Chapter 263

Chapter 263
Elenna's POV

Upon our return, I visited Kyra in her cell and informed her that Solan had been utterly defeated.

I looked into my sister's face, searching for any trace of the girl I once knew. Kyra sat across from me, her eyes downcast, shoulders slumped—a stark contrast to her usual proud posture. We were alone in a small sitting room, the morning light streaming through the windows of my private chambers in the palace.

"I've arranged for an escort to take you back home," I said, breaking the silence. "You'll be safe there with our parents. Solan..." I hesitated. "Solan doesn't deserve any more of your time or devotion."

Kyra nodded, surprising me with her lack of resistance. "I know," she whispered. "I wasted so much time being jealous, wanting what was yours." She looked up, tears welling in her eyes. "I was so envious of everything about you, Elenna. I thought taking Solan would make me feel whole."

Something in her vulnerability touched me. Despite everything, she was still my sister.

"There's something you should know," she continued, her voice barely audible. "That time... when you fell down the stairs..." She swallowed hard. "You were pregnant."

The world seemed to stop. "What?" I breathed.

"The child was small, just a few weeks. Even with dragon blood, it couldn't survive the injuries." Her eyes met mine, filled with guilt. "Our parents covered it up for the sake of honor. No one knows except them... and me."

My chest tightened painfully. "My child," I whispered, tears spilling down my cheeks. "Mine and Aurelian's child."

A knock at the door interrupted us. Aurelian entered, his expression darkening when he saw my tears. "What's happened?" he demanded, moving swiftly to my side.

When I told him, his eyes flashed dangerously. I could feel the heat rising from his skin, his dragon fire responding to his rage. But I placed my hand on his arm.

"Nothing will bring our child back," I said softly. "I didn't want the cycle of violence to continue."

He simply nodded, gathering me into a fierce, silent hug. Later that day, Aurelian and I held a small, private ceremony for our lost child.

Two weeks later, I stood in my chambers, now draped in white silk and lace. Today was my wedding day. My hair had been intricately braided and pinned with pearls and small white flowers. My wedding bouquet lay on the table, waiting for the moment I would walk to the great hall.

"You look beautiful," Doria said, her eyes bright with unshed tears.

I smiled, feeling both sweet anticipation and nostalgia. After today, I would leave this room and move permanently into Aurelian's chambers—though he had promised me this room would remain mine to use whenever I wished. Still, what I wanted most was to move forward with him.

"A letter arrived for you," I said, noticing Doria's gaze lingering on a folded piece of parchment. "From Malcolm?"

She nodded, closing her eyes briefly before facing me. "A belated apology," she explained. "Not a particularly good one, but an apology nonetheless."

I remembered how Malcolm had failed to stand by Doria after the terrible events at the rebel stronghold, disappearing like a coward rather than approaching her to make amends.

"Will you forgive him?" I asked.

"We'll remain friends through letters," she said, her expression calm. "Nothing more."

I nodded, relieved. Doria deserved someone who would protect her as fiercely as Aurelian had protected me. Someone who wouldn't abandon her when things became difficult.

A knock at the door signaled it was time. Doria's contemplative expression transformed into a smile, and I found myself smiling back.

"Ready?" she asked.

"Yes," I answered firmly.

At the entrance to the great hall, Doria went ahead while I waited out of sight. When the music began, it was my signal to enter.

I turned the corner and stepped into the hall. Every guest rose to their feet, lining the long aisle I would walk. Representatives from every tribe and species stood watching—faces I recognized from councils and celebrations, some friendly, some merely curious.

But when my eyes locked on Aurelian waiting for me, everyone else blurred into insignificance. I felt as though I was no longer walking through a hall but floating through clouds, moving toward my mate and the future we would create together.

I couldn't believe how far we'd come. Not long ago, I had seen Aurelian as a brutal king, a cold-hearted tyrant who placed power above all else. While he remained independent and stubborn, he'd grown compassionate in ways I never expected. He was proud and powerful and loved me fiercely. I couldn't imagine a more perfect mate.

And now this mate would become my husband.

As I drew closer, Aurelian's face became more distinct. I could see the love shining plainly in his eyes. He made no attempt to hide his feelings, letting the whole world see—though everyone already knew. The sacrifices Aurelian had been willing to make for me had become legendary. Some said the love between Aurelian and me was the greatest love story the kingdom had ever known.

When I finally reached Aurelian's side, he cupped my face and kissed me. Some onlookers chuckled because it wasn't yet time for the kiss, but Aurelian seemed unable to help himself. I didn't mind—I'd wanted to kiss him too.

Our smiles broke the kiss apart.

"Elenna, my love, my mate, my Queen," he whispered against my lips.

"Aurelian, my beloved," I responded, and his smile widened.

When we were finally alone in our chambers, the door locked behind us, we eagerly removed each other's clothes, nearly tripping in our haste to reach the bed.

Aurelian tasted every inch of my body, bringing me to the edge of pleasure. He teased me, keeping me there until he thrust powerfully into me, pushing me over that edge again and again.

He drew climax after climax from me until I had nothing left to give. Only then did he find his own release, shooting deep inside me with no attempt to withdraw.

Afterward, he collapsed beside me, our limbs a sweaty tangle, but our lips still meeting in sweet kisses.

"I might get pregnant," I reminded him.

"Might?" Aurelian asked with a mischievous gleam in his eye. "Was I not thorough enough?"

I looked at him curiously. "Aurelian, are you trying to get me pregnant?"

"Would you object to the idea? Because I rather like it," he answered.

I imagined our future—a life together forever, little ones running at our feet. Hope and joy filled me, and I found myself touching my stomach longingly.

"I like the idea too," I told him.

Aurelian smiled, kissing me. "I'll give you a family, Elenna, and everything else you want."

"I want that," I said. "I want you."

Aurelian grinned. "You have me, Elenna. I'm yours, now and forever."

Another passionate kiss, and we began again. I felt so happy I might float away, already spreading my legs for him once more as Aurelian brushed his fingers over the mark on my neck and reclaimed my body.

"And you, Elenna, are mine."