Chapter 222 We Can Walk Together

Chapter 222 We Can Walk Together
Adrian’s POV

I was supposed to be standing at the end of that long aisle like some proper king, waiting for my bride to float toward me in all her glory. Tradition and all that bullshit. 

But why the hell would I wait when I could have her right beside me from the start? This was our day. Screw standing around like a statue while everyone stared. 

When Tristen didn't respond to the email about attending the coronation, I knew that there would be no one to walk her down the aisle.

So, it has to be me.

I wanted to walk with her, arm in arm, and show the whole damn kingdom that we were in this together.

I found her just outside the grand double doors, alone in that hallway, clutching her bouquet like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. 

The second my hand landed gently on her arm, she turned, and the look on her face…pure relief mixed with that spark of wild excitement..hit me straight in the chest. 

My grip tightened on her arm, not enough to hurt, just enough to say ‘I’ve got you.’ 

A deep smile spread across my face before I could stop it.

“What are you doing here?” she whispered, eyes wide under that veil. “Aren’t you supposed to be waiting inside? Like…down the aisle or something?”

I cocked my head, grinning like the cocky bastard I was. “The rules say you walk down with either your father or, in his absence, a relative. And to the best of my knowledge, I’m your only relative present right now. So yeah… I’m walking you down the aisle to crown you my queen. Deal with it.”

I felt her eyes tearing up behind the veil. That soft shimmer got to me more than I wanted to admit.

Before the moment got too heavy, I leaned in with a silly smirk. “Besides, if I leave you alone out here, you might decide to bolt and escape to some private island. Can’t risk it.”

She slapped my arm, hard enough to sting but light enough that we both knew it was playful. “Adrian!”

I burst out laughing, that deep belly laugh that always came easy around her. 

She joined in after a second, and we both exhaled at the same time, like we’d been holding tension in our lungs. 

The hallway smelled like fresh flowers and polished wood, with faint music drifting from behind the doors. It felt real.

“You look beautiful,” I said, voice dropping low and serious now. I meant every word. “Not just the dress or the crown…the way you’re standing here, strong as hell after everything you’ve been through. That fire in you, Kira… it takes my breath away. You look like a queen who’s about to own this whole kingdom. Amazing doesn’t even cover it.”

Her cheeks flushed pink under the veil. I could see the blush creeping down her neck. “You look dashing too,” she mumbled, glancing up at me. “Really handsome in that outfit. Like you actually tried for once.”

I felt my own face heat up…me, blushing like some teenager. “I’m only trying to match up to your beauty. Wouldn’t want to embarrass my wild queen on her big day.”

We both laughed again, the sound echoing softly down the hall. She made a little sign for me to bend down. 
I brought my ear to her level, feeling her breath tickle my skin as she whispered, “I saw the crown earlier. I tried it on before they took it into the hall. It’s so sparkly and beautiful. Like it was made for me."

I smiled, pride swelling in my chest. “It was made for you, princess. I picked everything myself. I want it perfect for you.”

She tapped my arm again, that mischievous glint in her voice. “So… it's mine…right? Can I sell it afterwards? It’s gonna cost a ton of money.”

I groaned loud, dragging a hand down my face. “Why is that even an idea in your head? What do you possibly need money for? You’re literally the owner of a major global company, and aside from that, you’re about to be the queen of Draven! Are you trying to say I’m poor or something?”

She giggled. “What about the diamond necklace?”

“No.”

“The shiny ring?”

“Absolutely not, Kira. What are you thinking? You are not selling anything.”

She rolled her eyes dramatically, that wild side of her shining through. “Stop flaunting your wealth and leave me alone. I was just joking.”

I noticed the small pout forming on her lips under the veil. Couldn’t help it..I pulled her close, wrapping one arm around her waist and kissing the top of her head through the fabric. 

“I can give you everything and anything you want, okay? You don’t have to turn into a jewelry dealer on the side. I’ve got you.”

Her face flushed deeper. She stomped her feet once, like an impatient kid, and crossed her arms. 

“That’s it. I’m not getting crowned today anymore. I’m not interested in this relationship. You're accusing me unfairly.”

I bit back a smile, trying not to laugh at how adorable her fake tantrum was. 

This was the Kira no one could tame…wild, fiery, always keeping me on my toes. 

I cupped her face gently through the veil and started groveling, voice soft and melting. “Come on, my love. Don’t do this to me. I’d be lost without you. You’re the only one who makes this whole king thing worth it. I’ll spend every day making sure you never regret choosing me. Please? For your poor, lovesick mate who can’t function without your chaos?”

She started rocking childishly on her heels, fighting a smile and I kept going. “I’m going to make you the happiest queen to ever live. Spoil you rotten, chase you through the palace when you get wild ideas, and love you so hard you’ll forget what boredom feels like.”

She smiled then, big and real. “Okay fine! I believe you.”

But the smile vanished fast. “I just wish my father was here to walk me down.”

I smoothed her veil gently, heart twisting for her. “But I'm right here. I can be anything you need, Kira. Daddy, mate, king, idiot who makes you laugh…whatever.”
She laughed, the sound light and freeing. I brought out my arm, signaling for her to hook hers into mine. 

The moment she reached for it, commotion exploded by the entrance to the main courtyard. 

Footsteps pounded as shouts echoed off the stone walls. A guard came rushing in, face flushed, breathing hard.

“Your Majesty!” he panted. “They are here.”

I tensed, grip still firm on her arm. “Who are they?”

“Sir Tristen and his men.”

Kira instantly clenched the bouquet tighter, knuckles whitening around the stems. 

I clenched my fists, anticipation buzzing through my veins like electricity. The air felt thicker now, charged. 

Well, it’s about time we settle that score.

She turned to me, voice tight. “What are we going to do? Do you think my father came to attend the coronation or…?”

I offered her a light smile, reaching out to stroke her cheek even though the veil covered it. My fingers brushed soft fabric instead of skin, but the gesture still felt right.

“Touch her again and I swear to the moon I will cut your hands off!”

The voice thundered from the doorway, deep and furious. We both turned in sync, heads snapping toward the entrance.