Chapter 10 - THE KING’S VOW
Two months later, the spring thaw had arrived in Asheford. The snow on the mountains had melted into crystal-clear rivers, and wild lupines carpeted the meadows surrounding the Blackthorn Estate.
The town had changed completely. With the Petrov faction eradicated and the corrupt council members removed by federal indictments Dante had orchestrated, Asheford was experiencing an unprecedented rebirth.
On this golden Saturday afternoon, the private chapel overlooking the estate’s lake was filled to capacity. Two hundred guests—former adversaries who now bowed in respect, loyal syndicate leaders, and townspeople who had finally seen the truth—sat on polished cedar pews.
At the end of the aisle stood Dante Moretti.
He was dressed in a bespoke ivory-and-black tuxedo, his eyes fixed on the chapel doors with an expression of quiet reverence that none of his ruthless business associates had ever seen.
The chapel organ swelled into a powerful, joyous processional.
The double doors swung open.
Eloise walked down the aisle alone, needing no one to give her away because she owned herself entirely. Her wedding dress was an architectural masterpiece of French lace and silk chiffon, backless and cut with an asymmetrical neckline that proudly, boldly displayed her scar for all the world to see. A veil of spun silver fell down her back, shimmering in the sunlight that poured through the stained-glass windows.
She was radiant. A warrior queen walking toward her king.
Dante met her at the bottom of the altar steps, taking her hands into his. He was unashamed of the tears that pooled in his dark eyes as he looked down at her.
The priest began the rites, but when it came time for the vows, Dante silenced the room with a gentle raise of his hand. He looked directly into Eloise’s eyes, his deep voice carrying without a microphone to every corner of the chapel.
"Ten years ago, a miracle walked through fire to save my little brother," Dante said, his voice thick with devotion. "The world tried to make you believe that your courage was a flaw. That you were less than whole. But to me, Eloise, you are the foundation of my life. Every breath I take, every piece of this empire, belongs to you. I vow to protect you, to honor you, and to spend every day of my life reminding you that you are the bravest, most breathtaking woman God ever put on this earth."
Eloise smiled through her tears, squeezing his large, calloused hands with all her strength.
"Dante," she answered, her voice ringing clear and steady. "I spent my life searching for a place where I wouldn't have to hide. You gave me that place. You didn't just defend me from cruel men; you healed a soul that was burning in the dark. I love you, Dante Moretti. With all my scars, with all my heart, for all my life."
The priest smiled warmly. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Dante... kiss your bride."
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Dante didn't wait. He pulled Eloise flush against his chest, dipping her low as he captured her lips in a deep, passionate kiss that brought the entire chapel to its feet in thunderous, roaring applause.
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