𝐄𝐙𝐄𝐊𝐈𝐄𝐋 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

37

When we arrived at the palace, Akira's eyes widened as she took in the grand architecture, ornate decor, and lush surroundings. The Syndrilian palace was a sight to behold, even for those of us who grew up within its walls, so I could only imagine what it must feel like for her to see it for the first time.

As we entered, my uncle, King Alexander Maximiano—Uncle Max to me—greeted us with a warm, easygoing smile. Despite the regal title, he was only two years older than I was, and he’d always been more like a friend and mentor than a royal figure looming over me.

“Ahh, so this is Akira,” Uncle Max said, his eyes gleaming with interest as he looked her over. “The woman who managed to capture the heart of the infamous Morganthe womanizer.”

I laughed, rolling my eyes. “Here comes another bully.”

Akira smiled, undeterred. “Indeed,” she replied confidently, earning an approving laugh from my uncle.

Her response only seemed to endear her further to him, and I could tell that he was impressed by her poise. She wasn’t just standing beside me; she was holding her own, meeting the Morganthe family on her terms.

After a warm welcome and a grand breakfast with the king, my mother immediately whisked Akira away, chattering excitedly about their shopping spree and what was planned for the day. Eros, who had insisted on driving us, joined them as well, along with a few of the palace guards for good measure.

With Akira off exploring the city with my mother, I stayed behind with Uncle Max. He motioned for me to sit down in his private study, where we could discuss the upcoming wedding in peace.

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “It’s been thirty years since anyone in the family has had a royal wedding, Ezekiel. Do you realize how significant this is?”

I nodded, feeling a surge of pride. “I do. And I think Akira and I are ready for it. This is more than just a marriage to me, Uncle. It’s a new chapter.”

Uncle Max gave me a thoughtful look. “And I’m happy for you. You’ve come a long way from the days when we’d have to chase you out of the palace for getting into mischief.” He smirked, but there was warmth in his eyes.

“People change,” I said with a grin. “Akira’s helped me realize what truly matters. And I want to share this life with her, build something together.”

“Then you’ll have all the support you need,” he replied, nodding. “The kingdom will celebrate with you, Ezekiel. And believe me, everyone has been waiting for an event like this.” He leaned forward, a glint of humor in his eye. “But try not to upstage the rest of us too much, alright?”

I chuckled. “I’ll do my best. But no promises.”

As I sat there, talking plans with Uncle Max, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of tradition blending with the excitement of our new beginning. Soon, this palace would see its first royal wedding in three decades, and it would be Akira and me at the center of it all.

🤍🤍🤍

AKIRA:

The moment she stepped into the shop, I knew she was someone special. Tall and graceful, with an hourglass figure that seemed sculpted by the gods, she moved with an effortless elegance that drew all eyes to her. Her face, delicate and youthful, held a captivating beauty that was both ethereal and captivating.  She couldn't have been older than twenty, but her presence commanded attention, a silent magnetism that radiated from her like a beacon in the bustling marketplace.

Men, I knew, would be vying for her attention, but her gaze was fixed solely on Ava, a woman whose warmth and charisma were as evident as the sun's rays on a summer day.