Episode 14
(Wedding in Loire)
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The Loire Empire
Capital
The Royal Palace.
Swoosh~
Snow fell quietly outside, each flake a tiny, fragile crystal. It was beautiful, yes, but it brought with it a deep, biting cold that seemed to seep into everything.
I shut the window, trying to keep out the cold, and made my way to the fireplace. I sank down onto the fur-lined mattress in front of it, pulling my shawl tighter around me as if I could hold on to whatever warmth I could find.
Crackle—
The firewood snapped and crackled as the flames licked at it, casting a golden glow that danced across the otherwise cold and empty room. It was comforting, but only just.
There's something strangely bittersweet about watching a fire burn. It's a reminder of how fleeting warmth can be, how easily it can slip away. Yet, in that moment, as I watched the flames, a quiet longing stirred inside me—a wish to keep going, to hold on, even if just for a little while longer.
Haa…
"I must fulfill my promise…"
Yet, why am I so fixated on this? Perhaps because it was Grandfather's final wish…
Yet, when I try to recall the details—what happened back then—I can't seem to remember…
Aghh!
Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my head, making it impossible to think. The memories were just out of reach, hidden behind a wall of pain. I couldn't think about that time. I couldn't remember!
Now that I think about it, it's not just those memories—
Ouch!
Another wave of pain struck, more intense than before.
Huff, Huff…
My breath came in short, shaky gasps. It was like the pain had taken over everything.
Aghh!
Ching—
In that moment, the sapphire ring on Isabella's finger began to glow, casting a brilliant blue light that surrounded her in a shimmering, transparent barrier. It circled Isabella protectively, its light steady and unwavering.
For a minute, maybe more, Isabella remained still, trapped in that glowing cocoon, unable to move or even blink.
Then, just as quickly as it had appeared, the light faded, the barrier dissolving into the air. The ring grew dim, and Isabella slowly returned to herself.
Ah…
I-
What was I thinking about? It was something important, I'm sure, but…
My thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind, lost to me once more.
Suddenly—
Knock, Knock—
It's the dead of the night. Who could be knocking at this hour? A chill ran down my spine. Could it be… the Emperor?
I flinched at the thought, my heart pounding. I couldn't endure another beating. My voice trembled as I called out, "Wh-who is it?"
"Princess, it is time for you to prepare for the ceremony."
Oh! In my anxiety, it completely slipped my mind.
Two wedding ceremonies awaited me—one here in the Loire, and another in Fellmirr. The first would take place tomorrow morning, just before my departure. The Royal Hall, adorned in splendor, will be filled with people, since this wedding is a huge deal for both nations. And the Emperor… he'll be the one officiating. As if it wasn't daunting enough already.
Phew~
I took a deep breath and rose from the mattress.
"Come in."
Creak–
The door opened slowly, and a servant stepped inside, bowing low. "Greetings, My Lady. A warm bath has been prepared for you."
"Alright." I murmured, my voice dull, as I braced myself for what lay ahead.
After receiving my permission, the maids moved with practiced precision, their hands deftly unfastening the layers of my gown. Soon, I was undressed and guided into the bath.
I stepped into the bath, the water enveloping me in soothing warmth that offered a rare moment of comfort. The heat seeped into my bones, melting away the tension, and various hands worked skillfully, applying different massages, each touch easing the weight of the coming day.
Hours drifted by in this luxurious yet exhausting process. By the time the bath was over, dawn was breaking, casting a soft light into the room. The water that had been infused with rose petals, had left my skin scented with a delicate fragrance, though I barely noticed it through my fatigue.
As I stepped out of the bath, the maids swiftly set to work, drying my hair with soft towels and applying makeup with a light, graceful touch. My hair was braided intricately, strands woven with crystal accessories shaped like delicate flowers. Each piece caught the light, adding a touch of shimmer to the braid.
Then, they brought forth the ceremonial dress—a masterpiece of craftsmanship, a vision of opulence and grace. The gown, crafted from the finest white silk that shimmered like moonlight, was adorned with countless crystals that sparkled like stars. It was an off-shoulder design, with puffed and voluminous sleeves, that were made of sheer organza, catching the light with a gentle iridescence that mirrored the crystals embedded in the fabric.
Donning the dress was no small feat; it took time and care, each layer falling perfectly into place. By the time the last stitch was secured, morning had fully arrived, the sun's rays filtering through the curtains. The maids, sensing the urgency, hurried to place the final touches—the delicate crystal headpiece, a fine chain, and earrings that glimmered with every movement.
Finally, they draped the veil over me, its long, flowing fabric studded with crystals that seemed to capture the light and reflect it in a thousand tiny rainbows.
And so, after what felt like an eternity of preparation, it was time to head to the Royal Hall.
