The grand hall was silent as Celeste reached the altar. Her steps were measured, her posture regal. Despite the soft murmurs and judgmental gazes, she carried herself like a queen—a presence that seemed to command respect.
Basil stood tall, his expression unreadable, though his mind churned with thoughts. He wasn't the one who made this decision, yet the woman before him, with her unyielding grace, intrigued him more than he cared to admit.
The priest, an elderly figure clad in ceremonial robes, began the proceedings. His voice echoed through the hall.
"We are gathered here today to witness the union of Basil Eryndor, eldest son of the Eryndor family, and Celeste Armentis, daughter of Baron Armentis. May this union bring strength and harmony to both families and the realm."
The Vows
Celeste turned to face Basil, her gaze steady. She spoke first, her voice clear and unwavering.
"I, Celeste Armentis, take you, Basil Eryndor, as my husband. For the good of our families and the strength of our bond, I pledge my loyalty and support."
Her words were formal, but there was a glimmer of something deeper in her eyes—resolve, perhaps, or defiance.
Basil hesitated for a moment, then spoke, his tone calm yet firm.
"I, Basil Eryndor, take you, Celeste Armentis, as my wife. For the good of our families and the strength of our bond, I pledge my protection and strength."
The room remained silent, the weight of their words hanging in the air.
The Feast Begins
After the ceremony, the guests were ushered into the grand banquet hall. Tables were laden with the finest dishes, from roasted wyvern to enchanted fruits that sparkled like stars. The air buzzed with conversation as the feast began.
Basil and Celeste sat at the head table, flanked by his parents and siblings. The newlyweds exchanged few words, though their silent communication spoke volumes.
The Guests' Reactions
As the feast continued, whispers filled the room.
"She carries herself well," one noblewoman remarked.
"Perhaps she's stronger than we thought," a duke mused.
"But can she handle him?" another guest countered, glancing at Basil.
Despite the criticisms, Celeste remained poised. Basil, however, found his patience wearing thin. His past actions loomed over him like a shadow, and though he had resolved to change, the constant murmurs tested his resolve.
An Unexpected Moment
Midway through the feast, Basil's mother, the Dragon Queen, rose from her seat. Her presence alone silenced the hall. She walked gracefully toward Celeste, her eyes gleaming with curiosity and amusement.
"You've impressed me, Celeste," she said, her voice carrying a mix of warmth and authority.
"Thank you, Lady Eryndor," Celeste replied, bowing her head slightly.
The Dragon Queen's gaze softened. "But be warned—should you ever bring harm to my son, you'll find me less forgiving."
Celeste met her gaze without flinching. "I understand."
The tension in the room was palpable, but the Dragon Queen's approving smile diffused it.
"Well said," she remarked before returning to her seat.
The Night Ends
As the feast concluded, the guests began to leave, their conversations filled with speculation and curiosity. The Eryndor household, however, remained alight with celebration.
Though the union between Basil and Celeste had begun under unusual circumstances, there was a sense of something new—something that neither of them fully understood yet but both were willing to explore.