Once Betrayed Never Forgotten

Chapter 131: A Proposal and Preparations–1

The words hang in the air, leaving g me in stunned silence. A wedding? Now?

Before I can fully grasp the meaning of Anya’s statement, I hear the scraping of a chair against the flour. I turn to see Aleksandr rising, his eyes n never leaving mine. He moves with the grace of a predator, yet there is something tender in his gaze, something that makes my heart skip a beat.

“Aleksandr?” I whisper, my voice barely audible.

He kneels before me, his movement fluid and purposeful. In his hand, he holds an ancient–looking black velvet ring box. When he opens it, I gasp. The ring inside is breathtaking–two gemstones set in an intricate platinum band. A black diamond to symbolize his vampiric nature, and a brilliant ruby to represent my blood wraith. essence. The stones catch the light, casting a mesmerizing glow that seems almost magical.

“Arianna” Aleksandr begins, his voice steady and filled with emotion, “we have faced unimaginable trials together, and we have emerged stronger. I cannot imagine my life without you by my side. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Tears blur my vision as I stare at him, overwhelmed with emotion. “Yes,” 1 cry, my voice trembling with joy. “A million times, yes!”

I leap into his arms, and he catches me, holding me close. The room erupts into applause and cheers, and for a moment, all the worries and dangers of our world fade away. We are surrounded by love and happiness, and it feels like a dream.

As we pull apart, my mother steps forward, her eyes shining with pride and tears, “Congratulations, my darling,” she says, embracing both of us.“I’m so happy for you.”

Konstantin claps Aleksandr on the back, his smile genuine.

Anya’s eyes soften as she watches us, a rare smile touching her lips. “It seems we have much to celebrate,” she says. “But there is also much to prepare.”

The next few days pass in a whirlwind of activity. Seraphina takes charge of the preparations with an enthusiasm that is both impressive and exhausting. She draws up guest lists, carefully considering the important figures from each realm who must be invited. Her small figure darts around the castle, ensuring every detail is perfect.

“I want this wedding to be the event of the century, she declares, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “The event of the millennium, even. Arianna, you deserve nothing less.”

Seraphina designs a beautiful wedding dress for me, a masterpiece of white silk and lace, adorned with delicate embroidery and tiny, shimmering gemstones. The dress feels like a dream, light and ethereal, as if it were made of starlight. The dress has a fitted bodice adorned with delicate embroidery in the shape of intertwining vines, embellished with tiny, shimmering gemstones that catch the light with every movement. The skirt flows out in layers of gossamer–thin fabric, creating a cascading effect that looks as if it were made of starlight itself. The train is long and elegant, trailing behind me like a whisper of moonlight.

To complement the dress, Seraphins chooses a pair of exquisite shoes–delicate heels made of white satin, each one adorned with a small, sparkling diamond at the toe. The shoes are comfortable yet elegant, perfect for a night of dancing and celebration.

The jewelry is equally breathtaking. A necklace with a teardrop–shaped ruby surrounded by diamonds rests against my collarbone, its crimson hur matching the brilliant ruby in my engagement ring Matching earrings dangle from my ears, catching the light with every turn of my head. A delicate bracelet, studded with tiny diamonds, encircles my wrist, completing the ensemble.

The veil is a work of art, made of the finest lace, edged with tiny pearls that shimmer softly. It cascades down from a jeweled tiara, which rests on my head like crown. The tiara itself is a masterpiece, made of silver and encrusted with diamonds and rubies, symbolizing the union of my blood wraith power with Aleksandr’s vampiric lineage.

As I look at myself in the mirror, adorned in this magnificent attire, I feel like a queen ready to embark on the most important journey of my life.

“You will look like a queen, Seraphina says, her voice filled with pride. The most beautiful bride anyone has ever seen.”

pter Commente

Chapter

Chapter 131: A Proposal and Preparations–2

The menu for the wedding feast is planned with meticulous care. Platters of roasted meats, fresh bread, and spiced wine will be served, along with an array of fruits and pastries. The air in the castle is fed with the mouthwatering aromas of the preparations, a tantalizing promise of the celebration to come.

