Chapter 381: Same Venue

Kaden’s POV

"You’re staring at me again," Rola murmured, smiling up at me.

I raised an eyebrow at the woman lying in my arms. "Am I not allowed to admire my future wife?"

"You’ve been admiring me for the past ten minutes."

"And I intend to continue."

She laughed, shaking her head before resting her chin against my chest. I chuckled and brushed a strand of her silver-blonde hair away from her face. It was already late in the morning, but neither of us had made any effort to leave the bed.

Rola had come to my chambers the previous evening after dinner, and what was supposed to be a short conversation had somehow turned into hours of talking, laughing, and eventually falling asleep in each other’s arms.

It had become something of a habit between us lately. Ever since we’d gotten back together, I’d made a conscious effort to spend more time with her. There had been a period when I’d nearly lost her because of my own mistakes, and I had no intention of allowing that to happen again.

And now, in exactly one week, she would become my wife.

The thought made me smile.

"What are you thinking about?" Rola asked, tracing small circles over my chest with her fingertips.

"Our wedding."

Her expression softened. "Are you nervous?"

"Should I be?"

"Well, you’re about to spend the rest of your life with me," she replied playfully. "That’s a very serious commitment."

I chuckled. "Trust me, Princess. I’ve survived wars, assassination attempts, and more council meetings than I care to remember. I think I can survive being married to you."

She gasped and smacked my chest. "Kaden!"

I laughed and caught her hand before bringing it to my lips. "I’m joking, sweetheart."

"You’d better be," she muttered, although she was smiling.

I leaned down and kissed her, intending it to be a quick kiss. But the moment her lips moved against mine, I found myself wanting more. I deepened the kiss, pulling her closer until there was barely any space between us. Rola slipped her arms around my neck, and when her fingers moved into my hair, I let out a low groan.

"Fuck," I muttered against her lips when we finally separated. "I can’t wait."

Rola blinked, her cheeks immediately turning pink. "Can’t wait for what?"

I gave her a look of mock annoyance. "Do you really want me to explain?"

Her blush deepened, and she laughed nervously before hiding her face against my shoulder. "Kaden!"

"What?" I chuckled. "I’m only being honest."

She lifted her head again, smiling shyly. "It’s only one more week."

"Exactly. Seven very long days."

She burst into laughter. "You’re making it sound like you’re suffering."

"Sweetheart, you have absolutely no idea."

"Kaden!" She smacked my chest lightly, and I caught her hand, laughing as I brought it to my lips.

The truth was that although we’d been together for months, Rola and I hadn’t had sex. We’d shared countless kisses, spent nights in each other’s arms, and grown increasingly comfortable with each other, but we’d both agreed to wait until our wedding night before taking that final step.

It wasn’t because I didn’t desire her. Rola was beautiful, and whenever we kissed or held each other close, it took everything in me to control myself and keep things from going further.

But after everything that had happened between us, I’d wanted us to rebuild our relationship properly without rushing anything. I wanted her to feel secure with me again, and somewhere along the way, we’d decided that waiting until our wedding night would make it even more special.

Besides, I had every intention of making that night unforgettable.

I was about to tease her again when Logan’s voice suddenly entered my mind.

Alpha, I need you in your office.

I frowned. What is it?

There’s a problem with the wedding arrangements, he replied.

My expression changed immediately. What kind of problem?

It’s better if we explain everything in person. The event planner is already here.

I glanced at Rola, who was watching me curiously. I’ll be there shortly, I replied before closing the mind-link.

"What’s wrong?" she asked, noticing the change in my expression.

"Logan needs me in my office. Apparently, there’s an issue with the wedding arrangements."

She sat up slightly. "Is it something serious?"

"I’m not sure yet." I brushed my thumb across her cheek. "But don’t worry. I’ll find out what’s happening."

She nodded, although I could see the concern in her eyes. "I hope it’s nothing too complicated. We’ve already made so many arrangements."

"I’m sure it’s something we can sort out," I assured her.

"I hope so." She smiled faintly. "I just want everything to go well."

"And it will," I promised before kissing her forehead. "I’ll make sure of it."

She smiled and settled back against the pillows while I got out of bed and headed toward the bathroom. After a quick shower, I dressed in a black shirt and trousers, then returned to find Rola sitting against the headboard, scrolling through something on her phone.

"I’ll be back soon," I told her.

She looked up and smiled. "Alright. Don’t let Logan keep you away for too long."

"I won’t."

I was almost at the door when she called my name again.

"Kaden?"

I turned around. "Yes?"

She gave me a mischievous smile. "I can’t wait to be your wife."

I laughed, shaking my head as I opened the door. "Believe me, Princess, I’m counting the days."

By the time I reached my office, I was already wondering what could possibly be serious enough for Logan to summon me personally. The wedding preparations had been going smoothly for months. We’d hired one of the most experienced royal event planners in the kingdom, and I’d personally approved every major arrangement.

