Episode 18

The guests were all seated when the royal entrance of the kings and their children was announced.

Valery stood beside Carlos and other officers when the royal family entered. Her gaze was fixed on the youngest prince; she was utterly lost, in shock—her Tomas was a prince, which meant he had lied to her.

Carlos noticed and gave her a discreet nudge, bringing Valery back to the moment. She looked at him, and his sly smile said it all.

The wedding march began, and Daian walked in with her brother, who caught Valery's eye and gave her a warm smile, to the clear displeasure of Lucas.

The wedding proceeded flawlessly, everything in its rightful order. During the celebration, the single ladies vied for the princes' attention. Valary sat at her table with her brother, Dikson.

Not wasting any moment, Prince Octavio called for everyone's attention, addressing the king.

Octavio: "Your majesty, King Leonardo, I seek your permission to engage and wed General Roberson's daughter."

Silence fell, and as the king was about to respond, another voice spoke out.

Arturo: "No!!!! Your Majesty, I am Arturo Mondragon, and I request General Roberson’s consent to marry his daughter."

Surprise rippled through the crowd, whispering ensued, and a jealous Tomas was about to speak.

Lucas: "Your Majesty, I appreciate Prince Octavio's and young Mr. Mondragon's proposals, but my daughter has already accepted a marriage offer."

The hall dropped into absolute silence. King Leonardo, long aware of his son Tomas's intentions with Valery, felt a sense of fulfillment upon hearing these words.

King Leonardo: "May I know who it is?"

Lucas looked at Valery, who stood to speak, but Tomas stepped towards her.

Tomas: "It is I, father."

The murmurs grew louder, and as the king was about to speak again,

Merida: "No!!!! I will never allow it—she is not worthy to be a prince's wife."

Octavio, indignant at the words, retorted: "I mean no disrespect to Queen Merida, but having a brave woman like Miss Roberson as a wife would be my greatest honor, one capable of risking her life for the realm and her family."

As the situation became tense, Valery addressed the gathering.

Valery: "Your Majesties, this event celebrates the union of Prince Leonardo and Princess Daian—it's not about me. I apologize and will take my leave."

King Leonardo: "Of course, Captain, you may excuse yourself."

Valery exited amid the stares and whispers of the attendees, Dorothy smirking with satisfaction at the queen's disapproval. Tomas was upset with his mother's reaction towards Valery.

The rest of the celebration unfolded without incident; women gossiped about the three men fighting for Valery's affections. Her aunt used the opportunity to turn the queen against Valery further.

Valery's maternal grandparents, present during the scene, regretted pushing their daughter away.

Not wishing to return home, Valery retreated to her secret refuge in the woods, her hideout. There, she started to weep, breaking her self-imposed rule of strength.

Strong arms encircled her warmly. As she turned, there was Tomas, wiping away her tears.

Tomas: "I'm sorry for everything, my love. I meant to tell you who I was; I feared your rejection."

Valery: "You know I hate lies, but you never deceived me—you just hid your identity. And we all hide something out of fear. I have, too—I'm the leader of the Shadow Company."

Tomas held her tightly, fearful of her slipping away: "My love, what dangers you must have faced for our kingdom. I love you, Valery, and nothing will tear you away from me. Come, let's go somewhere."

Valery: "What do you have in mind?"

Tomas: "Ever done something insane?"

Valery: "Well, yes."

Tomas took Valery's hand: "This madness—we'll do it together."

They mounted their horses and rode out of the city to a small chapel, startling the pastor awake with their knock.

The pastor opened the door: "What brings you here at this hour?"

Tomas: "Father, it's urgent that you marry us, please."

Pastor: "Are you certain?"

Valery: "Yes."

The pastor led them in for the ceremony, and the young couple exchanged vows, bringing a joyful smile to the cleric's face.

After leaving the church, they ventured to an undisclosed location—a small lakeside house belonging to Tomas. Inside the cabin, Tomas lifted Valery in his arms and kissed her fervently. Carefully he removed Valery's armor and clothing, unveiling her beautiful form and observing every scar, which he kissed tenderly, each touch making her tremble in his embrace. Their mutual kisses and caresses grew more intense and passionate, with the moon and stars as their only witness. United as one, they declared and demonstrated their love, forgetting the world, existing solely for each other in an indelible love that blossomed from childhood to adulthood.

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