The colorful decors and the absolutely gorgeous place setting made the garden look out of this world. Looking at the various decorators and event organizers that were milling around, even Haiser had been overwhelmed.
That being said, given that this was a prince's wedding, the venue was a far cry to the kind of grand event it should have been. Only, this could not be considered a wedding, but an eloping. The biggest issue being, the royal family did not support the union, but Haiser was going forward with it anyway.
He hated that he was being used as a pawn in intergalactic power, and he had no power or say about it. What he hated the most, was the wedge that was being put between him and the woman he loved. This was why he was holding this event, in defiance to the order given.
It was meant to be a small event, just a few friends and family. In fact, from the royal family, the groom's side, there were only 2 people present, both dear friends and supporters of the prince.
For the bride's side, the support was overwhelming. Despite Alma's family being super affluent, who would look a gift horse in the mouth? This was a prince, and not just any prince, the one most likely to become the crown prince of the Kingdom.
Point to note, there were three main powers in the known universe. The extent of their influence and affluence could not even be imagined, just to show their grandeur. These powers were usually referred to as The Kingdom, the Empire and the Republic.
Competition was at an all-time high. Border crashes were the norm, but the three had managed to form a balance of power, leading to an uneasy peace.
Unfortunately, the Empire's ambition was growing, and now they had set their sights on the Republic's territory. To hold a successful campaign, they needed the assistance from the Kingdom, or at the very least, to protect themselves from pincer attacks from the Kingdom as they fought with the Republic.
The initial stance of the Kingdom was neutrality, not siding with anyone. However, the Empire had given them so many attractive conditions and concessions that they had finally relented. But this was an agreement of vipers and cobras, none could trust each other.
The only solution, a state wedding. Who better to represent the kingdom than the next-in-line, the almost assuredly, crown prince.
On the surface, it all seemed as though everything was by the book. However, there were a lot of undercurrents and movements in the underworld. Nothing was cast in stone. Even Haiser did not know the full details of the agreement until much later.
Apparently, The empire was offering the eldest princess. If not for the marriage, she would have been set to be the crown princess, the future empress. However, in order to convince her to accept the agreement, she had to marry the next in line, and become queen.
Matter of fact, they had demanded that the prince marrying would be titled Crown Prince. The king would then prepare to hand over power to the younger generation in ten years. Unfortunately, the groom did not want to partake.
Haiser even considered that his refusal was as childish and as selfish as everyone was telling him. Even Alma was ready to give up. Why put him through this. If she was not in his life, he would not even have hesitated.
However, as part of his training, he had to remain steadfast to his will and his heart. This was the definition of a monarch, steadfastly striving forward, taking what he could, never letting anything stand in his way. He felt disappointed by his father's concessions, and honestly, he did not want this partnership to happen.
All the reasons, none could compare to how he felt when he saw her pretty face. The brilliant smile would lighten even his darkest moods. They had had their honeymoon period, filled with fireworks and explosions. They were past that, and he could honestly say, he had found his soulmate.
By going ahead and marrying her and so very openly, Haiser was defying everything about the deal. He was prepared to lose his position as crown prince. He didn't even want to be king, it all felt like such a heavy responsibility. Was it worth it?
Little did he know how vicious the empire was when they got sconed. If Haiser, who was heir apparent, did not become crown prince, then he had to be removed, permanently. Otherwise, he would always be potential threat to the king.
His distaste for the empire was obvious, so he would always be a stumbling block to them. They had to remove him. Moreover, he had the respect of the people, and the fierce loyalty of the army. He already wielded immense power even before he received the crown.
Though they did not like it, the king had to agree, from a neutral point of view, their words made sense. He was extremely disappointed by his son's actions. After much emotional conflict and sleepless nights, the king had decided to act.
The day of the wedding, the king dispatched a royal dreadnought, one of the most powerful battleships under the king's regiment. With their crew of 1,000 and wide array of battle weapons, they were set to tear down that wedding and wipe off the history books.
The Myrtil family, Alma's family, faced their worst moment on a day they were set to ascend to the heavens. Just when they were so close, like Icarus, they had flown too high up, been too ambitious.
The beautiful occasion, the magnificent decors, the beautiful people present adorned in the finest attire. It was otherworldly in its grandeur and majesty. Until...
Boom!
Loud explosions started falling down from heaven. Like Sodom and Gomorrah, fire and brimstones started raining from the sky. In mere moments, they had descended from up in the heavens and been plunged in the darkest pit of hell.