Chapter 43
· King Soren ·
The next day
As I review the final details of today’s wedding with Damian.
There’s a steady buzz of activity throughout the castle—guards patrolling the grounds, servants rushing in and out, and preparations for what is set to be the most important event of the year.
Everything is going smoothly, at least for now.
But there’s still something gnawing at the back of my mind.
Aubrey deserves this day to be perfect. After everything she’s been through, I want her to feel nothing but happiness today. She’s excited about the wedding, but no matter how hard she tries to hide it, she’s thinking about her father—wishing he could be here to walk her down the aisle.
Every time I see her talk about him, there’s this flicker of pain in her eyes, as though she’s trying to prepare herself for the possibility that he may never wake up.
I glance at Damian, who’s quietly going over the security plan one last time, oblivious to the thoughts racing through my mind because yesterday I lied to Aubrey.
After speaking with the hospital and her mother yesterday, he had woken up the night prior.
Though the doctors don’t want him leaving, after speaking with him, there is no way he is going to miss his daughter’s wedding, and he was furious that everyone was keeping it from him.
Though I know his mate only did because he is still not fit enough to be traveling.
“I’ll be back,” I tell Damian, standing abruptly.
Damian frowns. “Now? Soren, we still have to finalize a few—”
“Handle it,” I say firmly. “I have something more important to take care of.”
Damian’s eyes narrow in suspicion, but he doesn’t argue. I open the mindlink to Kieran to see how far out they are. Kieran went to get them for me this morning. “How far out are you?” I ask, knowing he should be back or close to.
“We are literally pulling up out front.” He laughs, and I head for the front of the castle. As I step outside, I see Lila gazing up at the castle in awe, dressed for the day in a green silk gown. She smiles when she notices me and quickly steps forward to shake my hand.
“Does Aubrey know?” she asks.
“No, it will be a surprise, though I think she realizes something is going on by my mood. So where is he?” I ask, glancing back at the SUV where Kieran is blocking my sight of the back door.
I hear some groaning and cursing. “What is with everyone trying to hold my damn hand, I am not a frail old man,” I hear Alpha Jefferson say when Kieran tries to help him out of the car.
Alpha Jefferson’s gaze is steady as he takes me in, his features pale, and I can just make out the scars around his neck that are still red and angry but healing.
He’s thinner than I remember, and there’s a weariness in his eyes, but he’s very much alive.
“I thought the infection was gone?” I ask Lila.
“No, he has flared up. Doc gave him medication, and he still isn’t supposed to be out of the hospital. Stubborn old fool.” He should have good healing ability being Alpha, but it seems back-to-back injuries have taken a toll on his wolf and his ability to heal.
“Soren,” he says, his voice rough from disuse. “It’s… good to see you. I haven’t seen you for ages.”
“It’s good to see you, too, Alpha Jefferson,” I reply, stepping forward. “You have no idea how relieved Aubrey will be to know you’re awake.”
At the mention of his daughter, a flicker of emotion crosses his face. “Aubrey… She’s all right?”
“She’s more than all right,” I assure him. “She’s safe, though she was upset you weren’t going to make it.”
“I would never forgive myself if I didn’t show up for her wedding,” Jefferson says to his wife, who arches a brow at him. “You wouldn’t have shown up had she married Rhett.”
“That man was a worm,” Jefferson snarls.
“We’ve kept your condition quiet,” I continue. “Aubrey doesn’t know you’re awake yet. I thought it might be better to surprise her.”
Jefferson glances at Lila, who smiles softly and squeezes his hand. “She’s been so worried about you,” Lila says. “I can’t wait to see the look on her face when she finds out.”
“Are you sure you’re alright to walk her down the aisle,” I ask.
Jefferson’s expression shifts. “I’ll need help,” he says after a moment. “I’m not as strong as I used to be, infection keeps trying to linger.”
“You’ll have plenty of help,” I assure him. “All you need to do is stand by her side.”
“Good, she can hold me up, but I will be walking her one way or another,” he chuckles.
· Aubrey ·
Sunlight filters through the massive windows of the castle, casting golden beams onto the marble floors. There’s a palpable excitement in the air, a buzz of anticipation as the castle’s staff scurries around with last-minute preparations. Today is the day. My wedding day.
I stand in the middle of my room, looking out over the castle grounds.
From up here, I can see the massive tent set up in the courtyard, with rows of elegantly decorated chairs and tables, floral arrangements in soft hues of gold and ivory adorning every surface.
Beyond that, cameras flash incessantly as paparazzi gather outside the gates, eager to catch a glimpse of the royal wedding of the year.
My heart beats wildly in my chest, but it’s not just nerves—it’s a mix of emotions.
Excitement, anxiety, joy, and… disbelief.
After everything we’ve been through—after Rhett, Bianca, Clyde, and the secrets that nearly tore everything apart—we’re finally here.
We’ve fought, we’ve bled, and we’ve won.
A soft knock on the door pulls me out of my thoughts. “Come in,” I call, my voice slightly breathless.
The door opens, and Maribel enters, carrying a delicate bouquet of white roses and lilies. She grins at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You look like a queen, Aubrey.”
I glance down at my gown, all lace and silk that flows around me like water, its train trailing behind me in soft, shimmering folds. The bodice is fitted, embroidered with tiny crystals that catch the light with every movement. A veil, edged in the same delicate lace, drapes over my shoulders.
“I feel like I can barely breathe,” I admit with a nervous laugh.
“That’s normal,” Maribel says cheerfully, setting the bouquet on a nearby table. “Every bride feels that way.”
She fusses with my veil, smoothing it out before stepping back to admire her handiwork. “Perfect,” she declares. “Now, are you ready?”
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I tell her, stepping out into the corridor, only when I do, I nearly break down at the sight of my father.
“Dad?” I stutter, as if I’m seeing a ghost.
My father steps forward, his pale blue eyes twinkling, the kind smile I’ve missed so much etched on his face. “Aubrey,” he breathes, reaching out to touch my cheek. His hand is solid, warm.
“But… how?” I breathe out, stepping into his familiar embrace. It is real. He smells of old books and coffee grounds like he always did.
“I couldn’t miss my princess’s big day,” he chuckles. His laughter vibrates through me, a sound so familiar yet so foreign. Tears threaten to spill from my eyes as I cling to him tighter.
“Thank you,” I answer quietly. “For being here.”
His hand brushes away another tear rolling down my cheek. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He gives me a reassuring smile, wrapping an arm around my shoulders as we begin to walk to the grand staircase together.
“I’m sorry, I should have listened to you,” I tell him as he loops his arm through mine.
“I’m glad you didn’t,” he tells me and I glance at him.
“Had you, you wouldn’t be about to marry a king, one who adores you, by the way.I tried to get you back, you know, even cut a deal with Rhett. I was going to give up the ports for you. I thought you’d see sense, come home, and when you didn’t I went looking for you, but you were already gone.”
I feel a sob bubble up within me, grievances of the past threatening to cloud the joy of my present. But today is not a day for holding on to the past; it is about embracing the future.
“So, are you ready,” he asks as we reach the bottom and the double doors leading outside open.