"I have seen Her Royal Highness Edel," Princess Sophie Marie said, her face blushing as she greeted Edel in front of the gathered crowd.
Edel approached the princess, taking her hand gently. "Sophie Marie, I'll pick you up for the rehearsal," he announced.
Sophie Marie's embarrassment was evident in her flushed expression, contrasting with Edel's more composed demeanor, likely attributed to his greater confidence. The onlookers chuckled warmly at the display of affection between the young lovers, causing Sophie Marie's cheeks to turn an even deeper shade of red. However, she did not pull her hand away from the crown prince, tacitly accepting his gesture.
"Then let's go," intervened Grand Duke Otto Franz, Sophie Marie's father, his statement easing his daughter's discomfort somewhat. Upon hearing her father's words, Sophie Marie hastened her steps, pulling Edel towards the waiting carriage.
Watching his daughter's actions, Grand Duke Otto Franz smiled wryly and turned to his brother, Grand Duke Ferdinand, the Crown Prince. "It seems that my daughter no longer belongs to me."
"But she has found her own happiness, and she has the blessings of everyone, does she not?" Grand Duke Ferdinand replied, his voice tinged with a mix of reflection and melancholy. He thought back to his own marriage, which, though filled with true love, was met with opposition from the nobility and royal family. Even after more than a decade, he still faced significant resistance, with the aristocratic circle refusing to accept his wife. This weighed heavily on him, though he knew there was little he could do about it.
Grand Duke Otto Franz, noticing his brother's somber gaze, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Brother, don't dwell on it too much. They will eventually come around, and Sophie and Hornberg will be accepted as your queen."
Grand Duke Ferdinand appreciated his brother's attempt at consolation, though he knew the reality of their situation was not so easily resolved. The resistance from the Austro-Hungarian nobles and other royal family members was not something that could be easily overcome. However, he pushed these thoughts aside as they prepared to depart for the rehearsal, boarding the carriage together.
The group, escorted by officers and soldiers of the Guard Division, traveled to their first destination: the Cathedral of the Chiefs, the headquarters of the Romanian Orthodox Church, to receive blessings from Patriarch Baldochven I.
Inside the moving carriage, Edel turned to his beloved fiancée. "Mary, every day in Romania, I find myself missing you," he confessed, his thoughts briefly wandering to the two maids he had sent to Constanta in early August to start a new life.
Sophie Marie, touched by his words, responded warmly, "I miss you too, Edel, every day in Vienna."
As the couple enjoyed their private moment, Anna, the maid in the following carriage, sulked quietly. "The princess forgets about Anna whenever the crown prince is around," she muttered to herself, feeling neglected.
Soon, the entourage arrived at the Emirates Cathedral, a modest yet significant structure capable of holding two hundred worshippers. Built in the 17th century, the cathedral featured four prominent cylindrical towers, each topped with a large cross, symbolizing its religious importance. As the headquarters of the Romanian Orthodox Church, it was under the leadership of Patriarch Baldochven I, who was responsible for nearly 10,000 clergy across Romania. The patriarch, recognizing the importance of the occasion, was prepared to officiate the crown prince's wedding, a role he took seriously given the influence of the royal family in Romania.
"Good day, Your Royal Highness," Patriarch Baldochven I greeted Edel as they arrived.
"I have seen the Patriarch. We appreciate your assistance today," Edel replied respectfully, acknowledging the patriarch's significant role.
The patriarch then turned his attention to Princess Sophie Marie, who, despite her Catholic faith, greeted him politely. After exchanging pleasantries with Grand Duke Otto Franz and Grand Duke Ferdinand, the group was led inside by the clergy.
"Your Royal Highness, simply follow the procedure, and I will oversee the ceremony," the patriarch explained. "The diocese has prepared two choirs, specially selected from various churches across Romania, including four girls who will accompany and lead the princess to you."
"The Romanian Royal Family is deeply grateful for your support, Patriarch," Edel responded, his gratitude evident.
After discussing the details with the patriarch and rehearsing the ceremony, the two Austro-Hungarian princes, each playing their part in the proceedings, prepared to leave. Grand Duke Otto Franz would walk his daughter down the aisle, while Archduke Ferdinand would deliver a congratulatory message on behalf of Austria-Hungary.
"Thank you for your efforts, Patriarch," Edel said as they prepared to depart, his voice filled with genuine sympathy for the elderly clergyman.
"It is no trouble at all. May the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you," the patriarch replied, offering a final blessing as the royal party exited the cathedral.
As they left, Patriarch Baldochven I, visibly fatigued, sat down heavily on a nearby bench.
"Your Patriarch, are you alright?" a concerned waiter asked, approaching to offer assistance.
"I am fine, just a bit tired," Baldochven reassured him, waving off the need for support.
"Your Patriarch, if I may ask," the waiter began, curiosity evident in his tone, "why do you show such respect for the crown prince? Your demeanor is quite different from when you are with His Majesty the King."
Patriarch Baldochven smiled kindly at the young waiter. "Firstly, the crown prince has shown remarkable leadership and vision for Romania in recent years. Secondly, he is still very young, only 21 years old."
The waiter nodded, understanding the patriarch's reasons, appreciating the wisdom behind his respect for the young crown prince.
The weather on September 14th was sunny and cloudless, and the streets of Bucharest were adorned with colorful flags fluttering in the breeze. A large crowd had gathered, lining the streets in anticipation of the royal wedding. Many had traveled from distant regions just to witness this heavenly match with their own eyes. For the people of Romania, the crown prince's wedding was the grandest festival of the year.
Inside the palace, Edel had risen early, surrounded by a flurry of activity as a large group attended to him. He was now dressed in traditional white military attire complemented by riding boots, looking exceptionally distinguished. His mother, Queen Elizabeth, watched with immense satisfaction as she discussed her son's appearance with the ladies nearby.
