▪️A L A R I C▪️

If someone had told me, as I set off to war with the orcs, that I would find myself getting married three months later, I would have dismissed them as utterly crazy.

The idea of such a rapid and profound transformation in my life extended beyond the bounds of imagination. In my world, certainties were rooted in war, strategy, the clash of swords, and the enchanting currents of magic that flowed through our veins. The prospect of destiny's unpredictable whims leading me to Golnar, my fated mate, was a narrative I had never envisioned.

I had always assumed that, if the stars aligned for me to find my life partner, it would be within the realm of the Fae as the notion of marrying a fellow Fae seemed a more plausible scenario. However, fate had a unique plan, and Golnar appeared in my life, defying my expectations and becoming everything I could have wished for and more. She altered the course of my existence in ways that transcended the boundaries of my previous understanding.

And now, here I stood, beneath the night sky adorned with a myriad of twinkling stars, waiting patiently by the sacred altar nestled amidst a breathtaking display of enchanted blooms. Lanterns hung from the branches of ancient trees, casting a gentle warmth upon the assembled guests, their faces aglow with anticipation.

The altar, intricately adorned with flowers that seemed to shimmer with the very essence of magic, stood as the focal point of the ceremony. Delicate orbs of light hovered in the air, casting a soft radiance that highlighted the sacred space. A tapestry of colours adorned the surroundings, with flowers in vibrant hues cascading from the branches overhead.

Glancing up, I admired the way the moonlight filtered through the trees, creating patterns of light and shadow on the ground, adding an otherworldly touch to the surroundings. The musicians played soft, haunting melodies, setting the tone for the magical celebration that would soon unfold beneath the celestial expanse.

Seated on intricately designed benches, high ranking members of the Fae court and other distinguished guests shared hushed whispers of excitement, their eyes fixed on the sacred altar before them. The air buzzed with the palpable anticipation of witnessing a union that defied convention—a Fae King and his half-human, half-orc bride.

Golnar's friends, Mahala and Izara, occupied the front row, their radiant presence adding to the aura of celebration. Seated beside them were Cedric, Kieran and Thyra, and they shared excited glances and whispered conversations, their anticipation evident in the gleam of their eyes.

Over the last week, the two humans had seamlessly integrated into the circle of those close to me. Not that I should have been surprised; they were Golnar's best friends after all. Mahala's boisterous laughter resonated through the castle halls, adding an infectious energy, while Izara's calm and composed demeanour brought a sense of balance to our group. Their presence was evident that the enchantment of friendship transcended the boundaries of race and origin.

The sudden shift in the musical notes pulled me from my thoughts.

Harmonious strains from the enchanting instruments shifted, signalling the much-anticipated arrival of the bride. The music transformed into a harmonious melody that echoed through the air, a tune that seemed to resonate with the beating hearts of all those gathered.

When Golnar appeared in her resplendent gown, my breath caught in my chest. The delicate play of light on the fabric made her appear as if she were wrapped in the very essence of moonlight, and every step she took seemed to align with the beating of my heart.

The intricate details of her gown, adorned with patterns borrowed from nature, accentuated her beauty. The hues and delicate designs merged seamlessly with the enchanting surroundings, creating a tableau that felt like a painting come to life. The delicate hem of her gown swept the ground as she moved gracefully by herself down the aisle.

In this realm where custom dictated that no one would walk the bride to the altar, Golnar moved with self-assured elegance. The absence of a guiding figure emphasized the bride's individuality, strength, and the personal transformation she underwent while stepping into this sacred commitment.

My eyes remained on Golnar and each step echoed with the resonance of her own choices in shaping her destiny. The ritual spoke to the Fae belief that the bride, in her solitary walk, was not just physically moving towards her mate but was also embarking on an internal journey.

It symbolized her independence, resilience, and the intentional stride she took towards the union, fully aware of her own identity and the path she was choosing.

As Golnar drew nearer, her resolute gaze met mine, and time seemed to slow. The depth of her icy blue eyes held a mesmerizing intensity, reflecting not just the commitment of the present moment but also the journey that led us here. The vivid hues spoke volumes, capturing the essence of our shared history and the promise of an entwined future.

