Chapter 202: Perfect under the lights

The lights gradually dimmed, leaving only a single spotlight shining on Aevia. The stones woven into her gown caught the light, sparkling in shades of silver and blue against the darkness. For a moment, she seemed almost otherworldly as every eye in the dome turned towards her.

Alexander rose from his seat and approached her. When he reached her, he gave a slight bow and extended his hand.

"May I have this dance, my Luna?" he asked, his voice warm and gentle.

Aevia smiled and placed her hand in his. His fingers closed around hers as he pulled her closer, his other hand settling securely around her waist. She placed one hand on his shoulder while their joined hands remained between them. As the music began, Alexander guided her across the polished floor. Their eyes remained locked as they moved together. Aevia followed every step with effortless grace, turning beneath his arm before returning to his embrace.

To everyone watching, they looked completely in love. The music, the dimmed lights and the soft glow of the spotlight made the moment seem almost magical. They looked every bit like a king and his queen, perfectly matched as they danced before their guests.

But Alexander noticed something was wrong. Aevia nearly stepped on his foot for the second time. He adjusted his movement quickly, disguising the mistake as part of the dance, but his brow furrowed slightly. Aevia might not have been born a noble, but she was an exceptional dancer, better than most of the noble ladies he knew. She had spent years learning enough to move confidently among the aristocracy, and she rarely made mistakes. Certainly not on her wedding night. As he guided her through another turn, Alexander lowered his voice.

’Is something wrong?’

Aevia’s fingers tightened slightly around his.

’I’m nervous,’ she replied after a brief pause.

Alexander studied her face. He knew she was hiding something. She had been distracted since Yuki’s speech, and although he hadn’t wanted to question her in front of everyone, he couldn’t ignore how tense she seemed. Still, he wasn’t going to force her to speak when she clearly wasn’t ready.

The music eventually slowed into a softer melody. Aevia moved closer until her head rested against his chest, and Alexander’s arm tightened around her waist as they swayed slowly. After a moment, she lifted her head. Her emerald eyes met his. Under the moonlight filtering through the glass dome, they looked like polished gems.

’I’m fine,’ she whispered through the mind-link.

Alexander held her gaze for a moment longer. He didn’t believe her, but he could tell she wasn’t going to tell him what was wrong. So he let it go. ’All right.’

The song eventually came to an end. Alexander and Aevia slowly parted before bowing and curtsying to each other. Applause immediately roared through the dome as the guests celebrated the beautiful performance. Alexander offered Aevia his hand, and they returned to their table together. He pulled her chair out for her before taking his seat beside her. Once they were settled, he reached beneath the table and took her hand, his thumb brushing gently over her knuckles.

’If you’re feeling off, we could always leave,’ he relayed through the mind-link, sounding genuinely worried.

Aevia’s eyes widened. ’Leave? Alexander, this is our wedding.’ She couldn’t believe he had suggested something like that, but Alexander’s expression didn’t change, as though he hadn’t just suggested they leave their reception early.

"I know," he replied out loud in a low tone, which took her completely aback. "We can’t just leave," Aevia whispered, trying to speak sense into his head. He, of all people, should know the rules.

"We can." Alexander shrugged, serious about the suggestion.

She stared at him before a small laugh escaped her. There was something almost ridiculous about how casually he said it, but it was also the truth. He was the Alpha King. If he decided he wanted to leave his own wedding, who would dare question him? Still, she shook her head.

"We should stay. I’m fine." She turned down his suggestion.

Alexander searched her eyes for another moment before finally nodding. "All right." Before they could continue their conversation, the Master of Ceremonies stepped forward.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Alpha King has an important announcement to make."

The hall immediately quietened. The microphone was handed to Alexander, and he rose from his seat. His voice carried effortlessly through the dome.

"Life has a strange way of taking us down paths we never expected. I never imagined I would fall in love again, and yet here I am." His gaze shifted towards Aevia. "I have found a woman I love deeply, a woman I intend to cherish for the rest of my life. And tonight, I want to make another promise."

Aevia’s eyes softened. Alexander continued,

"Loving Aevia means accepting the people she loves. She has only one direct living family member, her little sister, Miyuki Donovan, whom she has practically raised herself."

Yuki’s smile faded slightly as she realised where his words were heading. Alexander’s gaze settled on her.

"Tonight, I want to make that bond official. Miyuki Donovan will legally become my daughter and a member of the Ravencourt family. Aevia and I have decided to officially adopt her, making her the youngest Ravencourt and the princess I always wanted."

For a heartbeat, Yuki simply stared at him. Then the dome erupted into applause. Yuki slowly rose from her seat, still processing the announcement. Even the triplets joined in. Killian applauded with a civil smile, while Kieran and Kaden followed suit. None of them looked particularly enthusiastic about the decision, but they were not about to cause a scene during their father’s wedding. Declan leaned closer to Yuki with a grin.

"Time to shine, princess," he whispered.

Yuki laughed softly before making her way towards Alexander. Every eye in the dome followed her as she crossed the floor. When she reached him, she stopped before his tall figure. Alexander smiled down at her as a servant approached carrying an intricate wooden box.

Alexander gestured for it to be opened. Inside was a beautiful bracelet made from gold and sapphire, with the Ravencourt insignia encrusted into its centre. It was one of the Ravencourt heirlooms. She couldn’t believe he was giving her something so valuable.