BOUND BY ROYALTY

CHAPTER 3

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The sound of wedding bells echoed far and wide as I rode through the town in my ornate carriage, making my way to the church where I would be joined in matrimony with my future partner. Each chime reverberated through my chest, a reminder of the momentous occasion ahead. My heart raced, pounding against my ribcage, and my palms grew sweaty with anticipation. I wore the finest white suit that the seamstress had crafted, designed specifically to capture and accentuate my delicate features. The fabric felt luxurious against my skin, yet it also amplified the weight of my situation. Being an omega had never been easy, but now, here I was, on the brink of marrying the crown prince of the empire—a reality I had never imagined.

As I reached my destination, the carriage came to a halt, and I hesitated for a brief moment, overwhelmed by the enormity of what lay ahead. I took a deep breath, steadying myself for the journey into this new life. My father's outstretched hand beckoned me to step down from the carriage, and I grasped it, feeling the reassuring grip of his support.

The grand oak doors of the church loomed before me, their intricate carvings glistening in the sunlight, standing as a solemn threshold to my future. I felt the weight of their presence as they stared back at me, a symbol of the commitment I was about to make. It was time to enter and take my vows to the man who would be my husband and my forever.

In truth, as much as I had never desired this marriage, it was happening, and I knew I had to make the best of it. I steeled myself for the journey ahead, reminding myself that perhaps there could be joy in this union, even if it was forged under the pressures of duty and expectation.

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As I stepped through the grand oak doors, the church was awash with light, illuminating the gathering of family, friends, and dignitaries who had come to witness this union. The fragrant scent of blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the soft music played by a small ensemble in the corner. I felt my heart flutter, a mix of anxiety and excitement, as I moved forward, the eyes of the congregation upon me.

Aleron stood at the altar, his tall frame draped in royal attire, exuding an aura of confidence that only an alpha could possess. Our gazes met, and I noticed a flicker of uncertainty in his striking blue eyes, a reflection of my own feelings. The priest began the ceremony, his voice steady and reassuring as he spoke of love, loyalty, and the bond we were about to forge.

As we exchanged vows, my heart pounded in my chest. "I do," I whispered, the words feeling both heavy and liberating as they left my lips. I looked into Aleron's eyes, searching for a hint of warmth or sincerity, and found a mixture of determination and resignation. He took my hand, his grip firm yet gentle, and together we placed the rings on each other's fingers, sealing our fate.

With the final pronouncement of "husband and husband," the congregation erupted in applause, and a sense of finality washed over me. As Aleron leaned in to press a soft kiss to my lips, I felt a surge of warmth course through me, an unexpected sensation that made me question everything I thought I knew about this marriage.

Once the ceremony concluded, we stepped outside into the sunlight, the cheers of the crowd surrounding us like a warm embrace. The town had gathered to celebrate our union, their faces beaming with joy and excitement. Flowers rained down upon us, a colorful shower that seemed to bless our new beginning.

As we climbed back into the carriage, I felt the weight of the day pressing down on me. The journey to the palace was filled with a strange silence, interrupted only by the rhythmic clatter of hooves against cobblestones. Aleron sat beside me, his expression contemplative as we traveled through the streets, the palace looming ever closer.

"Are you alright?" he finally asked, breaking the silence.

"I suppose so," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's all just... a lot to take in."