On the day of the wedding, the sky was an expanse of brilliant blue, as if the heavens themselves were blessing this occasion. I was swept up in preparations, my hair and makeup being meticulously styled by a professional, while Eliana helped me into the wedding dress. As the seamstress beheld me, tears welled up in her eyes, overflowing with joy and pride as she stared at her creation.
"This is perfection!" the seamstress exclaimed, her voice filled with pride as she admired the final touches on my dress. Eliana nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with approval, but I could only look away in embarrassment, my cheeks warm under their praise.
Carefully, I lifted the hem of my dress, making sure not to step on it as I walked toward the entrance hall of the castle. My heart raced as I neared the hall, nervousness and anticipation swirling together as I approached.
When I arrived, Augustus was already there, waiting for me. His tall, imposing figure was accentuated by the sharp lines of his white ceremonial military outfit. He looked even more striking than I remembered—like a character from a fairy tale brought to life. His silver hair gleamed in the light, and his red eyes held the same piercing gaze that had left such an impression during our first meeting.
For a moment, I was speechless. There was something undeniably regal and powerful about him, yet at the same time, I couldn't help but stare at his handsome face.
'I'm sorry Lys but His Majesty is more handsome than you.'
"I'm sorry, did you wait for long?" I said softly, trying to hide my nervousness.
"No, not really," Augustus replied, turning to face me. His gaze lingered for a moment before he added, "Your dress, you look beautiful in it."
I felt my cheeks flush, trying to hide my embarrassment. "Thank you," I said, my voice soft. Despite my efforts, I could feel the warmth in my face.
We exchanged a few more polite words, the air between us formal yet not uncomfortable. Then, Augustus extended his hand toward me. I hesitated for a second before placing my hand in his. His grip was firm yet gentle, steadying me as I stepped towards the carriage.
As we rode through the streets, the soft clatter of the carriage wheels accompanied the cheerful sounds of the city. I glanced out the window, watching the people of Nokturna, some waving or throwing flower petals in celebration. The sight was enchanting, and for a moment, it felt like a scene straight out of a storybook.
I couldn't help but recall the fairy tales I used to read as a child. In those stories, princesses always rode in grand carriages, wearing beautiful gowns on their way to a grand party or wedding. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would be living one of those moments. And yet, here I was—inside this ornate carriage, dressed in an elegant wedding gown, on my way to marry an emperor. It all felt surreal.
As we arrived at the church, the grandiosity of the venue took my breath away. The interior was expansive and immaculate, bathed in soft, white light that accentuated the elegance of the room. The wide space was filled with rows of seats, and the air was tinged with a sense of reverent anticipation.
The ceremony was about to begin, and the focus of everyone who gathered there was on the exchange of rings, a symbolic gesture embedded in Nokturna's culture. This must be the doing of the Prime Minister again.
I watched as Augustus and I prepared for the ring exchange, with the eyes of the country's authorities and neighboring representatives upon us. Each detail was meticulously planned to reflect the solemnity and importance of the occasion.
I was engrossed in seeing the diamond ring fit perfectly that I was dumbfounded when I heard the priest say, "...In the sight of God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss!"
I stood frozen, my mind racing as the priest's words echoed in my ears. 'Husband and wife? Kiss?'
Before I could even process what was happening, Augustus gently cupped my cheek with his hand. His touch was warm and firm, and when I looked up, I was met with his deep, crimson eyes gazing directly into mine. They held an intensity that made my breath hitch—those eyes, sharper and more captivating than any diamond ring.
Augustus whispered, his voice soft yet steady, "Let's live happily together."
I barely had time to react before he leaned in. My heart pounded in my chest as his lips touched mine, soft and deliberate. It was a brief yet tender kiss, but it left me completely speechless. My first kiss as a bride, in front of everyone, sealed with Augustus Nokturna—the Ice King himself.