More importantly, Rola had been involved in almost every decision. She had very specific ideas about what she wanted for our wedding, and although I occasionally teased her about the endless meetings and decorations, I genuinely enjoyed watching her excitement. I wanted her to have the wedding she’d always dreamed of.

When I pushed open my office door, I found Logan standing beside my desk. Across from him sat Mrs. Evelyn, our event planner, with several documents spread across her lap. The moment they noticed me, they both stood.

"Alpha," Logan greeted with a respectful nod.

"Your Majesty," Mrs. Evelyn added, rising from her chair.

I closed the door behind me and walked toward my desk. "Alright, what’s going on?"

Logan exchanged a glance with Mrs. Evelyn, and I immediately knew I wasn’t going to like whatever they were about to tell me.

"There’s been a complication concerning the wedding venue," Logan began.

I frowned. "What complication?"

Mrs. Evelyn cleared her throat nervously. "Your Majesty, first of all, I want to assure you that we’re doing everything possible to resolve the situation."

"Mrs. Evelyn," I interrupted calmly, "just tell me what happened."

She nodded quickly. "There’s been a double booking."

I stared at her. "A what?"

"The venue, Your Majesty," she explained. "Apparently, the management accidentally accepted two reservations for the same date."

For several seconds, I said nothing. Then I leaned back in my chair, trying to make sense of what she’d just told me.

"You’re telling me that the venue we’ve already paid for has been booked for another wedding?"

"I’m afraid so," she admitted.

"How is that even possible?" I demanded.

"According to the owner, both payments were processed on the same day. There was an administrative error, and neither booking was properly flagged in their system."

I rubbed my forehead. "You’ve got to be joking."

"I wish I were, Your Majesty," Mrs. Evelyn replied apologetically.

I looked toward Logan. "When did we find out about this?"

"This morning, Alpha," he answered. "The venue management contacted Mrs. Evelyn after discovering the mistake during their final preparations."

I exhaled slowly. Of all the things that could have gone wrong a week before my wedding, this was certainly not something I’d expected. And it wasn’t as though we could simply choose another location.

The venue was an enormous outdoor estate surrounded by beautiful gardens, rolling green hills, and a breathtaking view of the mountains. At its center was one of the largest event fields in the kingdom, with enough space to accommodate thousands of guests.

Rola had fallen in love with it the moment she’d seen it. She’d told me that she’d dreamed of having her wedding there since she was younger. She loved the idea of exchanging vows beneath the open sky, surrounded by flowers and the people closest to us.

I’d even arranged for the entire estate to be decorated according to her wishes, and now someone was telling me we might lose it?

Absolutely not.

"Tell the owner to refund the other couple," I instructed.

Mrs. Evelyn shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Unfortunately, Your Majesty, that’s where the problem lies."

I narrowed my eyes. "Explain."

"The other couple has refused to accept a refund," she answered.

I stared at her. "They’ve refused?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Apparently, they’ve already sent out their invitations, made arrangements with their decorators, and confirmed the venue with all their guests."

"So have we," I replied sharply.

"I understand, Your Majesty," she said quickly.

"No, I don’t think you do." I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the desk. "My wedding is happening in seven days. We’ve already sent out hundreds of invitations, and several royal families are traveling from different kingdoms to attend. I’m not changing the venue because someone failed to do their job properly."

Logan nodded in agreement. "That’s exactly what I told them, Alpha."

Mrs. Evelyn looked increasingly uncomfortable. "Your Majesty, the venue owner has offered to refund the entire amount and provide an alternative location at no additional cost."

"I’m not interested," I replied firmly.

"The alternative venue is also very beautiful," she tried again.

"I said I’m not interested."

She immediately fell silent, and I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm.

"Listen carefully, Mrs. Evelyn. Princess Rola chose that estate because it’s where she’s always dreamed of getting married. I’ve already promised her that she would have her wedding there, and I intend to keep that promise."

"I understand, Your Majesty," she replied quietly.

"Good. Then tell the owner that we’re keeping our reservation."

Mrs. Evelyn glanced toward Logan again, and I frowned.

"What?" I asked impatiently.

"Actually, Your Majesty, we’ve been discussing a possible solution," she explained.

"What solution?"

She adjusted the documents on her lap before continuing. "As you know, the estate is exceptionally large. The main event field alone can accommodate several thousand guests, and there are multiple entrances leading into the grounds."

"I’m aware," I replied, wondering where she was going with this.

"Well, after speaking with the venue management and the representatives of the other couple, we’ve come to the conclusion that it might be possible for both weddings to take place there."

I stared at her. "Both weddings?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," she confirmed.

"On the same day?"

"Yes."

I let out a disbelieving laugh. "Mrs. Evelyn, are you suggesting that I share my wedding venue with complete strangers?"

"Not exactly share, Your Majesty," she explained quickly. "The estate would be divided into two completely separate sections."

She opened one of the documents and placed a large drawing of the estate on my desk.

