Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder-Chapter 1500 - 99 : A New Blessing
*Saoirse*
The scent of roses and lilies wafted through the grand halls of Egoren Palace as I flitted from one extravagant arrangement to the next, ensuring each bloom was positioned just so. The air buzzed with anticipation, a symphony of preparations playing out in every corner. My heart swelled with happiness for Aine, my dearest friend, whose wedding day had finally come.
"Isn’t it all just beautiful?" Aine’s voice was full of awe as she took in the sight before us.
"More than beautiful," I replied, sweeping a hand toward the high ceilings where banners representing both our Hunters Glen Pack and the Egoren lineage danced together in the wind. "It’s a perfect melding of our worlds."
“I can’t believe this is happening. I never expected...”
“Neither did I, but the love I see between the two of you... is real and true. I am so happy for you, Aine. If anyone deserves this, it’s you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Saoirse. The things you have sacrificed for the good of your people, of your kingdom... If anyone deserves true happiness, it is you.”
“Let’s meet in the middle and say we both deserve this. Let us just hope our men deserve us,” I said with a wink.
Aine laughed and squeezed my hand, her eyes shimmering with emotion. Her excitement was infectious. We moved through the palace, overseeing the setup of long tables that would soon groan under the weight of a feast fit for royalty.
"Look at these!" I exclaimed, picking up an ornate goblet, the metalwork twisting into patterns that seemed impossible. "They’ve even etched the story of the Moon’s Blessing upon the rim."
"Truly?" Aine leaned closer, squinting at the delicate imagery. "Saoirse, you’ve thought of everything."
I chuckled, placing the goblet back down with care. "It’s your day, Aine. It deserves nothing less."
While adjusting table settings and confirming menu details, I caught sight of the ceremonial archway. Craftsmen from both regions had toiled side by side, intertwining branches and flowers into a testament of unity. This arch would serve as the gateway to Aine’s new life, and its beauty left me breathless.
"Imagine walking through there, Aine," I said, my words soft as if speaking them louder might disturb the sanctity of the moment, "into Malcolm’s arms, into your future."
"Malcolm," she whispered, the love she held for him evident in the simple utterance of his name. "I can scarcely wait."
"Nor can he, I’m sure." I smiled.
"Thank you, Saoirse," Aine murmured, linking her arm in mine. "Thanks for all this and being here with me."
"Always," I assured her, knowing our friendship was a bond not even fate could sever. “No matter how far we are or how much time we spend apart, you are my truest friend. I will always be there for you if you need me.”
We continued our walk through the palace, finalizing each detail, every choice a celebration of the past and a hope for the future.
"Everything is ready," I declared, satisfaction thrumming through me. "Your wedding will be a tale sung for ages."
"Thanks to you," Aine replied, her voice barely above a whisper yet heavy with gratitude.
"Then let the songs tell of a day when two souls joined under the blessings of moon and sun," I said, raising my gaze to the painted skies of the palace ceiling. "And let them never forget how love united not just two hearts but two worlds."
***
The great hall of Egoren Palace shimmered, and the air thrummed with excitement. Row upon row of guests filled the seats, their finery a splash of bright color against the gray stone. I stood at the back, heart pounding not from nerves but an overwhelming sense of pride.
Malcolm, though royalty by blood and cousin to the crown prince, had chosen Aine. Like me, her roots had grown in modest soil. Like me, she had been underestimated and belittled. Yet now, there was no distinction between noble and commoner, only the union of two souls ordained by the stars themselves.
"Hard to believe it’s really happening," I murmured, glancing over my shoulder at Rhys, who stood tall and poised beside me. Seeing him standing there was both a joy and a sadness.
I couldn’t help but think back to what had been our wedding day, destroyed by Alexa and her ambitions, and how she had stolen so much more than my joy. She had taken Rhys’s ability to walk. Yet, he was standing there, waiting to walk with me down the aisle as best man and maid of honor.
"Indeed, Saoirse," Rhys replied, his voice steady yet touched with the same wonder that gripped me. "It is a joyous day to see Malcolm and Aine receive the honor they deserve."
I nodded, my gaze wandering over the intricate floral arrangements and banners that bore the emblems of both Egoren and Hunters Glen. My hands had arranged some of those blooms. My fingers had helped arrange so much of today.
"Look at you," Rhys said, a smile playing on his lips as he took in my appearance. "You’re every bit the maid of honor. Aine couldn’t have chosen better."
