In Bed With Her Shithead Boss (By Ellie Wynters) novel Chapter 346

"It's time," Sutton said, lifting the dress carefully. "Let's make you a princess."

The palace chapel gleamed with candles on stands; every window was ancient stained glass. Flowers, white lilies were on every surface.

Standing in the antechamber, Keira took a deep breath, smoothing the front of her gown. King Theodore had offered to walk her down the aisle, a gesture that had surprised and touched her deeply. He stood beside her now, resplendent in his formal military attire.

"Nervous?" he asked.

"No," Keira replied honestly. "I'm ready."

The King nodded, appraising her with something like pride. "You've surprised us all, you know. You’ve taken to our country like it was always your own. I wasn't sure you would."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Keira said dryly.

To her surprise, Theodore laughed. "And there it is… that honesty Alexei loves so much. You've been good for him, Keira. Good for all of us. The good thing about not being in the direct line to the throne, you and Alexei have a freedom that Niko and Amelia will never have."

Before she could respond, the music changed, signaling it was time. Blair and Sutton had already proceeded down the aisle, along with Amelia, who had insisted on participating despite having just given birth.

"Your Majesty," Keira said formally, slipping her hand through the crook of his arm. "Shall we?"

The King patted her hand. "Indeed, we shall, my dear. You can call me Dad or Theo from today on."

Keira had to struggle to stop the tears. She was very lucky with how welcoming Alexei’s family had been.

The chapel doors swung open, revealing the packed room. Dignitaries from around the world, Wystovian nobility, and Keira's growing circle of friends filled the pews. But her eyes sought only one person.

Alexei stood at the altar, looking more handsome than she'd ever seen him in his dress uniform. His eyes locked on hers the moment she appeared, and the expression on his face pure love… it made her heart skip.

As she walked down the aisle on Theodore's arm, Keira caught glimpses of her ever-expanding family… Roman holding Olivia, Luca with Miles on his lap… they knew Miles wouldn’t have made it down the aisle, Niko beaming with pride next to Amelia, who cradled their newborn son. Even Mitchell, standing at attention at the far end of the royal pew, allowed himself a small smile.

Tears pricked at Keira's eyes as she began her own vows, voice steady despite the emotion coursing through her.

"Alexei, when we first met, I thought you were the most infuriating man I'd ever encountered. Turns out, I was right." A ripple of laughter spread through the chapel. "But I also discovered you were brave, compassionate, and unfailingly loyal to those you love."

She squeezed his hands, drawing strength from his touch.

"Our path to love wasn't conventional, but it's been perfectly us. I promise to stand by you through every challenge we face. To call you out when you need it and support you when the world demands too much. To love you honestly and completely, both the prince and the man. And I promise to never lose sight of what matters most: the love we've built together, and to love you with everything in me."

The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur: the exchange of rings delivered by Miles with his father's help which made everyone laugh. The Archbishop gave his blessing, and then Alexei was instructed to kiss his bride. His lips met hers with just restrained passion, appropriate for their audience but carrying the promise of much more to come.

As they turned to face their guests, the Archbishop's voice rang out: "I present to you His Royal Highness Prince Alexei and Her Royal Highness Princess Keira of Wystovia." The title had been approved by her new father-in-law. She would have been happy to stay just Keira all she cared about was marrying Alexei.

The chapel erupted in applause.