davian following closely behind her.

"Congratulations on getting married!" Aldrick said with a bright smile as he approached Andrew and Caroline. "Forgive me for not bringing a wedding gift. I had no idea my brother was going to get married today."

"The best wedding gift would be your absence," Andrew replied in a low voice.

Aldrick merely chuckled. "The cameras are focused on us. Let’s at least take some nice pictures."

He turned toward his two brothers, who had also made their way up the aisle. The brothers gathered together as the cameras began clicking, capturing photographs of the royal family and the newlyweds.

~~~~~

"You must be tired. It’s time for you to rest," Andrew said as he walked into the mansion with Caroline.

However, he didn’t let her walk. Instead, he swept her into his arms and carried her in a bridal style.

"Andrew, your parents are inside. I need to greet them. It’s inappropriate. Put me down," Caroline urged him, her voice filled with nervousness.

"Greet them later. First, you’re supposed to rest and get out of this heavy gown," he replied, completely ignoring her protest.

Caroline’s nervousness only continued to grow as she tightened her arms around his neck. The Luna Queen and Alpha King were already furious about their union, and she didn’t want to give them another reason to be displeased with her.

"It’s a tradition to carry your bride in your arms when she enters her husband’s home for the first time," Andrew reminded her, trying to calm her nerves.

Caroline looked at him, still unconvinced. "And you couldn’t have followed the tradition after letting me greet your parents?"

"No," Andrew answered simply, continuing toward the stairs with her in his arms. "You need to rest first."

Caroline bit her bottom lip, realizing her arguments were weak against him. She fell silent and let him do whatever he wanted.

They were already in the living room, but to her surprise, no one stopped them. Perhaps everyone was still occupied with the wedding feast. Before she could think much about it, Andrew carried her upstairs and into his bedroom.

He gently lowered her onto the mattress before getting down on one knee in front of her, resting his forearm against his bent knee.

"Don’t come downstairs. I don’t want you to hear anything harsh from my mother on this special day. So, stay here and eat something."

Caroline nodded half-heartedly.

"Look, we got married when you’re still not fully recovered, and I know it was a big decision for you. My mother won’t care to listen to what happened to you. That’s why I’m going down alone to answer her. I can’t bear the thought of anyone insulting you. Besides, I vowed to protect you."

Caroline’s heart began to race, and her fingers curled into the fabric of her dress.

Andrew was the kind of man she had never known existed. He was protecting her in ways that couldn’t be explained in mere words. Even when she had entered this marriage for her own reasons, he treated her as though protecting her was the most natural thing in the world.

"I understand," Caroline replied with a small smile.

Andrew stood up and turned toward Mary, the attendant he had appointed to care for Caroline.

"Take care of your mistress in my absence."

With that, Andrew walked out of the room.

"Is the Luna Queen dangerous?" Caroline asked, her worry evident in her voice. "I’m worried about Prince Andrew. What if he gets punished?"

Mary smiled and shook her head. "That won’t happen, Madam. I’ve been serving the prince for the past six years, and not once has the Luna Queen managed to win an argument against him. She’s ruthless, I should say," she added in a low voice. "But fret not. The prince won’t let anything happen to you."

Caroline was still a little scared. She carefully removed her heels and placed them aside.

"I would like to change."

"You cannot, Madam. We have a royal tradition that only the groom can help his mate out of her wedding gown on the first night."

"I understand, but I feel uncomfortable in this dress. I would like to wear something loose and comfortable," Caroline replied.

Maya nodded, realizing that Andrew might scold her if she failed to tend to his Luna’s needs. She bowed before excusing herself to fetch Caroline a more comfortable dress.

"I got married," Caroline murmured, glancing down at the ring on her finger. A faint smile touched her lips. "It’s a new beginning for me and a step toward my revenge. But before that, I hope Andrew stays safe. I can’t let him stand alone in front of his family. I need to be with him."

With that thought, Caroline rose to her feet. Despite Andrew’s instructions not to leave the room, she slipped on the room slippers and walked out.