Chapter 247 His Heartbeat

Althea’s vision blurred and tears spilled down her cheeks before she realized they had formed. She felt it. Not as a memory alone, but as truth.

This man had truly loved her.

Meanwhile, Gavriel saw her crying and panic flared in his chest. He broke from tradition without hesitation, quickening his steps until he reached her. His hands hovered, unsure if he should touch her, afraid he might overwhelm her.

“Althea,” he whispered urgently. “What’s wrong? Are you in pain

She shook her head, tears still falling, and looked up at him. “No,” she said softly. “I just… I remember how you made me feel.”

His breath stilled. Before he could speak, the officiant cleared his throat gently, signaling that the ceremony must continue. So they took their places.

The officiant spoke of unity born not from conquest, but from choice. Of two souls bound not only by fate, but by sacrifice and faith. Of kingdoms learning that strength did not always come from power, but from love willingly given.

When the vows were spoken, Gavriel did not look away from her for even a second.

“Althea,” he said, voice firm but thick with emotion, “I swear to protect you with or without a throne. To walk beside you in light or in shadow. To choose you every day, even when the world demands otherwise.”

Her voice trembled when it was her turn, but she did not falter.

“I choose you,” she said. “Not because of crowns or destiny, but because my heart recognizes yours.”

The officiant smiled.

“By the witness of heaven and earth, I declare you bound.”

Cheers filled the hall.

Gavriel leaned in, pressing his forehead to hers before kissing her gently, reverently.

As the ceremony concluded, he turned to the crowd and spoke clearly.

“From this day forward, she is no longer Althea Grant alone,” he announced. “She is Althea Kingsley, my wife. And when we return home, she will be crowned Queen of Lunaris.”

The hall erupted in applause.

Althea squeezed his hand, overwhelmed yet steady.

For the first time in her life, she was not just surviving. She was chosen and she felt she was finally home.

*****

Soon, music filled the grand hall, warm and lively, as lanterns and crystal lights cast a golden glow over the celebration. Nobles, warriors, and allies mingled freely, laughter rising above the melody as cups were raised in honor of peace, victory, and new beginnings.

Althea stood beside Gavriel, her hand resting lightly in his as they moved with the rhythm of the music. She was still getting used to moments like this, being at the center of attention, wearing a gown that felt like it belonged to a dream rather than reality. Yet strangely, she did not feel overwhelmed. With Gavrielar, the world seemed quieter, steadier.

They danced slowly, surrounded by others, but to Althea it felt as the crowd faded in and out, like a distant blur. Gavriel’s hand was warm at her waist, firm but gentle, guiding her without effort she found herself relaxing into the motion, trusting him even when she did not fully understand why that trust came so easy.

Then, without warning, Gavriel leaned close to her ear.

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“Come with me,” he murmured.

+25 Bonus

Before she could ask what he meant, he shifted, breaking away from the dance. In one smooth motion, he swept her up into his arms. Gasps and surprised laughter rippled through the hall as heads turned their way.

“Gavriel!” Althea protested softly, instinctively gripping his shoulder. “What are you doing?”

He only grinned at her, eyes gleaming with mischief and affection “You’ll see.”

He carried her through the hall, ignoring the amused cheers behind them. Althea’s heart raced, half from embarrassment, half from anticipation. She did not truly resist. Somehow, she trusted wherever he was taking her.

They reached the staircase leading upward, away from the noise and lights below. Each step took them farther from the celebration until the music softened into a distant echo. At the top. Gavriel pushed open a set of doors that led outside.

The cool night air greeted them, carrying the scent of stone, flowers, and the open sky. He set her down gently on her feet just as the first explosion of light burst above them.

Althea gasped.

Fireworks bloomed across the sky, brilliant reds, golds, and blues spreading like flowers made of flame. One followed another, filling the heavens with light and thunder. Reflections danced in her eyes as she stared upward, completely mesmerized.

“Oh,” she breathed. “It’s beautiful…”

Gavriel smiled. “I thought it would look best from here.”

She turned to him, still stunned, and found him watching her instead of the sky. His gaze was soft, almost reverent, as if the fireworks were nothing compared to what stood in front of him.

Before she could say anything, he stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her from behind. The warmth of his body enveloped her, steady and protective. She felt his breath against her hair.

They stood like that while the sky continued to blaze above them, light flickering over stone and skin alike.

“I know,” Gavriel said quietly, breaking the silence. “Your memories are not all back yet.”

Her breath caught, but she nodded.

“I meant what I said before,” he continued. “I will wait. As long as it takes.”

He tightened his hold just a little, not possessive, but grounding. past. You deserve time.”

will not force you. Not your body, not your heart, not your

Althea felt something swell in her chest, something warm and aching all at once. She placed her hands over his arms, feeling the strength there, and leaned back into him.

“But,” he added, his voice lowering with a hint of vulnerability, “to have one request.”

She glanced up at him, curious. “What is it?”

“That you sleep beside me,” he said honestly. “Just that. One bed. No pressure. No expectations.” He hesitated, then admitted, “ Let me hold you, and let me know you’re there when I wake up.”

Another firework exploded, painting the sky white and gold. For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Althea closed her eyes briefly, listening to his heartbeat behind her I was steady, real, and somehow familiar. Though her memories were fractured, her heart felt calm in his arms.

“Let’s do that,” she said softly.

Gavriel exhaled slowly, as if he had been holding his breath all alo. He lowered his chin to rest lightly against her head. “ Thank you,” he murmured.

She turned in his arms to face him, and the firelight reflected in his eyes. Without thinking, Althea lifted onto her toes, cupped

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his face, and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.