One afternoon I’m picking out bouquet flowers with Seraphina when Mircea bursts into the room with her usual exuberance, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She looks at me with a knowing smile, and I can’t help but feel a sarge of warmth and affection for my dear friend.

“So, you want me to be your maid of honor?” she asks, placing a hand on her swollen belly as she waves the handwritten letter that I’d slipped under her door hours earlier while she rested. “Are you sure about that? I might just waddle down the aisle instead of walk.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Of course, I want you to be my maid of honor, Mineva, You’re my best friend, and I can’t imagine anyone else by my side on such an important day.”

Mircea’s eyes twinkle with playful mischief. “Well, just so you know, I’ll be stealing all the attention with this belly. People might think there’s another beide in the room, and she’s carrying a watermelon under her dress.”

“Then it’s settled.” I say, grinning. “We’ll make sure your dress is just as beautiful and accommodating as mine. Maybe we’ll add a special pocket for snacks, just in case the baby gets hungry.”

Mircea bursts out laughing, her laughter infectious. “You know me too well! A snack pocket sounds perfect. And speaking of dresses, are you sure we can find one that fit me? I don’t want to look like a whale swimming through a sea of fabric.”

I roll my eyes playfully, “You’ll look stunning, Mircea. We’ll find a dress that accentuates your glow. Plus, you’re carrying a little miracle. That makes you the most beautiful person in the room.”

Mircea’s expression softens, and she takes my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Thank you, Ari. You have no idea how much this means to me. I’m so happy for you and Aleksandr. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

I feel a lump forming in my throat, overwhelmed by the love and support radiating from Mircea. “Thank you, Mace. I’m so grateful to have you by my side. You’ve always been there for me, and I can’t wait to share this special day with you.”

Mircea grim, her playful nature resurfacing. “Well, just so you know, I’m going to cry like a baby during the ceremony. It’s these pregnancy hormones. So, make sure you have an extra handkerchief ready.”

I laugh, feeling Fighter than I have in days. “I’ll have a whole box of tasues ready, just for you. And don’t worry, we’ll get through this together, tears and

Mircea’s smile widens, and she wraps me in a warm, comforting hug

As we continue to banter and laugh, I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment. Everyone will be a part of my special day.

Seraphina will be the flower girl, her excitement boundless as she practices scattering petals down the aisle. This is going to be the best wedding ever!” exclaims, twirling in her new dress.

Luka and Konstantin will stand as groomsmen, their support a comfort to both Aleksandr and me. The entire castle buzzes with anticipation and joy, everyone coming together to make this day unforgettable

As the wedding draws nest, I find myself filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. The days are a blur of fittings, rehearsals, and final preparations. The castle, usually so dark and imposing, la transformed with flowers and decorations, a testament to the love and joy that will be celebrated.

Three nights before the wedding, I find myself alone in my bed, my thoughts racing. Aleksandr has been very traditional, avoiding any intimate moments since our engagement. It’s suret and endearing, but I find myself missing his touch, his closeness. I honestly thought he wouldn’t be able to hold out, and I’d wake up one night to find him in my bed but no such luck.

I guess it gives me more to look forward to on the wedding night.

I lie back on the soft pillows, staring up at the canopy above. The anticipation of the wedding in three days‘ time and the Blood Moon Ceremony to follow Ells my mind, a mix of hope and uncertainty.

As I drift off to sleep, I think about the future, about the challenges and joys that await can overcome any obstacle, conquer any fear.

1. US.

With Aleksandr by my side, I feel ready to face anything. Together, we

The last thought I have before sleep claims me is of Aleksandr’s smile, the love in his eyes, and the promise of a future filled with adventure and love.

And with that comforting thought, I let the gentle embrace of sleep take me and I slip into the deepest, darkest nightmare imaginable.