The anticipation for the vows we were about to exchange intensified, creating an electric atmosphere that enveloped us. The profound connection I felt with Golnar deepened, a silent promise resonating between us, and as she reached my side, her presence encircled me in a warmth that transcended the enchanted surroundings.

In a soft whisper meant for her ears alone, I could not help but express the overwhelming truth, "You look absolutely beautiful."

The words escaped me effortlessly, a genuine acknowledgment of the beauty and grace she brought to this momentous occasion. Golnar's radiant smile in response mirrored the enchantment of the environment around us, and I knew right there and then that our union was destined to be nothing short of magical.

Under the ethereal glow of the moon, the High Priest, adorned in resplendent robes woven with silver threads, began the sacred ritual. The atmosphere hummed with the energy of ancient magic as Golnar and I stood before the altar, our hands gently intertwined.

We were presented with a golden chalice, its surface reflecting the soft moonlight, symbolizing unity. With synchronized movements, Golnar and I both touched the vessel, a silent promise to share not only the cup but the journey that lay ahead. As the High Priest spoke the words of the ancient vow, the air shimmered with enchantment. Golnar and I exchanged promises and the gravity of the words echoed in the sacred space, resonating with the magic that surrounded us.

The pinnacle of the ritual approached as the High Priest declared, "By the bonds of fate and the threads of magic, you are now united." With a graceful flourish, they gestured towards the shared chalice, inviting us to seal our vows.

Golnar and I, our eyes locked in unwavering connection, brought the cup to our lips simultaneously. The sweet nectar within held the essence of the union, a taste that lingered on our tongues as a testament to the vows we had spoken.

Finally, the ritual reached its crescendo, a moment that echoed in the hearts of every witness. The High Priest bestowed a silent blessing, and as the moonlight intensified, Golnar and I sealed our union with a tender kiss.

It was then that a wave of exhilaration rippled through the gathering as everyone rose from their seats in unison, their applause echoing through the sacred grove.

The air buzzed with the shared joy of witnessing a union that transcended the boundaries of tradition. As the applause reverberated, the Fae displayed gestures of approval—subtle nods, smiles, and murmurs of admiration. Among the applauding guests, Mahala and Izara, beamed with pride for their dear friend. Cedric, Kieran and Thyra, who had been seated beside them, exchanged delighted glances.

I looked at Golnar, my new wife, feeling a surge of gratitude for the twists of fate that brought us together. With a shared smile, we turned and took the first steps down the aisle as husband and wife.

Leaving the sacred alcove behind, Golnar and I ventured towards the castle, where the reception awaited us. The applause continued to echo in the enchanted corridors, and the soft glow of moonlit pathways guided our way.

Approaching the reception area, the enchanting melody of music wafted through the air, inviting us to join the lively dance of celebration. The doors swung open, revealing a breathtaking sight—a large banquet hall adorned with luminescent crystals, cascading flowers, and radiant draperies. The tables were set with exquisite cuisine, and the flickering glow of lanterns added a touch of enchantment to the ambiance.

Our arrival was met with another round of applause, and I felt a surge of pride at the warmth with which the Fae Kingdom welcomed us. Golnar and I continued to hold hands, a united front, as we gracefully navigated towards the central platform reserved for the newlyweds.

The High Priest, who had overseen our union, approached with a congratulatory smile, signalling the commencement of the reception. As we ascended the dais, the music swelled, inviting the guests to join the celebration,

Mahala, her laughter ringing through the air, raised her glass high. "To Queen Golnar and King Alaric! Let the celebration begin!"

Beside her, Izara joined in the gesture, lifting her glass in a toast as the crowd erupted in cheers. The resonating clinks marked the commencement of the festivity and the hall surges with an atmosphere of joy as the guests settled into the rhythm of celebration.

The High Priest, with their venerable presence, blessed the gathering, offering a prayer for eternal joy and harmony. Tables adorned with various delicacies became the centre of lively conversations and hearty laughter. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of enchanting dishes, sparking the appetite for both food and merriment.

