Chapter 22
TWENTY-TWO
TESS
One month of wedding planning had nearly driven Tess to madness.
Not the scientific kind of problem-solving she thrived on, but the endless decisions about flowers, food, and whether to honor Earth traditions or Nova Aurora customs. She and Korran had debated everything from venue size to ceremonial protocols until they’d finally landed on something beautifully unconventional—a small ceremony at the ancient burial grounds where King Voran rested, followed by a grand reception at the estate where she would officially be crowned queen.
Now, sitting in the passenger seat of Gabrielle’s vehicle as they wound through the snow-covered mountain roads, Tess smoothed her hands over the silk of her wedding gown.
The dress was a masterpiece—a fitted bodice with delicate beadwork that caught the morning light, and a flowing skirt that managed to be both elegant and practical for the outdoor ceremony.
Her white fur coat, lined with the softest material she’d ever felt, kept the mountain chill at bay while making her feel every inch the queen she was about to become.
Queen.
The title still felt surreal, even after a month of preparation.
“You look absolutely stunning, dear,” Queen Lysia said from the backseat, her voice warm with maternal pride. “Though I suspect that glow has more to do with your mate than the dress.”
Tess caught Lysia’s knowing smile and felt heat rise in her cheeks. The former queen—who had officially stepped down yesterday to make way for Tess’s coronation—looked elegant in deep blue silk, her silver-streaked hair pinned in an intricate style that spoke of her years of royal experience.
“She’s practically vibrating with excitement,” Gerri chimed in from beside Lysia, her white bob perfectly styled despite the early morning.
The matchmaker wore one of her signature pantsuits in royal purple, complete with statement earrings that sparkled like tiny stars.
“Though I have to ask—when are you two planning on giving me some adorable royal babies to spoil?”
The old Tess would have choked on such a direct question, would have deflected with scientific data about optimal family planning timelines. But this version of herself—the woman who had learned to embrace love alongside logic—just smiled.
“We want children soon,” Tess admitted, surprising herself with how naturally the words came. “A big family, actually. We want to fill the estate with laughter and love.”
Gerri’s eyes flashed gold with satisfaction. “Now that’s what I like to hear. Nothing heals a kingdom quite like the pitter-patter of little royal feet.”
Through the mate bond, Tess felt a pulse of warmth and possessive satisfaction that could only be Korran. Even separated by miles, their connection hummed with anticipation and desire so intense it made her breathless.
“He’s eager to see you,” Lysia observed with motherly intuition. “I haven’t seen my son this happy in... well, perhaps ever.”
Gabrielle navigated the final curve in the mountain road, and the ancient burial grounds came into view.
The sacred space looked ethereal in the morning light—ancient stone markers dusted with blue snow, and towering yellow peaks creating a natural cathedral around the cleared ceremonial area.
Tess’s breath caught at the beauty of it, but more than that, she felt the rightness of this choice.
Having their wedding ceremony here, where King Voran’s spirit could witness his son’s happiness, felt like completing a circle of healing for this family she was joining.
“Perfect choice,” Lysia whispered, and Tess heard the thickness of emotion in her voice. “Voran would have loved this.”
As Gabrielle parked the vehicle, Tess spotted the small gathering already assembled near the ceremonial stones.
Korran stood at the center in a formal black suit and charcoal wool coat, his massive frame commanding even in the sacred space.
Beside him, Orric looked dignified in his ceremonial attire, while Kael—now officially her head research assistant—shifted nervously in clothes that were clearly borrowed for the occasion.
The clan elder who would officiate their ceremony waited patiently, his weathered face kind but solemn with the weight of tradition.
But Tess only had eyes for her mate.
When Korran turned and saw her stepping out of the vehicle, the wave of raw emotion that crashed through their bond nearly knocked her sideways. Love, possessiveness, hunger, and something deeper—a bone-deep satisfaction that spoke to his alpha nature finally claiming his mate completely.
