Page 101 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

"It's time," Father said. He walked in, saw me, and smiled with pride. "Alice, you look beautiful today."

"Father." I walked over and took his arm.

"Ready?"

"Yes."

Adrian stepped to my other side, holding out his hand. "Don't be nervous. Father and I are with you."

I took his hand. Deep breath.

The hall doors slowly opened.

A red carpet stretched from the entrance all the way to the throne. Guests lined both sides—Hilphia nobles, Rhine envoys, delegates from friendly kingdoms. Everyone turned to look at me, eyes full of wonder.

I walked into the hall on Father and Adrian's arms.

Each step steady. Composed. I was no longer that humble, pleading, cautious Alice.

I was Hilphia's Queen. Rhine's Princess. Cedric's willing choice.

Cedric stood at the end of the carpet in a black formal suit embroidered with silver wolf totems, the Hilphia crest pinned to his chest.

His hair was immaculately groomed. Those golden eyes never left me, filled with devotion and awe.

When I reached him, Father released my hand and placed mine in Cedric's.

"Take care of her." Father's voice was low and solemn. "As Alice's father, I will always bless your marriage with happiness."

"I swear." Cedric's voice was serious. "I will guard her with my life."

Father nodded and stepped aside.

Adrian said nothing, just clapped Cedric's shoulder hard enough to make him stagger, then stepped back too.

"You're stunning," Cedric murmured, voice trembling. "So stunning I can barely believe this is real."

"Silly." I gripped his hand tight. "Of course it's real."

The priest stepped forward and began the ceremony.

"Honored guests, we gather here today to witness the sacred union of King Cedric Hilphia and Princess Alice. This is not only the union of Their Majesties, but a testament to the friendship between Hilphia and Rhine..."

I listened but couldn't help stealing glances at Cedric.

He was watching me too, tenderness practically spilling from his eyes, a happy smile on his lips.

"King Cedric Hilphia, do you take Princess Alice as your wife, to love her, cherish her, honor her, in poverty or wealth, sickness or health, until forever?"

"I do." His voice rang firm through the hall. "I swear I will love her, protect her, make her happy for the rest of my life."

"Princess Alice, do you take King Cedric Hilphia as your husband, to love him, cherish him, honor him, in poverty or wealth, sickness or health, until forever?"

I looked at him, thinking of everything we'd been through these past months. From my initial wariness and hatred, to gradually being won over, to watching him nearly die for me.

This time, I meant it with my whole heart.

"I do." My voice was clear and firm. "I swear I will love him, support him, stand by him for the rest of my life."