I blink back tears. Progress.
Nikolai has been trying too, sending Derek real information about Krovenia, the history, culture, and scientific studies proving that glamoring is a myth, that Krovenians have lived peacefully alongside humans for centuries. No propaganda, just facts.
“Is any of it getting through?” I asked him last week.
“Well, your brother hasn’t blocked my emails yet,” Nikolai said. “And he hasn’t mentioned to any of his online conspiracy groups that the Vampire King is now his brother-in-law. I consider both of those progress.”
I tuck the card into my bouquet. Derek isn’t here. But in a way, he is.
“Ready?” Mrs. Vasek asks.
I take a deep breath. “Ready.”
The ceremony is heldin the castle’s great hall, transformed with thousands of white flowers and soft candlelight. Every seat is filled with all of the kind Krovenians who were there that morning in our bedroom, trying to keep their King and accept their new Queen. And Jenna is here too, with her new Italian husband.
The music starts and I begin the long walk down the aisle.
And then I see Nikolai.
He stands at the altar in full black and silver royal regalia, his crown gleaming on his head. He’s looking at me like I’m everything he’s ever wanted.
His fangs extend slightly. He doesn’t even try to hide them.
I almost trip over my own feet.
By the time I reach him, we’re both a little teary. He takes my hands in his, and they’re trembling. The Vampire King, trembling. For me.
“Hi,” I whisper.
“Hi,” he whispers back. “You look...”
“I know. You too.”
The officiant clears his throat. There are quiet chuckles from the crowd.
The ceremony is a blend of Krovenian and human traditions, I requested both, and Nikolai made sure I got them. But when it comes time for the vows, we wrote our own.
Nikolai goes first.
“Claire.” His voice is rough, thick with emotion. “Three months ago, you walked into my study and I rudely called your entire species stupid, criticized your dusting and told you to stay away from me.”
Quiet laughter ripples through the crowd. Mrs. Vasek is already sobbing.
“And in response, you called me an arrogant, condescending asshole.”
More laughter now. Louder.
“You were right about me.” He squeezes my hands. “I was terrified of what I felt for you. I’d spent thirty-two years feeling nothing, and suddenly there you were, making me feel everything. I didn’t know how to handle it. So I pushed you away.”
His voice drops lower, just for me. “And then you left me a note. You walked into a blizzard to save me from yourself. You signed it with love and you didn’t even realize it.”
Oh god. I’m crying now.
His voice rises again, for the benefit of the crowd. “I will spend the rest of my life making sure you never doubt how much you’re loved. You are my mate. My queen. The mother of my child.” His hand drifts to my belly. “I choose you, Claire. Forever.”
The crowd erupts in applause. I’m a happy, tearful mess. This is most likely ruining my makeup, but oh well.
“Your turn,” the officiant says gently.
