Claimed By The Tyrant King

Rebecca had been dressed in a beautiful ivory gown, and every little detail was perfect, from the delicate embroidery along the bodice to the flowing veil that rested softly over her dark hair. Rebecca looked absolutely breathtaking, and the happiness shining in her eyes made her more beautiful than anything else.

Cedric, too, looked almost unrecognizable without his usual armor. Dressed in elegant ceremonial attire befitting the occasion, he looked every bit the dignified Lord Commander. His dark hair had been neatly combed back, giving him a sharper, more refined appearance, and although he still carried himself with the same disciplined posture of a soldier, there was a softness in his expression that was rarely seen.

It was the look of a man who had finally found the happiness he never realized he had been searching for.

The priest cleared his throat as he asked, "Do you, Lord Cedric, take Lady Rebecca to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and cherish her in health and in sickness, in prosperity and in hardship, for as long as you both shall live?"

His voice faded as he lowered the parchment slightly and adjusted the spectacles resting upon the bridge of his nose.

Cedric never looked away from Rebecca. They stood facing one another with their hands joined, "I do," he answered without even the slightest hesitation.

A content smile spread across the priest’s face before he turned toward Rebecca. "And do you, Lady Rebecca, take Lord Cedric to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and cherish him in health and in sickness, in wealth and in poverty, for as long as you both shall live?"

Rebecca felt warmth bloom across her cheeks as she looked into Cedric’s eyes. Every fear that had once filled her heart seemed so distant now. She no longer saw uncertainty when she looked toward her future. Instead, she saw the man standing before her.

With a gentle smile gracing her lips, she answered without wavering. "I do."

The priest nodded approvingly before looking toward those gathered inside the chapel. "If there is anyone present who objects to this union, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

His gaze slowly swept across the congregation.

Instead, smiling faces met his eyes one after another, each person wishing nothing but happiness for the couple standing before the altar.

Seeing no objection, the priest smiled warmly. "By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife... You may kiss the bride."

Cedric stepped closer.

Rebecca felt her breath catch as she watched him approach. Almost unconsciously, she moistened her lower lip, and her heartbeat echoed so loudly in her chest that she was certain everyone around her could hear it. This would be their first kiss.

Until now, they had only shared gentle touches, lingering glances, clasped hands, and a single embrace but this was different.

Heat rushed to her cheeks, and before she realized it, her gaze had fallen shyly toward the floor.

Cedric gently lifted her chin with his fingers until her eyes met his once more. Then he leaned forward and softly pressed his lips against hers.

Rebecca’s eyes fluttered closed the instant their lips met. Warmth spread through her chest so quickly that it stole every coherent thought from her mind, while a rush of butterflies filled her stomach. The kiss was gentle, and it carried everything they had quietly built together over the months.

The chapel erupted into loud cheers almost immediately. Applause echoed from every corner as colorful confetti burst into the air, drifting gently over the newly married couple. Laughter filled the room, and even several of Cedric’s men, who were usually so serious, could not hide the broad smiles spreading across their faces.

When Cedric finally pulled away, he looked at Rebecca with a smile that was softer than any she had ever seen from him.

Rebecca returned it shyly, her cheeks burning so fiercely that she could hardly bring herself to keep looking into his eyes. She lowered her gaze with an embarrassed smile before they both turned toward the cheering crowd.

Rebecca’s heart felt impossibly full. She was happy.

No...

She was happier than she had ever believed possible.

There had once been a time when she convinced herself that this kind of happiness was meant for other people. She had believed she had already lost her chance at a peaceful life, at love, at marriage, and at the family she had always dreamed of having. Life had taught her to expect disappointment, and for so long she had accepted that perhaps she simply was not meant to receive the same joys others did.

But standing here now, she realized how wrong she had been. She deserved to be loved. She deserved to be happy.

Her misty eyes slowly wandered across the chapel.

They rested first on Rosalind and Rowan, who had proud smiles and Julian, her boy was grinning so brightly that it nearly brought fresh tears to her eyes. There was no sadness left on his face, only excitement and joy as he watched the family he had long wished for finally become a reality.

Rebecca’s vision blurred and she almost cried all over again.

She was grateful... grateful that fate had led her to the palace... grateful that she had met Rowan and Rosalind... grateful that Julian had found people who loved him.

And most of all... She was grateful that she had met Cedric.

As Cedric watched the emotions pass across Rebecca’s face, he understood exactly what she was feeling without her needing to say a single word. He stepped closer, slipped an arm around her shoulders, and drew her carefully against his chest. His embrace was warm, steady, and protective, silently promising that from this day onward, she would never have to carry life’s burdens alone again.

Finally, Rebecca thought.

She was home.

****

A/N: Hello, dear readers.

I hope these Chapters made you happy as you watched Cedric and Rebecca fall in love and finally get married. They have come such a long way, and I’m grateful that you were here to witness every step of their journey.

Thank you so much for all your support. Every Golden Ticket, Power Stone, comment, review, and every moment you spent reading this story has meant so much to me. Nothing you’ve done has gone unnoticed, and I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

As we gradually come to the end of this journey, I hope you’ll continue to remember these characters fondly and smile whenever they cross your mind. Thank you for giving them a place in your heart and for staying with them until the very end. <<<3

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