The Big day finally arrived, the palace was buzzing alive. Servants moved from one place to another, rushing to make sure everything was perfect. Aurelian was dressed in his wedding outfit,the dress suit him perfectly. They dressed him like a dream…
but he felt like a ghost inside it. Tons of jewelies were placed on him. His hair was styled perfectly. And his shoes -perfect. Finally they placed the veil over his head and lead him to where the carriage was waiting. His parents were wearing matching black silks while his sister was dressed in a gorgeous pink dress, that flowed at the bottom like waves. They exchanged greetings with Aurelian before entering a different carriage. Aurelian enter his own carriage and they rode to Nightbane kingdom where the wedding would take place.
At Nightbane palace, the wedding hall was fully decorated in beautiful colours. The hall was alive -or was it? Nobles and a few commoners were already seated at the hall. King Malric and Queen Calista were both dressed elegantly in dark green silk. Drusilla dressed in pale purple stood at the edge, a tight smile on her lips. The groom -Draven was standing before the priest, waiting for his bride -Aurelian. He was wearing a royal blue outfit. The clothing fits him perfectly, outlining some parts of his strong muscles. An advisor whispers into his ear,"you're doing well your highness", Draven didn't reply because inside his mind was a mess,"I could still stop this..I can..". Just then the announcer speaks loud and clear, "Family of Prince Aurelian has arrived", King Alaric and his wife along with Elowen walks in as the door opens, they walk to the Nightbane royal family and exchange greetings, king Alaric gave a curt nod to Draven, before walking to their seats at the front.
After a while, the announcer cries, "his highness, crown prince Aurelian of moonveil kingdom has arrived. The heavy oak doors swung open and Draven's breath caught, the crowd gasps simultaneously, even Drusilla's eyes widen. Aurelian was absolutely breathtaking. He was wearing a flowing royal blue dress matching Draven. His outfit fitting perfectly against his body like a second skin. His golden and silver jewelries stood out beautiful on his skin. His veil covered his face but he was glowing. He walked in elegantly, his steps slow yet graceful. As he walked through the red carpet, the hall whispered, since the people wanted something to talk about, Aurelian had effortlessly given it to them. They said,"he's breathtaking" "he is like a glowing star", one even said,"I take back my words, he's absolutely fit to stand beside prince Draven". Yet, there were those who still stood by Drusilla's side and whispered words,"he's just faking" "definitely acting like he's better". However, Aurelian didn't hear both sides, he stopped in front of Draven and gave a small bow to the royal family and then to Draven. Draven bowed back. Then they both faced the priest.
The hall quiet down, Draven's kept stealing glances at Aurelian while the priest talked and prayed, then they faced each other to exchange vows, Aurelian went first, voice soft and small yet graceful,"I, Aurelian of Moonveil, stand before you today to fulfill my duty.
I vow to honor this union, to uphold the alliance between our kingdoms,
and to carry out my responsibilities as your husband.
I will stand beside you, as required of me…
for as long as this bond demands." Then it was Draven's turn, he hesitated for a moment before speaking,"I, Draven of Nightbane—"
(pause)
"—vow to stand beside you… and to fulfill the role expected of me."
(his voice tightens)
"I will protect you…
no matter the cost." Aurelian looked at him only for a moment. The people in the hall whispered again but this time their words were not directed at Aurelian,"what's going on?" "Will this union last?" They questioned in whispers. Drusilla at the side was also uncertain, should she carry out her plans? But why does Aurelian already sound defeated? The vows were flawless…
yet something felt terribly wrong. Both Aurelian and Draven looked at each other, the eye contact was intense filled with emptiness and longing? The priest cleared his throat and continued, "You may now—".