"For the sake of peace, you must be Empress of Goldivia."
Emerald recalled her father's plea. She remembered cowering her back in resistance to the Duke. But, that was all she could do as a child born in the House of Arquilie. Emerald was caged to the responsibility the moment her parents accepted the name 'Radia' bestowed upon her by the High Priest.
Goldivians were used to political marriage as it was normal practice for many aristocratic families. By this method, many noble families were able to rise from their social standing. Wealth and privilege came along with which class a household belonged to. The House of Arquilie, out of all the other nobles, was a special case because they gained the title of Duke, not by wealth and privilege, but through the first Emperor's generosity.
Power and influence did not come with a title. The House of Arquilie were not a noble family initially, but they were a clan of the greatest warriors in Goldivia. They were a big faction that were once a threat to the unity of the land the first Emperor, Namsun, had conquered.
"Peace will come when the two strongest houses unite "
Because the houses of Arquilie were not from the noble lineage, most aristocrats were against the Emperor choosing an Empress from a lowly clan like House of Arquilie. It was already a conflict brewing within the Emperor and his followers. But, Namsun, could not simply ignore the oracle that was given by the high Priest.
To satisfy the demand of his people, he granted the House of Arquilie with the highest title of a noble, the Duke. He then declared to all Goldivians that the Arquile clan be recognized as another powerful noble family.
Without knowing the consequences of the future, Emperor Namsun had placed the greatest danger to the House of Arquilie, attracting more enemies than comrades. And with it posing as great threats, Emerald lived in an abnormal environment with fear since young.
At that moment, Emerald once again recalled.
"Don't be afraid... my people will protect you."
The face of the man she tried recalling from memories appeared clouded. He was only a figure in a distance calling for Emerald's attention. As she deliberated in silence, she finally rose from her bed.
"Please dress me. The wedding ceremony will begin in a few hours..."
With the help of Emerald's appointed two ladies-in-waiting and a few maids of the castle, Emerald was able to prepare in a short amount of time.
Just like old tradition, Emerald wore a white wedding gown. The dress hugged her upper body with flattering layers of lace embroidery. It is a long sleeve off the shoulder dress that holds modesty and delicacy. It was an a-line dress that fully complements her image. The dress that has small diamond stones embedded to it sparkles brightly as light flashes to the dress.
Her long dark brown hair was braided on one side and decorated with lovely jeweled hair ornaments. The hair ornaments were placed carefully to add prestige to her already beautiful face.
The Duke arrived, assisted with Arquilie's Knights, in the scene while the maid was preoccupied in assisting Emerald with her hair and veil. After a few minutes of waiting in silence, his daughter was ready to leave the premises of his Castle and go to the Central Palace.
A white carriage was prepared for the bride and soon the Duke and his daughter left for the wedding.
***
'Is she coming?...' Calester pondered with the question repeatedly, feeling troubled.
Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder that made him flinch a little.
"You don't look so good for a groom, your Majesty. Did something happen?"
The playful remark made Calester's brow furrow. The man ran his long fingers through his thick dark hair in the attempt to prevent it going to his face. The fine man wore his heavy armor today as the Captain of the Royal guard.
Calester turned away, fully ignoring Leo's presence as he could not stop thinking about what would happen when the ceremony began. 'Will Emerald come?'
Leo felt dumbfounded as he observed his close friend being weirdly quiet. He approached Calester again, placing his heavily calloused hands on Calester's shoulder.
"Your Majesty, it's normal to be nervous. I mean, it is your wedding day!"
Leo offered a word of advice towards his friend and stretched a big smile across his face, showing great confidence in his words.
"You don't know what you are talking about." Calester responded as he shook his head in rejection.
Immediately, Leo felt his self-confidence vanished while Calester returned, ignoring Leo to continue his useless pondering.
A crowd of guests have started gathering for the ceremony. One by one, they searched and sat on their assigned seats. Soon, the seats were filled and it became a waiting game for the bride to come. Calester couldn't stay in one place and kept phasing as his anxiety rose.
'Is she... not coming?' He asked again as he looked at the seat getting filled gradually.
Leo persistently asked, "what are you worried about, your Majesty?
Then, with the blunt response, Calester answered him, fixing his gaze towards the crowd, where the bride would be standing. "The future moon of the Empire."
Surprised and confused at the same time, Leo wondered what exactly Calester was worried about as he followed Calester's gaze. Leo waited, looking for the answer in the noisy crowd. His eyes took turns glancing over Calester and the crowd alternately.
As the crowd settled down and a few minutes went by, it was killing Calester as he waited in vain like there was no end to it. Then, all of a sudden, the knights and the Duke from House of Arquilie appeared with his daughter by his side. The subsided noise only lasted for a few seconds, then it became increasingly loud again as soon as the future Empress came into view.
Calester was stunned as Emerald walked down the aisle and was wearing the most beautiful wedding dress. His eyes stared at her, appreciating her very existence.
All the guests, who were finally seated on their assigned seat, were in awe after witnessing the beauty of the bride, Emerald, entering the scene. People were admiring the elegance and sophistication of the dress and the person was wearing it. The women started whispering amongst each other because they can't help but gush over her grand dress. The Duke blushed at the sight of people admiring his daughter. He felt proud standing next to her, but could not stand the unwanted attention he was receiving just being next to Emerald. As soon as Emerald reached the center stage she was greeted by Calester.
Calester was wearing an all white military suite that was embroidered with the Royal family crest in white threads. He looks so handsome in all white like a living angelic statue. Emerald was reminded of Calisto, he too would like this if he was to stand there at that moment.
Calester took Emerald's hand and both took a few steps forward to reach the Priest to start the Ceremony.
"Today, I officiate the unity of Emerald Radia Arquile and Calester De Morges by a kiss. You may kiss the bride." (High Priest)
Emerald froze and became really stiff. Calester knew this would happen. He made a small sigh and quickly smiled. With a soft voice, Calester called for Emerald attention as if her name was really precious.
"Emerald.."
In an instant, she felt calmed and relaxed. It was as if Calisto was calling her. In her mind, she heard Calisto's gentle voice calling her name in a whisper. She closed her eyes and he kissed her. It was a gentle kiss with a touch of sweetness and warmth.