Chapter 21

TWENTY-ONE

T he days that followed passed in a whirlwind of preparation and celebration. Raelee found herself thrust into the role of future queen, attending meetings and ceremonies that would have once overwhelmed her. But with Vex by her side, his hand often finding hers in silent support, she felt ready to face any challenge.

The evening before her wedding, Raelee was surrounded by her mother and sisters in her chambers. The air was filled with a mixture of excitement and nostalgia as they helped her with the final preparations.

"I still can't believe my little Raelee is getting married tomorrow," Melanie Arison said, her eyes misty as she adjusted her daughter's veil.

Raelee caught her mother's hand, squeezing it gently. "Believe me, Mom, no one's more surprised than I am."

Venus smirked from her perch on the bed. "Oh, I don't know. I think the entire diplomatic corps back on Earth might give you a run for your money in the surprise department."

"Venus," Zora chided gently.

Mila, ever the practical one, spoke up. "Are you sure about this, Rae? I mean, really sure? This is a big step, and it's not just about you and Vex. There's a lot riding on this union."

Raelee took a deep breath, looking at the faces of the women who meant the most to her. She saw concern, love, and a desire to protect her in their eyes. It was time for some honesty.

"You know, when Dad first told me about this arranged marriage, I was ready to run to the farthest corner of the galaxy," she began, a wry smile on her face. "The idea of marrying someone I'd never met, all for the sake of an alliance? It felt like a cage."

She moved to the window, looking out at the alien landscape of Tharvis. "But then I met Vex. Not as a prince, not as my arranged fiancé, but as a person. And everything changed."

Turning back to her family, Raelee's eyes shone with emotion. "I'm not marrying Vex out of duty or obligation. I'm marrying him because I love him. Because he sees me for who I am, not just as a political pawn or the President's daughter. He challenges me, supports me, makes me laugh even when I want to strangle him."

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "I never thought I'd say this, but I'm grateful for this arranged marriage. It led me to the kind of love I never knew I was looking for."

Melanie stood, crossing the room to embrace her daughter. "Oh, sweetheart. That's all we ever wanted for you. Love, true partnership, and happiness."

Zora wiped a tear from her eye. "It's like something out of a fairy tale. An interplanetary fairy tale, but still."

"With significantly more advanced technology and political intrigue," Mila added, but she was smiling too.

Venus stood, joining the group hug that was forming. "Well, if you had to go and fall in love with an alien prince, at least you picked a hot one."

"Venus!" Raelee exclaimed, but she was laughing too hard to be truly scandalized.

As the laughter died down, Melanie cupped Raelee's face in her hands. "We're so proud of you, sweetheart. You've taken an impossible situation and turned it into something beautiful. Your father and I couldn't be happier for you."

Surrounded by the love and support of her family, Raelee felt a sense of peace settle over her. Tomorrow, she would marry the man she loved, bridging two worlds and starting a new chapter in her life. And she couldn't wait.

Later that night, Raelee found herself unable to sleep. She slipped out of her chambers and made her way to the palace gardens, hoping the night air would calm her nerves. To her surprise, she found Vex there, looking as restless as she felt.

"Couldn't sleep either?" she asked, moving to stand beside him.

Vex turned, his eyes softening as they landed on her. "Too excited," he admitted, pulling her into his arms. "Tomorrow can't come soon enough."

Raelee nestled against his chest, inhaling the now-familiar scent of him. "Nervous?" she teased lightly.

"Terrified," Vex replied with a chuckle. "But in the best possible way."

They stood there in silence for a while, enjoying the quiet moment amid the chaos of wedding preparations. Raelee tilted her head up, studying Vex's profile in the moonlight. "Any regrets?" she asked softly.

Vex looked down at her, his gaze intense. "Only that I didn't meet you sooner," he murmured before capturing her lips in a kiss that left her breathless and weak-kneed.

When they parted, Raelee playfully swatted his chest. "Save some of that for tomorrow, Your Highness. We have a wedding to get through first."

Vex grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. "As you wish, My Queen."

The next morning, it was finally their wedding day. Raelee stood before a mirror in her chambers, hardly recognizing the woman who looked back at her. Her gown was a stunning blend of Earth and Tharvisian styles, flowing and ethereal yet with the structured elegance of royal attire. Her sisters fluttered around her, making last-minute adjustments and offering words of encouragement.

