Chapter 18: Bow to you, my Luna

Andrew adjusted the bow tie at his collar, smoothing the drape of his tuxedo jacket. A heavy royal brooch gleamed against his lapel, complementing the custom-cut gold and diamond buttons along his cuffs.

"Speak, Miller. What is on your mind?" Andrew asked as he turned toward his Beta.

A personal stylist stepped forward and carefully adjusted a stray strand of hair, making sure the prince’s appearance was flawless.

"A royal marriage requires the presence of the family," Miller began cautiously, holding his ground. "You are a prince, my lord. Your wedding ought to be witnessed by the entire court."

Andrew glanced at the stylist, who immediately understood the silent dismissal. The man bowed and stepped back into the shadows of the dressing room.

"Since when has my family ever supported my decisions?" Andrew asked. "Their presence would bring nothing but disdain for the choice I have made. You overthink things, Miller. Rest your mind. No harm will come to you while I am here."

He gave himself one final look in the mirror before walking out, with Miller following closely behind.

The altar had been set up in the large garden of the estate. Only those who were close to Andrew had been invited to the ceremony, along with the household staff who had served him for years. It was a small wedding by royal standards, but Andrew had deliberately kept the guest list limited, excluding his family too.

Oliver stopped beside Andrew and placed a hand on his back. "I’ll play the wedding music. By the way, your bride looks absolutely beautiful. I saw her earlier."

Andrew smiled faintly. "I know she’s beautiful," he replied.

Oliver walked over to the piano and took his seat as the important guests settled into their chairs.

The moment Andrew sensed Caroline entering the garden, his pupils shifted in color. He immediately turned toward the entrance, and his eyes found her.

Caroline was walking down the aisle with Jeremy beside her, his arm offered to her as he took the place of the brother who should have been there to accompany her.

Andrew’s breath caught in his throat.

She looked breathtaking in her wedding dress. His gaze remained fixed on her as she slowly approached him, and he tightened his grip on himself, struggling to contain the emotions surging through him.

His wolf stirred inside him, its voice echoing clearly in his mind.

’Mate.’

Caroline looked up at that very moment. Even from a distance, she could feel Andrew’s gaze fixed firmly on her. Her fingers tightened around the fabric of Jeremy’s blazer as nervousness settled over her.

’I am going to be married shortly.’

The thought alone made her heart race. Yet the way Andrew was looking at her seemed to ease some of her nerves. There was something reassuring in his gaze that made her feel less afraid of what lay ahead.

The wedding music began to play, drawing the curious guests’ attention toward the bride as she walked down the aisle.

Andrew stepped down from the altar to receive Caroline from Jeremy. Jeremy gently placed her hand in Andrew’s before bowing respectfully and stepping away, having fulfilled the role he had taken on for her.

Caroline bit her lower lip when Andrew closed his hand around hers and gently drew her closer, guiding her onto the altar beside him.

"Beautiful," she heard him whisper.

Her heart fluttered at the simple compliment.

After that, everything seemed to happen in a blur. She barely realized when they exchanged rings, repeated their wedding vows, and officially became husband and wife. By the time she looked up again, she was standing beside Andrew, wearing his ring and carrying the title of his Luna.

"I, Andrew Kensington, the Fourth Alpha Prince, declare Caroline Blackwood as my Luna. From this moment onward, I am in your service. I will protect you, love you, and support you with everything I have."

Caroline’s heart fluttered at his words. For the first time in her life, she felt the assurance and respect she had always dreamed of receiving. The only thing was that she didn’t love this man yet, but he clearly was in love with her.

Suddenly, Andrew released her hand and lowered himself onto one knee.

Caroline’s eyes widened in surprise. "Prince Andrew, what are you doing?" she asked, unable to tear her gaze away from him. Around them, whispers rose among the guests as they watched the unexpected gesture.

"I bow to you, my Luna." Andrew looked up at her. "Whatever comes in this life, you will always be at the center of it. Everything you desire will be yours. As your mate and Alpha, I will fight the entire world for you."

He took her hand gently in his and lowered his head.

"My Luna, from this day onward, my existence will be known because of you."

He touched his forehead to her knuckles before placing a gentle kiss on her hand. The gesture seemed to awaken something deep inside Caroline—her wolf who had gone silent after losing the most precious people in her life.

At that very moment, Andrew’s wolf, Ares, instantly reached out and imprinted on Lily.

’Lily, I’m Ares. Your mate.’

Caroline’s fingers curled slightly as she finally felt the connection Andrew had been talking about. For the first time since Victor had rejected her, she could feel the presence of her wolf again.

Andrew slowly rose to his feet and gave her a warm smile.

"Hereby, I pronounce you both husband and wife. Alpha Andrew, you may kiss your Luna," the priest announced.

Caroline’s heart began to race as Andrew turned toward her.

"Do you want me to kiss you?" he whispered, asking for her permission as his hands rested gently on her shoulders.

"Hmm." Caroline nodded.

"STOP RIGHT THERE!"

A loud voice suddenly echoed through the garden.

Before Caroline could turn around to see who had interrupted them, Andrew gently held her chin and pressed his lips firmly against hers.

He deepened the kiss, his lips moving against hers as his other hand settled against the small of her back. There was something possessive and consuming in the way he kissed her, yet Caroline found herself responding to him rather than pulling away.

The cheers of the guests soon filled the garden, making her realize they were watching the newlyweds celebrate their first kiss.

Andrew finally pulled away and planted a gentle kiss at the center of her forehead.

Caroline slowly turned her head toward the entrance and froze when she saw the Luna Queen and Alpha King standing there, glaring at them.

Andrew, however, only smirked.

"Surprise! I got married to my mate," he announced proudly, as though he had just delivered the greatest news in the world.