Chapter 35

Chapter

Thirty-Five

Ruune

T he soft morning light filtered through the gauzy curtains of Caroline's old apartment, casting a warm glow over Olivia as she lay in my arms. I couldn't help but marvel at how perfectly she fit against me, as if she was made for me. But as much as I wanted to bask in the afterglow, I knew there were things we needed to discuss, things we’d been too busy to talk about the day before when we’d all but torn off each other’s clothes after finally getting a private moment.

I traced lazy patterns on her bare shoulder, gathering my thoughts as she stirred. "I have some news from Valoria."

Olivia tilted her head to look at me, her body tensing. "Is everything okay?"

"Better than okay, actually. The king—my uncle and Griff’s father—has made a miraculous recovery. In fact, he and Griff are going to rule side by side for the foreseeable future."

"That's wonderful! I’ll bet Griff is relieved."

"He is, but that's not all. Since Griff doesn't need to be on Valoria full-time anymore, he and Caroline are coming back to New York to plan their wedding.”

Olivia shot up so fast she nearly headbutted me, the sheet falling away to reveal her bare breasts. “Their wedding? Here? I thought they had to have a royal wedding on your home world.”

I propped myself on my elbows. "They're planning two ceremonies—one in New York for Caroline's family and friends, and a royal one on Valoria."

"Two weddings?”

"Actually, I thought we could add a third wedding to that list."

Olivia froze, her eyes widening as she turned to look at me. “A third wedding?”

My heart pounded, and I was surprised by how nervous I was. “Our wedding.”

“Our wedding? You want to get married?"

Now it was my turn to be surprised. Had I read her wrong? Did she not want to be my mate? “Of course I do.” Then something hit me. “Didn't I ask you to marry me?"

She shook her head slowly, a bemused smile playing on her lips. "I'm pretty sure I would have remembered you asking me to marry me.”

Some suave alien prince I was turning out to be. But then again, I'd never claimed to be an expert in human courtship rituals. I got on my knees, and I took Olivia's hand in mine. Her skin was soft and warm, and I marveled once again at how right it felt.

I took a deep breath, my gaze locked on hers. "Olivia, love of my life, queen of my heart, empress of my soul, will you marry me?”

Olivia's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Yes," she whispered. “But only if you address me like that every time.”

“Naughty girl,” I murmured as she threw her arms around my neck, nearly toppling us both. I caught her easily, pulling her close and capturing her lips in a kiss.

When we finally came up for air, Olivia cut her eyes down. “We're not exactly dressed for the occasion."

I raised an eyebrow, affecting my most regal air. "I'll have you know that on my planet it's customary to propose in the nude. We believe in starting a marriage as we mean to continue it.”

Olivia’s jaw dropped. "Wait a minute. The weddings aren't in the nude, are they?"

“No, but I certainly wouldn't complain if they were.”

She swatted at me. With a playful growl, I tackled her back onto the bed, covering her face and neck with kisses as she squealed with laughter.

How had I ever been afraid of this? Why had I spent so long running from happiness?

"I love you," I murmured against Olivia's neck. "I love you so much it scares me sometimes."

Olivia's hand came up to cup my cheek, her touch infinitely tender. "I love you too, Ruune. More than I ever thought possible." Then a mischievous glint returned to her eyes. “Do Valorians have honeymoons?” When I looked at her blankly, she added, “A trip after the wedding for just the bride and groom.”

I grinned, rolling her over so she was straddling my hips. “We have the sequestering, where the mated couple stay locked in an opulent suite for many days while food and drink is delivered to them.”

Olivia leaned down, her lips hovering just above mine. “Why don’t we practice the sequestering now?”