Chapter 20

TWENTY

" G arek," Vexor managed, his voice rough. "Report."

His friend's posture straightened, but the amusement didn't leave his eyes. "The situation with the warrior sect is under control for now. Your brothers have taken charge of the immediate security concerns. The alliance remains intact, though there will be much to discuss in the coming days."

Vexor nodded, relief washing over him. At least one weight had been lifted from his shoulders. "And Raelee? Her sisters?"

Garek's smirk widened into a full grin. "They are safe, Your Highness. Lady Raelee has been asking about you frequently. Quite insistently, I might add. I believe her exact words were, ‘If you don't let me see him soon, I'll stage a one-woman invasion of this medical unit.'"

A warmth spread through Vexor's chest at the thought of Raelee's fierce protectiveness. It was one of the many things he loved about her. "She would, wouldn't she?" He chuckled, then winced as the movement aggravated his injuries.

Garek's expression softened. "She's remarkable, Your Highness. You've chosen well."

"I didn't choose her, Garek," Vexor said softly. "Fate did. And I thank the stars every day for it."

As the days of recovery passed, Vexor found himself constantly thinking of Raelee. He imagined her exploring the palace, her eyes wide with wonder at the alien architecture and technology. The thought of her fiery spirit clashing with the more rigid members of the Tharvisian court brought a smile to his face. She would shake things up, of that he was certain.

When he was finally allowed visitors again, Vexor's heart raced with anticipation. The door slid open, and there she was. Raelee. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a messy bundle, tendrils escaping to frame her face. She wore a simple Tharvisian tunic that hugged her curves in all the right ways, and Vexor had to remind himself to breathe.

"Vex," she breathed, rushing to his bedside. Her hand found his, their fingers intertwining naturally.

"Hello, beautiful," he murmured, drinking in the sight of her. "Miss me?"

Raelee rolled her eyes, but the effect was ruined by a smile. "You wish, Your Royal Pain in the Ass."

Vexor laughed, ignoring the twinge in his ribs. God, he loved this woman. "That's Your Royal Pain in the Ass, Future Husband to you."

Her eyes softened, and she leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. Vexor responded eagerly, his free hand coming up to cup the back of her neck, holding her close. When they parted, both slightly breathless, Raelee rested her forehead against his.

"Don't you ever scare me like that again," she whispered fiercely.

"Yes, ma'am," Vexor replied, his voice husky. "I wouldn't dare disobey my future queen."

As Vexor's health improved, he threw himself into planning the perfect proposal. He wanted it to be special, a moment that would show Raelee just how much she meant to him. With Garek's help, he arranged for a private dinner in the palace's bioluminescent garden.

The night of the dinner, Vexor paced nervously in his chambers. He adjusted his formal robes for the hundredth time, the weight of the new ring box in his pocket a constant reminder of what was at stake.

"Calm down, Vex," Garek said, amusement clear in his voice. "You look fine. And Lady Raelee would say yes even if you proposed in your medical gown."

Vexor shot him a glare, but there was no heat behind it. "Is everything ready in the garden?"

Garek nodded. "Everything is perfect. Now go get your girl before you wear a hole in the floor."

With a deep breath, Vexor made his way to the garden. As he rounded the corner and saw Raelee waiting for him, all his nervousness melted away. She was breathtaking in a flowing gown that shimmered like starlight, her hair cascading around her face in soft locks. But it was the smile that lit up her face when she saw him that truly took his breath away.

"Wow," Raelee said, her eyes roaming appreciatively over him. "You clean up nice, Your Highness."

Vexor grinned, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to her temple. "You're not so bad yourself, Earth girl."

As they enjoyed their meal, surrounded by the soft glow of bioluminescent flora, Vexor found himself mesmerized by Raelee. The way her eyes sparkled as she laughed at his jokes, the graceful movement of her hands as she gestured animatedly while telling a story, the soft curve of her neck he longed to kiss.

Finally, as the meal came to an end, Vexor took Raelee's hand and led her to a secluded spot in the garden. His heart pounded in his chest as he dropped to one knee, pulling out the ring box.

"Raelee Arison," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "When I first agreed to this arrangement, I thought it would be a simple political union. But then I met you - brave, brilliant, infuriating you - and my whole world turned upside down. You've challenged me, supported me, made me laugh, and shown me what it truly means to be a leader and a partner. I love you, Raelee, with every fiber of my being. And if you'll have me, I want to spend the rest of my life trying to make you as happy as you've made me. Will you marry me?"

Tears shimmered in Raelee's eyes as she nodded, a radiant smile spreading across her face. "Yes," she whispered. "Yes, you big alien dork, I'll marry you."

As Vexor slipped the ring onto her finger and pulled her into a passionate kiss, he felt a sense of completeness he had never known. This was where he belonged. With Raelee in his arms, he was home.