The Crystal Empire was bustling with unconcealed excitement, from the peasants to the nobles they were thrilled to be able to witness a day they thought would never come. The only people that dreaded the day were the two in the centre of all the commotion and the unknown lover of the bride-to-be.
"You look stunning dear," Vivian spoke softly as she ran her hand down the ceremonial gown Gabriella wore. "A dress fit for an Empress."
The two women finally met at the rise of Xal, Vivian came rushing into the princess's room to usher her out of bed to prepare for the big day. Gabriella was resplendent in a gown of Crimson, fine golden crystals woven into the fabric that shone with the light. The meaning of the combination was not lost on the Princess of Embers, nor would any who witnessed it. Gabriella sighed, ready to be done with this farce, maybe if she was lucky he would die on the battlefield in the war to come.
It took everything for the temperamental girl not to blast her through the open window in her chambers. The happiness showed plainly across the older woman's face as she took in her finished appearance and only managed to infuriate Gabriella more. She wished she could share in the woman's excitement, but the person standing at the end of the altar would not be the one she truly wished to be with.
"Thank you," Gabriella muttered, her tone void of all emotion.
It was all she could manage to choke out at the moment. Many nights were spent envisioning her wedding day as a child, surrounded by her family as her parents gave her away, and now neither would be possible.
Vivian let out a sigh as she took in the sullen face of the Ember Princess; she would not be surprised if her son was in his chambers with an identical expression on his. How she wished she could allow them to do as they pleased but who was she to go against the prophecy of the fates? Their union was decided before even Jaqueece had been born, the words of a Crystal Oracle could not be ignored. To try to change the course of their fated paths would be to put their entire empire at risk. Twas the only reason she waited so long to select a bride for her son despite everyone's confusion. If it was her choice she would have chosen someone far better than that twig of a woman, she could not fathom why the fates had chosen such a partner for her beloved son.
"Today is a day for celebration, do not let the people see your true feelings," Her eyes narrowed in a silent threat, causing the Princess of Embers to hold back the eye roll at the weak human's attempt at a threat. "You do not want to disappoint your future subjects."
A small knock at her door had Gabriella silently sending thanks to whatever Gods were still on her side. Vivian had rubbed her the wrong way since the moment she stepped foot inside her chambers. The obvious fake smile and well-rehearsed niceness had been spotted immediately, being used to seeing the same fakeness in her royal courts.
"Enter," Gabriella called out, already knowing who was on the other side of the door from the familiar energy he gave off.
"Your Highnesses," Rowen bowed in greeting to the two, "They are ready for you."
The Princess of Embers, soon to be the ruler of both the Ember Kingdom and Crystal Empire, inhaled a sharp breath at his words. She could not help the sting that began to her eyes, the moment she walked out that door she would be signing her life over to a man that she did love least of all liked.
"Lead the way," She said with a nod of her head, accepting her fate.
Jaqueece stood at the front of the altar, Tempest just a step behind him as was tradition. He gazed out at all the faces sitting in the pews of the church and fought back the bile that was threatening to escape. The unsteady beat of his heart expressed the aversion he felt for the situation, though he knew better than to let it show. The prince wanted nothing more than to run and abandon his responsibilities to the Empire.
With each second that ticked by, their fate grew ever closer and he knew that it was only a matter of time before she would walk through the door. They would be tied to each other for her life. The change of the harp's music signified her arrival, those lucky enough to be gathered in The Church of Dusk to witness their union turned to catch their first glimpse of their future Empress.
The creak of the old stretto wood doors deafening in the almost silent hall as gasps could be heard as she was finally revealed. She was beautiful, as much as he hated to admit it, Gabriella was breathtaking. Her gown sparkled with the light of Xal peaking through the stained glass windows. Shining like the phoenix that blessed her bloodline so long ago.
"If only her personality matched the beauty of her face," He inwardly grimaced as the thought crossed his mind.
Jaqueece took slight pleasure in the look of indifference on her face, knowing that she was just as miserable as him and trying to hide it. Though they did not wish to join in matrimony, at least they were not alone in the way they felt. He let out a small sigh as he composed himself further and watched as his bride gilded her way down the aisle.
Gabriella was used to having eyes on her at all times, having grown up in public view as the heir of the Kingdom as well as the Princess of Wrath. But there was something about all those eyes trained on her at that moment that made her feel helpless. Tempest standing beside his brother beaming like a child given an early birthday celebration did not help to settle her nerves.
