After getting only three hours of sleep, Aestir wasn't too sure how he'd survive the day. He and Celeste didn't finish talking until 2 am, and he tossed and turned the whole night after returning to his room, troubled by the contradictory Strexxan he was becoming. He had noticeable bags underneath his eyes and yawned into the palm of his hand as he prepared for his long day, exiting his bedroom once he was dressed.
He wasn't surprised to see Celeste's father waiting eagerly for him and greeted the king, stifling back a yawn. "King Virion."
"Why hello there, my boy!" Welcomed the king, clasping Aestir's back. "You look exhausted; did you not get any sleep last night?"
"Not much." Confessed Aestir, following the king out of his suite. He was told that he'd be praying to the sun today for Celeste's hand and was led to the top of the palace, where mats were set up for the pair. He glanced over at King Virion and sat down on the mat when the king sat on his own, feeling frustrated that he was undertaking so much for what should've been a simple arranged marriage.
"Every morning for 30 days before a wedding, the prospective husband will bathe in the early morning rays of the sun for an hour." Began King Virion, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. "It is done in silence. I will do it with you for today, and after that, I expect you to continue to do this until you're married."
Aestir ground his jaw in frustration, trying to tell himself that Aephis' resources and knowledge were infinitely more important than this temporary nuisance. "Certainly." He struggled to stay awake through the meditation and was eternally grateful when it ultimately ended, wanting nothing more than to return to sleep.
Unfortunately, there was a dawn feast to attend, so Aestir rose with the king and followed him down to the royal feasting hall, where members of the king's court and their wives were present to celebrate Aestir and Celeste's impending marriage.
The feasting hall was a large, high-ceilinged room with walls made of white marble. The floor was covered in a deep red carpet, and the walls were decorated with tapestries depicting scenes of nature and elves at play. The ceiling was supported by tall, slender columns, and the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling were made of crystal. The tables were set with fine china and silver, the food undoubtedly prepared by the finest chefs in the kingdom.
The prince immediately spotted Celeste and strode over to her side, taking her hand and kissing it gently. "Betrothed. You look as radiant as the morning sun." He wasn't used to giving others compliments but understood that he needed to play along with the kingdom's ridiculous fantasy about him loving the princess.
Celeste blushed at the compliment even though she knew Aestir really didn't mean it. Those around her gasped and cooed at the grand display, though, so the princess played along as well, knowing it would make things much easier for them. "Thank you, betrothed; you're more captivating than an astral sky."
The prince's eyes opened wide in bewilderment at the compliment, and he missed the precarious way King Virion narrowed his eyes at the pair. Aestir quickly remembered to fix his face, kissing Celeste's knuckles again and thanking her before sitting beside her. The compliment she'd given him was one that those in Strexxa reserved for deep, true love, and it unsettled him greatly to be on the receiving end of this compliment. He wasn't sure how Celeste knew of that compliment, deciding to ask her about it later when they met at midnight.
Now that everyone had arrived, King Virion gave a long speech about unity and pride, which Celeste tried not to zone out during. It was only when she heard her father call Aestir's name that she paid attention, seeing that the king wanted him to give a speech.
Aestir expected as much and assuredly stood up from his seat, biting back a sigh and beginning to craft an ideal speech without hesitation. "Thank you all for attending this charming feast hosted by King Virion. It is an honor to be surrounded by the people my betrothed loves most, and it is an even greater privilege to know that I am now one of them."
The patrons swooned about the statement, so the prince resumed his speech, relieved he was on the right track. "I have enjoyed discovering more and more about your beloved princess and now find that my heart leaps every time our gazes meet. The mere mention of her name fills me with unprecedented joy, and when I stare into her cerulean eyes, I know the world is ours."
Aestir could see the members of his own court holding back amusement and smirking at his grand masquerade. He ignored them, continuing his speech and turning to face Celeste, who had a bashful smile on her face. He was relieved that she knew this was all for show and that she was such an excellent actress. "Celeste, with every moment until our wedding, my heart beats with elation. I cannot wait to join myself to you eternally."
Finally, he picked up his chalice, raising it for a toast. "To Celeste; may our love be as all-encompassing and passionate as the sun."
The patrons of the dinner shouted in agreement, raising their glasses in joy. "Here, here!"
King Virion seemed pleased as well, smiling knowingly at Aestir. "It warms my heart to know my daughter will experience a love even greater and more divine than the love I had for the queen. Thank you for that lovely speech, Aestir."
The prince nodded, sitting back down and taking Celeste's hand in his, bringing it to his mouth to kiss.