The moonlight streamed through the tall windows of their shared bedroom, bathing the space in a soft silver glow.
Mirabelle stood at the center of the room, her cheeks flushed as Caspian approached her.
His movements were deliberate and unhurried, his crimson eyes reflecting nothing but adoration.
"You look breathtaking," he murmured, his voice low, almost reverent.
Her breath hitched as he reached for the delicate buttons of her gown. His fingers, steady but gentle, worked to undo them, one by one.
He wasn't just removing her wedding dress—he was peeling away the last remnants of the fear and uncertainty she had carried into their union.
Mirabelle raised her eyes to his, her lips parting as she whispered, "I love you."
Caspian froze, his hands lingering at her waist. The words seemed to hang in the air, soft but powerful. "You have no idea how long I've waited to hear you say that," he admitted, his voice thick with emotion.
"But you never told me," her voice trembling like a secret on the edge of the wind. She looked down, a shadow flickering in her gaze, like she feared she'd said too much.
Caspian cupped her face gently, tilting her chin so she would meet his eyes again. "Because I was afraid," he confessed. "Afraid that saying it out loud would make it feel too real for you. And if I lost you after that…" He swallowed hard. "I wouldn't survive it."
A beat passed. Then another.
Mirabelle blinked, tears glossing her lashes. "You idiot," she breathed, laughing through the sting in her throat. "You were never going to lose me."
Caspian let out a shaky laugh and finally, finally said the words he'd buried for so long.
"I love you, Mirabelle. I've always loved you."
He cupped her face with his hands, his thumbs brushing away a tear that had slipped down her cheek.
Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to hers, tender yet passionate, a kiss that spoke of promises and devotion.
Mirabelle melted into him, her hands gripping the lapels of his jacket. She felt safe, cherished, and wholly loved.
When he pulled away, Caspian rested his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling in the charged quiet between them. The air smelled faintly of her perfume and the woods outside, like wildflowers touched by moonlight.
"Are you ready?" he asked softly, his voice a low murmur that wrapped around her like silk.
Mirabelle nodded, her gaze never leaving his. "I am," she whispered, her trust offered without hesitation.
His hands moved with reverence, unfastening her dress with unhurried grace. Each brush of his fingertips against her skin sent waves of warmth through her.
When the fabric slipped from her shoulders and pooled at her feet, he stepped back just slightly—not to admire her with lust, but with awe.
"You're perfect, my mate," he said, voice hoarse, eyes drinking her in like she was a vision sent just for him.
Mirabelle's hands reached up, finding the buttons of his shirt. Her fingers trembled, but he guided her patiently, letting her peel back the layers that separated them.
When she finally laid her palm flat over his bare chest, she felt the steady beat of his heart—strong, grounding, and hers.
He lifted her effortlessly, like she was the most precious thing in his world, cradled securely in his arms.
Mirabelle's breath hitched, not from fear or hesitation, but from the rush of warmth flooding her chest.
Her arms instinctively wrapped around his shoulders, feeling the strength beneath his skin, the way his body felt so solid—so safe.
The room was quiet but pulsing with anticipation as he carried her across it, only the soft rustle of sheets greeting them when he lowered her onto the bed. He didn't rush.
Instead, he took his time, as though laying her down was part of a ritual, something reverent and unspoken.
Her hair fanned out across the pillow, her chest rising and falling in sync with his as he leaned over her.
He dipped his head, lips brushing the soft curve of her collarbone—warm, lingering, tender.
A breath escaped her lips as he moved upward, kissing the side of her neck, the angle of her jaw, the hollow beneath her ear.
Each kiss was a vow—gentle, slow, and filled with emotion that trembled just beneath the surface.
When their mouths met again, it was different from the kisses they'd shared before.
This one was deep, consuming, a surrender of everything unsaid.
Their bodies began to align naturally, as though drawn together by instinct older than words.
She parted her legs to cradle his hips, and his body lowered to meet hers, heat and bare skin touching in intimate rhythm.
His hands moved with purpose, not just to arouse—but to learn.
One hand traveled along her side, the curve of her waist, up over her ribs until his palm settled beneath her breast.
He didn't grope or grab; he held her there, feeling the rhythm of her heartbeat, how it stuttered under his touch.
"You're so soft," he murmured against her skin, his voice dark with awe.
Mirabelle arched gently beneath him, responding to every touch.
Her hands slid along the broad planes of his back, nails dragging lightly, mapping out the muscles shifting under her fingertips.
Every place he touched sparked heat, made her feel like a melody being composed—note by note.
He worshipped her with every movement, his fingers brushing over her stomach, down her hips, across her thighs.
She gasped as he kissed a path down her chest, not hurried, never rushed—every part of her received his full attention.
He was memorizing her, learning her responses, her breathless sighs, the slight tremble in her legs when he kissed just below her navel.
She whispered his name like a plea, and he came back up to her, his mouth finding hers again—hungry this time, but still reverent. They were bare, vulnerable, yet neither of them felt exposed. Only connected.
Every curve, every shiver, every gasp—he claimed them all, not with dominance, but with deep, unwavering devotion.
He made love to her like it was the only thing he was ever meant to do.
Caspian was patient, guiding her with soft words and tender touches, ensuring she felt nothing but comfort and pleasure.
Mirabelle's trust in him grew with each passing moment, her love for him deepening.
When they finally came together, it was as though their souls intertwined, completing a bond that had always been destined.
Mirabelle gasped his name, and he held her tighter, his lips brushing her forehead as he whispered, "You're mine, now and forever."
Afterward, they lay tangled in each other's arms, the world outside forgotten. Mirabelle traced lazy circles on his chest, feeling his heartbeat beneath her fingers.
"Is this what forever will feel like?" she asked softly.
Caspian pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. "With you, yes."
They fell asleep wrapped in each other's warmth, the night marking not just the beginning of their life as husband and wife but the unbreakable bond of two souls meant to be together.