"You look beautiful, Rae," Zora said softly, adjusting a lock of Raelee's hair.

"Are you ready for this?" Mila asked, her usual scientific detachment softened by sisterly concern.

"Ready to trip over this dress and make a fool of myself in front of two planets? Absolutely," Raelee quipped, but her smile was genuine.

Venus rolled her eyes. "Please. You could fall flat on your face and still look more graceful than half the court. Just don't forget to breathe."

Raelee took a deep breath, meeting her own gaze in the mirror. She thought of the journey that had brought her here - from reluctant bride-to-be to a woman in love, ready to take on the responsibilities of a queen. "I'm ready," she said, and she meant it with every fiber of her being.

The ceremony itself was a grand affair, blending Earth and Tharvisian traditions in a way that symbolized the union of their two worlds. As Raelee walked down the aisle, her eyes locked with Vex's. The love and adoration she saw there nearly took her breath away. He looked resplendent in his formal Tharvisian attire, but it was the warmth in his eyes, the slight quirk of his lips that only she could see, that truly captivated her.

They exchanged vows in both English and Tharvisian, their words a promise not just to each other but to the people they would lead together. When the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, Vex pulled Raelee into a kiss that toed the line between propriety and passion, eliciting cheers and a few good-natured whistles from the crowd.

The reception that followed was a joyous celebration, filled with music, dance, and laughter. Raelee found herself swept up in the festivities, dancing with Vex, her father, and each of Vex's brothers in turn. She caught glimpses of her sisters throughout the night - Zora deep in conversation with a Tharvisian botanist, Mila examining some piece of alien technology with fascination, Venus engaged in what looked like a spirited debate with Azlun.

As the night wore on, Vex gently took Raelee's hand, leading her away from the bustling reception. The newlyweds slipped out onto a moonlit balcony overlooking the bioluminescent gardens where Vex had proposed.

"Happy?" Vex asked softly, his arms encircling her waist.

Raelee leaned back against him, a contented sigh escaping her. "Deliriously," she murmured. "Though I think my feet might fall off if I have to dance to one more Tharvisian waltz."

Vex chuckled, the sound rumbling pleasantly against her back. "I'll carry you if they do," he promised, pressing a kiss to the curve of her neck.

Raelee turned in his arms, looping her arms around his neck. "My hero," she teased, before pulling him down for a proper kiss.

When they parted, both slightly breathless, Raelee couldn't help but laugh. "You know," she said, "when I first came to Tharvis, I never imagined I'd end up actually enjoying all this pomp and ceremony."

"And I never imagined I'd be so captivated by an Earth woman," Vex replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Life is full of surprises."

They stayed on the balcony a while longer, talking softly about their hopes and plans for the future. They discussed potential projects to further the alliance between Earth and Tharvis, ideas for cultural exchange programs, and gentle strategies to give their siblings the space and opportunity to get to know each other without pressure.

As the first hints of dawn began to color the Tharvisian sky, Vexand Raelee finally made their way back to the reception. They re-entered the ballroom hand in hand, ready to bid farewell to their guests and embark on their honeymoon - and the next chapter of their lives together.

The celebration was winding down, but a cheer went up as the newlyweds appeared. Raelee caught sight of her sisters, grouped together near one of the grand windows. Venus gave her a knowing wink while her twin offered a thumbs up. Zora wiped a tear from her eye and blew Raelee a kiss.

Vex's brothers were nearby, each watching the Arison sisters with varying degrees of intrigue.

As they made their rounds, saying good-bye to friends and family from both planets, Raelee felt a surge of optimism. The path ahead wouldn't be easy - merging two worlds never was. But looking at the mingling crowds, the laughter and conversation flowing freely between humans and Tharvisians, she knew it was possible.

Finally, as the twin suns of Tharvis began to rise, casting a golden glow across the city, Vex and Raelee slipped away from the last of the festivities. They made their way to the landing pad where a sleek Tharvisian spacecraft awaited, ready to whisk them away on their honeymoon.

Before boarding, they paused for one last look at the palace - their home, the seat of their shared future. Vexsqueezed Raelee's hand, a gesture full of love and promise.

"Ready for our next adventure, My Queen?" he asked, his voice low and full of warmth.

Raelee's answering smile was radiant. "Absolutely."