His dark eyes tracked her every movement as she approached, and the heat in his gaze made her pulse race.
Even dressed formally for their wedding, he radiated that controlled power that had first captivated her.
The way his suit emphasized his broad shoulders and powerful frame, the careful styling of his dark hair, the predatory stillness with which he watched her walk toward him—everything about him screamed alpha male claiming his queen.
Mine, his voice whispered through their telepathic connection, the word carrying such fierce possessiveness it sent heat flooding through her core.
Yours, she replied, letting her own desire and love flow back to him. Always yours.
When she reached his side, he took her hands in his larger ones, his thumbs tracing over her knuckles with reverent care. “You’re breathtaking,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion.
“So are you,” she breathed back.
The elder stepped forward, his voice carrying easily across the sacred ground. “We gather here in this holy place to witness the union of King Korran Deyvar and Dr. Tess Holt, and to celebrate the joining of two hearts, two souls, two destinies.”
As the ceremony began, Tess felt the weight of tradition and the promise of their future settling around her like a blessing. The ancient words spoke of partnership, of strength found in unity, of the sacred responsibility of ruling together.
When it came time for vows, Korran’s words were simple but devastating. “Tess, you showed me that strength isn’t about standing alone, but about choosing to stand together. I promise to love you, protect you, and rule beside you for all the days of my life.”
Her own vows came from the heart. “Korran, you taught me that some risks are worth taking, that love doesn’t make us weak—it makes us unstoppable. I choose you, this kingdom, this life we’re building together. Always.”
When the elder pronounced them husband and wife, Korran’s kiss was claiming and thorough, a promise of everything to come. The small gathering erupted in cheers, but all Tess could focus on was the man holding her, and the absolute certainty that she was exactly where she belonged.
An hour later, the estate’s grand ballroom blazed with golden light from a thousand candles, their flames reflecting off polished marble and gilded mirrors until the entire space seemed to pulse with warmth and celebration.
Tess felt her breath catch as she and Korran stepped through the ornate double doors, his strong hand at her back guiding her into what felt like a fairy tale come to life.
The roar that erupted from the assembled clan members was deafening—hundreds of voices raised in jubilant welcome, hands clapping, feet stamping against the marble floor in rhythmic approval.
Tess had expected a formal reception, but this felt more like a spontaneous eruption of joy that made her heart swell with unexpected emotion.
“They love you already,” Korran murmured against her ear, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine even as pride radiated through their bond.
Through the crowd, she spotted the familiar faces that had become her chosen family.
Queen Lysia stood near the front of the room, resplendent in midnight blue silk, her face glowing with maternal pride and something deeper—relief, perhaps, that her son had found the happiness that had eluded him for so long.
Beside her, Orric cut an imposing figure, his usually stoic expression softened by genuine warmth as he nodded respectfully at Tess.
Gabrielle practically bounced on her toes near the ornate fireplace, her dark eyes sparkling with delight as she applauded enthusiastically.
Even Kael had managed to tame his usually disheveled appearance for the occasion.
The young scientist beamed at her with the kind of infectious enthusiasm that reminded her why she’d grown so fond of him.
But it was Gerri who made Tess’s heart squeeze with affection.
The matchmaker stood near the front of the crowd wearing what could only be described as a triumphant smirk.
When their eyes met, Gerri raised her champagne glass in a subtle salute, her blue eyes flashing gold with satisfaction at another successful match.
My family, Tess thought, the realization hitting her with surprising force. These people are my family now.
Korran’s hand pressed more firmly against her back as he guided her through the parting crowd toward the front of the ballroom. The way he moved—confident, protective, utterly commanding—sent heat through her.
At the front of the room, Head Councilor Meredith waited with barely contained excitement, the sparkling crown of the Northern Dominion Queen resting on a velvet cushion beside her. The older woman’s weathered face creased into a genuine smile as they approached.
“Head Councilor,” Korran said formally, though his voice carried warmth. “I present to you my wife and your future queen.”