After eating, Golnar and I, guided by the rhythmic tunes of music, found ourselves at the heart of the dance floor. Mahala and Izara, Kieran and the others, joined us on the dance floor, infusing the celebration with their lively spirits.

As the night unfolded, the hall became a canvas of swirling gowns, glistening crystals, and gleaming laughter. The music and laughter intertwined, creating an atmosphere where time seemed to stand still, a moment suspended in the embrace of celebration.

Sometime during the festivities, Mahala and Izara, with infectious enthusiasm, pulled Golnar into a lively dance, the sound of their laughter echoing through the celebratory air. Kieran, seizing the opportunity, enveloped me in a tight embrace, mischief evident in his eyes as he whispered teasing words into my ear.

"Nervous for the later part of the celebration?"

"Don't start," I grumbled.

Kieran chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Come on, Alaric. The night is still young, and as your trusted advisor, I must ensure you're well-prepared for all aspects of your new married life."

Rolling my eyes, I replied, "I assure you, I'm quite capable of handling myself."

He winked, "Well, handling yourself is one thing, but handling a Queen... That's an entirely different matter."

I found myself chuckling at his mischievous tone before Golnar was back in my arms, our laughter merging with the lively rhythm of the dance. The hall resonated with the joyous energy of friends, celebrating the union of two worlds.

At one point, I found myself engaged in animated conversations with my brother, Cedric, and a few other Fae nobles. However, in a momentary lull in the festivities, Golnar and I retreated to a quiet corner, adorned with soft hues and floating blossoms. The ambient glow created an intimate setting as we shared a quiet moment away from the lively celebration.

Golnar looked at me, her eyes filled with a warmth as she said, "Alaric, this is beyond anything I could have imagined. I never thought I'd find such acceptance among the Fae; everyone seems so happy for us."

I cupped her cheek, "You have a heart that bridges worlds. They see the extraordinary person you are, just as I do, my Queen."

A soft, appreciative smile curved on her lips, and she cast her gaze downward for a moment, perhaps processing the heartfelt sentiment. The flicker of vulnerability in her eyes only made her more endearing, emphasizing the authenticity of the connection we shared.

As my thumb traced a gentle path over her cheek, I felt the subtle rise and fall of her breath, a tangible response to the emotional resonance of the moment. It was a simple gesture, a touch to convey a depth of feeling that words alone could not capture.

The flush on her face spoke volumes, and I found myself wanting to see if it spread to other parts of her body. Knowing that now was not the time or place for such, I pushed the salacious thoughts away.

"How does it feel to be married?" I asked while trying to regain control of myself.

Golnar's eyes sparkled with delight as she replied, "It feels like stepping into a new chapter of my life, and even though our future may be uncertain, I look forward to facing whatever comes our way, together."

Pulling her into my arms, I smiled as we slowly swayed in time to the music, "I know our journey so far has been filled with unexpected turns, but I promise to always be by your side no matter what happens."

"Well, you have no choice now, you're stuck with me forever," she said, her voice carrying a playful tone.

Leaning into her, I whispered, "Forever indeed..."

"You know, I never thought I'd be dancing with the Fae King under the starlit sky," Golnar said in a soft voice.

I twirled her gently, the layers of her gown swirling gracefully with the motion, "And I never imagined a half-orc Queen could steal the heart of a Fae King. Life's full of surprises, isn't it?"

"Most certainly," she agreed, her laughter joining the joyous melodies of the celebration.

As we danced, I enjoyed the feel and warmth of her body against mine. The enchantment of the celebration surrounded us, but a different kind of magic lingered between Golnar and myself, growing with each shared glance and every fleeting touch.

I found myself eagerly anticipating the moment when the revelry would subside, and we could retire for the night, beginning our journey as husband and wife in the most intimate way possible.

——————————

A/N: Who doesn't love a good wedding? 🥰

Also, I'd like to mention that I have posted a new werewolf romance book on my profile.

It's called Winter's Howl so feel free to check it out 😁