"At least someone can find joy in this," She thought to herself, a small smirk lifting the corner of her lips as he waved to her. Something that had the nobles in the room shaking their heads no doubt.
Yet it was the man of the hour that took Gabriella's attention. The Crystal Prince clad in ceremonial armour a stern expression on his face. The man looked all the noble warrior he wanted to present himself as. One that would have lesser girls swooning at the thought of having his hand. She was sure that there were a few noble women that were glaring at her back even now. Chafing at the idea, it was not they that were walking up this aisle.
"They could have him," She thought bitterly as she stepped ever closer to the podium.
Rowen was there, walking with her arm in his, acting in place of her father. How she wished her Lord Father was here with her now. Yet, he was not, felled by tainted blades and venomous fangs. Perhaps, the soon-to-be Empress thought, that is what she should be focused on. Not the distaste she had for this man, but revenge for her kin. The thought of arraying the Crystal Legions against her enemies was certainly more pleasant than what she was going through now.
They ascended the steps all too soon for her liking. Rowan squeezed her arm as some small measure of comfort. For once, she appreciated the man's gesture. It made her feel better, if only slightly, to know he was trying to cheer her. She would have to apologise for treating him so poorly over the past few weeks. The Knight did not deserve her venting her frustrations to him, after all. Her cousin hugged her, suddenly, whispering words of encouragement before he stepped away. She had not known how much a warm embrace was desired up until that moment.
One step, two, three and she was before her soon-to-be Lord Husband. The man may as well have been a statue for all the emotion he showed her. Gabriella would have been insulted in any other circumstance, he could have at least tried to smile. Folding her hands together in the picture of elegance she stared the mortal down as they both accepted what was to come.
"We have come here today for an auspicious occasion, the union of the Kingdom of Embers and the Crystal Empire," The Priest of Dusk proclaimed with joy in his voice. "Never before have our two lands bridged the gaps between our people, this is a new age."
"Remember that while you are seeding your new bride, eh?" Tempest elbowed his brother with a playful snicker. "It is all about that connection." He raised his hands in surrender when both Gabriella and Jaqueece turned to glare at him in their first moment of total agreement.
"One of unity against all those that would harm the good people of our lands!" The man's words rang out through the church, echoing for all to hear.
A great cheer rang out from the commoners in attendance, gaining a few looks of disdain from the nobles closer to the event. It was defining, if nothing else, it was clear that Jaqueece had the support of his people.
"Now let us begin by praising the divine, for it is only by their grace this has come to be." The man of Dusk spoke, in his hands the holy symbol of the Dusk Church. "Farrah, Goddess of weddings and marriage, may she bless yours."
"Meko God of Family, may he keep you and your offspring from harm." As he spoke the room was silent, not even a murmur could be heard, even Tempest stood in utter silence. "Canita Goddess of fertility, may she allow you to forever be fruitful." The couple grimaced at his words silently hoping for the opposite to be true. "Fausto lord of Destiny may he lead you to your fated glory."
Below, the mother of the groom nodded, silently praying to Fausto for deliverance. The two before her may not like her much at the moment, but this bond was paramount for what was to come. The Oracle had been clear not to reveal her words, lest the whims of fate be altered. Yet in this moment Vivian could not help but feel she had done the right thing.
"My Lord, my Lady, exchange the promised adornments." The man brought forth a case in its centre twin necklaces with shining jewels at their core, the Pendant of Oaths "May your love for each other be deep and everlasting."
The two reached out, grasping the obsidian-coloured chains, the ruby at the end of the jewellery shone with the light of Xal. Jaqueece nodded to Gabriella and she showed him her back. Allowing him to adorn her with the pendant, sealing her fate. Feeling the weight of it on her neck, she donned his, in turn. The cold metal felt like ice in her hands, for all the warmth the action provided.
Herra watched from her spot in the shadows as the woman she loved gave herself to another. The pea
"So the deed is done, let us dance, let us feast and be merry for this is a day that shall ring in the annals of history!" The priest roared in jubilation, only to be drowned out by the sound of cheering common folk as they congratulated their new Emperor and Empress.
"This is going to be a long marriage." Gabriella thought to herself as she waved at her new subjects.