36. Dexari

Chapter 36

Dexari

I stand at the front of the chapel, my hands clasped behind my back, the weight of my formal tunic resting heavily on my shoulders. The fabric is rich, embroidered with the symbols of our gods, yet it feels lighter than what I carry inside.

There is no nervousness, no hesitation in my chest. This moment is ordained, written in the stars long before I ever laid eyes on Sloane. Our union is a blessing from the gods and from fate itself. I know this with the same certainty that I know how to wield a sword or lead an army.

The orcs filling the rows of the chapel are quiet, respectful, waiting. All eyes are on me, but mine are focused on the door where Sloane will soon enter. A small smile tugs at the corner of my mouth at the thought.

When the chapel door opens, a hush falls over the room.

Then, I see her.

Sloane walks toward me, and her beauty takes my breath away. This is a formal and necessary proceeding, yet I am struck by something unexpected: overwhelming emotion.

My mate looks royal, radiant. Her ceremonial robe drapes around her, making her appear like a goddess descended from the heavens. The deep blue fabric shimmers as she walks, and the silver accents catch the light, making her appear almost otherworldly.

Our eyes meet, and the air shifts between us. It is a flicker of something deep and ancient that I have felt since the moment we met. Does she feel the pull, the undeniable connection that ties us together? Her smile tells me that yes, she does.

When she finally reaches me, I take her hands in mine. I offer her a small, private smile, then turn us both to face the people honoring us today.

"I, Dexari, King of Ari, stand before you to present my intended queen, Sloane of Earth. Together, we vow to protect this kingdom, to uphold its laws, and to faithfully serve its people with honor. Together, we will ensure its prosperity, and with the blessing of the gods, we will forge a future worthy of our ancestors."

Sloane lifts her chin, her voice clear and strong, though I can hear the edge of uncertainty behind it. "I, Sloane, pledge myself to this kingdom, to serve as its queen with honor and strength. I vow to stand beside you, Dexari, to serve with all that I am."

The simple words, spoken for generations, hold enormous promise. I can see in Sloane's eyes that she is making this choice willingly and despite her fear. She is choosing me, choosing this kingdom. And that choice means more to me than any blessing the gods could give.

I nod to my second, who is seated in the front pew. He stands and approaches Sloane, her bejeweled crown in his hands, and takes a knee before her. At my signal, he then rises and places the crown gently on her head.

"Majesty," he says with a respectful nod of his head before returning to his seat.

The orcs rise to their feet, fists pounding against their chests in a gesture of respect, their voices rising in unison as they chant the kingdom's blessing upon us.

"All hail King Dexari! All Hail Queen Sloane!"

Their jovial chants fill the chapel, yet all I can hear is the steady thrum of my heart as I turn to Sloane. She is mine now, by fate and by choice. Together, we will lead this kingdom into its glorious future.