"Nervous" was what defined Saul's current state. While many people passed by his quarters with a curious look on their faces, all he could think about was how much his stomach ached.
A middle-aged man used a strip of cloth to take Saul's measures.
- Master Saul, please! Stop moving! I can't take your measures correctly if you keep moving so much.
- But, Messala, I'm completely nauseated with this whole situation. What if I trip while walking down the aisle?
- It will be all right, son. - Messala said while holding Saul's face in his hands.
A blond, blue-eyed boy looked at Saul with a malicious grin on his face.
- Al, you don't look too comfortable with all dressed up like that. - Said Saul.
- I must say, Master Alaricus looks very much elegant. - Said Messala.
- See that, Saul? At least Mes here has good taste.
- What are you doing here, Al?
- Father asked me to come see how you feel.
Saul couldn't tell his brother he was almost throwing up due to his nervousness.
- Tell His Grace we are almost ready.
- So, Saul. Changing the subject, have you seen how your wife-to-be looks?
- Master Alaricus, don't you know that seeing the bride before the wedding is bad luck?
- Nonsense, Mes. Anyway, I have to go, Saul. See you later.
He turned around and hurried down the long hallway.
- All ready, sir. I've taken all your measures. It will be a while until your suit is ready. How about a walk around the Castle to see how things are?
- How long until it's ready?
- Around two hours.
- Okay, Mes. See you later.
- Ah, Master Saul! Don't you forget! Seeing the bride before the wedding is bad luck.
- Okay, Mes. I'll remember.
Saul left his room and, while walking down the hallway, he noticed everyone stared at him with a certain enthusiasm, certainly excited with the possibilities his marriage would bring.
He was the second of five sons. His father, the king, had had all his children with the queen, except for Saul. Saul was a bastard, and, despite the queen not wanting him in the Castle, his father allowed him to live as a prince. Saul had very few friends. His younger brother, Alaricus, was a big admirer of his. With the exception of these few friends, the rest of his brothers hated him and treated him as an intruder among the family. Led by the queen, they gave their best to make Saul's life as difficult. On the other hand, the servants loved Saul, as he was humble and amicable with all, unlike the rest of the Royal Family, who were extremely arrogant.
As he arrived at the end of the hallway, he went down the stairs that led to the Castle's entrance and went out to the courtyard. There, he observed the nervous servants with the preparations of his wedding. They ran from left to right trying to leave everything perfect.
A servant came to him and said:
- Master Saul, I have a message from Master Serapius for you.
- Weird. It isn't like Serapius to leave written messages.
A slightly crumbled piece of paper asked Saul to go as soon as possible to the Azure Tower.
- Hey - said Saul to the servant - do you know how long it's been since Serapius gave you this message?
- My apologies, Master Saul, but it has been quite a while. I tried to get it to you, but you were busy with your wedding suit.
- It's okay. Thank you for handing me the message. I have to go. Have a nice day!
Saul hurried towards the Azure Tower. Running through the town, he noticed how cheerful the people were because of his wedding. Never had he imagined how loved and appreciated he was by his people.
As Saul got closer to the Tower, he saw the door ajar, which was unusual. The doors of the Towers were always closed to avoid intruders. He entered the Tower and went up the stairs all the way to the top.
- Dude, it's been about two hours! I thought you were gonna stand me up. I don't even know why I allowed my sister to marry you!
- My bad, man. I was getting my suit ready.
- Awn, how cute! Who would've thought that my best friend was becoming a man and getting married?! They grow up so fast!
- Okay, I get it. You're bored. Why did you asked me to come here, Serapius?
- Hey, calm down! Take a seat, we have enough time until the wedding. Here, I brought beer and bread. I know haven't eaten since you woke up.
- Aw, man! Why aren't I marrying you?
- Obviously, I'm more demanding than my sister.
Saul sat down beside Serapius, grabbed a piece of bread and, with his mouth still full, he started talking.
- So, you asked me to come here to drink and eat bread?
- Saul, what do you know about the Red Sorcerers?
Saul froze. He felt shivers down his spine. Speaking about the Red Sorcerers was strictly forbidden. It was a taboo imposed by the king ages ago, and the people took after him.
- W-Why are you asking me this?
- Saul, don't you think it's curious how, even with so much power and influence, the Red Sorcerers have never even come close to our defences? I think they've been long waiting for the right occasion. Nothing better for them than a royal wedding, where the people will be distracted, partying. Look how easy it was for me to enter this Tower! If I was a Red Sorcerer, I would attack this Kingdom today.
- What is it with you?! Stop hexing my wedding! Also, there's no way a Red Sorcerer can enter the town without passing through the barrier the Towers emit.
- Yeah, you're right.
- Why would you bring this up out of the blue, Serapius? Is there anything you wanna tell me?
- Hahaha, I'm kidding, you fool. It will be all right!
Saul and Serapius kept on drinking and talking about their respective weeks. And just like that, time went by.
- Damn it!
Saul said, realizing he forgot time was a thing.
- What is it?
- I need to go back immediately! My suit is ready and the wedding will start soon!
- Calm down, kid. I got my bike.
- Let's go, Serapius!
Saul rushed down the stairs, while Serapius was looking for his bike's keys in his pockets. As they got to the first floor, Serapius found his keys and they rode to the Castle.
Arriving at the Castle, with his sight slightly dimmed with worry, Saul went up to Messala's room, and found him waiting impatiently for His Highness.
- It was about time, Master Saul!
- My apologies, Mes! I lost the track of time!
- Quickly! Stand in front of the mirror.
Saul put on his suit and was ready for the wedding.
- It suits you perfectly, Master Saul!
- Thank you, Mes! You can really make anyone look handsome with your clothing!
- I really can, can't I? Now hurry up! You have to welcome the guests at the hall!
Saul went calmly to the hall. As he arrived, he saw his bride's parents talking. The minute they saw Saul was coming, they stopped and greeted him.
- Look at him, dear! How handsome our son-in-law looks! Barely resembles that little kid who was all the time at our hose all shy and embarrassed.
- Saul, you look amazing! You've really become a man worthy of marrying our daughter! And, to be honest, I've always known you liked Drasyla.
Saul blushed, but maintained his posture.
- Thank you! I really am glad to be able to share my life with Drasy. And I'm also glad that you trust enough to be the one looking after her.
They looked proud at the man in front of them.
- Well, dear, he has to greet the other guests, as well. We'll get out of your way.