The vast hall was lit by soft, golden light filtering through high arched windows, casting long shadows over the polished stone floor. Ornate banners hung from every wall, embroidered with the royal insignia, the colors rich and vibrant. The air was thick with the weight of anticipation, every noble, knight, and servant in the room holding their breath as Scarlett and I approached the podium.
Scarlett leaned toward me, her voice soft yet unmistakably steady. "Prince Roman, what happens now?" Her words were simple, but they sliced through my fog of nerves like a blade.
I blinked, momentarily lost in the sharpness of her gaze, which held a strange mixture of calmness and readiness. "They… uh, they told me we're just supposed to walk up together and wait for the King's blessing. And then… the vows." I could hear the shakiness in my voice, and I wondered if she noticed.
"Understood." She nodded once, her expression neutral. I couldn't tell if she was utterly unphased by the spectacle around us or simply incredibly skilled at hiding any unease. Her demeanor, so composed and focused, almost put me to shame. Here I was, practically trembling, while she stood poised, every inch the knight they said she was.
The double doors to the hall opened, revealing the vast assembly within, and we stepped forward in unison. I could feel the eyes of the entire court upon us, watching our every move. My palms were damp, and my heartbeat seemed deafening as we made our way to the front.
As we reached the podium, the King rose from his throne, his voice carrying effortlessly over the silent crowd. "With this vow, I acknowledge the union between my son, Prince Roman, and the noble knight Scarlett." His words rang out, each syllable landing heavily in the stillness of the hall.
Somewhere between dread and relief, I let out a small breath. We had reached the end of the vows without any missteps. But just as I was beginning to relax, the King's voice continued, bringing my nerves rushing back with renewed force. "To seal this bond, I now ask the two of you to share a kiss, as husband and wife."
My stomach did a flip, and I looked over at Scarlett, who was as impassive as ever, waiting calmly for her cue. Her expression was unreadable, her eyes sharp but not unkind, a stark contrast to the swirling chaos I felt inside.
"Scarlett," I whispered, the sound barely escaping my lips. I hoped my uncertainty didn't show. "Could you… turn to face me?"
Without hesitation, she turned, positioning herself directly in front of me. Her gaze was steady, almost like she was studying me, waiting to see if I'd actually follow through.
I swallowed, my mouth dry, as I lifted her veil, slowly revealing her face. For a moment, my breath hitched. Beneath the formal attire and knightly reputation, she was stunning. Her eyes held a flicker of something—curiosity, perhaps—but whatever it was, it was hidden well. She waited, unblinking, giving me the space to proceed as I needed.
"Could you… lift your chin, just a little?" My voice was barely above a whisper, and I noticed a faint blush color her cheeks, a glimpse of vulnerability I hadn't expected. She obeyed without question, lifting her face slightly, her pale red eyes never leaving mine.
With one last, deep breath, I leaned forward, closing the distance between us. As our lips met, the world seemed to still. Her touch was softer than I'd imagined, her warmth surprising, grounding me in a way I hadn't anticipated. For that brief moment, the noise, the people, the pressure—all of it faded. There was only her.
As I pulled back, I noticed her eyes were still open, studying me intently. I had forgotten to tell her to close them, and a small, nervous laugh threatened to escape me. But I stifled it, aware that every eye in the room was fixed upon us.
The King's voice cut through the quiet, loud and full of authority. "With this, I now pronounce you bound in marriage, an eternal union before all."
Applause erupted, echoing off the stone walls. I glanced at Scarlett, trying to gauge her reaction, but she had already turned away, her attention elsewhere. I felt a pang of uncertainty, wondering what she thought of all this. Had she felt anything during that kiss, or was it just a formality to her?
Before I could dwell on it, the doors to the hall burst open, and a soldier rushed in, breathless and wild-eyed. He fell to one knee, his voice frantic. "Your Majesty! A group of dragons is approaching from the northeast! Stormshield Fortress is requesting immediate reinforcements!"
A wave of alarm rippled through the gathered nobles, a hum of murmurs filling the room. But Scarlett's demeanor changed instantly; her eyes sharpened, and her body tensed, ready for action. Without a word, she began stripping away the delicate veil and ornate pieces of her gown, handing them to me without hesitation.
"I'll handle it," she said, her voice low but brimming with quiet resolve.
The King nodded solemnly. "We rely on you, Knight Scarlett. Protect our people."
Her gaze shifted to me for the briefest of moments. "Prince Roman, I'll be back soon."
I swallowed, struck by the calm certainty in her voice. "Just… stay safe, alright?"
With a small nod, she turned and sprinted down the aisle, the strength and agility in her movements unmistakable. She disappeared through the door, and in her wake, I felt the chill of her absence.
As the hall gradually settled back into an uneasy silence, I looked down at the veil and jeweled adornments she had thrust into my hands. The weight of them felt strange—heavy with meaning, yet oddly empty without her presence.
And just like that, our wedding day transformed from a grand ceremony into something altogether different—a battle awaiting her return.
...