Chereads / Whispers of the Wild / Chapter 25 - CHAPTER 25

Chapter 25 - CHAPTER 25

THIRD PERSON PROV

"My Princess,

My Princess, It's your turn" One of the maids, surrounding Elaara spoke up...

"Nancyyyy, I'm being called out on the stage, Yay, It's finally time!!" She spoke as she got up in a haste losing her footing but the maid stepped forward to catch her before she fell. 

" Oops, sorry!! Nancy.." Elaar said looking up apologizing to realize, it wasn't her.

"Wait!!! You're not Nancyyyy??" She spoke pointing at her, a horrified expression on her face. The maids surrounding her only looked at her worriedly. The Queen awaited patiently for her arrival but after a good five minutes, losing her patience, she spoke again, stressing on the now a bit too much..

"Elaara Faerelore will climb down the stairs, Now." She had a perplexed expression not knowing what was happening up there. Why is this taking too long? She thought as the King held her hand to calm her down. He looked at her lovingly under her trance as she reciprocated a reassuring smile. Focusing on one step at a time, with the help of the maids she walked to the edge of the stairs that led to a middle podium where the King and the Queen sat above the crowd.

Stood in front of the throne was the royal pastor, a man in his late 50's who had been appointed by the Queen herself and had been with the royal family as far as he could remember. Aehannik stood in front of the pastor waiting for her bride to be dressed in a black formal three piece tuxedo looking more handsome than ever. The jacket was tailored to perfection, with a single-breasted design and satin lapels. The trousers were slim-fitting, with a crisp crease down the front.

The tuxedo was paired with a crisp white dress shirt, featuring French cuffs and silver cufflinks engraved with the royal crest. Beneath the jacket, was a matching black satin vest, adding a touch of sophistication and depth to his attire.His shoes was polished black leather , perfectly complementing the formality of his suit.A white pocket square is neatly folded and placed in his breast pocket and a watch sat gracefully on his wrist. 

"Get her.."The queen's order brought him back from his thoughts where he kept on questioning his decisions. The first thought that ran through his mind was "Did she run away?" Putting his dreading thoughts away, he walked towards the staircase only to be stopped in his tracks as a fairy appeared at the top of the stairs. His hand, on his own accord, went to his thumping heart, which was getting out of control.. Was this a dream?

He had no control on his body and his mind as he stared in the eyes of the beauty who was making her way towards her.Her eyes were so captivating. He knew she was wearing lenses all this time and she looked beautiful but this feeling that he was experiencing, like he wanted to hide her away from all the prying eyes. This possessiveness that came over him, no one could ever make him feel this way...Her smile tried to make his smile to peek through his lips but he couldn't give much away.

Trying his best, he climbed two steps forward in reflex as he felt a bounce in her steps and presented his hand forward for her to take. She looked at him wide eyed, never breaking eye contact, put her hand in his, losing her footing once again. Aehannik caught her mid- waist breaking her fall. A giggle escaped her lips, as she held onto his shoulders for dear life. He guided her down the rest of the stairs as they walked towards the pastor, his hand still in her waist keeping her balanced. 

Taking their position, on the stage, that was set out for them, the ceremony began...

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the presence of Our King and Queen, to join Prince Aehannik Lucian Shadowmere and Elaara Mystic Faerelore in holy matrimony. This sacred union is not to be entered into lightly but reverently, thoughtfully, and with a deep sense of commitment and love." he smiled at the young couple standing before him as he continued:

"Prince Aehannik, as you take Lady Elaara to be your lawfully wedded wife, please repeat after me:

'I, Prince Aehannik take you, Lady Elaara, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. With this ring, I thee wed, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.'" As he repeated those words, he stole a glance at the petite woman who was rocking on her feet. The pastor continued:

"Lady Elaara, as you take Prince Aehannik to be your lawfully wedded husband, please repeat after me:

"oh!oh! Yes, Ofcourse!!" Elaara giggled as she started repeating the words...

"I, Elaara, take you, The Prince Aehan,-giggle- to be my wedded husssband, to have and to holdddd, from this day forward,-giggle- for better,--- for worse, for richer,,-giggle- for poorer, in sickness and in health,-pause- to love and to cherish, till death do usss part.-giggle-With this ring, I thee wed, and with ,-giggle-all my worldly goods I thee endow.' He looked at her as she took his name, the way she did. Not being able to control, A smile graced his lips at her antics.

"You may exchange the rings now" The pastor gave her a look but continued nonetheless. The rings were brought out in a royal palette sitting comfortably on a plush cushion. 

Aehannik picked the beautiful band as he held her hand and placed in her ring finger. Elaara, shyly, not raising her head at all, followed suit and placed the ring in his finger. The crowd erupted in cheers, as the pastor continued. 

"May these vows you have spoken today be a steadfast foundation for a lifetime of love, respect, and mutual support. May your union be blessed with joy, harmony, and an enduring bond that grows stronger with each passing day."

By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Aehannik gazed into Elaara's eyes, his heart pounding with uncertainty and excitement. Was this truly the right thing to do? The Queen's piercing gaze was upon them, and doubt crept into his mind. She would suspec- His wide-eyed, frozen mind struggled to comprehend the moment as Elaara's soft lips gently brushed against his. She was kissing him, her tender touch sending waves of warmth through his body. For a fleeting moment, the world around them ceased to exist. Then, her entire weight shifted, and he realized she had fainted, her delicate form collapsing into his arms. He held her close, feeling an overwhelming sense of protectiveness and love as he gently cradled her.

Chaos erupted in the big halls at the scene unfolding. The Queen walked towards the prince as the King stood on his place unmoving, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. Aehannik moving quickly on his feet, lifted her up bridal style as he walked away from the crowd and the prying eyes. 

It didn't go unnoticed by the Queen, the way Aehannik face etched with worry as he gazed lovingly at her. She knew something had conspired behind her back. She just needed to know what. Upon a flick of her wrist, the guests were moved to a huge dining hall as she made way to her chambers. The king followed after her, fear gripping his entire being as he wasn't ready to fight this fight yet....

The royal guard followed right after awaiting his orders. The Queen sat on the bed proudly eyeing the royal guard..

" Henry, How did this happen under your watch?"She asked the only question that was disturbing her. 

"Your Highness, only the maids entered her chamber, no one else" Henry answered the Queen bowing slightly. 

"hmmmm, Investigate, I want a report before the night ends..." The Queen said as she entered her sanctuary. Once left alone, the King spoke:

" Get me the list of the maid on duty today, now..." Henry bowed as he retreated to get what the King had demanded. Jankom had messed up yet another mission he thought as he paced around his room frantically. He was in confusion how he still had control over his emotions? Looks like the powers were fading more quickly than he had imagined. He smiled to himself as he walked towards the other end to attend yet another event. It was going to be a long night. 

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In the dining hall, amidst the crowd, a man frantically made his way around the dining room looking for something or more like someone. He thought this was the best way that he could finally get to meet the person from all of the myths that his elders told him. Disguised as a guest, this was definitely his best shot in winning this war. He was winning, no matter what. There was no way around it. He just needed to figure out How? He made his way outside towards the other end of the castle trying to figure out a way towards the dungeons. He had heard the whispers that kept him up last night. Although they were broken sentences, he understood the meaning behind it. Determined to get his answer tonight, he walked around until he finally found a way.