Another Chance for the Luna Queen by Aurora Starling

Chapter 0237

Ella POV

Alexander carried me up the stairs and into our room, only threshold. By then, I was breathless with laughter, my hear effects of the champagne.

tting me back on my feet after crossing the pounding in my chest from both exhilaration and the

He closed the door behind us, turning back with a smile that still carried traces of amusement. Yet now, in the softened glow of the room, I could see the exhaustion etched on his features.

"It's been a very long day," I said, a smile tugging at my lips as I looked up at him.

"A long week," he agreed, letting out a low chuckle. "And think we've certainly earned some rest. Do you need help getting out of that dress?"

I laughed, the sound bubbling up before I could stop it. "That's very forward of you."

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, you are my wife now."

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks as I shifted, trying and failing to reach the zipper at the back of my dress." Actually, I think I do need some help," Ladmitted. "This thing is cumbersome."

"That much is obvious," he teased. "I don't know how you've managed to keep it on all night. I wouldn't last a minute wearing something like that."

I giggled again, an image of Alexander in a princess-style wedding gown flickering through my mind, almost too absurd for my tipsy brain to process. He rolled his eyes at my laughter but stepped forward, closing the space between

us.

"So, a zipper, then?" His voice was softer now, and the warmth of his presence made my breath catch.

above a whisper, suddenly hyper-aware of how

his arms slipping around me as he gently brushed my hair aside, his fingers grazing my neck. His body pressed against mine, and my pulse quickened as he began to

it should have been in the quiet room, each inch sending

each other in a charged silence. His eyes held

he turned and walked to the dresser where his

reacting the way I had. This was ridiculous. I shouldn't feel

off the thought, reminding myself that this was just the beginning. After tonight, I'd be moving into

until it pooled around my ankles. I stepped out of the heavy fabric and made my way to my suitcase, retrieving the soft pajamas I'd

my best to ignore the sounds of Alexander behind me

1/3

Chapter 0237

of getting ready for bed, knowing that the only way through this

stop thinking about the ceremony," Alexander said suddenly, breaking the silence. "It all went

spreading across my face. "The

replied, his tone light but sincere. "I didn't know you could be so convincing, right down

neutral, but inside, I was scrambling. How could I possibly explain that my emotions in that moment had been sincere? That

couldn't. Not without risking

I said

you," he said. "None of this would have worked without your sincerity. People have been telling me all night how lucky I am, and I think they're

my head slightly. His words were fueled by alcohol,

bathroom, the sound of the sink running and the rhythmic brushing of his teeth

the door. Alexander opened it, and I held up my toothbrush in silent explanation. He stepped aside with a nod, allowing me to

out

my teeth quickly, the silence feeling more heavy now

I stepped back into the bedroom, moving carefully so as not to wake Alexander if