Meredith stepped forward, her voice carrying easily across the suddenly hushed ballroom.
“Dr. Tess Deyvar, you have proven yourself not only as a scientist and protector of this realm, but as a woman of courage, integrity, and strength. Will you accept the crown and title of Queen of the Northern Dominion, and pledge to rule with wisdom and compassion?”
Tess felt the weight of hundreds of eyes upon her, but instead of the terror she might have expected, she felt only certainty. This was her destiny—not the one she’d planned, but the one she’d been meant for all along.
“I accept,” she said, her voice clear and strong. “I pledge to serve this clan and this territory, with everything I have.”
As Meredith lifted the crown—a masterpiece of silver and sapphires that caught the candlelight like captured starfire—Tess felt a moment of surreal wonder.
How did I get here? How did a struggling scientist from Chicago end up becoming queen of an alien world?
The crown settled on her head with surprising lightness, but she felt the symbolic weight of it in her bones. The ballroom erupted in cheers again, but Tess barely heard them over the thundering of her own heartbeat.
“My fellow clan members,” she began, her voice carrying across the suddenly quiet room.
“I stand before you not as someone born to rule, but as someone who chose to fight for truth, for justice, and for the people I love. I promise to lead this clan with strength when strength is needed, integrity when choices are hard, truth even when it’s painful, and passion for the future we’ll build together. ”
The crowd’s response was electric—not just applause, but genuine enthusiasm that made her chest tight with emotion. But before she could fully process the moment, Korran was there, his powerful arms wrapping around her waist.
His kiss was claiming, possessive, and utterly shameless in front of their entire clan. The taste of him, the scent of pine and spice, the heat radiating from his massive frame—it all combined to make her forget they had an audience.
When he finally pulled back, his dark eyes blazed with alpha satisfaction and something deeper. “Perfect,” he said softly. “You’re absolutely perfect, my queen.”
Heat flooded through her at the possessive rumble in his voice, at the way his hands still gripped her like he couldn’t bear to let her go.
“Dance with me,” he commanded more than asked, already guiding her toward the center of the ballroom where space had been cleared for their first dance as king and queen.
As the orchestra began to play—a haunting melody that spoke of ancient traditions and new beginnings—Tess let herself be swept into Korran’s arms. His hand at her waist was warm and sure, his other hand engulfing hers as he led her into the traditional steps of a royal waltz.
This is really my life, she thought as they moved together in perfect synchronization, the silk of her wedding gown swirling around them like liquid moonlight. I’m dancing with my mate, my husband, my king, in front of our people, wearing a crown that makes me their queen.
The magnitude of it should have terrified her, but instead she felt only a deep sense of rightness. As if every choice she’d ever made, every struggle she’d endured, every moment of doubt and determination had been leading her to this exact moment in this exact man’s arms.
A sharp pang of grief cut through her joy as she thought of her mother, of how proud she would have been to see her daughter not just surviving, but thriving.
You’d love him, Mom, she thought, pressing her face against Korran’s broad chest to hide the sudden tears. You’d love how he protects me, how he sees my strength instead of trying to diminish it.
Through their bond, she felt Korran’s immediate concern, his arms tightening around her in wordless comfort.
“She’s watching,” he murmured against her hair, somehow understanding without explanation. “She’s proud of the incredible woman you’ve become.”
Tess lifted her head to meet his intense gaze, seeing nothing but love and certainty there. “How do you always know exactly what I need to hear?”
His smile was soft, tender in a way that caused her heart to skip. “Because you’re my other half. Your heart is my heart now.”
As they continued to dance, surrounded by the warmth of their clan’s approval and the promise of their shared future, Tess finally understood. This hadn’t been about saving a dying king or proving her scientific worth.
This had been about finding her home, her purpose, her destiny in the arms of a man who saw her not as someone to be protected, but as someone powerful enough to stand beside him.
This is who I was always meant to be.