It's strange. Two years ago, the thought of marrying anyone but Roberto seemed impossible. And yet, here I am…
As I walked down the grand hallway, a weight settled heavily upon me. It wasn't just the elaborate accessories or the weight of the crystal-studded gown; but the sheer anticipation of finally getting out of this place. This place that's felt like a prison.
Yet, the place I'm bound for… is it another torment awaiting me? Or could it be a haven? My mind was a mess of uncertainty and doubt.
Soon, I stand before the towering doors of the Royal Hall.
"First Princess, Isabella Von Hagen Loire is entering the hall!"
With a resonant creak, the colossal doors swung open.
Step… Step…
I slowly made my way into the Royal Hall, each step echoing through the silence. The hall was filled with distinguished guests—the Emperor at the forefront, the Crown Prince beside him, and every noble family in attendance. Yet, a profound silence enveloped the space.
I walked slowly towards the front podium, keeping my gaze lowered. As I reached the end of the aisle, I faced him… Leonus Albus Carados Fellmirr.
For some reason, when I looked at him, all my nerves seemed to melt away. He was captivating—black hair framing a striking face, deep blue eyes that seemed to hold the very depths of the sea, and a beauty mark beneath his right eye. His gaze met mine, and for a moment, it felt like the world had stopped. My breath caught in my throat, and I could do nothing but look away, overwhelmed by his intense, yet breathtaking presence.
"Before the witness of the Sun," Emperor Mathias's voice resonated through the grand hall, "I, Emperor Mathias Von Goldrudder Loire, bind the fates of First Princess Isabella Von Hagen Loire and Crown Prince Leonus Albus Carados Fellmirr together.
May your union bring peace to our two Empires.
May you find strength in each other's embrace through both the darkest storms and the brightest joys.
May your destinies intertwine for all eternity.
Now, seal these vows with a kiss."
Overwhelmed by the weight of the vows, I felt a flush of shyness. A kiss?
Suddenly, I felt the Crown Prince's fingers tenderly lifting the veil from my face. Though I kept my eyes averted, I could feel his intense gaze, a silent force pressing against me. With a sudden, gentle pull, he drew me close and whispered, "Princess… May I?"
I nodded, my heart pounding, and closed my eyes tightly, bracing for the moment. His lips, warm and tender, pressed softly against my forehead.
"The Rings."
At the Emperor's command, a royal servant stepped forward, presenting a ring to me. It was a stunning piece of platinum adorned with a deep amethyst, its rich purple hue catching the light beautifully.
"Princess…"
Oh!
I extended my right hand, trembling slightly.
With a tenderness that made my heart ache, the Crown Prince took my hand in his. His lips brushed against my skin as he placed the ring on my finger, a platinum band set with a sapphire—the exact shade of his piercing eyes. I heard these rings had been brought all the way from Fellmirr.
In turn, the Crown Prince extended his own hand. I carefully slid the amethyst ring onto his finger.
"May this glorified union remain etched in history for eternity."
Clap* Clap*
Murmur* Murmur*
The hall erupted in applause and murmurs, the sound a distant hum compared to the thudding of my own heart.
The Emperor then descended from the podium.
"Princess, are you ready? We will have to depart now."
Ready? There is nothing here for me now.
"Yes, but… may I visit my grandfather's grave before we leave?"
"Of course, Princess."
'I'm not a princess anymore.' I wanted to say. But the words caught in my throat.
I have nothing left here. Nothing.
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After exchanging pleasantries with all the nobles, I made my way to my grandfather's grave. The path led through the Royal garden, now blanketed in snow. I walked slowly, each step stirring memories of this place—both the joyful and the painful.
As I approached the grave, I was greeted by the sight of its surroundings adorned with vibrant red flowers, their beauty striking against the cold.
"So this is Emperor Johannes's resting place, Princess?"
I turned, startled. It was him.
"Why the surprise, Princess? I've been by your side from the start."
"Uh… I didn't notice. My apologies."
"Apologies? Princess, do you not wish for my company here?"
"It's not that. I just didn't expect you'd want to be here."
"Indeed, I must pay my respects to my princess's esteemed grandfather."
"Ah, I see."
He closed his eyes, offering a silent tribute to my grandfather.
Suddenly, the necklace my grandfather had given me—the one I now wore as a ring—began to glow with an ethereal light. The soft, radiant glow grew brighter, casting a shimmering aura around us.
A sudden gust of wind swept through the air, powerful yet gentle. The snowfall halted as if time itself had paused. Instead, the wind carried a cascade of red flower petals, swirling around us in a mesmerizing dance.
'What's happening?'
I glanced around, my heart racing with a mix of awe and confusion, and then looked at Leonus.He remained with his eyes closed, immersed in his solemn respect.
Is this a sign, Grandfather? I wondered, my thoughts swirling with the petals. Have you bestowed your blessing upon him?
What am I to do now?