Chapter 260: The Second Ceremony (Part Two)
Valerius opened his mouth to speak, to say something to make Annalise understand that he never meant anything bad when he kept his identity a secret from her.
At first, he and his brothers weren’t sure if she was indeed the one for them or not, that was why they never thought about telling her about their true identities. When they latter knew for sure that she was the one for them, they still didn’t explain to her anything about their identities because they thought she was not prepared for such a revealation. After that, all of them got too involved in solving the Portal Hall incidents and mysteries related to it that discussing their true identities was the last thing on their mind.
Still, they never planned to keep their identities a secret from her, they just made the mistake of waiting for the right timing that never arrived and now, here they were, the truth coming to light at such an unexpected moment.
The silence, the lack of emotions on her face, and his inability to say anything in his and his brothers’ defense was driving him insane but he could do nothing but stand there with nothing but hope that she would give them a chance to explain everything to her.
He noticed her releasing a small breath before her expression finally shifted and to his utter surprise, a beautiful and assuring smile bloomed on her lips as she parted her rosy lips and started speaking.
"I, Annalise, accept the power that binds me to Valerius, the heir of the ice and also to the throne of the Midnight Realm, for eternity. I accept him at the rising of the moon and the setting of the stars. To love and to honor, to cherish and respect, through all of the eras and times that may fall before us, until our souls do us part. I give unto him my trust, my grace, my purity and accept his in return. My power belongs to him now just as his is now mine. And I shall never forsake him for another, my soul forever belonging to him. To the stars may we never part."
It took every effort from Valerius to not break down right there and then as his heart and soul, both took a breathe of relief. The thought of her rejecting him as her mate was so scaring to him that he finally understood for the hundredth time just how important she was to him. He had fallen too deeply for her and there was no turning back for him.
"It’s your turn now." She reminded him as she probably noticed his lack of focus on the High Priestess’ words who was asking him to repeat the vows.
Taking in a deep breath, he nodded his head before starting, "I, Valerius, the heir of the ice, first born and heir to the throne of the Midnight Realm, accept the power that binds me to Annalise, my wife and my future queen who will rule this realm alongside me. I accept her at the rising of the moon and the setting of the stars. To love and to honor, to cherish and respect, through all of the eras and times that may fall before us, until our souls do us part. I give unto her my trust, my love, my ice and air, and accept hers in return. My power belongs to her now just as hers is now mine. And I shall never forsake her for another, my soul forever belonging to her. To the stars may we never part."