"Here," she explained, pointing toward the field. "The grounds are spacious enough for us to divide them into two independent ceremonial areas. Your wedding would take place on the eastern side, overlooking the mountains, while the other couple would use the western gardens."

I studied the drawing as she continued explaining the arrangements.

"Each wedding would have its own entrance, decorations, seating arrangements, security personnel, and reception area. We would install beautiful floral partitions between the two sections so that neither ceremony interferes with the other."

I frowned. "And the guests?"

"They would use separate entrances and designated pathways," she assured me. "We’ve already confirmed that the estate has enough parking space and facilities to accommodate both events."

"What about the music?" I asked, still unconvinced.

"The sound systems would be positioned in opposite directions, and both planning teams would coordinate their schedules to avoid disruptions."

I leaned back in my chair, considering her explanation. It wasn’t the arrangement I’d originally agreed to, and I certainly wasn’t thrilled about the idea of sharing the estate with another couple. But if the grounds were as large as I remembered, it might actually work.

Still, one thing bothered me.

"And what happens if the other couple refuses?" I asked.

Mrs. Evelyn smiled nervously. "Actually, Your Majesty, they’ve already agreed to the arrangement."

I raised an eyebrow. "They have?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "Their representative has agreed to the divided venue, provided you also give your approval."

I glanced toward Logan. "What do you think?"

He considered the question for a moment. "Honestly, Alpha, I don’t see another practical solution. Both parties have already made their arrangements, and the venue is large enough to accommodate everyone. As long as the boundaries are properly secured, I don’t think there’ll be any serious problems."

I sighed. "And the other couple doesn’t mind sharing the venue?"

"Apparently not," Logan replied with a shrug.

I looked back at Mrs. Evelyn. "Fine. But I want everything properly organized. Separate entrances, separate security, and absolutely no interference between the two ceremonies. If we’re going to do this, I don’t want Rola worrying about anything on her wedding day."

"Of course, Your Majesty!" she replied quickly, looking visibly relieved. "We’ll make sure everything is handled professionally."

I nodded. "Good. Then it’s settled."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Mrs. Evelyn said, gathering her documents.

She was about to leave when something suddenly occurred to me.

"Wait," I called.

She stopped immediately. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

I frowned. "Who exactly is this other couple?"

Mrs. Evelyn blinked. "Oh, I apologize, Your Majesty. I assumed you’d already been informed."

"Informed about what?" I asked.

She glanced down at the documents in her hands before looking back at me.

"The other groom is His Majesty King Melvin of the Southern Dragon Kingdom."

I froze.

Melvin?

For a moment, I wondered whether I’d heard her correctly.

"The Southern Dragon King?" I repeated.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Mrs. Evelyn confirmed.

My eyebrows drew together. I already knew Melvin was engaged to Rebecca. Their engagement had been announced publicly, and it had been impossible to avoid the news. I’d seen the photographs from her birthday celebration, including the one where Melvin was kneeling in front of her with a ring.

I hadn’t spent much time looking at them, but I’d seen enough to know that she was happy.

But I hadn’t known they were planning to get married so soon.

"You’re telling me Melvin and Rebecca are getting married next week?" I asked slowly.

Mrs. Evelyn nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. Their ceremony is scheduled for the same day as yours."

I stared at her, trying to process what she’d just said. Of all the couples in the kingdom, it had to be them.

"And they’ve agreed to share the venue?" I asked.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Their wedding representatives have already approved the arrangement."

I hesitated before asking another question. "Do they know we’re the other couple?"

Mrs. Evelyn shook her head. "Not yet, Your Majesty. The venue management has been communicating with both planning teams separately. Neither party has been informed of the other’s identity."

I leaned back in my chair, letting out a slow breath.

"So they don’t know they’re sharing the venue with me and Rola?"

"That’s correct, Your Majesty."

I rubbed my forehead, unsure whether to laugh or be annoyed by the entire situation.

"What are the chances?" I muttered.

"Alpha?" Logan asked.

"Nothing." I shook my head before looking at Mrs. Evelyn again. "Does the arrangement require both couples to meet before the wedding?"

"No, Your Majesty. The planning teams can handle everything. As long as both parties agree to the division of the grounds, there’s no need for a meeting."

I nodded slowly, although I couldn’t explain why that information made me feel relieved.

The last time Rebecca and I had spoken, we’d agreed to stay out of each other’s lives. We’d both moved on, and I genuinely wanted things to remain that way.

Yet here we were, about to get married on the same day, at the same venue.

"Very well," I finally said. "Make sure everything goes according to plan. And I don’t want any unnecessary complications."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Mrs. Evelyn assured me.

I dismissed them, but even after they’d left, I remained seated, staring at the drawing of the estate on my desk. I still couldn’t believe the coincidence. There were countless beautiful wedding venues across the world, yet somehow, Rebecca and I had ended up choosing the exact same one.

Of all the places in the kingdom, how had we ended up choosing the exact same one?