Days quickly passed by, and everyone was busy preparing for the upcoming royal wedding. Minister Holter made sure that all the guests in the list were handed over the official invitations. The head culinarian had become strict as he judged the proposed dishes by the other culinarians, while General Lum was tasked to be in charge of the palace security. The fitting for Ely and Maro's royal clothes were headed by the couturier.
But a week before the wedding, there was an emergency assembly. One morning, King Maro went alone to face the Ministers and the Clan Leaders.
"You said you have any news about the missing artifacts? You may start with your report," King Maro said as he sat on his bejeweled seat.
"Your Highness, there was a report from Minister Anna. One of my men was told to relay the message," General Lum explained, "There were suspected artifacts found in the territory of the rebels and bandits in the Ancil mountains. But she was not sure, so she requested that you'd see it in person."
"How dare she demand such a thing to our King," Clan Leader Owen suddenly spoke, "This is why I did not want that young woman to lead the search team. Your Highness' wedding is in a few days, so he should focus on it!"
King Maro turned quiet as he thought about it. Preparing for the wedding was important, but acquiring back all of the stolen magical artifacts was his duty as the King. If these royal artifacts went to the wicked ones, these might disrupt the peace he had worked hard for all these years.
The opinions of the Ministers and Clan Leaders mostly favored making the King go and check the artifacts, while there were few officials who thought that the King's marriage should be the priority to stabilize his throne, get a Queen, and make heirs as soon as he could.
"Your Highness," Minister Holter uttered, "What is your decision?"
"Minister Holter…" King Maro then said in a serious expression, "Prepare our horses. I will see the artifacts as soon as possible."
After lunch time when the swords, armors, and horses were ready, King Maro, together with some of the Clan Leaders and mercenaries, lined up in front of the palace.
"Please be careful on your way, and return immediately…" Ely worriedly said as she gazed at the King with teary eyes.
King Maro then pulled her to an embrace, "Yes, I promise. Let's get married upon my return," and he kissed her shortly on her lips.
When the King rode his bulky, black armored horse, he shot a glance at her beloved fiance. He didn't want to go, but he had to. He promised himself that he would quickly fulfill his mission in the Ancil mountains, and when he comes back, he would never let her out of his sight anymore.
The horses galloped, and they ran ahead. Ely stared at the King's back and his swaying, long, black, silky hair as he moved further and further, until they were out of sight.
General Lum bowed in front of Ely. He then told her, "His Highness left you in my care. Please rest assured that the palace has good security. No one will dare harm you. If you need anything, do not hesitate to tell me."
"Thank you very much, General."
The lonely Ely walked back to her chambers, but instead of laying in her own bed, she laid in her lover's bed. She could still smell the fragrant smell of his pillows, and her mind wandered as she smelled it. A smile formed on her lips when she recalled the first time they had met in his bathing room, all naked and wet. Now, it has become a normal thing for them to bathe together, and she chuckled with the thought.
She didn't expect to be betrothed to Adam's twin brother.
At first, Ely was interested in the King because he looked like her deceased husband. But now, even though his gray eyes, the hue of his hair, and the other details of his handsome face looked like Adam, she could see the two as different persons.
It wasn't even an hour since King Maro left, but she felt like it had already been a week, and she missed him so much. She wished she came with him, but she didn't know how to ride a horse. She closed her eyes, and as she drifted off to sleep, she hoped that when she woke up, she would already see her beloved King by her side.
...
Two days had passed, and still no news about King Maro. Ely was already too worried and decided to inquire about it. With hastened steps, she walked towards the barracks, where General Lum and his mercenaries were.
As soon as they caught sight of the Queen of Ballad, they lowered their heads.
General Lum walked in front and asked her, "What brings you here, my Queen?"
Ely pleaded, "General Lum, please do me a favor."
"What is it?"
"Can you check up on the King? Why isn't he back yet?" asked Ely with a frown.
"Perhaps he had discovered more about the artifacts. Besides, these magical items are of great importance to the nation."
Ely sighed, and he averted her eyes. She didn't want to think that he was putting her aside for his duties. It was understandable, because Maro was a King before they even met, and she knew that she might only be the second priority. In spite of that, she still chose to be with him because she loved him dearly.
Clan Leader Owen suddenly entered, "I have news from His Highness- Oh, greetings, our beloved Queen," he bowed to her.
"What is this news that you were talking about? Please let me hear it."
He nodded at her, then explained, "His Highness wants you to go to him to the City of Leoniva. He decided to have the royal wedding there."
"Oh, really?" she bit her thumb lightly in worry. She knew that the King disliked the Old Palace. "I wonder why…"
"It's to properly guard the artifacts. Anyway, I will get the carriage ready. General, can I ask for your assistance?"
"Certainly," General Lum said, "We shall depart in two hours. You can wait in your chambers, and I shall ask the maidservant to inform you if we're good to go."
"Okay. Thank you!" In excitement of reuniting with her beloved King, she ran out of the barracks with a bright smile on her face.