"Nor could Malcolm have a finer best man than you," I countered, the corners of my mouth lifting despite the flutter in my stomach. It wasn’t every day one witnessed the dawning of a new Chapter in history.
"Shall we?" Rhys extended his arm to me, a gesture both formal and comforting.
"Let’s," I agreed, placing my hand lightly on his forearm.
We stepped forward, the hush of anticipation from the assembly overwhelming us. With each step down the aisle, I felt the weight of the moment settle around us. It was the culmination of all the meticulous preparation, the weaving together of two lives. Our pace was measured, and our movements synchronized.
"Malcolm is fortunate," Rhys mused quietly as we walked, our path lit by the flickering candles that lined our way. "Not many can say they’ve found a love that transcends boundaries.
"True," I whispered back. "And Aine to rise so gracefully to her place beside him."
"Strength comes in many forms," Rhys said, his voice tinged with respect.
We reached the edge of the aisle. The expectant crowd turned to face us. As I looked upon the faces gathered, the nobles and the villagers alike, I knew this was more than a wedding.
The applause started as a gentle ripple and then grew louder and louder as we began to make our way down the aisle. Rhys stood next to me, his past troubles now just a memory in his clear, bright eyes. I could see him trying to hold back the emotion. Not long ago, these same people had called for his dismissal as heir to the throne. I squeezed his arm, pride filling me at how far he had come.
He looked strong and proud, but even he couldn’t divert everyone’s attention from Aine as she appeared. The music swelled to a crescendo, heralding the arrival of the bride.
"Look at her," I breathed, barely audible over the crowd’s adoration.
Aine glided toward us, radiant in a gown that seemed woven from moonlight itself. Her dress shimmered with each step, catching the soft glow of the candles and reflecting it back tenfold. She was ethereal, a vision of quiet strength that belied her timid nature.
Malcolm stood at the altar, his chest swelling with a breath held too long. He released it only when Aine reached his side. King Xander, regal and composed, stepped forward to preside over the vows. The crowd hushed, their eager whispers fading to silence.
"Today, we bear witness to a union of hearts and destinies," King Xander began, his voice resonating with the gravity of the moment. "Malcolm, Aine, speak your truth to one another."
Their vows were intimate whispers loud enough only for the closest to hear, yet their sincerity needed no amplification. With each word exchanged, the bond between them solidified, visible in the way they looked at each other as if the world beyond ceased to exist.
"By the power vested in me," King Xander declared after a pause that allowed the last of the vows to linger in the air like a sacred promise, "I recognize Malcolm as the Alpha successor for leadership over Hunters Glen."
My heart soared at the proclamation. It was more than just a title. It was the beginning of a legacy, a future secured by love and loyalty. Malcolm nodded solemnly, his eyes locked with Aine’s, a silent pledge of his commitment to her and their people.
The vast hall of the Egoren Palace vibrated with anticipation as King Xander’s voice filled every corner. "Furthermore," the king’s voice commanded attention, "Aine shall stand loyally at Malcolm’s side, assuming the mantle of Luna."
The applause returned, thunderous in its approval, as Malcolm and Aine turned to face the future together—united, unbreakable. I watched Aine, my dearest friend, as her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Her hand, resting within Malcolm’s, was steady—a testament to her unwavering resolve.
"Her grace and courage will guide her as she becomes the beacon for our people," King Xander continued, his gaze briefly meeting mine before returning to the couple before him. The declaration was more than a mere formality. It was a healing balm on the scars of recent conflicts, a promise of collaboration and peace between our lands.
"May your union be blessed," King Xander finished, his voice softening with paternal warmth. "And may your reign bring prosperity to our lands. You may now kiss your mate."
Cheers erupted anew. Malcolm, with the pride of a leader born and bred, turned to Aine, lifting her chin gently with his finger. Their kiss was a seal upon this sacred covenant, passionate and full of the promises of tomorrow.
As they parted, their smiles were like the dawn breaking over the horizon—radiant, warm, heralding a future where harmony would reign. My heart swelled for them, for us all, as we stood on the cusp of a restored era of peace. I was glad that Aine was able to forge peace where I had failed.
We had come so far since I was promised to Conall, and Rhys and I had fought our connection.
"Look at them," I whispered to Rhys, who stood beside me, his eyes bright with shared joy.
"May their days be long and prosperous," he replied, his voice a soft murmur blending with the cacophony of applause.
We watched Malcolm and Aine turn to face their people, their beaming faces alight with hope. They stepped forward, hands joined, ready to lead us into a time of serenity and alliance—a future they would shape with love and unwavering dedication.
