-Chapter 33-
-1st day of the 10th moon of the year 299 AC-
-3rd POV-
In the heart of spring, the Seven Kingdoms buzzed with a single rumor... the marriage of the Lord Protector of the Realm, Ronnet Connington, Supreme Lord of the Stormlands, and the Queen Regent Cersei Lannister.
The Red Keep, in all its splendor, was illuminated with torches and lanterns, each stone seeming to shine with a particular glow for this event, reminiscent of the marriage of Queen Regent Alyssa Velaryon and the Protector of the Realm and Hand of the King Rogar Baratheon under the reign of King Jaehaerys I.
The gardens had been arranged for the occasion, the red and gold roses of the Lannisters harmoniously mingling with the red and white roses of the Conningtons, creating a breathtaking spectacle of colors and scents.
The population of King's Landing had gathered along the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal couple on their way to the Great Sept of Baelor.
Every noble house of Westeros had been invited, with the notable exception of the Ironborn and the Northerners who were still not submitted to the authority of the Iron Throne and continued their rebellions.
Even Lord Tywin Lannister, with his usual stoic facade, had made the journey, leaving the front lines, recognizing the political and strategic importance of this union which ensured peace and a semblance of stability in the South.
The trumpets sounded, announcing the arrival of Ronnet, mounted on an impressive black charger, dressed in silver armor engraved with gold details, with the silver griffin studded with rubies representing a blood-stained griffin, Ronnet Connington's personal crest on his chest.
His imposing stature and the charisma he exuded—he who had defeated and killed Stannis Baratheon, and who now prepared to marry the most powerful woman in the kingdom, the Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, Cersei Lannister, only daughter of the formidable Tywin Lannister—commanded respect.
A few moments later, the trumpets sounded again, and this time it was Cersei Lannister, in a magnificent white dress with many details made of golden thread, who majestically advanced towards the altar, her beauty, amplified by the occasion, making the atmosphere almost surreal.
Her walk, imbued with a grace and confidence typical of the Lannisters, echoed the immense power she held. It seemed as though the entire world belonged to her.
The ceremony was conducted by the High Septon himself, recognizing the great importance of this event for the Seven Kingdoms. Usually, he married members of royal blood, but he had taken it upon himself to personally officiate this marriage which would undoubtedly mark history for centuries to come.
He began by invoking the Seven to bless this union, then asked the two parties to exchange their vows. Once the vows were exchanged between Ronnet and Cersei, the powerful alliance, reflecting their own ambitions and desires, was sealed with a kiss.
While the newlyweds exchanged their vows, the crowd hung on their every word, and no one dared to make the slightest noise. Even the softest whispers seemed to have fallen silent, as if all of Westeros held its breath until the kiss was exchanged between the two.
At the end of the ceremony, as Ronnet and Cersei turned to face their kingdom as husband and wife, a burst of applause and cheers broke the solemn silence that had prevailed until then.
The banquet that followed was sumptuous, the tables laden with delicate dishes and fine wines from all regions of Westeros.
The musicians played joyful melodies that kept the guests dancing until the early morning.
Lord Tywin, advancing towards the newlyweds, raised his glass in honor of their union, still bearing his inscrutable expression, and said: "To Lord Ronnet and Queen Regent Cersei. May the Seven bless you and protect the Seven Kingdoms."
His voice, though as impassive as ever, betrayed a certain pride, perhaps towards his daughter, or perhaps he simply recognized the importance of this alliance.
The festivities lasted all night, the guests, whether of high or low birth, were united in the celebration of this monumental event that brought a second wind to all those who had begun to feel suffocated by all the conflicts that had erupted since the death of Robert Baratheon.
The bards sang songs in honor of Ronnet's bravery, while others spoke of Cersei's beauty and intelligence.
At dawn, as the first rays of the sun illuminated King's Landing, Ronnet and Cersei retired to their royal apartments, exhausted but happy.
They were now, officially, the Lord Protector and the Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.
But this marriage, although political, was not devoid of affection. Ronnet and Cersei, despite their differences and ambitions, found in each other a partner and an ally.