"It truly is a masterpiece by Master Chax. It suits my son perfectly," she remarked proudly.
The other ladies chimed in, "Indeed, the crown prince's handsome presence only enhances the outfit. Master Chax has outdone himself by accentuating the prince's noble demeanor."
Listening to his mother and the ladies, Edel could only sigh inwardly. His mother, who had once been solely interested in cultural salons, had in recent years begun to engage more with these high-society women.
He turned to the chief guard and inquired, "Is the princess ready?"
The chief guard responded, "I just made a call; they're almost ready on their end and everything will proceed as planned."
Carust, another key figure bustling about, didn't need to accompany the crown prince directly today but was busy coordinating various aspects of the event. He had also arranged several assistants to help manage the day's affairs.
"Then let's go," Edel commanded.
With the crown prince's directive, various departments sprang into action. The Janissaries began to cordon off the streets from the palace to the Bloer Palace. Today, with all of Romania aware of the crown prince's wedding, the streets of Bucharest were less congested, easing the task for the police managing traffic.
The crown prince's open carriage was now stationed at the gate of Bloer Palace. Today, Edel was accompanied by the head of his bodyguard, Carust, and the Minister of Industry, Karaturi. Both were dressed in black military uniforms to contrast with the prince's white attire.
Princess Sophie Marie, having prepared well in advance, looked radiant in her white wedding gown, her cheeks tinged with a delicate pink. She was truly a sight to behold.
"My fiancée, are you ready?" Edel asked Sophie Marie in a soft voice as he approached her.
"I'm ready," she replied, not as shy as one might expect on such a day. Adjusting her mindset, she confidently took Edel's hand, and together they stepped out of the gates of Bloer Palace.
The crowd erupted into cheers upon seeing the couple emerge. Sophie Marie's beauty and the couple's grace filled the onlookers' hearts with joy.
"Come, let's wave to the audience," Edel whispered to Sophie Marie, soon to be his wife.
Together, they waved to the enthusiastic crowd, their gesture elevating the already jubilant atmosphere.
Meanwhile, on a corner of the street, two young and elegantly dressed women in dresses and veils discussed the couple.
"The crown prince and the princess do make a splendid pair," one of them remarked.
"Emina, are you truly okay with this?" the taller woman, Kariluna, asked.
"What can we do, Kariluna? The gap between us and them is just too vast," Emina, adorned in a hat and veil, responded with a hint of resentment.
"Yes, it's a reality we must accept," Kariluna added, her tone revealing a trace of bitterness.
The focus then shifted back to the royal couple. Edel and Princess Sophie Marie boarded the carriage, heading toward the Chiefs Cathedral amid the cheers of the crowd. Inside the carriage, they continued to wave to the ecstatic onlookers lining the streets.
Upon arriving at the cathedral, the guests for the ceremony had already assembled. The congregation included envoys from various countries, a delegation from Austro-Hungary, government officials mainly comprising ministers and cabinet members, and military officers ranked major general and above. The nobility was well-represented, though only those of viscount rank and above were present.
After years of wielding power, such distinctions barely registered with Edel anymore. He was escorted by an attendant to the iconostasis at the front of the hall, where Patriarch Baldochven I, in full regalia, awaited him.
Princess Sophie Marie, poised at the entrance, was soon to be escorted in by her father, Grand Duke Otto Franz.
As everyone settled, Patriarch Baldochven I signaled the commencement of the wedding ceremony. The cathedral fell silent at his gesture.
"Today, on this glorious day, we gather to witness the union of a remarkable couple. This fine young man will take a noble woman to be his wife in this sacred ceremony, and we are here to bear witness," the Patriarch announced.
As he concluded his introduction, the choir children behind him began their hymns. The sound of their innocent voices filled the air as Grand Duke Otto Franz slowly walked in with his daughter, Princess Sophie Marie. He approached Edel, handed his daughter over, and whispered, "Please be kind to her."
"I will," Edel quietly assured his father-in-law. After exchanging these words, Grand Duke Otto Franz gave Edel a reassuring pat on the shoulder before taking his seat in the front row.
"Are you a bit saddened?" Grand Duke Ferdinand, sitting next to him, asked softly.
"Yes, I am," Grand Duke Otto Franz admitted. Despite his reputation as a playboy, he dearly hoped his daughter would find genuine happiness in her marriage.
The hymn concluded, and Patriarch Baldochven I proceeded with the ceremony. "His Royal Highness Edel Hohenzollern Sigmaringen, do you take this woman to be your wife, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Edel responded firmly.
Turning to Princess Sophie Marie, the Patriarch continued, "Princess Sophie Marie Francis Carton Alberta von Hornberg, do you take this man to be your husband, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," she replied with equal conviction.
With their vows exchanged, Patriarch Baldochven I took their hands and announced, "Before God and in the presence of this congregation, I pronounce you husband and wife."
The choir resumed their singing as a page brought the crown to Edel, who gently placed it upon Sophie Marie's head. The guests rose to their feet, applauding the newlyweds.
Queen Elizabeth, moved to tears by the ceremony, watched her son with a mixture of joy and nostalgia.
"Elizabeth, the guests are watching," King Carol I gently reminded her, offering a handkerchief to dab her tears.
"I know, but I can't help it," she replied, her voice thick with emotion.
The ceremony concluded, and Edel and his new wife, Princess Sophie Marie, greeted their guests, accepting congratulations and well-wishes. They then proceeded in their carriage to the palace square to receive the blessings of the Romanian people, whose cheers and love for the royal family were overwhelming.
As the royal couple appeared on the balcony, the crowd's cheers reached a crescendo, a fitting tribute to the joyous union of their beloved crown prince and his beautiful bride.