XAVIER I can't believe it. I am going to marry Aveline. After everything that has happened, from the battles to the revelations, from the war to the trials, it's finally happening. I'm standing here, in front of the priest, about to wed the woman I love, the woman who has faced so much and still stands strong. My heart races in anticipation, but it's mixed with a sense of disbelief. I've spent years training, preparing to take my place on the throne after my father steps down, becoming the Emperor Emeritus, but today... today is about Aveline.

And there she is.

I see her walking down the aisle, her white dress flowing gracefully behind her. Her eyes, those mysterious, gleaming white eyes that have always captivated me, lock with mine as she walks with Duke Edric. I can't help but feel a wave of awe wash over me as I watch her approach. The room seems to fade away; all I see is her.

Duke Edric's presence is imposing, and I can feel his eyes on me, full of silent expectations. When they finally reach the altar, he places Aveline's hand in mine, his voice steady but cold as he speaks.

"Take care of my daughter, Xavier."

His words are like a weight on my shoulders, but I nod, my voice barely a whisper. "I... I will."

The Duke steps back, but I can still feel his gaze on me. He's testing me, as any father would. I glance down at Aveline. The nervousness in me starts to subside as I take in her beauty, the soft smile on her face, the warmth in her eyes. She's stunning, like nothing I've ever seen. She's not just beautiful in the way people say, but in a way that touches the soul.

"Is there something on my face?" Aveline teases, her voice light, breaking the silence.

I blink, flustered for a moment. "Beauty," I chuckle, trying to keep my composure, but my heart is pounding in my chest. She laughs softly, a sound that feels like music to my ears, and my nerves melt away completely.

I can't believe she's mine.

The priest clears his throat, signaling that it's time. "Now, let us exchange the wedding vows."

The moment has finally arrived. I glance at Aveline once more, and in that moment, I know—everything I've gone through, everything that has led us here, was worth it. This moment, standing by her side, promising to spend the rest of our lives together, is everything.

I inhale deeply and begin to speak the vows I've prepared for her, but in my heart, they are more than just words. They are promises from the very core of me.

"Aveline Maeve von Lytheryss, you have shown me what true strength is. Your courage, your heart, and your unwavering resolve have become the foundation of my world. From the first moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were destined to change my life. You have made me a better man. I promise to stand by your side through every storm, to protect you with all that I am, and to cherish every moment we have together. I vow to love you, not only as my empress but as my heart, for as long as I breathe."

I see her eyes soften, and a tear glistens in the corner of her eye. She smiles, and it makes my chest swell with love and pride. It's as if the world has stopped, and there is only her.

"Lady Lytheryss?" the priest prompts gently.

She takes a deep breath and turns her gaze toward me, her voice steady and strong.

***

AVELINE "Xavier Alexander de Quesaria, you are my heart, my light, and my strength. I vow to walk beside you, not just as your wife, but as your equal, your partner, and your confidante. Together, we will face whatever challenges come our way. I will support you, love you, and honor you. With you, I know I can stand strong, and with you, I know we can rule this empire with kindness and justice. I promise to always hold you close, and never let go."

The words fall from my lips with such sincerity, my voice steady, yet filled with emotion. I've never meant anything more in my life. Everything that I've gone through—every hardship, every tear, every loss—it all led me to this moment. This moment, where I stand before Xavier, the man I love, the man I will spend my life with.

I see the same emotions reflected in his eyes, and it takes all of me not to lose myself in that gaze. His heart, his love, are laid bare before me, and I can feel the weight of our vows, like a promise to the very core of my soul. This is it. This is my life now. Not just surviving, but living, truly living.

His voice is soft but filled with certainty when he speaks. "Aveline, my love... I vow to be your strength, your protector, your partner. Together, we will walk through this life with honor and love, side by side."

I can feel my heart swelling with joy and love as he speaks his vows. He speaks to me like I'm everything, like I'm the most important person in the world, and in this moment, I am.

The priest's voice breaks through our shared gaze, and he smiles, his voice steady as he announces, "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

I don't hesitate for a second. As the words leave his mouth, Xavier pulls me gently toward him, his arms steady and strong around me. And then, his lips meet mine, slow at first, as if savoring the moment just as I am. The kiss deepens, and in that moment, there is nothing but us. The crowd, the world—they fade away, leaving only the two of us.

When we finally pull away, breathless, I look up at him, feeling the warmth of his love surrounding me. This is my life now, and for the first time, I feel at peace. I feel whole.

"We did it," he says softly, his voice full of wonder.

I smile, my heart overflowing with happiness. "We did."

I take his hand as we walk down the aisle together, the world returning around us. But even as I greet the adoring eyes of the people, I feel only the strength of his hand in mine, the warmth of his touch, and the promise of a future together.

Later that day, Xavier invites me to go greet the people of Quesaria. They are waiting for us, excited to see their new emperor and empress. It's a custom, one that feels foreign and yet so right. We stand on the balcony together, overlooking the bustling crowds below. I feel a mixture of awe and gratitude. These people, their hopes and dreams, now rest in our hands. But I don't feel afraid. Not anymore. With Xavier beside me, I know we can lead them with kindness, justice, and love.

I glance at Xavier, and our eyes meet, the unspoken understanding between us clear. This is our life now. And in this moment, I finally understand the true meaning of living. I'm not just surviving anymore. I'm living a life I deserve.

As I look out at the people of Quesaria, I can't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of it all. How far I've come. How much I've grown. I owe so much to them, to the people who have supported me, and to the love I found in this second chance at life.

I thank God every day for giving me this chance, for giving me Xavier, for giving me a family, and for bringing me to this moment, where I stand not as a survivor, but as a woman who has truly lived.

I place my hand over my heart, feeling the steady beat beneath my palm. This life is mine now. Not a life lived in the shadows of past mistakes or regrets, but a life of love, purpose, and belonging. I've finally found peace. And as I stand there, hand in hand with Xavier, my heart swells with happiness. This is where I belong. This is my home.

The cheers of the people below grow louder, and I turn to Xavier, my smile wide and full of joy. He smiles back, and in his eyes, I see everything I need to know.

This is just the beginning of our story. And for the first time, I feel like I'm truly living. Not for anyone else, but for myself. And with Xavier by my side, I know we can face anything together.

With him, I'm home. And I will live every day of my life to the fullest, cherishing every moment, every breath, every laugh, and every kiss. Because I deserve it. And so does he.

This is my second chance at life. And I won't waste it.