The two people in the carriage were initially very reserved, but as the conversation unfolded, they quickly shed their shyness, and the chat was very enjoyable for both of them.
For Prince Rostislav, he finally found a peer with whom he could freely discuss literature, and a beautiful one at that. His younger brothers were either muscle-bound or muscle-bound, and they regarded reading as effeminate, making communication impossible.
His affection grew steadily during the conversation. Rostislav had never seen a girl like her in this era; he was numb to the usual subservient maids or boisterous Slavic girls he encountered daily.
However, Rostislav's affection at this moment was not the kind mixed with * *, but rather a fondness for a beautiful doll—pure liking, nothing else.
As for the Princess, the northern barbarian she had imagined turned out to be more learned than many scholars in Constantinople, and this Prince Rostislav was also gentle and courteous.
The two were very compatible in their love for literature and art; it could be said that even in Constantinople, finding such a husband would be unlikely.
Satisfaction with her fiancé diluted Zoe's somewhat low spirits caused by Kiev's barbarity (compared to the imperial capital), and even Kiev no longer seemed as dilapidated as before.
The subsequent meeting with Great Duke Rostislav went very smoothly. Yaroslav was very pleased with his granddaughter-in-law; he had originally chosen her for his grandson because of what she could bring, and now that she was also beautiful, it was even better.
After asking for their opinions one last time, Yaroslav reiterated their marriage and announced that it would take place soon.
Because of the marriage, Prince Rostislav greatly reduced his time for training and writing, spending as much time as possible with the Princess. His former disdain for his unseen fiancée seemed to have vanished.
Zoe also enjoyed spending time with Prince Rostislav. Sometimes they walked through Kiev's prosperous streets in black robes, laughing at comical performances; sometimes they walked barefoot on the riverbank, letting the river water cover their ankles; sometimes they discussed Kiev's history and debated writing.
Their two beating hearts continuously drew closer, and their relationship became increasingly ambiguous.
While the young people were immersed in love, their elders were busy arranging their marriage. The wise man wanted to give his grandson a grand wedding, both to proclaim the authority and strength of Rus' and to accumulate wealth for his grandson.
Since the wise man had gone to such lengths, how could everyone not respond?
Thus, Rus' nobles, forest chiefs, steppe tribal leaders, and clergy all came, bringing generous gifts for the newlyweds: gold, silver, livestock, armor... precious artifacts were presented one after another.
Along with these dignitaries came a huge crowd, just like the expedition from Novgorod; everyone sensed the atmosphere of a carnival, so naturally, no one would miss it.
On the wedding day, Kiev was exceptionally prosperous. The streets were bustling with people, guests came in an endless stream, and all that met the eye were various magnificent garments.
Many high-ranking officials, as they crossed the streets, did not forget to scatter gold and silver coins among the crowd, making the atmosphere even more festive.
Inside Saint Sophia Cathedral, the wedding ceremony was being held, presided over by the Metropolitan of Rus', Hilarion, the chief of God's Church in Rus'. The Metropolitan wore black vestments and a black hat, with an embroidered Orthodox cross hanging from his neck, and in his hand, the shepherd's staff symbolizing his pastoral care of Rus'.
According to the Greek ritual, the Metropolitan read sacred scriptures and prayers blessing the bride and groom, followed by the classic reception of Holy Communion and wine.
When the ceremony concluded, the cheers of the nobles present seemed to lift the roof, for the main part of the wedding was about to begin.
Prince Rostislav led the Greek Princess into the hall, entering the center of the hall under the gaze of countless dignitaries. Although they had a myriad of thoughts, at this moment, all were blessings for the newlyweds.
"I never thought this moment would come so quickly," Rostislav sighed, holding Zoe's hand. He was not daunted by the grandeur; he had seen so many storms, why fear these?
His sigh at this moment was more due to the swiftness of the wedding; they could only be considered to be in love, yet they were so hastily pushed into marriage, just like being forced into something.
"Isn't that what marriage is? We are lucky, at least we are in love, without any gaps."
Zoe smiled sweetly, resting her face on her husband's chest, and Rostislav also smiled. What else was there to think about at this point? Focusing on the present was the right path.
Under everyone's gaze, the two exchanged rings, and the Metropolitan continued with the rest of the ceremony. At this moment, their lives were offered to God's altar, which also meant their relationship entered God's kingdom.
Lighting the candles presented by the Metropolitan symbolized following the truth of the Church and good wishes for the future, followed by the beautiful vows between the newlyweds. And when the vows concluded, thunderous cheers once again filled the cathedral. This time, the cheers carried more meaning than just blessings, because everyone knew that the feast was about to begin!
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Wine was brought to the tables by long-prepared servants. The main course was made from wild birds, bears, elk, and other game abundant in Kiev. Guards had hunted a large number of wild animals for this feast; steamed bear paws and roasted venison ribs were served together, their aroma making mouths water, along with spiced wild bird skewers as snacks.
There was also sturgeon roasted with crushed almonds, and fried sturgeon roe sacs coated in flour, served with various sauces—the taste was truly excellent. However, the South Empire condemned this practice as "uprooting the entire fish family at once," but this still could not change the Kiev nobles' love for it.
Desserts included stewed berries thickened with flour, and spiced pastries made from coarse rye flour, honey, and imported spices—these were not things seen every day.
Performers played beautiful songs, adding to the delightful and joyous atmosphere, making the scene even more lively.
Outside the palace, amidst the excited cheers of the people, barrels of kvass were continuously rolled out from large, smoking tents and piled up in the square.
Next came rounds of cheese and roasted chicken, duck, and fish, which were continuously carried by the Veche Militia and arranged on large tables set up in advance.
Chefs dragged large pots onto the square, filled with fragrant meat broth and large chunks of meat.
Citizens excitedly held up pottery and wooden cups, gathering around the newly opened barrels to drink heartily. And the roasted, golden-crisp chicken, duck, and fish were continuously brought to their mouths.
Tonight was a night of revelry, a sleepless night.
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